iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Pro (2024, M4 series)

The iPad 2021, also known as the 9th generation iPad, and the iPad Pro 2024 (M4 Series) represent distinct tiers within Apple's tablet lineup. Released in September 2021, the iPad 2021 is designed for general use, offering a balance of performance and features for everyday tasks. In contrast, the iPad Pro 2024, launched in May 2024, is engineered for demanding professional workflows and advanced creative endeavors. These devices operate on iPadOS, but their core hardware differences lead to varied user experiences, particularly in processing power, display technology, and accessory compatibility.

The practical lifespan of a tablet is influenced by its release timeline, software support, and physical durability. The iPad 2021 and iPad Pro 2024 offer different expectations in these areas.

• Release Timeline: The iPad 2021 was released in September 2021 and was discontinued in May 2024, while the iPad Pro 2024 was released in May 2024. This difference in launch dates means the iPad Pro 2024 benefits from a newer hardware foundation and a longer period of anticipated software support.
• Software Longevity: Both devices run iPadOS. The iPad 2021 launched with iPadOS 15 and currently supports iPadOS 17.4.1, while the iPad Pro 2024 launched with iPadOS 17.4 and currently supports iPadOS 26.4.1. Generally, newer devices receive software updates for a longer duration, suggesting the iPad Pro 2024 will continue to receive major iPadOS updates for several years beyond the iPad 2021.
• Physical Durability: Both models feature an aluminum back and glass front. The iPad Pro 2024 is notably thinner and lighter than the iPad 2021, with the 13-inch model being Apple's thinnest device.

The performance capabilities of these two iPads vary significantly, impacting how they handle different tasks, from casual browsing to intensive professional applications.

• Processing Power: The iPad 2021 is equipped with a capable processor that handles everyday applications, web browsing, and casual gaming smoothly. The iPad Pro 2024 features a significantly more advanced processor, designed for demanding tasks such as 4K video editing, complex 3D rendering, and running multiple professional applications simultaneously without slowdowns.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: The iPad 2021 offers sufficient responsiveness for typical multitasking, such as switching between a few apps. The iPad Pro 2024, with its enhanced processing power and greater memory configurations, provides a fluid experience for extensive multitasking, managing numerous applications, and handling large files with ease.
• Storage and Memory: The iPad 2021 is available with up to 256GB of internal storage and 3GB of RAM. The iPad Pro 2024 offers storage options up to 2TB and up to 16GB of RAM, catering to users who require substantial space for large projects and more memory for intensive applications.

The visual experience on these two tablets differs considerably due to their distinct display technologies and features.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The iPad 2021 features a 10.2-inch Retina IPS LCD display, offering clear visuals and good color reproduction for general use. The iPad Pro 2024 introduces an Ultra Retina XDR display, which utilizes tandem OLED technology. This results in deeper blacks, higher contrast, and more vibrant colors, providing a more immersive viewing experience.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: The iPad 2021 has a typical brightness of 500 nits. The iPad Pro 2024 offers a significantly brighter display, reaching up to 1000 nits for standard content and a peak of 1600 nits for HDR content, making it suitable for various lighting conditions. Additionally, the iPad Pro 2024 features ProMotion technology, providing adaptive refresh rates from 10Hz to 120Hz for smoother scrolling and more responsive interactions, a feature not present on the iPad 2021.
• Screen Size and Viewing Experience: The iPad 2021 comes with a 10.2-inch display. The iPad Pro 2024 is available in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes, offering larger screen real estate for creative work and media consumption.

The camera systems on the iPad 2021 and iPad Pro 2024 are designed for different user needs, with the Pro model offering more advanced capabilities.

• Rear Camera Capabilities: The iPad 2021 includes an 8MP wide rear camera suitable for scanning documents and casual photography in good lighting. The iPad Pro 2024 features a 12MP wide rear camera with a larger aperture, an Adaptive True Tone flash, and a LiDAR Scanner, enhancing low-light performance, depth sensing for augmented reality, and overall image quality.
• Front Camera and Video Calling: Both models feature a 12MP ultra-wide front camera with Center Stage, which automatically keeps the user framed during video calls. The iPad Pro 2024's front camera is positioned on the landscape edge, optimizing it for video conferencing when the device is used with a keyboard or in landscape orientation.
• Video Recording Quality: The iPad 2021 supports 1080p HD video recording. The iPad Pro 2024 is capable of recording 4K video at 60 frames per second, offering higher detail and smoother motion for video content creation.