IPad Pro 12.9-Inch (2017) Vs. (2018): Which Should You Buy?

Hey guys! So, you're in the market for a seriously awesome tablet, huh? Specifically, you're eyeing the iPad Pro 12.9-inch models, smart choice! These are the big boys, the powerhouses of the iPad world. But here's the kicker: You've got two main contenders: the 2017 model and the 2018 model. Which one is right for you? Don't worry, I got you covered. In this in-depth comparison, we're going to break down the key differences, the pros and cons, and help you decide which iPad Pro 12.9-inch reigns supreme for your needs. Ready to dive in? Let's go!

Design and Build Quality: A Tale of Two iPads

Alright, let's start with the outside, the stuff you actually see and touch every day. Both the 2017 and 2018 iPad Pro 12.9-inch models are undeniably premium devices. Apple doesn't skimp on build quality, you know? But there are some key visual and structural differences worth noting.

The 2017 iPad Pro: Familiar and Functional

The 2017 model keeps the classic iPad design. You've got the familiar bezels around the screen, especially noticeable on the top and bottom. It's not a bad look, mind you; it's clean, sleek, and unmistakably an iPad. It's built with an aluminum unibody, giving it that solid, premium feel. The physical home button is front and center, also serving as the Touch ID sensor for quick and secure unlocking. In terms of color options, you'll find it in the usual Apple suspects: Silver, Gold, and Space Gray. The iPad Pro 2017 is a well-built tablet that screams quality and attention to detail. However, this is already old news, and the lack of a modern, sleek design is very apparent here. The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2017), featuring those classic bezels and the iconic home button, still holds its own in terms of build quality. However, compared to its successor, the design appears a bit dated. The aluminum unibody construction provides a solid and premium feel, but the thicker bezels are immediately noticeable when set alongside the 2018 model. The color options—Silver, Gold, and Space Gray—are the standard fare for Apple products. While the 2017 model's design is undeniably functional and robust, it lacks the modern aesthetic of the 2018 iPad Pro.

The 2018 iPad Pro: Redefining the Tablet Aesthetic

Fast forward to 2018, and Apple gave the iPad Pro a major makeover. Gone are the chunky bezels, replaced by a nearly all-screen design. This is a game-changer! The display now stretches right to the edges, giving you a much more immersive experience. The home button? History! The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2018) embraces Face ID for unlocking and authentication, seamlessly integrated into the top bezel. The design is sleeker, more modern, and frankly, just plain sexier. The edges are now flat, which gives it a more industrial and professional look. The aluminum unibody is still there, but the overall feel is more refined. The color options remain the same (Silver and Space Gray), but the minimalist aesthetic of the 2018 model makes them pop even more. The 2018 model really pushed the boundaries of tablet design. Its nearly all-screen display and flat edges give it a modern, sleek aesthetic that makes the 2017 model look a bit outdated. Face ID replaced the home button, and its color options are only limited to silver or space gray.

Design Verdict: The Winner

For sheer aesthetics and a more modern feel, the 2018 iPad Pro wins hands down. The all-screen design is a huge upgrade, making the tablet feel more immersive and futuristic. However, if you are not too concerned about the latest trends and you like the physical home button, then the 2017 model is still a very attractive option. The difference is the user experience, where the 2018 model has an edge with its slim design, and a bigger screen, providing more screen space.

Display: Seeing is Believing

Let's talk about the screens, the thing you'll be staring at all day (or at least, a lot of the day!). Both the 2017 and 2018 iPad Pro 12.9-inch models boast gorgeous displays, but there are some critical distinctions that impact the viewing experience.

The 2017 iPad Pro: Stunning Still

The 2017 model features a beautiful 12.9-inch Retina display. It's bright, vibrant, and sharp, with excellent color accuracy. Watching movies, browsing the web, or working on creative projects is a pleasure. It also supports ProMotion technology, meaning it has a dynamic refresh rate that can go up to 120Hz. ProMotion makes everything feel incredibly smooth and responsive, especially when scrolling or using the Apple Pencil. The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2017) features a stunning Retina display that provides vivid colors, excellent sharpness, and impressive brightness. The 120Hz refresh rate, made possible by ProMotion technology, makes scrolling and other visual interactions incredibly smooth. It offers an excellent viewing experience for a variety of tasks, from watching movies and browsing the web to working on creative projects. It has good color accuracy, which makes it ideal for editing photos and videos. Even by today's standards, this display is impressive.

The 2018 iPad Pro: Refined and Enhanced

The 2018 model takes things up a notch. The display is still a 12.9-inch Retina display, but it's been refined. The most noticeable upgrade is the rounded corners, which fit the overall design and make the screen appear even more immersive. The brightness and color accuracy are improved, offering a slightly better viewing experience. Plus, it still features ProMotion, making the interface and all visual elements very smooth and fluid. The biggest change is the increased screen-to-body ratio, thanks to the reduced bezels. This means a more immersive experience, especially when watching videos or playing games. The 2018 iPad Pro retains the great characteristics of the Retina display, such as its amazing color accuracy and brightness. The refined display offers improved brightness, which helps provide an even better viewing experience. The increase in the screen-to-body ratio, due to the reduced bezels, makes for a more immersive experience, which enhances enjoyment when playing games and watching videos.

Display Verdict: The Winner

While the 2017 model has a fantastic display, the 2018 model takes the crown. The improved brightness and the more immersive experience of the edge-to-edge design give it the edge. However, you likely won't be disappointed by the 2017 model's display – it is still beautiful and very functional. If you value the very best screen experience, and the most modern design, the 2018 model is the way to go.

Performance: Power Under the Hood

Let's get into the nitty-gritty: the power! Both iPads are designed for demanding tasks, but they use different processors, which results in different levels of performance.

The 2017 iPad Pro: A10X Fusion Powerhouse

The 2017 model is powered by the A10X Fusion chip, a powerhouse at the time of its release. This chip handles everything you throw at it with ease, from running multiple apps simultaneously to editing photos and videos, and even playing demanding games. It's a very capable processor that will handle most tasks with flying colors. It offers impressive performance and efficiency for everyday use. The A10X Fusion chip ensures smooth multitasking and quick loading times. Even today, the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2017) performs well, handling tasks efficiently and swiftly.

The 2018 iPad Pro: A12X Bionic Unleashed

The 2018 model steps it up with the A12X Bionic chip. This is a significant leap forward in terms of raw power and efficiency. It's considerably faster than the A10X, meaning apps load quicker, multitasking is even smoother, and you can handle even more demanding tasks, like complex video editing or 3D rendering, without breaking a sweat. The A12X Bionic chip in the 2018 model delivers a significant performance boost compared to the 2017 model. Users can enjoy faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and improved handling of demanding tasks. Its enhanced efficiency translates to longer battery life and better overall performance.

Performance Verdict: The Winner

The 2018 iPad Pro is the clear winner here. The A12X Bionic chip delivers a noticeable performance boost, making the tablet feel faster and more responsive, especially with demanding tasks. The 2017 model is still a very capable machine, but the 2018 model offers a significant advantage if performance is a top priority for you. In conclusion, the 2018 model is better, especially for tasks that require a lot of power.

Battery Life: Keeping You Going

Battery life is crucial for any tablet, right? You need a device that can keep up with your busy life. Let's see how these two iPads stack up.

The 2017 iPad Pro: All-Day Endurance

The 2017 model offers impressive battery life. You can expect to get a full day of use out of it, easily. This means browsing the web, checking emails, watching videos, and even some gaming, all without needing to reach for a charger. Apple is known for optimizing its devices for battery efficiency, and the 2017 iPad Pro delivers. The 2017 model provides all-day battery life, which is enough to get through a workday.

The 2018 iPad Pro: Slightly Improved Efficiency

The 2018 model also provides excellent battery life, similar to the 2017 model. However, thanks to the more efficient A12X Bionic chip, the 2018 model can offer slightly better battery life, but the difference isn't huge. You can expect a full day of use with normal usage. The 2018 iPad Pro improves the battery life.

Battery Life Verdict: The Winner

Both models offer great battery life. The 2018 model might have a slight edge due to the more efficient processor, but the difference is minimal. You won't go wrong with either model in terms of battery life. Both iPads will last a full day of work, so, the performance is almost the same.

Accessories: Taking it to the Next Level

Accessories are essential for unlocking the full potential of any iPad Pro. Let's look at how the 2017 and 2018 models handle accessories.

The 2017 iPad Pro: Familiar Compatibility

The 2017 model is compatible with the first-generation Apple Pencil. This is a great stylus for drawing, note-taking, and other creative tasks. It also works with the Smart Keyboard, which transforms your iPad into a makeshift laptop. The 2017 model is compatible with the first generation of Apple Pencil, making it suitable for drawing and writing. It also works with the Smart Keyboard, which turns the device into a laptop.

The 2018 iPad Pro: Embracing the Future

The 2018 model is only compatible with the second-generation Apple Pencil. This new Pencil has a more ergonomic design, attaches magnetically to the side of the iPad for charging and pairing, and offers double-tap gestures for quick access to tools. The 2018 model also supports the new Smart Keyboard Folio, which attaches magnetically and offers a more streamlined design. The 2018 model supports the second-generation Apple Pencil, providing an ergonomic design. The magnetic attachment is used to charge and pair the device. The Smart Keyboard Folio also attaches magnetically.

Accessories Verdict: The Winner

The 2018 model wins because of the second-generation Apple Pencil, but only if you are looking to get the latest tech. If you already have the first generation Apple Pencil, you can still use it on the 2017 model, but you won't get the updated features and design. The 2018 model also offers a newer keyboard design.

Price and Value: The Bottom Line

Let's talk money, the final piece of the puzzle. How do these iPads compare in terms of price and value?

The 2017 iPad Pro: Bargain Hunting

The 2017 model is generally cheaper than the 2018 model, especially on the used market. This makes it an attractive option if you're on a budget. It still offers excellent performance and features, making it a great value. You can find deals on the 2017 model that make it very attractive. The 2017 model is cheaper than the 2018 model. It offers excellent performance and features for a reasonable price.

The 2018 iPad Pro: Premium Price Tag

The 2018 model commands a higher price tag. This is due to its newer design, more powerful processor, and updated features. However, you're paying for the latest and greatest, and the performance upgrades might be worth the extra cost, depending on your needs. The 2018 model has a higher price tag due to the new design, powerful processor, and updated features.

Price and Value Verdict: The Winner

It depends on your budget and needs. If you're on a budget, the 2017 model is a fantastic value. If you want the best performance and features, and price isn't a major concern, the 2018 model is the better choice. Consider the differences in features and price to determine the best value for your needs.

Conclusion: Which iPad Pro is Right for You?

So, which iPad Pro 12.9-inch should you buy? Here's a quick summary to help you decide:

• Choose the 2017 iPad Pro if: You're on a budget, you don't mind the older design, and you don't need the absolute latest performance. The 2017 model is still a very capable tablet at a more affordable price.
• Choose the 2018 iPad Pro if: You want the best performance, the most modern design, the newest features (like Face ID and the second-generation Apple Pencil), and the most immersive display experience. You're willing to pay a premium for the latest technology. It is better, and the best tablet for creative professionals.

No matter which iPad Pro you choose, you're getting a top-of-the-line tablet. The 2017 model provides a great value, and the 2018 model is the more modern choice. Happy shopping!