iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Pro (2020, A12 series)

The iPad 2021, also known as the 9th generation iPad, and the iPad Pro 2020 (4th generation) are two distinct tablet offerings from Apple, released in September 2021 and March 2020, respectively. While both devices operate on Apple's iPadOS, they cater to different user needs through their design, internal components, and feature sets. The iPad Pro 2020, as a Pro model, generally offers more advanced specifications and capabilities, particularly in display technology and processing power, compared to the more mainstream iPad 2021.

The longevity of a tablet is influenced by its initial build quality, software support, and the demands of evolving applications. These two iPads, despite their different release dates, offer solid foundations for extended use.

• Release Timeline: The iPad Pro 2020 was released in March 2020, making it older than the iPad 2021, which launched in September 2021. This difference in release date means the iPad 2021 will likely receive software updates for a longer period.
• Software Support: Apple typically provides iPadOS updates for many years, often 5-7 years from a device's release. Given its later release, the iPad 2021 is expected to receive official iPadOS updates for approximately one year longer than the iPad Pro 2020.
• Repairability: Both models are designed with Apple's ecosystem in mind, meaning repairs often involve specialized tools and parts. While specific repairability scores can vary, both devices generally require professional servicing for significant component replacements.

Performance is a key differentiator, impacting how smoothly applications run and how efficiently tasks are completed. Both iPads offer capable performance, but the Pro model is designed for more demanding workflows.

• Processing Capabilities: The iPad 2021 features a capable processor that handles everyday tasks, web browsing, streaming, and many popular games with ease. The iPad Pro 2020, however, is equipped with a more powerful processor, designed for intensive tasks such as advanced video editing, graphic design, and running multiple demanding applications simultaneously.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: The iPad Pro 2020 generally offers a smoother multitasking experience and quicker app loading times due to its more robust internal architecture and greater amount of RAM (6GB across all configurations) compared to the iPad 2021 (3GB of RAM). This difference is most noticeable when switching between several complex applications or working with large files.
• Storage Options: The iPad 2021 is available with 64GB or 256GB of internal storage. The iPad Pro 2020 offers more expansive storage options, starting at 128GB and going up to 1TB, providing greater flexibility for users with extensive media libraries or large project files.

The display is the primary interface for interaction, and both iPads offer high-quality visual experiences, though with notable differences in technology and features.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The iPad 2021 features a 10.2-inch Retina IPS LCD display with a resolution of 2160 x 1620 pixels, providing clear and vibrant visuals for general use. The iPad Pro 2020 comes in 11-inch and 12.9-inch variants, both featuring a Liquid Retina IPS LCD display with higher resolutions (2388 x 1668 for 11-inch, 2732 x 2048 for 12.9-inch) and a wider color gamut, offering more accurate and richer colors.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: The iPad 2021 has a typical brightness of 500 nits and includes True Tone technology for automatic color temperature adjustment. The iPad Pro 2020 also features True Tone and a higher peak brightness, making it more comfortable for outdoor use. Crucially, the iPad Pro 2020 includes ProMotion technology, offering an adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz, which results in noticeably smoother scrolling and more fluid motion compared to the iPad 2021's standard 60Hz refresh rate.
• Screen Size and Viewing Experience: The iPad 2021's 10.2-inch display is suitable for everyday tasks and media consumption. The iPad Pro 2020 offers larger screen options, particularly the 12.9-inch model, which provides a more expansive canvas for creative work, detailed content viewing, and split-screen multitasking.

While tablets are not typically primary photography devices, their cameras are increasingly important for video calls, document scanning, and augmented reality applications. There are significant differences in the camera systems of these two models.

• Rear Camera System: The iPad 2021 is equipped with an 8MP wide rear camera, suitable for basic photography and document scanning. The iPad Pro 2020 features a more advanced dual-camera system, including a 12MP wide lens and a 10MP ultra-wide lens, offering greater versatility for photography. It also includes a LiDAR scanner, which enhances augmented reality experiences and improves autofocus in low-light conditions.
• Front Camera and Video Capabilities: Both devices feature a 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage, which automatically keeps the user framed during video calls. The iPad Pro 2020's overall camera system, including its video recording capabilities, is more robust, supporting 4K video recording at higher frame rates compared to the iPad 2021's 1080p HD video recording.
• Audio Experience: The iPad 2021 has stereo speakers. The iPad Pro 2020 features a four-speaker audio system, providing a richer and more immersive sound experience for media consumption and video calls.