IPad Pro Showdown: 2018 Vs. 2020 - Which Reigns Supreme?

Alright, tech enthusiasts, let's dive into a head-to-head battle of the tablets! We're talking about the iPad Pro 2018 versus the iPad Pro 2020. These are both powerhouses from Apple, designed for creative professionals, serious students, and anyone who wants a top-tier tablet experience. But, like, which one is actually better? We're going to break down the key differences, the specs, and what you can expect in terms of performance, features, and overall value. By the end of this, you'll have a clear idea of which iPad Pro is the perfect fit for you. Buckle up, buttercups, it's going to be a fun ride!

Design and Display: A Tale of Two iPads

Let's start with the aesthetics, shall we? The iPad Pro 2018 and iPad Pro 2020 share a similar design language. Both rock the sleek, all-screen design that Apple is known for, with slim bezels and rounded corners. Both devices ditch the home button in favor of Face ID for unlocking and authentication. Both of these iPads also come in the same two sizes: 11-inch and 12.9-inch. The materials used, like the aluminum frame, give these iPads a premium feel. The overall look is modern and minimalist, and they still hold up today. The iPad Pro 2020, though, boasts a slightly updated design that refines some areas. One noticeable difference is the camera bump on the back. While the 2018 model has a single-lens camera, the 2020 model houses a dual-lens camera system, along with a LiDAR scanner. More on that later!

Now, let's talk about that gorgeous display. Both iPads sport Liquid Retina displays, which is Apple's fancy way of saying they look amazing. Expect vibrant colors, excellent brightness, and wide viewing angles on both the 2018 and 2020 models. The resolution is pretty similar across the board, so you won't see a huge difference in pixel density. However, because of the dual-lens camera system on the 2020, there is a small change. The iPad Pro 2020 features a slightly more advanced display technology, but the average user won't notice a massive leap. They both support ProMotion technology, meaning they can dynamically adjust the refresh rate up to 120Hz for incredibly smooth scrolling and responsiveness. This is a game-changer when you're gaming, drawing with the Apple Pencil, or simply swiping through your apps.

In terms of design, the upgrades on the 2020 model are incremental. They both look great. The improvements on the 2020 are on the camera system, a small change. If you're coming from the older iPad generations, you'll be blown away by both. If you are comparing the two, you'll see a slightly newer design on the iPad Pro 2020.

Performance: Power Under the Hood

Performance is where things get interesting. The iPad Pro 2018 is powered by the A12X Bionic chip, which was a beast in its time. It offered incredible speed and handled demanding tasks like video editing, gaming, and multitasking with ease. It's still a very capable processor even today! The iPad Pro 2020, on the other hand, steps it up a notch with the A12Z Bionic chip. This chip is an incremental upgrade over the A12X. It boasts improved performance and optimized efficiency. While both chips have 8-core CPUs and 8-core GPUs, the A12Z offers better thermal management. So what does this mean? Basically, the iPad Pro 2020 can sustain peak performance for longer periods. You will not notice a major difference in day-to-day use. But if you push your iPad Pro with intensive tasks like high-resolution video editing or running complex 3D modeling programs, the 2020 model might give you a slight edge.

When it comes to RAM, both models come with at least 4GB of RAM, with some configurations offering up to 6GB. The extra RAM in certain models is useful if you’re a heavy multitasker or you work with large files. Storage options are similar for both generations, starting at 64GB and going all the way up to 1TB. Choose wisely based on your storage needs and the types of files you work with. Gaming on both devices is a pleasure, with both delivering smooth frame rates and stunning visuals. However, the slightly better GPU in the 2020 model may offer a small advantage in some graphically intensive games. The real-world performance difference might not be huge for the average user, but the slight improvements in the A12Z Bionic chip on the iPad Pro 2020 do give it a slight edge in terms of pure power and sustained performance.

Cameras: Snapping the Difference

Let’s zoom in on the camera setup. The iPad Pro 2018 featured a single 12MP rear camera. It was capable of taking great photos and videos in good lighting conditions. But, the real win here is the iPad Pro 2020. This is because the iPad Pro 2020 comes with a dual-camera system, which includes a 12MP wide lens and a 10MP ultra-wide lens. This adds more versatility to your photography game. The ultra-wide lens lets you capture wider scenes. The main camera itself also sees some improvements, offering better image quality and low-light performance. This is helpful for video calls or capturing memories. The 2020 model also includes Smart HDR, which enhances the dynamic range of your photos, making them look even better.

But that's not all, folks! The iPad Pro 2020 also has a secret weapon: the LiDAR scanner. LiDAR stands for Light Detection and Ranging. It's a sensor that measures distances by emitting light and measuring how long it takes to return. In other words, it creates a 3D map of its surroundings. The addition of the LiDAR scanner opens up a world of possibilities for augmented reality (AR) applications. You can use it to create more realistic AR experiences, measure objects, and more. This is great for creative professionals, educators, and anyone who's into the world of AR. So, if you're into photography, videography, or AR experiences, the iPad Pro 2020 has a clear advantage in the camera department.

Accessories: The Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard

Both iPads support the second-generation Apple Pencil. This is a huge upgrade from the first-generation pencil. The second-gen Apple Pencil attaches magnetically to the side of the iPad and charges wirelessly. It also features a double-tap gesture to switch tools, which is super convenient. The Apple Pencil is a must-have accessory for artists, students, and anyone who likes to take notes or sketch on their iPad. Both models are compatible with the Magic Keyboard as well, though the 2020 model offers a slightly refined experience. The Magic Keyboard turns your iPad Pro into a laptop-like experience with a trackpad and backlit keys. It enhances your productivity. The iPad Pro 2018 can use the Magic Keyboard, but the iPad Pro 2020 works with the latest version. This will include improvements to the trackpad and the overall typing experience.

Battery Life and Other Features

Battery life is pretty similar on both iPads. Expect to get around 10 hours of web browsing or video playback. This can vary based on usage and screen brightness. Both models offer fast charging. However, the charger comes in the box. Both feature stereo speakers, which deliver great audio quality. Both also offer Face ID, which is a fast and secure way to unlock your iPad and authorize purchases.

Pricing and Value: Which iPad Pro is Right for You?

Okay, let's talk about the bottom line: price and value. The iPad Pro 2020 was, of course, more expensive when it was first released. The price difference between the two models will vary depending on the configuration and whether you're buying new or refurbished. Keep in mind that the iPad Pro 2018 is now a few years old. This means that you might be able to find it at a lower price. This makes it an attractive option for people on a budget. If you're looking for the best performance and the latest features, the iPad Pro 2020 is the clear winner. The improvements in the processor, camera, and the addition of the LiDAR scanner are worth the extra cost for many people. However, the iPad Pro 2018 still offers a fantastic experience, especially if you can get it at a good price. It's a powerful and capable tablet that will handle most tasks with ease.

Conclusion: Making the Final Decision

So, which iPad Pro should you choose? If you're looking for the absolute best performance, the most advanced features, and a slightly more future-proof device, then the iPad Pro 2020 is the way to go. The upgrades in the processor, camera, and the addition of the LiDAR scanner make it a compelling choice. If you're on a budget, or if you don't need the absolute latest and greatest, the iPad Pro 2018 is still a fantastic option. It offers excellent performance, a beautiful display, and a premium design at a potentially lower price point. Both are excellent tablets, so you really can't go wrong. Consider your needs, your budget, and how you plan to use your iPad Pro. Then, make your decision and enjoy the experience!