IPad Pro 12.9-inch: 2020 Vs. 2021 Model Comparison
Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into a comparison that a lot of you have been asking about: the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2020) versus its successor, the 2021 model. If you're eyeing up one of these absolute beasts of a tablet, you're probably wondering if the upgrade is worth it or if snagging the older model is still a solid move. Let's break it down, guys, and figure out which one is the right fit for your needs.
The Main Differences: What's New in the 2021 iPad Pro 12.9-inch?
So, what’s the big deal with the 2021 iPad Pro 12.9-inch? Apple dropped some serious tech upgrades, and the most eye-catching one has to be the Liquid Retina XDR display. This is a game-changer, folks. We're talking about mini-LED technology, which means way better brightness, contrast, and HDR performance. If you're a creative who works with photos, videos, or graphics, this display will make your content pop like never before. The peak brightness on this new model is significantly higher, making it a dream to use even in bright sunlight, and the contrast ratios are just insane, giving you deeper blacks and brighter whites. For video editors, photographers, and even serious gamers, this display is a massive leap forward. The 2020 model already had a fantastic display with ProMotion and a wide color gamut, but the 2021 model takes it to a whole new level of visual fidelity. The improved HDR capabilities mean that HDR content looks absolutely stunning, with incredible detail in both the brightest highlights and the darkest shadows. This isn't just a minor tweak; it's a fundamental improvement in how you'll experience visuals on the iPad.
Another huge upgrade is the M1 chip. Yep, the same powerful chip that's inside many of Apple's MacBooks is now powering the 2021 iPad Pro. This means a massive boost in performance compared to the A12Z Bionic chip in the 2020 model. For everyday tasks, you might not notice a huge difference, but when you're pushing it with demanding apps, multitasking, or heavy video editing, the M1 chip absolutely flies. You'll experience faster app launches, smoother performance in complex applications, and generally a snappier, more responsive experience across the board. This chip brings desktop-class performance to a tablet, opening up new possibilities for what you can do on an iPad. Think running more complex software, handling larger files, and generally just having a smoother workflow, especially if you're using apps like Final Cut Pro or Logic Pro for iPad. The 2020 model was already fast, but the M1 chip in the 2021 model is in a completely different league. This also means better power efficiency, so even with the increased performance, you're still getting excellent battery life.
Connectivity also got a boost with 5G support on the cellular models. If you need blazing-fast internet speeds on the go, this is a significant upgrade. For those who rely on their iPad for remote work, staying connected in areas with spotty Wi-Fi, or simply want the fastest possible mobile data, 5G is a huge advantage. Streaming high-resolution video, downloading large files, and participating in video calls will be smoother and more reliable than ever before. While the 2020 model's Wi-Fi and LTE were perfectly capable, 5G represents the cutting edge of mobile connectivity, offering a glimpse into the future of how we'll interact with our devices on the move. It’s all about future-proofing your investment and ensuring you have the best possible connectivity wherever you are.
Finally, there's the Center Stage feature on the front camera. This uses AI to keep you perfectly framed during video calls, even if you move around. It's a neat little feature that makes video conferencing feel much more natural and engaging. The camera will intelligently pan and zoom to keep you in the center of the frame, making it feel like someone is following you with the camera. This is particularly useful if you tend to move around a lot during calls or if you have other people joining you in the frame. It adds a professional touch to your video calls without any effort on your part.
Performance and Power: M1 vs. A12Z Bionic
Let's get real about performance, guys. The M1 chip in the 2021 iPad Pro 12.9-inch is an absolute powerhouse. We're talking about a chip designed for laptops, now in a tablet. This means that demanding tasks like 4K video editing, complex 3D rendering, or running multiple heavy-duty apps simultaneously are handled with incredible ease. The difference in raw processing power is substantial. Benchmarks consistently show the M1 outperforming the A12Z Bionic chip found in the 2020 model by a significant margin, often upwards of 50-70% in CPU and GPU performance. This translates to much faster rendering times, quicker export speeds for videos, and a smoother experience when working with large, complex projects. If your workflow involves pushing the limits of what a tablet can do, the M1 chip is the deciding factor. For professional artists, designers, developers, and content creators, this performance leap isn't just a nice-to-have; it can directly impact productivity and efficiency. The ability to run more complex software and handle larger datasets opens up a whole new realm of possibilities for mobile creative work. The 2020 iPad Pro was no slouch, but the 2021 model with the M1 chip truly brings desktop-level power to your fingertips, making it a viable alternative for tasks previously reserved for high-end laptops.
On the other hand, the A12Z Bionic chip in the 2020 iPad Pro 12.9-inch is still a very capable processor. For most users, including those who do moderate photo editing, graphic design, or even some light video editing, the A12Z Bionic will more than suffice. It handles multitasking smoothly, runs demanding games without breaking a sweat, and powers through everyday productivity apps with ease. The difference you'll notice most is when you're dealing with extremely large files, complex timelines in video editing software, or highly intricate 3D models. In these scenarios, the M1 chip will offer a noticeably smoother and faster experience. However, it's important to remember that the 2020 iPad Pro was, and still is, a flagship device. Its performance is excellent for a vast majority of use cases, and it offers a fluid and responsive user experience for almost everyone. The gap in performance might not be apparent in day-to-day usage, but it becomes critical when you're engaging in professional-grade creative work that demands maximum computational power. So, while the M1 is undeniably superior, the A12Z Bionic remains a very strong performer that won't leave most users wanting.
Display Technology: Liquid Retina XDR vs. Liquid Retina
The Liquid Retina XDR display on the 2021 iPad Pro 12.9-inch is, in a word, stunning. Utilizing mini-LED technology, it delivers an incredible visual experience. This means you get a staggering 1000 nits of sustained full-screen brightness and a peak brightness of 1600 nits for HDR content. The contrast ratio is an astonishing 1,000,000:1, which results in true blacks and vibrant colors that leap off the screen. For professionals working with HDR content, this display is a revelation. Editing photos and videos with HDR capabilities becomes far more accurate, and consuming HDR media is an absolute joy. The improved local dimming zones provided by the mini-LEDs minimize halo effects and allow for precise control over brightness in different areas of the screen, leading to a much more immersive viewing experience. If you value color accuracy and visual fidelity above all else, this is the display you want. It's not just about brightness; it's about the nuanced control over light and dark that mini-LEDs provide, making every image and video look as true to life as possible.
The Liquid Retina display on the 2020 iPad Pro 12.9-inch is still one of the best LCD displays on the market. It boasts a P3 wide color gamut, True Tone technology, and ProMotion for adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz. This means vibrant colors, excellent color accuracy, and incredibly smooth scrolling and responsiveness. For most users, this display is more than adequate and provides a fantastic viewing experience for everything from browsing the web to watching movies and playing games. The 120Hz ProMotion technology makes everything feel fluid and instantaneous. While it doesn't reach the same peak brightness levels or offer the same contrast ratio as the Liquid Retina XDR display, it still produces beautiful images with great detail and accurate colors. It's a testament to Apple's display engineering that the 2020 model's screen remains so impressive. However, when compared side-by-side with the XDR display, the difference in contrast, black levels, and HDR performance is quite noticeable, especially when viewing HDR content or working with high-contrast imagery.
Camera and Other Features: Center Stage and 5G
Let's talk cameras, guys. The 2021 iPad Pro 12.9-inch introduces Center Stage for its front-facing camera. This is a really cool AI-powered feature that automatically keeps you in the frame during video calls, even if you move around. It's like having a personal camera operator following you, making your video conferences feel much more dynamic and professional. If you often find yourself pacing or gesturing during calls, or if you have multiple people joining from your end, Center Stage makes a noticeable difference in the overall experience. The rear cameras on the 2021 model are largely the same as the 2020 model, offering excellent image quality for a tablet, but the standout camera feature is definitely Center Stage.
Speaking of connectivity, the 2021 iPad Pro 12.9-inch brings 5G support to the table for its cellular models. This is a significant upgrade for anyone who relies on mobile data for their work or lifestyle. With 5G, you can expect much faster download and upload speeds, lower latency, and a more reliable connection, especially in areas with 5G coverage. This means smoother streaming of high-resolution content, faster downloads of large files, and more responsive online gaming or real-time collaboration. For those who are frequently on the go and need constant, high-speed internet access, the 5G capability is a major advantage and a strong reason to consider the newer model. The 2020 model's LTE capabilities were already good, but 5G represents a substantial leap forward in mobile network performance.
Price and Value: Is the Upgrade Worth It?
Now, for the big question: is the upgrade to the 2021 iPad Pro 12.9-inch worth the extra cash? This really depends on your needs and your budget, guys. If you're a professional creative who will truly benefit from the stunning Liquid Retina XDR display and the blazing-fast M1 chip, then yes, the upgrade is likely worth every penny. The enhanced visual fidelity and the desktop-class performance can significantly boost your productivity and open up new creative possibilities. The 5G connectivity is also a major plus if you rely on mobile data. However, if you're a student, a casual user, or even a professional who doesn't push the absolute limits of tablet performance, the 2020 iPad Pro 12.9-inch is still an absolutely fantastic device. It offers incredible performance with the A12Z Bionic, a beautiful Liquid Retina display, and all the core iPad Pro features you need. The 2020 model is often available at a more attractive price point, especially if you're looking at refurbished or used options, making it a great value proposition. You need to weigh the cost against the tangible benefits the newer model offers for your specific use case. Don't forget to factor in the cost of accessories like the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard, as these can add a significant amount to the overall investment.
Conclusion: Which iPad Pro 12.9-inch Should You Buy?
In conclusion, both the 2020 and 2021 iPad Pro 12.9-inch models are exceptional devices that offer top-tier performance and features. The 2021 model is undeniably the more powerful and visually impressive option, thanks to the M1 chip and the Liquid Retina XDR display. If you demand the absolute best in performance for professional creative work, require the superior visual quality for HDR content, or want the latest in connectivity with 5G, then the 2021 iPad Pro is the way to go. It's an investment in future-proofing your workflow and pushing the boundaries of what's possible on a tablet.
However, the 2020 iPad Pro 12.9-inch remains a highly capable and compelling choice, especially considering its potentially lower price point. For the vast majority of users, its performance is more than enough, and its display is still gorgeous. If your budget is a concern, or if your needs don't specifically demand the bleeding-edge features of the 2021 model, the 2020 iPad Pro offers tremendous value and an outstanding user experience. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual priorities. Consider what you'll be using your iPad for most, how much you're willing to spend, and whether the specific advancements of the 2021 model justify the additional cost for your workflow. Both are winners in their own right, but the 2021 model definitely takes things up a notch for those who need that extra power and visual prowess.