IPad Pro 2020 Vs 2018: Which Is Better?

Hey there, tech enthusiasts! Today, we're diving deep into a comparison that many of you have been asking about: the iPad Pro 2020 vs 2018. If you're on the fence about upgrading or deciding which model to snag, you've come to the right place. We'll break down the key differences, help you understand what's changed, and ultimately guide you toward making the best choice for your needs. It's not just about specs; it's about how these amazing devices fit into your workflow and daily life. So grab your favorite beverage, get comfy, and let's explore the world of iPad Pro!

Design and Display: A Familiar Yet Refined Experience

When you first lay eyes on the iPad Pro 2020 and the 2018 model, you might be hard-pressed to tell them apart. And honestly, guys, that's not a bad thing! Apple really nailed the design with the 2018 iteration, and they’ve stuck with what works for the 2020 model. Both boast that sleek, minimalist aesthetic with slim bezels and flat edges that just feel premium. You get the same gorgeous Liquid Retina displays, with sizes coming in at 11-inch and 12.9-inch for both generations. The ProMotion technology, which offers adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz, is still there, making everything from scrolling through your feed to drawing with the Apple Pencil feel incredibly fluid and responsive. Seriously, once you experience 120Hz, going back to 60Hz can feel like a chore. The color accuracy, brightness, and contrast ratios are top-notch on both, making them perfect canvases for creative work, movie watching, or just general browsing. The decision here really boils down to whether the subtle refinements of the 2020 model are worth considering for you. While the exterior might look identical, the magic often happens under the hood, and we'll get to that shortly. But for those who prioritize a beautiful, functional design and a stunning display, both the 2018 and 2020 iPad Pros deliver in spades. It's a testament to Apple's design philosophy that a design from a couple of years ago can still feel so current and desirable. The build quality is exceptional, with aluminum unibody construction that feels sturdy and robust. You won't find any creaking or flexing here, just pure Apple craftsmanship. The placement of the speakers is also worth noting; they are strategically placed to provide an immersive audio experience, whether you're holding it in portrait or landscape mode. It's these little details that contribute to the overall premium feel and user experience. So, in terms of pure aesthetics and visual fidelity, the bar was set high in 2018, and the 2020 model continues to meet and exceed those expectations with its unchanging yet excellent design.

Performance: The Powerhouse Upgrade in the 2020 Model

Now, let's talk about where the iPad Pro 2020 vs 2018 comparison gets really interesting: performance. This is where the 2020 iPad Pro truly shines and offers a significant step up. The 2018 model was already a beast, rocking the A12X Bionic chip. But the 2020 iPad Pro? It comes equipped with the A12Z Bionic chip. What's the difference, you ask? The A12Z is essentially an A12X with an extra GPU core enabled. This translates to potentially better graphics performance, which is a big deal for gamers, video editors, 3D artists, and anyone pushing the graphical limits on their iPad. While everyday tasks like web browsing, email, and social media will feel lightning-fast on both, the A12Z offers that extra headroom for more demanding applications. Think smoother rendering in complex projects, faster export times for videos, and a more seamless experience when multitasking with heavy apps. For creative professionals and power users, this performance bump is definitely something to consider. You might not notice a massive difference in basic tasks, but when you start really working the device, that extra GPU power becomes apparent. It's like having a slightly more powerful engine under the hood – it doesn't change how you drive to the grocery store, but it makes a world of difference when you're taking that sports car out for a spin on the track. The Neural Engine in both chips is also incredibly powerful, handling machine learning tasks with ease, which powers features like advanced computational photography (though less relevant for iPads) and smarter app functionalities. So, while the 2018 iPad Pro remains a very capable device, the 2020 model offers a tangible performance edge, especially for those who rely on the iPad for demanding creative and professional workflows. It’s this focus on sustained performance and graphical prowess that sets the 2020 model apart, ensuring that it can handle the most intensive tasks thrown its way with grace and efficiency. This enhanced processing power means longer lifespans for demanding applications and a smoother overall user experience when pushing the device to its limits.

Camera System: A Subtle but Significant Improvement

When we compare the iPad Pro 2020 vs 2018 cameras, it's not exactly a night-and-day difference, but there are some notable upgrades that make the 2020 model the more versatile option, especially for productivity and augmented reality (AR). The 2018 iPad Pro features a single 12MP wide-angle rear camera. It's perfectly capable for scanning documents, taking quick snapshots, or video calls. However, the 2020 iPad Pro steps things up by including a dual-camera system: a 12MP wide camera and a 10MP ultra-wide camera. This ultra-wide lens is a game-changer for several reasons. Firstly, it allows you to capture a much broader field of view, which is fantastic for architectural photography, capturing landscapes, or even just getting more of your workspace into a video call. Secondly, and perhaps more importantly for the future, the 2020 iPad Pro includes a LiDAR Scanner. This advanced sensor uses light to measure distances, dramatically improving AR experiences. Apps that utilize AR will be more accurate, faster to set up, and more immersive. Imagine placing virtual furniture in your room with incredible precision or using AR measurement tools that are far more reliable. For developers and users interested in the cutting edge of AR, the LiDAR scanner is a significant leap forward. While the front-facing camera remains largely the same across both generations (a solid 7MP TrueDepth camera for Face ID and selfies/FaceTime), the rear camera enhancements on the 2020 model make it a more capable tool for content creation and AR applications. So, if you see your iPad Pro as more than just a tablet – if it's a tool for creative work, design, or exploring new technologies like AR – the camera upgrades on the 2020 model are definitely worth considering. It's these seemingly small upgrades that can unlock entirely new use cases and enhance existing ones, making the iPad Pro an even more indispensable device for a wider range of users. The addition of the ultra-wide lens also means you have more flexibility in framing your shots, allowing for creative compositions that weren't easily achievable with the single lens on the 2018 model. This expands the creative potential for photographers and videographers using their iPads on the go.

Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard Support: A Productivity Boost

This is a crucial area when comparing the iPad Pro 2020 vs 2018, especially if you plan on using your iPad for serious work. Both models support the first-generation Apple Pencil, which offers fantastic precision and low latency for drawing, note-taking, and creative tasks. However, the 2020 iPad Pro offers official support for the Magic Keyboard with trackpad. While the 2018 iPad Pro can technically use a Magic Keyboard (via Bluetooth), it doesn't have the same integrated experience. The Magic Keyboard for the 2020 iPad Pro magnetically attaches, charges the keyboard and Apple Pencil (2nd Gen), and features a trackpad, transforming your iPad into a near-laptop-like device. This is a monumental shift for productivity. The cursor support in iPadOS, coupled with the Magic Keyboard's trackpad, allows for more precise cursor control, easier text selection, and a more efficient workflow, especially when dealing with spreadsheets, documents, or complex creative software. If you're looking to replace your laptop or significantly augment your existing computer setup, the 2020 iPad Pro paired with the Magic Keyboard is a compelling package. The 2018 model, while still excellent for stylus input, misses out on this integrated, seamless keyboard and trackpad experience. The second-generation Apple Pencil, which magnetically attaches and charges on the side of the iPad Pro, is also supported by the 2020 model, offering a more convenient charging solution compared to the first-gen Pencil that needed to be plugged into the Lightning port. So, if transforming your iPad into a portable workstation is high on your priority list, the 2020 iPad Pro with its Magic Keyboard and trackpad support is the clear winner. It unlocks a new level of productivity and makes the iPad Pro a much more versatile tool for a wider range of tasks, bridging the gap between tablet and laptop more effectively than ever before. The integration is seamless, making the transition from tablet to laptop mode feel natural and intuitive. This enhanced productivity suite makes the 2020 iPad Pro a truly adaptable device for professionals and students alike.

Battery Life and Connectivity: Keeping You Going

In terms of battery life, both the iPad Pro 2020 vs 2018 models perform admirably, offering around 10 hours of web surfing or video playback on a single charge. Apple has consistently delivered excellent battery performance on their Pro iPads, and these two are no exception. You can expect a full day of moderate use out of either device, which is crucial for anyone relying on their iPad for work or travel. When it comes to connectivity, both models feature Wi-Fi and optional LTE models for cellular data. However, the 2020 iPad Pro does support Wi-Fi 6, which is a newer, faster standard compared to the Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) found in the 2018 model. If you frequently connect to Wi-Fi networks that support Wi-Fi 6, you'll benefit from faster download and upload speeds, as well as improved performance in crowded wireless environments. It’s not a deal-breaker for most, but it’s a nice future-proofing enhancement. Bluetooth connectivity is also present on both, enabling seamless pairing with accessories like the Apple Pencil, keyboards, and headphones. The USB-C port on both models is versatile, allowing for charging, data transfer, and connection to external displays and accessories. Overall, battery performance is a strong suit for both generations, ensuring you can stay productive and entertained throughout the day. The slight advantage in Wi-Fi speed with the 2020 model is a bonus, but the core battery experience remains consistently excellent across both the 2018 and 2020 iPad Pros, making them reliable companions for daily use. The reliability of the battery ensures that users can depend on their device throughout demanding workdays or long commutes without constantly searching for a power outlet. This consistency is a hallmark of Apple's premium devices.

Price and Value: Making the Smart Choice

When we look at the iPad Pro 2020 vs 2018 in terms of price, this is where your personal budget and needs really come into play. The 2018 iPad Pro, being the older model, can often be found at a more attractive price point, especially on the refurbished market or from third-party retailers looking to clear inventory. This makes it an incredibly compelling option if you're looking for high-end performance and a premium tablet experience without breaking the bank. You get a fantastic device that still holds up incredibly well today. On the other hand, the 2020 iPad Pro, with its upgraded A12Z chip, LiDAR scanner, and official Magic Keyboard support, commands a higher price. If these features are essential for your specific workflow – particularly if you're heavily invested in AR, need the absolute best performance for demanding creative tasks, or want that integrated laptop-like experience with the Magic Keyboard – then the extra cost might be justified. It’s all about value for you. Ask yourself: Do I need the absolute bleeding edge? Or will the slightly older, yet still incredibly capable, 2018 model suffice? For many users, the 2018 iPad Pro offers an exceptional balance of performance, features, and price. However, for those who demand the latest and greatest, or whose work specifically benefits from the 2020 model's unique upgrades, the investment is certainly worthwhile. Consider the total cost of ownership, including potential accessories like the Magic Keyboard, when making your decision. Ultimately, both are outstanding tablets, but the