IPad Pro 12.9 2020 Vs 2021: What's New?
What's up, tech enthusiasts! Today, we're diving deep into a comparison that many of you have been asking about: the iPad Pro 12.9-inch from 2020 versus its successor from 2021. If you're on the fence about upgrading or trying to decide which model is the right fit for your workflow, you've come to the right place. We're going to break down all the key differences, focusing on what really matters for your creative and productive lives. Whether you're a digital artist, a video editor, a student, or just someone who loves having the best Apple has to offer in a tablet, this breakdown is for you. We'll explore performance, display tech, connectivity, and all those little nitty-gritty details that make these devices stand out. So, grab your favorite beverage, get comfy, and let's get this comparison started!
The Display: A Game Changer for the 2021 Model
Let's kick things off with arguably the biggest upgrade on the 2021 iPad Pro 12.9-inch: its display. Guys, this is HUGE. While the 2020 model already sported a fantastic Liquid Retina display with ProMotion technology (adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz) and P3 wide color, Apple went next-level with the 2021 version. They introduced what they call a Liquid Retina XDR display, and it's powered by mini-LED technology. This means significantly brighter highlights, deeper blacks, and incredible contrast ratios. Think of it like this: the 2020 model is a beautiful, vibrant 4K TV, but the 2021 model is like stepping up to an OLED or top-tier mini-LED TV. The peak HDR brightness on the 2021 model jumps to an astonishing 1600 nits, compared to the 600 nits on the 2020 model. This makes a massive difference when viewing HDR content, editing photos and videos where color accuracy and dynamic range are paramount, or even just using the device in bright sunlight. The local dimming zones mean that specific areas of the screen can be dimmed or brightened independently, leading to that incredible contrast and preventing the "blooming" effect you might see on some other displays. For anyone whose work involves visual media – photographers, videographers, graphic designers – this display upgrade alone might be worth the price of admission for the 2021 iPad Pro. It truly brings a new level of realism and immersion to everything you do on the iPad.
Performance Powerhouse: M1 Chip vs. A12Z Bionic
Now, let's talk about what's under the hood, because this is where the 2021 iPad Pro 12.9-inch really flexes its muscles. The 2020 model was already a beast, powered by the A12Z Bionic chip. This chip offered incredible performance, easily handling demanding apps and multitasking. However, Apple decided to take things to an entirely new level by equipping the 2021 iPad Pro with the M1 chip. Yes, the same ridiculously powerful and efficient chip found in their MacBooks and iMacs! This is a monumental leap. The M1 chip brings significant improvements in CPU and GPU performance, as well as overall power efficiency. What does this mean for you, practically speaking? Faster app launches, smoother multitasking, quicker video exports, and the ability to run even more complex and demanding applications that you might have previously reserved for a desktop or laptop. Think 3D rendering, advanced video editing suites, or running multiple pro-level apps simultaneously without breaking a sweat. The M1 chip also enables new capabilities, like improved image signal processing for the cameras and support for higher bandwidth Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports, which we'll get to later. While the A12Z Bionic was excellent, the M1 chip makes the 2021 iPad Pro not just a tablet, but a genuine portable powerhouse that can rival traditional computers for many tasks. If you push your iPad to its limits, the M1 chip is the upgrade you've been waiting for. It future-proofs your device for years to come and opens up a world of possibilities for what you can create and accomplish on the go. This isn't just an incremental update; it's a generational leap in performance that redefines what a tablet can do.
Connectivity and Compatibility: Thunderbolt and Beyond
When it comes to connecting your iPad Pro 12.9-inch, both the 2020 and 2021 models offer robust options, but the 2021 model introduces a significant upgrade: Thunderbolt / USB 4 support. The 2020 iPad Pro came with a standard USB-C port, which was already quite versatile, offering support for external displays, storage, and other accessories. However, the addition of Thunderbolt / USB 4 on the 2021 model is a game-changer for professionals. This means significantly faster data transfer speeds – up to 40Gbps compared to the 10Gbps of USB 3.1 Gen 2 on the 2020 model. What does this mean in real-world terms? You can connect to high-resolution external displays (like Pro Display XDR or 6K displays) at their full resolution and refresh rate, transfer large files from external SSDs or RAID arrays in a fraction of the time, and connect to a wider range of high-performance accessories, including docks and hubs that previously required a Mac. This opens up possibilities for more complex workflows, such as directly editing high-resolution footage from a camera's CFexpress card reader or running multiple high-bandwidth peripherals simultaneously. Furthermore, the 2021 iPad Pro also gets an upgrade to Wi-Fi 6, which provides faster and more reliable wireless connectivity compared to the Wi-Fi 5 on the 2020 model. For those who rely on a stable and speedy connection for cloud storage, streaming, or video calls, this is a welcome enhancement. The combination of Thunderbolt and Wi-Fi 6 solidifies the 2021 iPad Pro's position as a truly professional-grade device that can seamlessly integrate into high-performance computing environments. If you're someone who constantly moves large files or relies heavily on external hardware, the connectivity improvements on the 2021 model are absolutely critical to consider.
Camera System: Subtle but Significant Improvements
Let's talk cameras, because while the iPad Pro isn't typically our primary photography device, the cameras have seen some thoughtful upgrades in the 2021 model compared to the 2020 version. The rear camera system on the 2020 iPad Pro featured a 12MP Wide and a 10MP Ultra Wide lens. It was perfectly capable for document scanning, quick snaps, and video calls. The 2021 iPad Pro retains this dual-lens setup but bumps the Wide camera up to 12MP and significantly upgrades the Ultra Wide camera to 10MP (it was 10MP on the 2020 model too, but the sensor and capabilities are enhanced). More importantly, the 2021 iPad Pro gains the LiDAR Scanner, which was introduced on the 2020 Pro model but is now paired with the M1 chip's advanced image signal processor. This combination dramatically improves low-light performance for photos and AR (Augmented Reality) experiences. For AR, the LiDAR scanner allows for faster, more accurate depth mapping, leading to more immersive and realistic AR applications. Think virtual furniture placement, interactive educational apps, or sophisticated 3D scanning. On the front, the 2021 iPad Pro features a new 12MP Ultra Wide TrueDepth camera with Center Stage. Center Stage is a fantastic new feature that automatically keeps you perfectly framed in the video call, even if you move around. As others join the call, the camera zooms out to show everyone. It's incredibly intuitive and makes video conferencing feel much more dynamic and engaging. The 2020 model had a 7MP Wide front camera. While the rear camera hardware might seem similar at a glance, the integration with the M1 chip, the enhanced LiDAR capabilities, and the standout Center Stage feature on the front camera make the 2021 iPad Pro a significantly more capable device for communication, AR, and even basic photography needs.
Storage and Apple Pencil Support
When it comes to storage options for the iPad Pro 12.9-inch, both the 2020 and 2021 models offer a good range, but there's a notable change in the base offering for the 2021 model. The 2020 iPad Pro started at 128GB of storage and went up to 1TB. The 2021 iPad Pro also starts at 128GB and goes up to 1TB. However, the performance of accessing that storage has been improved on the M1 iPad Pro, thanks to the M1 chip's architecture and the faster Thunderbolt/USB 4 port. While Apple doesn't explicitly break down the SSD speeds, real-world tests suggest the 2021 model offers quicker read/write times, which can make a difference when loading large apps, transferring files, or working with high-resolution media directly on the device. This subtle improvement in storage performance complements the overall speed boost provided by the M1 chip. Now, let's talk about the Apple Pencil. Both the 2020 and 2021 iPad Pro models support the second-generation Apple Pencil, which is fantastic. It attaches magnetically to the side of the iPad for pairing and charging, offering a seamless and intuitive experience. The pressure and tilt sensitivity are excellent on both, making for a natural drawing and writing feel. There are no significant functional differences in Apple Pencil support between these two generations. If you already own an Apple Pencil (2nd gen), it will work flawlessly with either the 2020 or 2021 iPad Pro. The key takeaway here is that while the storage tiers are similar, the underlying performance of accessing that storage is improved on the 2021 model, and Apple Pencil support remains a strong, consistent feature across both generations, ensuring a premium stylus experience for artists and note-takers alike. For those who store a lot of large media files or apps, the faster storage on the 2021 model is a welcome, albeit not always obvious, benefit that enhances the overall user experience and productivity. It all ties back into that powerful M1 chip making everything feel snappier and more responsive, even down to basic file operations.
Pricing and Value Proposition
Okay, let's get down to brass tacks: price and value. When comparing the iPad Pro 12.9-inch 2020 vs 2021, the pricing landscape is a bit nuanced, especially now that the 2020 model is older. Typically, when a new model launches, the previous generation sees a price drop, or you can find them refurbished at even better prices. The 2021 iPad Pro 12.9-inch launched at a similar price point to the 2020 model's initial launch, but it offered significantly more advanced technology, particularly the M1 chip and the Liquid Retina XDR display. If you were buying these at launch, the 2021 model offered substantially more performance and display quality for the money, making it a strong contender if your budget allowed. However, the value proposition changes over time. The 2020 iPad Pro 12.9-inch is still a very capable device. Its A12Z Bionic chip is powerful enough for most tasks, and its Liquid Retina display is excellent, even without the mini-LED tech. If you can find a 2020 model at a significantly lower price – perhaps on sale, refurbished, or used – it might represent better immediate value if your needs aren't pushing the absolute limits of performance or HDR content creation. On the other hand, the 2021 iPad Pro offers superior future-proofing with the M1 chip and the cutting-edge display. If you intend to keep your iPad for several years, engage in demanding professional workflows, or simply want the absolute best display experience available on a tablet, the 2021 model is the wiser long-term investment, despite its higher initial or current cost. Consider your budget, your specific use cases, and how long you plan to use the device. For many, the 2020 model might still be perfectly adequate and offer significant savings. But for those who need the absolute pinnacle of tablet technology, the 2021 model justifies its premium with groundbreaking advancements. It's all about finding that sweet spot between your needs and your wallet, guys!
Final Verdict: Who Should Buy Which?
So, after dissecting all the nitty-gritty details, who is the 2020 iPad Pro 12.9-inch for, and who should be reaching for the 2021 model? Let's break it down. The 2020 iPad Pro 12.9-inch remains a fantastic device, especially if you can find it at a reduced price. If your needs are primarily focused on tasks like note-taking, browsing, media consumption, light photo editing, or running everyday apps, the A12Z Bionic chip and the Liquid Retina display will serve you exceptionally well. It's still a powerful and premium tablet experience that offers great value, particularly in the used or refurbished market. It’s a solid workhorse that won’t disappoint for a vast majority of users. However, if you're a power user, a creative professional, or someone who simply craves the absolute best technology Apple has to offer, the 2021 iPad Pro 12.9-inch is the clear winner. The Liquid Retina XDR display with mini-LED technology is a revelation for HDR content and visual work. The M1 chip provides desktop-class performance that opens up new possibilities for demanding applications and future-proofing. The Thunderbolt / USB 4 port offers unparalleled connectivity for external devices and displays. And features like Center Stage enhance the video conferencing experience significantly. If your workflow involves heavy video editing, complex graphic design, 3D modeling, or you simply want the most immersive and powerful tablet experience available, the upgrades in the 2021 model are substantial and worth the investment. Think of it this way: the 2020 model is a high-performance sports car from a couple of years ago – still incredibly fast and fun. The 2021 model is the latest supercar, pushing the boundaries of what's possible. Choose the one that best aligns with your performance needs, your budget, and your vision for how you'll use this incredible piece of technology. Both are excellent, but the 2021 model represents a significant leap forward.