Apple has updated the range of iPad Pro (2021), So it is very likely that you want to know the main differences from the previous generation. Thus, we have prepared a comparison between the two models to find out which one is the best buy.
During the first event that Apple did this year, we also saw other interesting news such as those expected Apple Airtag trackers, as good as the new iMac in a multitude of colors supplied with M1 chip configurations.
However, Apple’s most professional iPad Pro continues to grab the attention of users of the brand. On this occasion, the great novelty was the incorporation for the first time of the M1 processor instead of the A12Z Bionic from the iPad Pro (2020).
Here are the models we are currently comparing:
- Year 2020: iPad Pro 11 “(2nd generation) and iPad Pro 12.9” (4th generation)
- Year 2021: iPad Pro 11 “(3rd generation) and iPad Pro 12.9” (5th generation)
Design
In this section, there is not much to say, since Apple has kept the design of the iPad Pro the same as last year. Everything is always in one place, like the power button and the camera module, and both are available in a choice of silver or space gray finishes.
A small difference associated with the hardware updates is that the new iPad Pro (2021) weighs a little more than last year. As for the Wi-Fi models, the 12.9-inch goes from 641 to 682 grams. For its part, the 11-inch becomes lighter, dropping from 471 to 466 grams.
The good news is that the 2021 models are still compatible with the same accessories, like the case. Smart keyboard folio and the Apple pencil (second generation). The main novelty here is that Apple offers the case with white finishes.
Specifications and Features
Ditching the design changes that had been speculated, we can see that the real news is focused on the specs. This is where you will find the main updates for the new iPad Pro 2021 and the reasons to buy.
M1 processor
One of the big surprises, since Apple has integrated its impressive M1 processor into the new iPad Pro, which gives it better performance. Apple claims it can offer up to 50% faster processor performance than the older A12Z Bionic chip.
It can also offer up to 40% more GPU performance. These are big advancements for a device that is already in the fifth generation, which will be present in the 12.9-inch and 11-inch models.
And if you’re concerned about the compatibility issue caused by the inclusion of a new chip, Apple is reassuring. “Because M1 shares the same fundamental architecture as the A-series chips, iPadOS is already optimized to take advantage of M1 technologies.”
However, it’s worth noting that the M1 doesn’t appear to improve battery life, with Apple’s usual claims of “ all-day battery, ” or up to 10 hours of web browsing or reading. video, all the same.
Pantalla Liquid Retina XDR
This feature only applies to the larger 12.9-inch iPad Pro, but Apple has given the display a significant upgrade to XDR status, as has the Pro Display XDR monitor. Apple is moving the Extreme Dynamic Range to the iPad Pro.
Although the size and resolution remain the same, the iPad Pro’s new XDR display has a full brightness level of 1000 nits and can reach 1600 nits at maximum brightness (for HDR).
Perhaps more importantly, it uses Mini-LED technology, so there are over 10,000 small LEDs that light up the screen compared to 72 on the previous iPad.
Like high-end TVs, this means Apple can offer over 2,500 local dimming zones to control screen lighting very precisely.
The contrast is also improved which now reaches the ratio (1,000,000: 1). Creative professionals including photographers, videographers and filmmakers will be able to view and edit content in true HDR quality on a screen they can take with them anywhere.
5G connectivity
If you enjoy using iPads with mobile or “ cellular ” data connectivity, as Apple calls it, you’ll be happy to know that the iPad Pro just got a boost with 5G. This brings next generation upload and download speeds, as already offered by the iPhone 12.
The previous iPad Pro was 4G LTE and Apple claims the new model supports most of the existing 5G bands. US models also support 5G millimeter wave, which means you can get speeds of up to 4Gb / s.
Thunderbolt and USB 4
The new iPad Pro’s USB-C port now supports Thunderbolt and USB 4, so we now have 4x the bandwidth of the latest model and can handle speeds of up to 40Gbps.
Among other benefits, it opens up the possibility of handling faster external storage devices, with the incentive of being able to connect higher resolution displays, including that of the Pro Display XDR at full 6K.
12MP TrueDepth Camera
Although the rear cameras remain the same as those of the generation iPad Pro (2020), Apple has updated the front camera by increasing its quality from 7 MP to 12 MP.
It also adds a new Ultra Wide lens that supports a new feature called Center Stage, which uses machine learning in the M1 to track and focus on people as they move.
If you have a FaceTime video call with someone, the image will pan / crop to keep you in the middle of the image and you can easily zoom out or even have someone join the viewing area.
It’s very similar to what the device does Amazon Echo Show.
2TB storage
This may not be an update to make the headlines like the previous ones, but be aware that Apple now offers the iPad Pro with up to 2TB of storage. That’s double the fourth-generation iPad Pro, which hits 1TB.
Price comparison
The new ones iPad Pro (2021) They can be booked from April 30, with final purchase availability from mid-May. Apple chose to keep the entry price of the model 11 inch iPad Pro, which amounts to $ 879 with 128 GB and wifi.
In the case of 12.9-inch iPad Pro, if that of (2020) had a recommended price of 1099 $, that now presented (2021) amounts to 1199 $ (100 $ more) partly because of the news and of what it means to integrate the chip to 5G connectivity, more expensive.
IPad Pro Price (2021)
|
11-inch iPad Pro (2021) wifi |
11-inch iPad Pro (2021) 5G |
12.9-inch iPad Pro Wi-Fi (2021) |
12.9-inch iPad Pro (2021) 5G |
128 GB |
$ 879 |
$ 1,049 |
$ 1,199 |
$ 1.369 |
256 GB |
$ 989 |
$ 1.159 |
$ 1.309 |
$ 1.479 |
512 GB |
$ 1,299 |
$ 1.379 |
$ 1.529 |
$ 1,699 |
1 TB |
$ 1.649 |
$ 1,879 |
$ 1,969 |
2.139 $ |
2 TB |
$ 2,089 |
$ 2,259 |
$ 2.409 |
$ 2.579 |
.
Table of Contents