IPad Pro 2017 Vs. IPad Pro 2018: Which Should You Buy?

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iPad Pro 2017 vs. iPad Pro 2018: A Deep Dive into the Tablet Titans

Hey tech enthusiasts! Ever found yourselves scratching your heads, trying to figure out which iPad Pro is the right fit for you? Well, you're in luck! Today, we're diving headfirst into a detailed comparison of two of Apple's powerhouse tablets: the iPad Pro 2017 and the iPad Pro 2018. We'll be dissecting everything from the design and display to the performance and features, so you can confidently make the best decision for your needs. Whether you're a creative pro, a student, or just someone who loves to consume content on a beautiful screen, this guide has got you covered. Let's get started, shall we?

Design and Build: A Tale of Two iPads

Let's kick things off with the design and build quality, guys. This is often the first thing we notice, right? The iPad Pro 2017, with its sleek, familiar look, was a stunner in its day. It featured the classic design with the home button, thick bezels around the display, and a sturdy aluminum unibody. It came in the traditional Silver, Gold, and Space Gray color options, giving you a choice to match your style. The bezels, while not the thinnest, provided a comfortable grip and a familiar feel for anyone upgrading from previous iPad models. The overall build was robust, with a premium feel that you'd expect from an Apple product. The ports were standard, including the reliable Lightning port for charging and data transfer, and a 3.5mm headphone jack – a feature that Apple would later phase out. The weight and dimensions were manageable, making it a great tablet for on-the-go use, although the bezels meant it wasn't quite as compact as the later models.

Fast forward to 2018, and the iPad Pro got a major design overhaul. Apple took a bold step, introducing a more modern design that brought the iPad Pro in line with the iPhone X aesthetic. The most obvious change was the elimination of the home button and the reduction of the bezels. This resulted in a larger screen in a body that was only slightly bigger than the 2017 model. The edges were now flat, which gave it a more contemporary look and feel. The 2018 model also ditched the headphone jack, signaling Apple's shift towards a wireless future. Color options included Silver and Space Gray – the Gold option was retired. The aluminum build remained, retaining the premium feel that the iPad Pro is known for. The 2018 model also saw a significant reduction in weight, making it feel even more portable. It's safe to say that the 2018 model was a clear winner when it came to design. The updated look was a breath of fresh air, and the reduced bezels and flat edges made it feel much more modern. The loss of the headphone jack might not please everyone, but it was a step towards a more streamlined design. Overall, the 2018 iPad Pro's design was a significant upgrade, offering a more immersive display and a more premium feel.

Key Design Differences

  • Bezel Size: 2018 has significantly thinner bezels.
  • Home Button: 2017 has a home button; 2018 does not.
  • Edges: 2017 has curved edges; 2018 has flat edges.
  • Headphone Jack: 2017 has a headphone jack; 2018 does not.
  • Colors: 2017 offered Gold, while 2018 did not.

Display: Visual Feast, Side by Side

Alright, let's talk about the display. The screen is where all the magic happens, right? Both the 2017 and 2018 iPad Pro models boast stunning displays, but there are some noteworthy differences. The iPad Pro 2017 featured a beautiful Retina display with True Tone technology. True Tone automatically adjusts the white balance of the display to match the ambient lighting of your environment, making the screen easier on your eyes, especially in different lighting conditions. The screen was vibrant and offered excellent color accuracy, making it ideal for everything from browsing the web to watching movies. The 2017 model’s display was a joy to use, providing a great visual experience for both work and play.

The iPad Pro 2018 took things up a notch. The display was not only larger due to the reduced bezels, but it also offered ProMotion technology. ProMotion is a feature that dynamically adjusts the refresh rate of the display up to 120Hz. What does this mean? It makes everything feel incredibly smooth, from scrolling through web pages to playing games. The screen on the 2018 model was also brighter and offered an even wider color gamut, resulting in a more vibrant and lifelike visual experience. The True Tone technology was still there, of course, making the display easy on the eyes. The removal of the home button also led to a more immersive display, giving you more screen real estate to enjoy your content. The 2018 model's display was a clear upgrade, offering a smoother and more vibrant experience thanks to ProMotion and its other improvements. Both models have stunning screens, but the 2018 model is arguably a step ahead.

Display Tech Comparison

  • ProMotion: 2018 features ProMotion (120Hz refresh rate).
  • Bezel: 2018 has a larger screen-to-body ratio due to smaller bezels.
  • Color Gamut: 2018 offers a wider color gamut.

Performance: Power Under the Hood

Let's get into the nitty-gritty: performance. This is where things get interesting, guys. The iPad Pro 2017 was powered by the A10X Fusion chip, which was a significant leap in performance over previous iPad models. The A10X offered impressive speeds and was capable of handling demanding tasks like video editing, gaming, and multitasking with ease. Apps launched quickly, and the overall experience was very smooth. Even today, the 2017 model holds its own, still providing a snappy performance for everyday use.

The iPad Pro 2018, on the other hand, was equipped with the A12X Bionic chip. This was a massive upgrade, offering a substantial boost in both CPU and GPU performance. The A12X was built for speed, capable of handling even the most demanding tasks with incredible efficiency. Apps launched even faster, and multitasking was seamless. The 2018 model could handle complex workloads with ease, making it a great option for creative professionals. The performance difference between the A10X and A12X is noticeable, especially when running intensive applications. The A12X Bionic chip makes the 2018 model a powerhouse, outperforming the 2017 model in nearly every aspect of performance. The A12X is the clear winner for those who need the most power.

Processor Specs

  • Chip: 2017 uses the A10X Fusion chip; 2018 uses the A12X Bionic chip.
  • Performance: A12X offers significantly better performance.

Features and Accessories: Beyond the Basics

Beyond the core specs, let's explore the features and accessories. Both models support Apple Pencil, but with some key differences. The iPad Pro 2017 supports the original Apple Pencil. The 2018 iPad Pro, however, is compatible with the second-generation Apple Pencil, which magnetically attaches to the side of the iPad for charging and storage. This design is more convenient and eliminates the need to plug the Pencil into the Lightning port. It also has touch controls, allowing you to easily switch between tools and perform other functions.

The 2018 iPad Pro also introduced Face ID for secure authentication and unlocking. This replaced the Touch ID fingerprint sensor found on the 2017 model. Face ID is fast, reliable, and works in both portrait and landscape orientations. It's a convenient feature that adds an extra layer of security. The 2018 model also supports the Smart Keyboard Folio, which connects magnetically and offers a more comfortable typing experience than the older Smart Keyboard. The Smart Keyboard Folio also protects the iPad's screen when not in use. Both models offer excellent features, but the 2018 version brings some compelling upgrades.

Accessory and Feature Summary

  • Apple Pencil: 2017 supports the original Apple Pencil; 2018 supports the 2nd generation.
  • Authentication: 2017 uses Touch ID; 2018 uses Face ID.
  • Keyboard: 2018 is compatible with the Smart Keyboard Folio.

Battery Life: Keeping You Powered Up

Battery life is a crucial consideration for any tablet. Both the iPad Pro 2017 and 2018 offer excellent battery life, generally providing around 10 hours of web browsing or video playback. Apple has consistently optimized its devices to deliver great battery performance, and these models are no exception. Of course, the actual battery life will vary depending on your usage. Intensive tasks like gaming or video editing will drain the battery faster than more basic activities like browsing the web or checking email. Overall, both models are capable of lasting a full day of use, making them ideal for work, play, and everything in between.

Price and Value: The Cost of Performance

Let's talk about price and value. This is a big factor when making a purchase decision, right? When they were first released, the iPad Pro 2018 was more expensive than the 2017 model. However, you can often find them at discounted prices on the used market. The iPad Pro 2017 offers great value, especially if you can find a good deal. It provides a premium experience with excellent performance at a more accessible price point. The 2018 model, while more expensive, offers significant upgrades that might justify the higher cost, especially if you need the latest features and the best performance. The best choice depends on your budget and your needs. If you're on a budget, the 2017 model is a fantastic option. If you want the best possible experience and are willing to pay more, the 2018 model is worth the investment. Think about what you need from your tablet and how much you're willing to spend. This is a critical point!

Which iPad Pro is Right for You?

So, which iPad Pro should you buy? Here's a quick breakdown to help you decide:

  • Choose the iPad Pro 2017 if:

    • You're on a budget.
    • You prioritize the home button.
    • You don't need the latest performance.
    • You are okay with the original Apple Pencil.

  • Choose the iPad Pro 2018 if:

    • You want the best performance and features.
    • You prefer Face ID.
    • You want the latest design with thinner bezels.
    • You need ProMotion for a smoother experience.
    • You want the convenience of the second-generation Apple Pencil.

The Verdict: Deciding on the iPad Pro

Wrapping things up, guys, both the iPad Pro 2017 and 2018 are fantastic tablets, offering a premium experience. The iPad Pro 2017 is a great choice if you're looking for a more affordable option that still delivers excellent performance and a beautiful display. It's a solid tablet that can handle most tasks with ease. The iPad Pro 2018 is a step up in nearly every category, offering a more modern design, significantly better performance, and enhanced features like Face ID and ProMotion. It's the best choice for those who want the latest and greatest technology and are willing to pay a premium. Ultimately, the best iPad Pro for you depends on your individual needs and budget. Consider what's most important to you: design, display, performance, or price. Then, make your decision and enjoy your new iPad Pro! No matter which one you choose, you're getting a top-of-the-line tablet. Enjoy the amazing world of the iPad Pro, and happy tech-ing!