iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Pro (2017, A10 series)

The iPad 2020, also known as the 8th generation iPad, was released in September 2020, positioning itself as a versatile tablet for everyday use. The iPad Pro 2017, specifically the 10.5-inch model, launched in June 2017, was designed with more demanding tasks in mind. While both devices offer the familiar iPadOS experience, key distinctions lie in their display technology, camera capabilities, and overall performance, catering to different user priorities.

When considering the long-term usability of a tablet, software support and physical durability are important factors. The iPad 2020, being a more recent release, benefits from a longer expected period of major operating system updates compared to the iPad Pro 2017.

• Software Longevity: The iPad 2020 shipped with iPadOS 14 and is currently compatible with iPadOS 17.2, with expectations for continued major OS updates for several more years. The iPad Pro 2017, while still receiving security updates for iPadOS 17.x, has reached its limit for major OS upgrades and will not support iPadOS 18.x.
• Physical Durability: Both models feature an aluminum back and glass front. The iPad Pro 2017 has a fully laminated display with an antireflective coating, which can offer a more robust feel and reduced glare in various lighting conditions. The iPad 2020 features a non-laminated display, which means there is a small air gap between the glass and the display panel.
• Repairability: Both devices, like many tablets, present challenges for repair due to their construction. However, the availability of parts and service for the iPad 2020 may extend slightly longer due to its newer release date.

The performance of these two iPads is influenced by their respective processors and RAM, impacting how smoothly they handle applications and multitasking.

• Processing Power: The iPad 2020 is equipped with a newer processor, which provides a notable boost in overall CPU performance compared to the iPad Pro 2017. This translates to quicker app loading and more efficient handling of general tasks.
• Graphics and Multitasking: The iPad Pro 2017, despite its older processor, was designed as a 'Pro' device and features a capable graphics processing unit, which was considered very powerful at its release. It also includes 4GB of RAM, allowing it to manage multiple applications and demanding creative tasks effectively. The iPad 2020 has 3GB of RAM, which is sufficient for most everyday multitasking but may show limitations with very intensive workflows.
• Real-world Responsiveness: For typical daily activities such as web browsing, email, and streaming, both iPads offer a responsive experience. Users engaging in more intensive activities like advanced photo editing, video rendering, or graphically demanding games may notice the iPad 2020's newer processor providing a smoother experience in some scenarios, while the iPad Pro 2017's larger RAM and optimized ProMotion display contribute to its fluid feel.

The visual experience on a tablet is largely defined by its display, and here, the two iPads offer distinct characteristics.

• Display Technology and Smoothness: The iPad Pro 2017 features a 10.5-inch IPS LCD with ProMotion technology, allowing for a refresh rate of up to 120Hz. This results in noticeably smoother scrolling, more fluid animations, and enhanced responsiveness, particularly when using the Apple Pencil. The iPad 2020 has a 10.2-inch Retina IPS LCD with a standard 60Hz refresh rate.
• Clarity and Color Accuracy: Both tablets offer a sharp resolution (2160 x 1620 pixels for iPad 2020, 2224 x 1668 pixels for iPad Pro 2017) with a pixel density of 264 ppi, ensuring clear text and images. The iPad Pro 2017 further enhances the viewing experience with True Tone technology, which automatically adjusts the display's color and intensity to match ambient light, and a wider color gamut for more vibrant and accurate colors. It also has a fully laminated display and an antireflective coating, reducing glare.
• Brightness and Outdoor Use: Both displays offer good brightness levels, with the iPad 2020 reaching up to 500 nits. The iPad Pro 2017's antireflective coating and True Tone feature can make it slightly more comfortable for outdoor viewing or in brightly lit environments.

While tablets are not typically primary photography devices, their cameras are useful for video calls, document scanning, and casual photography. There are clear differences in the camera systems of these two models.

• Rear Camera Capabilities: The iPad Pro 2017 is equipped with a 12-megapixel rear camera featuring an f/1.8 aperture and optical image stabilization, capable of recording 4K video at 30 frames per second. This camera system is comparable to that found in some smartphones of its era, offering good detail and performance in adequate lighting. The iPad 2020 has an 8-megapixel rear camera, which captures acceptable photos and 1080p video at 30 frames per second, suitable for basic needs.
• Front Camera for Communication: For video calls and selfies, the iPad Pro 2017 features a 7-megapixel front-facing camera that records 1080p HD video. The iPad 2020 has a 1.2-megapixel FaceTime HD camera, which is adequate for video conferencing but offers lower resolution for photos and video.
• Audio Experience: The iPad Pro 2017 enhances the media consumption experience with a quad-speaker system, providing richer and more immersive audio. The iPad 2020 features dual speakers located on one side, which can impact the stereo experience when holding the tablet in landscape orientation.