iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Pro (2022, M2 series)

When considering the longevity of these devices, several factors come into play, primarily their release timelines and the duration of software support.

• Release Timeline: The iPad Pro 2020 was released in March 2020, while the iPad Pro 2022 followed in October 2022. This two-and-a-half-year difference means the 2022 model inherently has a longer potential lifespan for receiving software updates.
• OS Support Duration: Apple typically provides iPadOS updates for 5-6 years from a device's release. The iPad Pro 2022, being newer, is expected to receive software support for approximately two years longer than the 2020 model.
• Practical Lifespan: Both models are built with durable materials, featuring an aluminum casing and robust glass displays. While the physical durability is comparable, the M2 chip in the 2022 model offers more performance headroom, which can be beneficial for future demanding applications and ensures the device remains responsive for a longer period.

The performance of a tablet is central to its user experience, particularly for professional-grade devices like the iPad Pro. Both the 2020 and 2022 models deliver high levels of responsiveness, but the newer model offers a notable advancement.

• Processor Capabilities: The iPad Pro 2020 is equipped with the A12Z Bionic chip, which provides strong performance for multitasking, creative applications, and gaming. The iPad Pro 2022 features the M2 chip, offering a significant boost in processing power, with a faster CPU and GPU, and an enhanced Neural Engine. This translates to quicker app loading, smoother handling of complex projects like 4K video editing and 3D rendering, and more efficient machine learning tasks.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: Both devices handle multiple applications simultaneously with ease. However, the M2 chip's increased memory bandwidth in the 2022 model further refines the multitasking experience, especially when working with large files or numerous demanding applications.
• Battery Behavior: Both iPad Pro models are designed to offer up to 10 hours of web browsing over Wi-Fi or video playback. While the M2 chip is more power-efficient, real-world battery life can vary based on usage, with intensive tasks potentially draining the battery faster on both devices.

The display is a critical component of the iPad Pro experience, and both generations offer high-quality visuals, though with a key distinction in the larger model.

• Display Technology and Resolution: Both the 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2020 models feature a Liquid Retina IPS LCD display with ProMotion technology, offering a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and responsive interactions. The 11-inch iPad Pro 2022 also uses a Liquid Retina IPS LCD display. However, the 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2022 upgrades to a Liquid Retina XDR display, which utilizes mini-LED technology. This provides superior contrast, deeper blacks, and higher peak brightness for HDR content compared to the IPS LCD panels.
• Brightness and Clarity: Both generations offer excellent clarity and vibrant colors. The 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2022's Liquid Retina XDR display can achieve significantly higher brightness levels for HDR content, making it particularly well-suited for professional creative work involving high dynamic range visuals.
• Screen Size and Viewing: Both models are available in 11-inch and 12.9-inch screen sizes, providing expansive canvases for work and entertainment. The ProMotion technology on both ensures a fluid viewing experience across all models.

While tablets are not typically primary photography devices, the iPad Pro models offer capable camera systems for various uses, including augmented reality and video conferencing.

• Rear Camera System: Both the iPad Pro 2020 and iPad Pro 2022 feature a dual-camera setup on the rear, consisting of a 12MP wide lens and a 10MP ultra-wide lens. Both also include a LiDAR scanner, which enhances augmented reality experiences and improves depth sensing for photography.
• Front Camera and Video Calls: The iPad Pro 2020 has a 7MP TrueDepth front camera. The iPad Pro 2022 upgrades to a 12MP ultra-wide front camera with Center Stage, which automatically keeps the user in frame during video calls. This offers improved quality for video conferencing and selfies.
• Video Recording Capabilities: The iPad Pro 2022 introduces support for ProRes video recording, allowing for higher-quality video capture and more flexibility in post-production. This feature is particularly beneficial for content creators.

Beyond core performance and display, several practical elements differentiate these iPad Pro models, impacting daily use and connectivity.

• Connectivity Options: The iPad Pro 2020 supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0, with optional 4G LTE cellular connectivity. The iPad Pro 2022 enhances this with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, offering faster wireless speeds and improved efficiency. The cellular models of the 2022 iPad Pro also support 5G, providing faster mobile data speeds where available.
• Port Types: Both models feature a USB-C port. However, the iPad Pro 2022's USB-C port supports Thunderbolt/USB 4, which enables significantly faster data transfer speeds for external drives and higher-resolution external display output compared to the USB-C port on the 2020 model.
• Useful Sensors and Accessories: Both devices include Face ID for secure authentication and a LiDAR scanner for advanced augmented reality. The iPad Pro 2022 introduces the Apple Pencil Hover feature, allowing the display to detect the Apple Pencil hovering above the screen, which can be useful for precision tasks and creative applications. Both are compatible with the second-generation Apple Pencil and the Magic Keyboard.