IPad Pro Gen 2 Vs Gen 3: Which One To Choose?
Hey tech enthusiasts! Are you guys in the market for a new iPad Pro and scratching your heads trying to decide between the second and third generations? Well, you've come to the right place! Choosing the right iPad Pro can feel like navigating a tech jungle, but fear not! We're here to break down the key differences between the iPad Pro Gen 2 and iPad Pro Gen 3, helping you make an informed decision that suits your needs and budget. Let's dive in and uncover the secrets of these amazing tablets, comparing their features, performance, and overall value. Get ready to find out which iPad Pro is the perfect fit for you! We'll explore everything from the display and processor to the design and camera, ensuring you have all the info you need to make the best choice. So, grab a coffee, settle in, and let's get started on this exciting journey through the world of iPad Pros!
Design and Build Quality
When we talk about design, the iPad Pro Gen 2 and iPad Pro Gen 3 have some notable differences that might sway your decision. The iPad Pro Gen 2, which was released in 2017, featured a design that was a refined version of its predecessors. It maintained the classic iPad look with rounded edges and a home button, which also housed the Touch ID sensor. The bezels around the screen were present, providing a comfortable grip, and the build quality was, as expected from Apple, top-notch. It felt premium in hand, with a solid aluminum unibody construction. Available in Silver, Gold, and Space Gray, the iPad Pro Gen 2 offered a familiar yet elegant aesthetic that many users appreciated. The placement of the speakers, charging port, and other ports was standard for the time, ensuring ease of use and compatibility with existing accessories. Overall, the design was functional and attractive, embodying the quality and craftsmanship that Apple is known for. The size and weight were also similar to previous models, making it a portable and versatile device. This is the iPad Pro Gen 2!
On the other hand, the iPad Pro Gen 3, which launched in 2018, brought a fresh, modern look that significantly changed the iPad Pro's appearance. Apple ditched the home button in favor of an all-screen design, significantly reducing the bezels and maximizing the display area. This change gave the iPad Pro Gen 3 a sleek, more contemporary look. The edges became flat, a design cue that later appeared on iPhones and other Apple products. This squared-off design not only looked stylish but also improved the structural integrity of the device. The iPad Pro Gen 3 also introduced Face ID, replacing Touch ID with a facial recognition system housed in the top bezel. This allowed for secure unlocking and authentication, making the user experience smoother. It was available in Silver and Space Gray, and the overall feel was one of premium quality and sophistication. The design changes also led to a more immersive experience when using the device, especially for tasks like watching videos or playing games. The new design was a major step forward, making the iPad Pro Gen 3 look and feel more advanced. So, depending on your preferences, the change from the home button and rounded edges to the all-screen design and flat edges might be a key factor in your decision. The third-generation iPad Pro truly ushered in a new era of iPad design. Overall, while both generations boast excellent build quality, the iPad Pro Gen 3 clearly represents a more modern aesthetic.
Display and Visual Experience
When it comes to the display, both the iPad Pro Gen 2 and the iPad Pro Gen 3 deliver impressive visual experiences, but they have distinct differences that might cater to different preferences. The iPad Pro Gen 2 features a stunning Retina display, which is known for its sharpness, vibrant colors, and excellent viewing angles. The display is bright and clear, making it perfect for both work and entertainment. With the True Tone technology, it automatically adjusts the screen's white balance to match the ambient lighting of your environment, providing a more comfortable viewing experience in various lighting conditions. This display technology reduces eye strain, which means you can enjoy extended periods of use without fatigue. The iPad Pro Gen 2 also supports a wide color gamut, which means that the colors on the screen are more accurate and vivid, making images and videos pop. The display on the second-generation iPad Pro is more than capable of handling tasks like browsing the web, watching videos, and even some light photo and video editing. The screen is responsive and smooth, thanks to the high refresh rate, which enhances the overall user experience. The Retina display in the iPad Pro Gen 2 remains a solid choice, offering a balanced combination of quality and performance that satisfies most users. However, it's worth noting that the bezels around the display are still present, which might give the impression of a slightly less modern feel compared to later models. You'll find the iPad Pro Gen 2 is a really great tablet for content consumption.
Meanwhile, the iPad Pro Gen 3 takes the display experience to another level with its Liquid Retina display, which is an upgrade in several key areas. The most obvious difference is the design; the iPad Pro Gen 3 has a larger screen-to-body ratio due to the reduced bezels, offering a more immersive visual experience. The display also supports ProMotion technology, which is a key highlight. ProMotion dynamically adjusts the refresh rate of the screen up to 120Hz, making everything from scrolling through web pages to playing games incredibly smooth and responsive. This higher refresh rate results in noticeably smoother animations and an overall more fluid user experience. The colors are incredibly vibrant, and the brightness levels are impressive, making it great for outdoor use. The Liquid Retina display also features True Tone technology, like the iPad Pro Gen 2, which adjusts the white balance to match the environment. Furthermore, the display on the iPad Pro Gen 3 supports a wider color gamut and offers HDR (High Dynamic Range) support, resulting in richer, more detailed images and videos. This is particularly noticeable when watching HDR content from streaming services or working with photos and videos that support HDR. If a top-tier visual experience is what you crave, the iPad Pro Gen 3's display is tough to beat. The iPad Pro Gen 3 truly provides a premium visual experience.
Performance and Processing Power
Now, let's get into the heart of the matter – performance! The iPad Pro Gen 2 is powered by the A10X Fusion chip, which was a powerhouse in its time. This chip provides excellent performance for everyday tasks, such as web browsing, email, and running various apps. It handles multitasking with ease, allowing you to switch between multiple applications without any noticeable lag. The A10X Fusion chip also handles graphic-intensive tasks like gaming and video editing reasonably well. You can play modern games at decent frame rates, and it can handle basic video editing tasks without significant slowdowns. It's a capable tablet that meets the needs of most users. However, as technology advances, the A10X Fusion chip may struggle with the most demanding applications and the latest games, particularly compared to newer generations of iPad Pro. Despite this, it provides a very reliable performance suitable for the average user. It's an excellent choice if you're not planning to do heavy-duty video editing or run the most graphics-intensive games. Overall, the iPad Pro Gen 2 offers a smooth and responsive experience for everyday usage, ensuring you can enjoy a wide range of activities without any major performance bottlenecks. If you are a casual user, you will likely find the A10X chip to be more than adequate.
The iPad Pro Gen 3, on the other hand, boasts a significant performance upgrade with its A12X Bionic chip. This chip offers a substantial boost in processing power and graphical capabilities compared to the A10X Fusion chip in the iPad Pro Gen 2. The A12X Bionic chip is designed to handle even the most demanding tasks with ease. It allows for effortless multitasking, letting you run multiple apps simultaneously without any slowdowns. Video editing becomes smoother, and gaming experiences are enhanced with higher frame rates and improved graphics. The advanced architecture of the A12X Bionic chip results in faster load times and smoother overall performance. The chip also integrates a Neural Engine, which accelerates machine learning tasks, such as image recognition and augmented reality applications. This allows for advanced features and capabilities. The iPad Pro Gen 3 is an excellent choice for users who require high performance for tasks like professional video editing, graphic design, and running resource-intensive applications. It ensures a premium experience for every task you undertake. The iPad Pro Gen 3 will not disappoint if you are looking for the best performance. The difference in processing power between the A12X Bionic and the A10X Fusion is notable, making the iPad Pro Gen 3 a clear winner for those prioritizing performance.
Camera Capabilities
Let's switch gears and talk about cameras. The iPad Pro Gen 2 is equipped with a 12MP rear camera, which is capable of taking high-quality photos and recording 4K video. The rear camera is a solid performer, delivering sharp images with good color accuracy in various lighting conditions. It also has features like optical image stabilization to help reduce blur, especially when shooting in less-than-ideal lighting. The front-facing camera has a 7MP sensor, which is great for FaceTime calls and selfies. It captures clear images and provides adequate performance for video conferencing. Overall, the camera capabilities of the iPad Pro Gen 2 are quite respectable for a tablet, meeting the needs of most users who want to take photos or videos on the go. While it might not match the advanced capabilities of newer smartphones, it still delivers good results for casual photography. The camera is suitable for various uses, from capturing memories to scanning documents. The iPad Pro Gen 2 gets the job done for the average user.
The iPad Pro Gen 3 steps up the game with a more advanced camera system. It retains the 12MP rear camera, but there are improvements in image processing and features. The rear camera can capture even sharper photos and videos with better dynamic range. The most notable addition is the inclusion of a second lens, an ultra-wide-angle lens, which significantly expands your creative possibilities. This lens is perfect for capturing expansive landscapes, group photos, and architectural shots. The ultra-wide-angle lens also opens up new possibilities for video recording, allowing you to capture more of the scene. The front-facing camera on the iPad Pro Gen 3 is also enhanced, featuring a TrueDepth camera system. This system includes features like Face ID and Portrait mode, which provides studio-quality lighting effects, resulting in enhanced selfies. The enhanced features give a more professional look to your photos. The improved camera system in the iPad Pro Gen 3 gives it an edge, especially for users who prioritize photography or frequently use their iPad for video calls. The iPad Pro Gen 3 provides a more versatile and feature-rich camera system.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is a critical factor for any mobile device, and both the iPad Pro Gen 2 and iPad Pro Gen 3 offer respectable performance in this regard. The iPad Pro Gen 2 is known for providing all-day battery life for typical usage. You can expect to get around 10 hours of web browsing, video playback, or general use on a single charge. The exact battery life will depend on how heavily you use the device and the types of tasks you're performing, but the iPad Pro Gen 2 generally delivers consistent performance. Charging is done via a Lightning port, which is standard for older Apple devices. The charging speed is relatively fast, and you can top up your battery quickly when needed. The battery life is sufficient for most users' needs, allowing you to stay productive or entertained throughout the day without frequent charging. The iPad Pro Gen 2 has an excellent battery life for its age. The battery life on the iPad Pro Gen 2 makes it a reliable companion for daily use.
The iPad Pro Gen 3 maintains a similar level of battery performance, offering all-day battery life for the same types of activities as the iPad Pro Gen 2. You can expect around 10 hours of usage for web browsing, video playback, and other everyday tasks. The battery life is comparable to the iPad Pro Gen 2, allowing you to use the tablet without frequent recharging. However, the iPad Pro Gen 3 features a USB-C port for charging and data transfer. This change is a significant upgrade, as USB-C is a more versatile and modern standard. USB-C allows for faster charging, and it is also compatible with a broader range of accessories, including external displays, hard drives, and other peripherals. The USB-C port is a convenient and versatile addition, making it easier to connect to other devices and charge your iPad Pro quickly. The iPad Pro Gen 3's USB-C port is a significant upgrade in terms of charging and connectivity.
Price and Value Proposition
When we think about price and value, here is what you need to know. The iPad Pro Gen 2 is generally available at a lower price point compared to the iPad Pro Gen 3. As an older model, its price has decreased over time, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. The price reduction makes it an accessible option, especially for users who do not need the latest features and performance. This makes the iPad Pro Gen 2 a strong contender if you are looking for a good value. The value is even greater if you can find one in excellent condition, either new or refurbished. It's a great option if you are seeking a tablet that offers a blend of performance and features without breaking the bank. The iPad Pro Gen 2 provides excellent value for its price.
The iPad Pro Gen 3 is a more expensive option, but this is because of its advanced features and enhanced performance. The higher price is reflective of the improvements in display technology, processing power, and other features. This iPad Pro is designed for users who need the best performance and are willing to pay a premium for it. The additional cost is justified if you require the best display quality, superior processing power, and advanced features. The iPad Pro Gen 3 is the right option for those who want a premium user experience. If your budget allows, and you value the best features and performance, then the iPad Pro Gen 3 is the right choice. Despite its higher price, its advanced capabilities provide significant value for professional use or those who demand the best technology.
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice
So, which iPad Pro is right for you? It really depends on your needs, your budget, and how you plan to use the device. If you're looking for a great value, the iPad Pro Gen 2 remains a solid choice. It offers great performance for everyday tasks, with a beautiful Retina display, and it is usually more affordable. If you are looking for top-tier features, a more modern design, and the best performance, the iPad Pro Gen 3 is the winner. The enhanced display, powerful processor, and advanced camera system justify its higher price. Consider your priorities carefully. Think about whether you need the latest features and improved performance, or if the iPad Pro Gen 2 meets your needs perfectly. By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision and choose the iPad Pro that best fits your lifestyle and your budget. No matter which one you choose, you'll be getting a fantastic tablet experience! Now you have a good understanding of both devices, so go on and get the perfect iPad Pro for you!
