iPad Pro 2020 vs iPad Pro 2018: What's the Difference?

By Marty Kaufman -

In 2018, Apple redesigned the iPad Pro lineup with a completely new 11 and 12.9-inch tablets. In March 2020, these were refreshed, but the physical dimensions remain the same.

iPad Pro 2020 - front, back, side with keyboard — iPad Pro 2020 vs iPad Pro 2018: What’s the Difference?

Many were waiting for the new iPad to come out, only to get the 2018 version cheaper. What came as a surprise is that Apple released the 11-inch new tablet starting at $799 - the same as what the 2018 11-inch costed. This brings the following questions:

Is it worth the upgrade?
Is the 2018 iPad worth buying in 2020?
What’s different in the 2020 iPad Pro?

What’s Stayed the Same with the New iPad?

Physical Dimensions
The physical dimensions of the two devices have stayed the same and come in 11 and 12.9 inches.

Screen Display
Both the devices also retain the same Liquid Retina displays (2388 x 1688) for the 11-inch and (2732 x 2048) for the 12-inch model. Once again, they feature True Tone and ProMotion technology on board, as well as a P3 wide color gamut.

Apple Pencil & USB-C
Both versions are also compatible with the second generation of Apple Pencil. Also, the Lightning connector has been switched out in favor of USB-C.

iPadOS 14 Update
Both Apple tablets will get the new iPadOS14 update.

iPad Pro 2018 vs iPad Pro 2020 — iPad Pro 2020 vs iPad Pro 2018: What’s the Difference?

What’s Different?

Processor
Apple is touting its new A12Z Bionic chip (the 2018 iPad came with an “X” chip). It has an 8-core CPU and an 8-core GPU. In plain English, this means less heating and more efficiency in terms of running graphic-intensive apps. Also, more efficient processors are suitable for batteries.

Storage & Ram
Storage options start with 128GB instead of 64GB. Also, all the new iPads will come with 6GB of RAM instead of 4GB. (The only expectation for the 2018 model was the 1TB storage version).

Cameras

iPad Pro (2020): 12 MP Wide lens, 10MP Ultrawide lens, 4K video at 24, 30, 60fps
iPad Pro (2018): 12 MP Wide lens, 4K video at 30 and 60 fps only

The camera is a major update, but there is even more, a LiDAR scanner is included in the new iPad. This makes a huge difference for AR (augmented reality) apps.

iPad Pro 2020 - AR preview — iPad Pro 2020 vs iPad Pro 2018: What’s the Difference?

Is an Upgrade Worth It?

Users that already have the 2018 iPad Pro don’t necessarily have to rush for an upgrade. Even the new Apple keyboard that will be released in May will be compatible with the old model.

Apple's New iPad Keyboard — iPad Pro 2020 vs iPad Pro 2018: What’s the Difference?

Is Buying the iPad 2018 Worth It?

For users looking for a cheaper option, yes, it is. The only issue might be finding a new one. However, the refurbished models will be even less expensive, which is even better for budget seekers.

If the iPad 2018 Is Still Worth It, Why Should One Buy the 2020 iPad?

Two years ago, people paid the same amount of money for the iPad 2018. The 2020 model, however, comes with more RAM, a better camera, a better processor, double the base storage option, and offers impressive AR experience. So, if this is going to be your first iPad, or you have an older than the 2018 model, definitely buy the iPad 2020!