iPad 10 (2022, A14 series) vs iPad Pro (2024, M4 series)

The iPad 2022, also known as the 10th generation iPad, and the iPad Pro 2024 with the M4 series chip represent distinct tiers within Apple's tablet lineup. Released in October 2022, the iPad 2022 offers a capable experience for everyday tasks, while the iPad Pro 2024, launched in May 2024, is designed for demanding professional workflows and advanced creative endeavors. Both devices operate on iPadOS, providing a consistent software experience, but they differ significantly in their underlying hardware and capabilities.

The longevity of a tablet is influenced by its release timeline, software support, and physical design. These two iPads offer different expectations in terms of their practical lifespan.

• Release Timeline: The iPad 2022 was released in October 2022, while the iPad Pro 2024 launched in May 2024. This nearly two-year difference means the iPad Pro 2024 will likely receive software updates for a longer period, extending its functional life.
• Software Longevity: Both devices run iPadOS, with the iPad Pro 2024 benefiting from a newer, more powerful processor that typically ensures compatibility with future software iterations for an extended duration. The iPad 2022, with its A14 Bionic chip, will continue to receive updates but may see its support end sooner than the M4-equipped Pro model.
• Physical Durability: Both iPads feature robust aluminum enclosures. The iPad Pro 2024 is notably thinner and lighter, particularly the 13-inch model, which is the thinnest Apple device to date. While both are designed for daily use, the Pro models often incorporate more advanced materials and construction for enhanced resilience.

Performance is a key differentiator between these two tablets, impacting how smoothly they handle various applications and tasks.

• Processing Power: The iPad 2022 is equipped with a capable A14 Bionic chip, which handles everyday applications, web browsing, and casual gaming with ease. The iPad Pro 2024, however, features the M4 chip, offering a significant leap in processing power, designed for intensive tasks like 4K video editing, 3D rendering, and complex multitasking.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: For users who frequently switch between multiple demanding applications or work with large files, the iPad Pro 2024's M4 chip and higher RAM configurations provide a noticeably smoother and more responsive experience. The iPad 2022 remains efficient for typical multitasking but may show limitations with professional-grade software.
• Storage Options: The iPad 2022 offers storage capacities of 64GB and 256GB, suitable for general use and media consumption. The iPad Pro 2024 starts at 256GB and extends up to 2TB, catering to professionals who require substantial space for large projects and extensive media libraries.

The visual experience on these two iPads varies considerably due to differences in their display technologies and specifications.

• Display Technology: The iPad 2022 features a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD display, offering good color accuracy and brightness for general use. The iPad Pro 2024 introduces the Ultra Retina XDR display, which utilizes tandem OLED technology, providing superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors.
• Brightness and Clarity: The iPad 2022 has a typical brightness of 500 nits, which is adequate for indoor and some outdoor viewing. The iPad Pro 2024 boasts a sustained brightness of 1000 nits for SDR content and a peak of 1600 nits for HDR content, making it exceptionally bright and clear even in challenging lighting conditions.
• Refresh Rate and Smoothness: The iPad 2022 has a standard 60Hz refresh rate. The iPad Pro 2024 incorporates ProMotion technology, offering an adaptive refresh rate that can scale from 10Hz to 120Hz. This results in noticeably smoother scrolling, more fluid animations, and a more responsive touch experience, particularly beneficial for creative work and gaming.

Both iPads include capable camera systems, but the iPad Pro 2024 offers more advanced features tailored for professional use and enhanced video conferencing.

• Rear Camera System: The iPad 2022 features a 12MP wide rear camera capable of 4K video recording. The iPad Pro 2024 also has a 12MP wide rear camera, but it includes an Adaptive True Tone flash and a LiDAR Scanner, which enhances depth sensing for augmented reality applications and improves autofocus in low-light conditions.
• Front Camera and Video Calls: Both models feature a 12MP ultrawide front camera positioned on the landscape edge, which is ideal for video calls and supports Center Stage, keeping the user in frame as they move. The iPad Pro 2024's front camera also integrates Face ID for secure authentication.
• Video Recording Capabilities: While both can record 4K video, the iPad Pro 2024 supports ProRes video recording, offering higher quality and more flexibility for professional video editors. It also includes features like audio zoom and stereo recording for improved sound capture.