iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Pro (2022, M2 series)

The longevity of a tablet is often measured by its software support and physical durability. These two iPads, while both robust, offer different timelines for expected usability.

• Release and Support: The iPad 2021 was released in September 2021, while the iPad Pro 2022 followed in October 2022. This means the iPad Pro 2022 will likely receive major iPadOS updates for approximately one year longer than the iPad 2021. The iPad 9th generation is expected to receive regular iOS software updates until 2026, with security patches and updates continuing until 2028.
• Physical Durability: Both models feature an aluminum back and glass front. The iPad Pro models generally maintain a consistent design across generations, suggesting a similar level of build quality. The iPad 2021 retains a design that includes a physical home button, while the iPad Pro 2022 features an all-screen design.
• Practical Lifespan: For general use, both iPads are built to last several years. However, the iPad Pro 2022's more powerful internal components may allow it to handle future demanding applications and software updates more efficiently for a longer period, extending its practical lifespan for power users.

Performance is a key differentiator between these two Apple tablets, with the iPad Pro 2022 designed for more intensive workloads.

• Everyday Responsiveness: The iPad 2021, powered by the A13 Bionic chip, offers smooth performance for daily tasks such as web browsing, streaming media, and running common applications. Multitasking is generally fluid, and casual gaming experiences are responsive.
• Demanding Applications: The iPad Pro 2022, featuring the M2 chip, provides a significant boost in processing power. This translates to noticeably faster performance for professional-grade applications, complex video editing, advanced graphic design, and high-fidelity gaming. Users engaging in heavy multitasking or running resource-intensive software will experience a more seamless workflow.
• Storage and Memory: Both devices offer various storage configurations. The iPad Pro 2022, particularly in higher storage tiers, includes more unified memory, which further enhances its capability to handle large files and multiple demanding applications simultaneously.

The visual experience varies between these two iPads, primarily due to differences in display technology and features.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The iPad 2021 features a 10.2-inch Retina IPS LCD display, providing clear visuals and good color reproduction for general viewing. The iPad Pro 2022 offers more advanced display options. The 11-inch model uses a Liquid Retina IPS LCD, while the 12.9-inch model boasts a Liquid Retina XDR display with mini-LED technology, delivering deeper blacks, higher contrast, and more vibrant HDR content.
• Brightness and Smoothness: The iPad 2021 has a maximum brightness suitable for indoor use and typical outdoor conditions. The iPad Pro 2022, especially the 12.9-inch model, achieves significantly higher peak brightness, making it more suitable for bright environments and HDR content consumption. The iPad Pro 2022 also includes ProMotion technology, offering an adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz for smoother scrolling and more fluid motion, a feature not present on the iPad 2021.
• Screen Size and Viewing: The iPad 2021 comes with a 10.2-inch display. The iPad Pro 2022 is available in 11-inch and 12.9-inch sizes, providing larger canvases for creative work, media consumption, and multitasking.

While tablets are not typically primary photography devices, both models offer capable camera systems for various uses, with the iPad Pro 2022 providing more advanced features.

• Rear Camera System: The iPad 2021 features an 8-megapixel wide rear camera, suitable for casual photos and document scanning. The iPad Pro 2022 includes a more versatile dual-camera system on the rear, comprising a 12-megapixel wide lens and a 10-megapixel ultra-wide lens, along with a LiDAR scanner for enhanced augmented reality experiences and improved depth sensing.
• Front Camera and Video Calls: Both iPads feature a 12-megapixel ultra-wide front camera with Center Stage, which automatically keeps the user in the frame during video calls. This feature enhances the video conferencing experience on both devices.
• Video Recording and Audio: The iPad 2021 supports 1080p HD video recording. The iPad Pro 2022 offers more advanced video capabilities, including 4K video recording and ProRes video capture and transcoding, making it a tool for content creators. The iPad Pro 2022 also boasts a four-speaker audio system for a richer sound experience, compared to the stereo speakers on the iPad 2021.

Beyond core performance and display, several other features contribute to the overall user experience and utility of these tablets.

• Connectivity and Ports: The iPad 2021 supports Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 4.2, and features a Lightning port for charging and accessories. The iPad Pro 2022 upgrades to Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, offering faster and more reliable wireless connections. Crucially, the iPad Pro 2022 features a USB-C port with Thunderbolt/USB 4 support, enabling faster data transfer speeds and compatibility with a wider range of external accessories and displays.
• Biometric Security: The iPad 2021 utilizes Touch ID integrated into the home button for secure authentication. The iPad Pro 2022 employs Face ID for facial recognition, offering a different method of secure unlocking and authentication.
• Accessory Compatibility: The iPad 2021 is compatible with the 1st generation Apple Pencil and the Smart Keyboard. The iPad Pro 2022 supports the 2nd generation Apple Pencil, which offers features like magnetic attachment and wireless charging, as well as the Magic Keyboard, which provides a more laptop-like typing experience with a trackpad.