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

The iPad Pro 2020 and iPad Pro 2021 are premium tablets from Apple, released in March 2020 and April 2021, respectively. Both devices run on Apple's iPadOS, offering a consistent software experience. While they share a similar design aesthetic, the 2021 model introduced a significantly more powerful processor and notable display enhancements, particularly for the larger variant, alongside an improved front-facing camera and updated connectivity options.

When considering the practical lifespan of these tablets, several factors come into play, primarily their release dates and Apple's typical software support.

• Release Timeline: The iPad Pro 2020, released in March 2020, is now over four years old, while the iPad Pro 2021, released in April 2021, is three years old. This one-year difference directly impacts their remaining software support.
• OS Support Duration: Both devices receive regular iPadOS updates. The iPad Pro 2021 is expected to receive software updates for approximately one year longer than the 2020 model, extending its functional lifespan for access to the latest features and security patches.
• Expected Practical Lifespan: Users can anticipate several more years of reliable performance from both tablets. However, the 2021 model offers a slightly longer window for receiving the newest iPadOS features and maintaining optimal compatibility with future applications.

The performance capabilities of the iPad Pro 2020 and 2021 models show a clear progression, with the newer device offering substantial gains for demanding tasks.

• Processor Capabilities: The iPad Pro 2020, equipped with its powerful processor, handles everyday applications, multitasking, and even intensive creative work smoothly. The iPad Pro 2021, however, features a desktop-class processor that delivers a significant boost in speed and efficiency, making it exceptionally responsive for professional-grade video editing, 3D rendering, and complex graphic design.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: Both tablets offer fluid navigation and efficient multitasking. The 2020 model comes with 6GB of RAM across all configurations, which is ample for most users. The 2021 model offers 8GB of RAM for lower storage tiers and a substantial 16GB of RAM for higher storage configurations, providing more headroom for running numerous demanding applications simultaneously without slowdowns.
• Storage Options: The iPad Pro 2020 was available with storage options up to 1TB. The iPad Pro 2021 expanded these options, offering configurations up to 2TB, catering to users with extensive storage needs for large files and projects.

The display quality on both iPad Pro models is high, but the 2021 version, particularly the larger size, introduced a significant advancement.

• Display Technology: Both the 11-inch models of the iPad Pro 2020 and 2021 feature a Liquid Retina IPS LCD with ProMotion technology, offering adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz for smooth scrolling and responsiveness. The 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2021, however, upgrades to a Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED display. This technology provides significantly higher brightness, deeper blacks, and a superior contrast ratio, making it particularly well-suited for HDR content viewing and professional creative work.
• Resolution and Clarity: Both generations offer high-resolution displays that deliver sharp text and clear images, with consistent pixel density across their respective sizes. The 11-inch models have a resolution of 2388 x 1668 pixels, while the 12.9-inch models feature 2732 x 2048 pixels.
• Brightness Levels: The 2020 models and the 11-inch 2021 model achieve a typical brightness of 600 nits. The 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2021's mini-LED display can reach a sustained full-screen brightness of 1,000 nits and a peak brightness of 1,600 nits for HDR content, offering a more impactful visual experience, especially in bright environments or when consuming high dynamic range media.

The camera systems on these iPad Pro models are capable, with the 2021 version bringing a notable enhancement to the front-facing camera experience.

• Rear Camera System: Both the iPad Pro 2020 and 2021 feature a dual-camera setup on the rear, consisting of a 12MP wide lens and a 10MP ultra-wide lens, along with a LiDAR Scanner for enhanced augmented reality experiences and improved depth sensing. The 2021 model adds Smart HDR 3 and extended dynamic range for video up to 30 frames per second.
• Front Camera Performance: The iPad Pro 2020 includes a 7MP TrueDepth front camera. The iPad Pro 2021 significantly upgrades this to a 12MP ultra-wide TrueDepth camera, which enables a feature called Center Stage. Center Stage automatically pans and zooms to keep subjects in view during video calls, even as they move around, enhancing the video conferencing experience.
• Audio Quality: Both generations are equipped with a four-speaker audio system that adjusts sound based on device orientation, providing a rich and immersive audio experience for media consumption. The 2021 model's speakers offer a slightly fuller and crisper sound.