iPad 6 (2018, A10 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series)

The iPad 2018 (6th generation) and the iPad Pro 2021 (5th generation) represent distinct tiers within Apple's tablet lineup, released three years apart. While both devices operate on Apple's iPadOS, the iPad Pro 2021 introduces significant advancements in processing power, display technology, and professional capabilities. This comparison will highlight the practical differences to help users determine which device best suits their needs, focusing on how these distinctions impact real-world usage.

The longevity of a tablet is often determined by its hardware's ability to handle current software and the duration of official operating system support. The iPad 2018, released in March 2018, features the A10 Fusion chip and launched with iOS 11.3, with upgradeability to iPadOS 17.2. The iPad Pro 2021, launched in May 2021, is powered by the M1 chip and started with iPadOS 14.5.1.

• Software Support: The iPad Pro 2021, being a newer device with a more advanced processor, is expected to receive software updates for a considerably longer period than the iPad 2018, extending its functional lifespan for modern applications and features.
• Hardware Durability: Both models feature an aluminum body, offering a robust build. The practical lifespan for the iPad 2018 is primarily limited by its older processor's capacity to run newer, more demanding applications, while the iPad Pro 2021's powerful M1 chip ensures it can handle intensive tasks for many years to come.
• Repairability: Both devices, like many modern tablets, are designed with a focus on internal component integration. While specific repairability scores vary, general repairs for components like the screen or battery are feasible through authorized service providers.

Performance is a key differentiator between these two iPad models, largely due to their respective processors and memory configurations.

• Processing Power: The iPad 2018 is equipped with the A10 Fusion chip, which capably handles everyday tasks such as web browsing, email, media consumption, and light productivity applications. It provides a smooth experience for general use and casual gaming. The iPad Pro 2021, however, features the M1 chip, a processor designed for desktop-class performance. This allows it to manage highly demanding applications, complex multitasking, professional-grade video editing, graphic design, and advanced gaming with remarkable fluidity and efficiency.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: The iPad Pro 2021 offers significantly more RAM (8GB or 16GB depending on storage configuration) compared to the iPad 2018's 2GB. This difference translates to a much smoother multitasking experience on the iPad Pro 2021, allowing users to switch between numerous applications without slowdowns or reloads. Applications launch faster and respond more quickly on the M1-powered device.
• Storage Options: The iPad 2018 was available with 32GB or 128GB of internal storage. The iPad Pro 2021 offers a wider range of storage capacities, from 128GB up to 2TB, catering to users with extensive storage needs for large files, projects, and media.

The visual experience on these two tablets differs considerably, primarily due to advancements in display technology over the years.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The iPad 2018 features a 9.7-inch Retina IPS LCD display with a resolution of 2048 x 1536 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 264 pixels per inch (PPI). This provides clear and sharp visuals for general content. The iPad Pro 2021 comes in two sizes: an 11-inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD and a 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED display. Both Pro models offer higher resolutions (2388 x 1668 for 11-inch, 2732 x 2048 for 12.9-inch) and maintain a similar 264 PPI, ensuring crisp images. The 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display, in particular, offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and higher peak brightness, making it ideal for HDR content and professional creative work.
• Refresh Rate and Smoothness: The iPad 2018 has a standard 60Hz refresh rate. The iPad Pro 2021, however, features ProMotion technology, which provides an adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz. This results in noticeably smoother scrolling, more responsive touch input, and a more fluid experience when drawing with the Apple Pencil or playing fast-paced games.
• Brightness and Color: The iPad Pro 2021 displays offer higher brightness levels and wider color gamut support (P3), leading to more vibrant and accurate colors, especially beneficial for photo and video editing. The 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display can reach significantly higher peak brightness for HDR content.

The camera systems on these two iPads cater to different user expectations, with the iPad Pro 2021 offering a more advanced setup.

• Rear Camera Capabilities: The iPad 2018 features an 8-megapixel rear camera with an f/2.4 aperture, capable of recording 1080p video at 30 frames per second. It is suitable for casual photography and document scanning. The iPad Pro 2021 boasts a more versatile dual-camera system, including a 12-megapixel Wide camera (f/1.8) and a 10-megapixel Ultra Wide camera (f/2.4), along with a LiDAR scanner. This setup allows for higher-quality photos, improved low-light performance, and enhanced augmented reality (AR) experiences.
• Front Camera and Video Calls: The iPad 2018 has a 1.2-megapixel FaceTime HD front camera, adequate for basic video calls. The iPad Pro 2021 significantly upgrades the front camera to a 12-megapixel Ultra Wide lens with a 122-degree field of view, featuring Center Stage. Center Stage automatically pans and zooms to keep the user centered in the frame during video calls, even as they move around, providing a more engaging experience.
• Audio Experience: The iPad 2018 includes stereo speakers. The iPad Pro 2021 elevates the audio experience with a four-speaker audio system, delivering richer and more immersive sound, which is beneficial for media consumption and video conferencing.