IPad Pro 12.9-Inch Face-Off: 2020 Vs. 2021

Hey tech enthusiasts! Ever found yourself staring at the shiny world of iPads, wondering which one's the perfect fit? Well, if you're eyeing the iPad Pro 12.9-inch, you've got a fantastic choice on your hands, but also a decision to make: 2020 vs. 2021. These two powerhouses share a lineage, but the 2021 model brings some serious upgrades to the table. Let's dive in and break down the key differences so you can choose the best iPad Pro for your needs. We'll compare the features, specifications, and performance to help you make an informed decision. Get ready to explore the evolution of Apple's premium tablet experience.

Design and Display: A Visual Feast

When we talk about the iPad Pro 12.9-inch models, the first thing that grabs your attention is that gorgeous display. The design philosophy of both the 2020 and 2021 models is pretty similar – sleek, modern, and undeniably premium. You'll find the same flat-edged design that's become a signature of Apple's recent products, offering a clean and sophisticated aesthetic. Both models share the same overall dimensions and build quality, so in terms of pure design, you won't see a massive difference at first glance.

However, it's under the hood where things get interesting, specifically with the display technology. While the 2020 model sports an already impressive Liquid Retina display, the 2021 iPad Pro takes things to a whole new level with the introduction of the Liquid Retina XDR display. This is a huge upgrade, folks! The XDR display uses mini-LED technology, providing incredible brightness, stunning contrast ratios, and a wider color gamut. This means deeper blacks, brighter whites, and a more vibrant, lifelike image. Think of it as a significant leap forward in visual quality, making content consumption – from movies and games to creative work – a truly immersive experience.

Let's get into some specific numbers. The 2020 iPad Pro offers a peak brightness of around 600 nits. The 2021 model with the XDR display, on the other hand, can hit a peak brightness of 1,000 nits across the whole screen and a whopping 1,600 nits for HDR content. The contrast ratio also sees a massive improvement, going from around 1400:1 on the 2020 model to a staggering 1,000,000:1 on the 2021 model. This difference is especially noticeable when viewing HDR content, where you'll see a much greater dynamic range and detail in both the bright and dark areas of the image. The mini-LED technology in the 2021 model allows for more precise control over the backlight, resulting in those incredible contrast ratios. This means better visuals when watching movies, editing photos and videos, and playing graphic-intensive games. The display difference is a standout feature for the 2021 model, making it the clear winner if display quality is a top priority for you. In terms of design, both models share the same premium feel, but the display is where the 2021 model shines, literally.

Performance: Power Unleashed

Alright, let's talk about what's under the hood and how these iPad Pro models perform. This is where we see a significant shift in technology. The 2020 iPad Pro is powered by the A12Z Bionic chip, which, at the time, was a very capable processor. It offered excellent performance for everyday tasks, multitasking, and even demanding creative applications. You could easily edit videos, play graphically intensive games, and run multiple apps simultaneously without any significant lag. It was and still is a very powerful tablet.

Now, step into the 2021 model, which features the M1 chip, the very same chip that powers some of Apple's Mac computers. This is a game-changer! The M1 chip offers a massive leap in performance compared to the A12Z Bionic. You're looking at a significant boost in both CPU and GPU performance, meaning everything runs faster and smoother. Apps launch quicker, multitasking is even more fluid, and graphically demanding tasks like video editing and 3D rendering are handled with ease. The M1 chip gives the 2021 iPad Pro a level of performance that's almost unmatched in the tablet world. It's so powerful that it can handle complex workflows that were previously reserved for desktop computers. If raw power and future-proofing are essential for you, the 2021 model is a clear winner. If you do a lot of video editing, graphic design, or other processor-intensive tasks, the M1 chip will make a huge difference in your workflow, saving you time and frustration. The extra performance also benefits gaming, making the experience more immersive and enjoyable with higher frame rates and better graphics.

The 2021 model also comes with more RAM options, further enhancing its multitasking capabilities and allowing you to handle even larger and more complex projects. In terms of storage, both models offer a range of options, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs for storing apps, files, and media. The M1 chip not only improves raw performance but also contributes to better power efficiency, potentially leading to longer battery life under certain workloads. The M1 chip isn't just about speed; it's about a complete performance upgrade, making the 2021 iPad Pro a true powerhouse.

Cameras: Capture the Moment

Let's not forget about cameras! The 2020 iPad Pro has a very capable camera system. On the back, you'll find a dual-camera setup with a 12MP wide-angle lens and a 10MP ultra-wide-angle lens. This combination allows you to capture a variety of shots, from landscapes and group photos to close-up details. The 2020 model also includes a LiDAR scanner, which enhances augmented reality (AR) experiences. The LiDAR scanner measures the distance to surrounding objects, allowing AR apps to create more realistic and immersive environments.

The 2021 iPad Pro keeps the same dual-camera setup on the back but improves the image processing capabilities of the M1 chip, which results in slightly better image quality. The 2021 iPad Pro also benefits from the Center Stage feature, which is a significant upgrade for video calls. Center Stage uses the ultra-wide-angle lens and automatically keeps you in frame as you move around, making video calls more dynamic and engaging. It's a great feature for both personal and professional use. The front-facing camera on the 2021 iPad Pro has been upgraded to a 12MP ultra-wide lens, which works in conjunction with Center Stage. This wider field of view allows more people to fit into the frame during video calls, and the Center Stage feature ensures that everyone remains in focus.

While both models offer excellent camera performance, the 2021 model's Center Stage feature is a standout upgrade, especially if you take a lot of video calls. The improved image processing on the 2021 model also helps in producing higher-quality images and videos. The LiDAR scanner on both models provides a great augmented reality experience. So, both cameras provide great features.

Accessories and Ecosystem: The Apple Advantage

One of the biggest strengths of the iPad Pro is its compatibility with a wide range of accessories, which can significantly enhance your experience. Both the 2020 and 2021 models are compatible with the Apple Pencil (2nd generation), the Magic Keyboard, and other accessories that are designed to make the iPad Pro more versatile and productive. The Apple Pencil is a must-have for anyone who enjoys sketching, drawing, or taking notes on their iPad Pro. The Magic Keyboard transforms your iPad Pro into a laptop-like experience with a built-in trackpad and comfortable typing. The ecosystem of accessories is the same between the two models, but it's the features of the tablet itself that change the experience.

Apple's ecosystem is a massive advantage. If you're already invested in other Apple products like iPhones, Macs, or AirPods, you'll appreciate the seamless integration between all your devices. Features like Handoff, AirDrop, and Universal Control make it easy to share files, continue your work across devices, and control your iPad Pro from your Mac. The 2021 model is compatible with the latest version of iPadOS, which introduces even more features and improvements. The ecosystem is a massive benefit for all Apple users.

Battery Life: Powering Through Your Day

Both the 2020 and 2021 iPad Pro models boast excellent battery life, designed to keep you productive and entertained throughout the day. Apple typically claims around 10 hours of web browsing or video playback on a single charge. In real-world usage, you can expect similar results, although the actual battery life will vary depending on how you use your iPad Pro. Running demanding apps, playing graphic-intensive games, or using the display at maximum brightness will consume more battery power. The M1 chip in the 2021 model is more power-efficient than the A12Z Bionic, so it could potentially offer a slight advantage in terms of battery life under certain workloads. The Liquid Retina XDR display in the 2021 model might consume a bit more power when displaying very bright images, but the difference shouldn't be too significant. Both models offer similar battery performance, and you can expect all-day usage with either one. You probably won't be disappointed in either of these iPads if battery life is what you are looking for.

Which iPad Pro Should You Choose? The Verdict

So, which iPad Pro is right for you? It really depends on your needs and budget. If you're looking for the best possible display, the most powerful performance, and the latest features, the 2021 iPad Pro is the clear winner. The Liquid Retina XDR display and the M1 chip offer significant upgrades that will enhance your overall experience. If you do creative work, play demanding games, or simply want the most powerful iPad Pro available, the 2021 model is the way to go. The 2020 iPad Pro is still an excellent tablet, especially if you can find it at a lower price. It offers a great display, capable performance, and compatibility with all the essential accessories. If you're on a tighter budget or don't need the absolute latest and greatest features, the 2020 model is still a very solid choice. Both models share the same premium design, support the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard, and offer a fantastic tablet experience. At the end of the day, your choice will likely depend on your budget and how much you value the upgrades offered by the 2021 model. Consider your needs, compare the prices, and choose the iPad Pro that best fits your lifestyle. Whichever model you choose, you're getting a top-of-the-line tablet experience.