iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series)

The iPad 2020 (8th generation) and the iPad Pro 2021 represent different tiers within Apple's tablet lineup, released in consecutive years. While both devices run on iPadOS and offer a versatile tablet experience, the iPad Pro 2021 introduces a significantly more powerful internal architecture and advanced display technology, catering to users with more demanding needs. The iPad 2020, on the other hand, provides a solid foundation for everyday tasks.

The iPad 2020, released in September 2020, and the iPad Pro 2021, launched in May 2021, offer different timelines for software support and overall practical lifespan. The newer release of the iPad Pro 2021 generally translates to an additional year of major iPadOS updates compared to the iPad 2020, extending its software longevity. Both devices are built with Apple's quality standards, but the Pro model often features more robust materials and design elements.

• Software Updates: The iPad Pro 2021, being a year newer, is expected to receive major iPadOS updates for a longer duration, potentially offering an extra year of new features and security patches. The iPad 2020 shipped with iPadOS 14 and is upgradeable to iPadOS 17.2.
• Repairability: Both models generally present a moderate challenge for repairs, with components often glued in place. However, official service options are available for both, ensuring continued support for hardware issues.
• Practical Lifespan: Users can expect several years of reliable performance from both tablets. The iPad Pro 2021's more advanced components may offer a smoother experience for demanding applications further into its lifespan.

The performance capabilities of these two iPads differ significantly due to their respective processors, impacting how they handle various tasks from casual browsing to intensive creative work. The iPad 2020 is equipped to manage daily activities and light multitasking, while the iPad Pro 2021 is designed for professional-grade applications and heavy workloads.

• Processing Power: The iPad Pro 2021 features a desktop-class processor, enabling it to handle complex video editing, 3D rendering, and graphic design applications with remarkable speed and efficiency. The iPad 2020 provides smooth performance for web browsing, streaming, and most productivity apps thanks to its capable processor.
• Multitasking: Users will experience more fluid multitasking on the iPad Pro 2021, especially when running multiple demanding applications simultaneously, thanks to its more capable internal architecture and larger memory configurations (up to 16GB RAM). The iPad 2020 handles split-screen tasks adequately for lighter use with 3GB of RAM.
• Storage Options: The iPad Pro 2021 offers a wider range of storage capacities, extending up to 2TB, which is beneficial for professionals dealing with large files. The iPad 2020 provides more modest storage options of 32GB or 128GB, suitable for general use.

The display technologies on the iPad 2020 and iPad Pro 2021 present distinct visual experiences, with the Pro model offering significant advancements in clarity, brightness, and responsiveness. These differences are particularly noticeable in media consumption, creative work, and outdoor usage.

• Display Technology: The iPad 2020 features a 10.2-inch Retina IPS LCD display, offering good color accuracy and viewing angles. The iPad Pro 2021 (12.9-inch model) utilizes a Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED display, providing superior contrast, deeper blacks, and higher peak brightness for HDR content. The 11-inch iPad Pro 2021 uses a Liquid Retina IPS LCD with enhanced brightness and ProMotion.
• Refresh Rate: The iPad Pro 2021 includes ProMotion technology, which offers an adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz, resulting in smoother scrolling, more responsive touch input, and a more fluid visual experience. The iPad 2020 has a standard 60Hz refresh rate.
• Brightness and Clarity: The iPad Pro 2021 models offer higher typical brightness (600 nits for 11-inch, 1000 nits for 12.9-inch) and peak brightness (1600 nits for 12.9-inch HDR content), making them more suitable for outdoor use or viewing HDR content. The iPad 2020 offers 500 nits brightness.

The camera systems on the iPad 2020 and iPad Pro 2021 are designed for different purposes, with the Pro model offering a more comprehensive and advanced setup for photography, video, and augmented reality applications. The iPad 2020's cameras are suitable for casual use and video calls.

• Rear Camera System: The iPad Pro 2021 features a dual-camera system with a 12MP wide and 10MP ultrawide lenses, along with a LiDAR Scanner for enhanced depth sensing and augmented reality experiences. The iPad 2020 has a single 8MP wide-angle rear camera.
• Front Camera and Video Calls: The iPad Pro 2021 includes a 12MP ultrawide front camera with Center Stage, which automatically keeps subjects in the frame during video calls. The iPad 2020 has a 1.2MP front-facing camera suitable for basic video conferencing.
• Video Recording: The iPad Pro 2021 supports 4K video recording at various frame rates and more advanced video recording features. The iPad 2020 records 1080p video at 30 frames per second.