IPad Pro 12.9 (2017) Vs IPad Pro 12.9 (2018): Which Wins?
Hey guys! Ever find yourself stuck trying to decide between two awesome gadgets? Today, we’re diving deep into a face-off between the iPad Pro 12.9-inch models from 2017 and 2018. Both are fantastic, but they have key differences that can make or break your user experience. Let's get started and figure out which one is the real winner for you!
Design and Display: A Visual Feast
Let's kick things off with the design and display aspects of these two iPad Pro giants. When you first glance at them, you might think they look pretty similar, but trust me, there are some significant differences.
iPad Pro 12.9 (2017): Classic and Familiar
The 2017 iPad Pro 12.9-inch sports a classic, familiar design. It has those noticeable bezels around the display, which some might consider a bit outdated now, but they do provide a comfortable grip. The screen itself is a 12.9-inch Retina display with a resolution of 2732 x 2048 pixels, delivering a crisp and vibrant visual experience. It also features ProMotion technology, which means the display has a 120Hz refresh rate. This makes scrolling and animations incredibly smooth and responsive. If you're coming from an older tablet or a device with a standard 60Hz display, you'll immediately notice the difference.
Color accuracy is another strong point, making it great for tasks like photo editing and watching videos. The fully laminated display reduces reflections, enhancing visibility in various lighting conditions. While the bezels might not be the sleekest, they serve a purpose, giving you a place to rest your thumbs without accidentally activating the screen. Overall, the 2017 model offers a reliable and visually pleasing display that holds up well even by today's standards.
iPad Pro 12.9 (2018): Modern and Edge-to-Edge
The 2018 iPad Pro 12.9-inch takes a leap forward in design. The most noticeable change is the edge-to-edge display, which significantly reduces the bezels around the screen. This gives the tablet a much more modern and immersive look. The screen size remains the same at 12.9 inches, with the same resolution of 2732 x 2048 pixels, but the smaller bezels mean the overall footprint of the device is smaller.
Like the 2017 model, it also features ProMotion technology for that buttery-smooth 120Hz refresh rate. However, the 2018 version steps it up with a Liquid Retina display, which Apple claims offers even better color accuracy and an anti-reflective coating that further reduces glare. This makes the display easier to view in bright environments. The corners of the display are rounded, which matches the overall aesthetic and gives it a polished feel. The lack of a home button is another key difference; instead, it relies on Face ID for authentication, which is incredibly fast and convenient. For those who love a sleek and contemporary design, the 2018 iPad Pro is definitely the more appealing choice.
Performance: Under the Hood
Now, let’s talk about what’s powering these beasts. Performance is where you’ll see some significant upgrades in the 2018 model. The chips inside make a world of difference in how these iPads handle demanding tasks.
iPad Pro 12.9 (2017): The A10X Fusion Chip
Inside the 2017 iPad Pro 12.9-inch, you’ll find the A10X Fusion chip. This chip is a powerhouse in its own right, featuring a six-core CPU and a 12-core GPU. It’s incredibly capable and can handle a wide range of tasks, from browsing the web and streaming videos to editing photos and playing graphically intensive games. Multitasking is smooth, and apps launch quickly. For most everyday tasks, the A10X Fusion chip performs admirably. It's more than sufficient for students, casual users, and even creative professionals who don't push their devices to the absolute limit.
However, compared to newer chips, the A10X Fusion is starting to show its age. While it can still handle most tasks, it might struggle with the most demanding applications, especially when working with large files or complex projects. Despite this, it remains a very capable chip that provides a fluid and responsive user experience for the majority of users.
iPad Pro 12.9 (2018): The A12X Bionic Chip
The 2018 iPad Pro 12.9-inch is equipped with the A12X Bionic chip, and this is where things get seriously impressive. The A12X Bionic is a massive leap in performance compared to the A10X Fusion. It features an eight-core CPU and a seven-core GPU, delivering significantly faster processing and graphics performance. This chip is so powerful that it rivals some laptop CPUs.
With the A12X Bionic, everything feels faster and more responsive. Apps launch almost instantly, multitasking is seamless, and even the most demanding tasks are handled with ease. Whether you're editing 4K videos, working with large Photoshop files, or playing graphics-intensive games, the 2018 iPad Pro breezes through it all. The A12X Bionic also includes a Neural Engine, which accelerates machine learning tasks, making features like Face ID and augmented reality experiences even better. If you need the absolute best performance for professional-grade tasks, the 2018 iPad Pro is the clear winner. The sheer power of the A12X Bionic ensures that your iPad won't slow you down, no matter what you're doing.
Features and Functionality: What Can They Do?
Let's explore the features and functionalities of these two iPad Pro models. Beyond the design and performance, these aspects significantly impact the user experience.
iPad Pro 12.9 (2017): Reliable and Familiar Features
The 2017 iPad Pro 12.9-inch comes with features that were top-of-the-line at the time. It supports the first-generation Apple Pencil, which allows for precise drawing, note-taking, and annotation. The Smart Keyboard also works with this model, turning it into a capable productivity machine. It has a physical Home button with Touch ID for secure authentication.
The camera system includes a 12-megapixel rear camera and a 7-megapixel front-facing camera, both of which take great photos and videos. It also features a four-speaker audio system that delivers rich and immersive sound. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and it has a Lightning port for charging and connecting accessories. While it lacks some of the newer features found in later models, the 2017 iPad Pro offers a solid and reliable set of functionalities that cater to a wide range of users.
iPad Pro 12.9 (2018): Modern Enhancements
The 2018 iPad Pro 12.9-inch is packed with modern enhancements that set it apart. It supports the second-generation Apple Pencil, which magnetically attaches to the side of the iPad and charges wirelessly. This is a huge improvement over the first-generation Pencil, which required plugging into the Lightning port. It also works with the Smart Keyboard Folio, which provides a more comfortable typing experience.
One of the biggest changes is the introduction of Face ID, which replaces the Home button and Touch ID. Face ID is incredibly fast and secure, making unlocking your iPad and authenticating purchases a breeze. The camera system is also upgraded, with a 12-megapixel rear camera that supports Smart HDR and a 7-megapixel TrueDepth front camera for improved selfies and FaceTime calls. The 2018 model also features a USB-C port instead of a Lightning port, allowing for faster charging and connectivity to a wider range of accessories. These modern enhancements make the 2018 iPad Pro a more versatile and user-friendly device.
Battery Life and Connectivity: Staying Powered Up
Battery life and connectivity are crucial factors for any portable device. Let’s see how the 2017 and 2018 iPad Pro 12.9-inch models stack up in these areas.
iPad Pro 12.9 (2017): All-Day Performance
The 2017 iPad Pro 12.9-inch offers excellent battery life. Apple claims it can last up to 10 hours of surfing the web on Wi-Fi, watching videos, or listening to music. In real-world usage, this holds up pretty well. You can easily get through a full day of moderate use without needing to recharge. The battery life is consistent and reliable, making it a great choice for students, travelers, and anyone who needs a device that can last throughout the day.
Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 802.11ac and Bluetooth 4.2. It also has a Lightning port for charging and connecting accessories. While the Lightning port is a bit outdated compared to USB-C, it still works well for most users. Overall, the 2017 iPad Pro provides solid battery life and dependable connectivity.
iPad Pro 12.9 (2018): Efficient Power Management
The 2018 iPad Pro 12.9-inch also boasts impressive battery life. Apple claims it can last up to 10 hours of surfing the web on Wi-Fi, watching videos, or listening to music, just like the 2017 model. However, thanks to the more efficient A12X Bionic chip, the 2018 iPad Pro can sometimes squeeze out a bit more battery life, especially when performing demanding tasks. The smart power management of the A12X Bionic ensures that the battery is used efficiently, allowing you to get the most out of each charge.
Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 802.11ac and Bluetooth 5.0, which offers faster and more reliable connections. The biggest change is the inclusion of a USB-C port, which replaces the Lightning port. USB-C allows for faster charging and connectivity to a wider range of accessories, including external displays and storage devices. The improved battery management and enhanced connectivity make the 2018 iPad Pro a great choice for power users.
Conclusion: Which iPad Pro 12.9 Should You Choose?
So, which iPad Pro 12.9-inch should you choose? It really depends on your needs and budget. If you’re looking for a more affordable option that still offers great performance and a solid set of features, the 2017 iPad Pro is a fantastic choice. It’s perfect for students, casual users, and anyone who doesn’t need the absolute latest technology.
On the other hand, if you want the best possible performance, a modern design, and cutting-edge features like Face ID and USB-C, the 2018 iPad Pro is the way to go. It’s ideal for creative professionals, power users, and anyone who wants the ultimate iPad experience. Ultimately, both iPads are excellent devices, but the 2018 model’s advancements make it the winner for those who demand the best. Happy choosing!
