After months of leaks and anticipation, the iPad Pro 2021 is here and there are some notable upgrades, including the absence of an A-series chipset. This year, the biggest upgrade is the inclusion of the M1 found in the Macbook.
Apple isn’t kidding with the new level of functionality that this powerful chip offers. Initial reports have indicated that it takes the iPad Pro to the next level. Photographers, videographers, filmmakers or any power pc users may enjoy some of the tablet’s interesting new features, especially the 12.9-inch model.
But how exactly do these upgrades compare to the iPad Pro 202? The details of this article take a look at the differences between both iPad Pros, including prices, specs and features.
iPad Pro 2021 vs iPad Pro 2020: Comparison Table
| Specifications | iPad Pro 2020 | iPad Pro 2021 |
| Size | 12.9-inch and 11-inch models | 12.9-inch and 11-inch models |
| Chip | A12Z Bionic | M1 |
| RAM | 6GB (according to reports) | 8GB/16GB depending on model |
| Cellular | 4G | 5G |
| Max Storage | 1TB | 2TB |
| Back Cameras | 12MP Wide and 10MP Ultra Wide cameras | 12MP Wide and 10MP Ultra Wide cameras |
| Front Cameras | 7MP Wide TrueDepth
|
12MP TrueDepth with ultra-wide-angle |
| Port | USB-C | Thunderbolt 3/USB 4 |
| Apple Pencil Support | Apple Pencil 2 | Apple Pencil 2 |
iPad Pro 2021 vs iPad Pro 2020: Price
For the iPad Pro 2021, the 11-inch tablet cost roughly the same amount as its predecessor at $799 / £749 / AU$1,199. In contrast, the iPad Pro 2020 cost $799 / £769 / AU$1,329. The 12.9-inch model of the iPad Pro 2021 costs slightly more than its predecessor coming at $1,099 / £999 / AU$1,649 while the 2020 model was $999 / £969 / AU$1,649.
These are just the starting prices for these tablet models. Things get more interesting for the 2TB model of the iPad Pro 2021 which has a much higher price of $1,899 / £1,749 / AU$2,849. The WiFi and Cellular version of this new tablet is $2,099 / £1,899 / AU$3,099 for the Wi-Fi.
iPad Pro 2021 vs iPad Pro 2020: Specs
Design
The iPad Pro 2020 is aesthetically pleasing with narrow bezels, a single USB-C port, an aluminium exterior and a variety of colour options that are available to choose from. Thearen’tent many changes with the 2021 model and it’s available in the same colour options, but there are some notable changes.
The USB-C connector of the table is now designed to support USB 4 and Thunderbolt. This would enable you to connect to an external Pro Display XDR at full 6k resolution and gain access to Thunderbolt accessories. And if you decide to for the 12.9-inch model, you get to enjoy the new type of LED display called mini LED.
Other than these, the iPad Pro 2021 and 2020 are similar – though the 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2021 model is slightly thicker by its predecessor by 6.4mm.
Display
The display of the iPad Pro 2020 consists of an IPS LCD with a resolution of 2,388 x 1,668 in the 11-inch model or 2,732 x 2,048 pixels in the 12.9-inch iPad. The display is also designed to support True Tone, P3 Wide colour and ProMotion for improved picture clarity and smooth videos.
If you decide to go for the iPad Pro 2021 11-inch model, you get a similar screen to that of the predecessor. However, the 12.9-inch also has the same properties as its predecessor but with significant changes. This is due to the mini LED display and its impressive technology. It has 1,000 nits of regular brightness and 1,600 nits of brightness at its peak. The mini LED screens pack numerous tiny LEDs into a screen. The iPad Pro 2021 is the brightest and most impressive display ever used on the iPad. It’s as effective as a Portable Pro Display XDR.
Camera and Battery
The iPad Pro 2020 got big camera upgrades with the inclusion of a second rear camera as well as an existing 12MP, f/1.8 rear camera. This addition added a 10MP f/2.4 ultra-wide camera with a 125-degree field of view. The camera also has a LiDAR scanner to measure depth and a high-end 7MP camera at the front for selfies.
The iPad Pro 2021 has the same rear camera setup, but there’s a completely new ultra-wide selfie camera that was designed to support iPad video calls. The camera is 12MP and has a 122-degree field of view. It also has a new interesting feature referred to as Center Stage that automatically zooms and pans to keep everyone in the shot.
The iPad Pro 2021 also utilises the powerful processing of the Apple M1 chip to provide more image clarity in low-light conditions.
Apple doesn’t say much about the battery of its new devices but the 10-hour guarantee is an unreal claim. The iPad Pro 2021 and 2020 promise a similar battery life, so don’t expect too many upgrades.
iPad Pro 2021 vs iPad Pro 2020: Features
The iPad Pro 2020 is powered by Apple’s A12Z Bionic chip. The device is compatible with Apple Pencil 2 and the optional Magic Keyboard.
The iPad Pro 2021 takes the features to the next level. It utilises the same Apple M1 chip that you will find in the current Macbook Pro. The table is designed with an eight-core CPU that enables 2x faster storage access, 50% faster computer performance and 40% faster graphics than the iPad Pro. The chip makes the tablet an absolute monster with a different level of functionality.
There’s more RAM in the 2021 model topping out at 16GB. Users are also free to choose either 1TB or 2TB storage.
iPad Pro 2021 vs iPad Pro 2020: Final Verdict
Not to sound preferential but on paper, the iPad Pro 2021 outclasses its predecessor. It just has too many great features; an M1 chip, a mini LED display and all of the great features of the iPad Pro 2020. There’s no doubt this new tablet is currently the most powerful and most exciting tablet ever made by Apple.
