IPad Pro 2018 Vs. M1: Which Tablet Reigns Supreme?
Alright, tech enthusiasts, buckle up! We're diving deep into the battle of the iPad Pro 2018 versus the M1 iPad Pro. This isn't just a spec-sheet showdown; it's a real-world comparison to help you decide which tablet truly reigns supreme. So, whether you're a creative professional, a student, or just someone who loves cutting-edge tech, let's break down these iPads and see what makes each one tick.
Design and Display: A Visual Feast
Let's kick things off with the visual experience. Both the iPad Pro 2018 and the M1 iPad Pro boast stunning displays, but there are some key differences to note. The iPad Pro 2018 features a Liquid Retina display with ProMotion technology, which dynamically adjusts the refresh rate up to 120Hz. This makes scrolling, gaming, and even just navigating the interface incredibly smooth and responsive. The colors are vibrant and accurate, making it a joy to consume content and work on creative projects.
Now, the M1 iPad Pro takes things up a notch. While it also has a Liquid Retina display with ProMotion, the 12.9-inch model introduces a Liquid Retina XDR display. This XDR stands for Extreme Dynamic Range, and it's not just marketing hype. The M1 iPad Pro's display utilizes mini-LED technology, packing thousands of tiny LEDs behind the screen. This allows for much greater control over brightness and contrast, resulting in incredibly deep blacks and brilliant highlights. Watching HDR content on the M1 iPad Pro is a truly immersive experience. For designers and photographers, this color accuracy and dynamic range is a game changer. Being able to see the minute details of any project is a huge improvement when editing and doing any kind of creative work. While the 11-inch M1 iPad Pro doesn't have the Liquid Retina XDR display, it still benefits from the overall improvements in display technology that came with the M1 generation, offering better color accuracy and brightness compared to the 2018 model.
In terms of design, both iPads share a similar aesthetic with their edge-to-edge displays and slim bezels. The iPad Pro 2018 introduced the flat-edged design that Apple has since adopted across its product line. The M1 iPad Pro maintains this design, so visually, they're quite similar. The build quality is excellent on both, with a premium feel that you'd expect from a high-end tablet. Ultimately, the choice here depends on your priorities. If you prioritize the absolute best display technology, especially for HDR content and color-critical work, the 12.9-inch M1 iPad Pro with its Liquid Retina XDR display is the clear winner. However, if you're happy with a still-excellent display that's slightly less advanced, the iPad Pro 2018 or the 11-inch M1 iPad Pro will serve you well.
Performance: M1's Monumental Leap
Okay, guys, let's talk performance. This is where the M1 iPad Pro truly shines and leaves the iPad Pro 2018 in the dust. The iPad Pro 2018 is powered by Apple's A12X Bionic chip, which was a powerhouse in its time. It could handle demanding tasks like video editing, 3D modeling, and gaming with ease. However, the M1 chip is on a whole different level.
The M1 chip is a system on a chip (SoC) that integrates the CPU, GPU, and other components onto a single chip. This allows for significantly faster performance and improved power efficiency. The M1 iPad Pro offers up to 50% faster CPU performance and 40% faster GPU performance compared to the iPad Pro 2018. In real-world use, this translates to snappier multitasking, faster app loading times, and smoother performance in graphically intensive games and applications. For professionals who rely on their iPads for demanding tasks, the M1 iPad Pro is a game-changer.
Video editors will appreciate the faster rendering times, photographers will benefit from the quicker image processing, and designers will experience smoother performance when working with complex files. The M1 chip also enables new features like Center Stage, which automatically keeps you in frame during video calls, and support for more advanced augmented reality experiences. Beyond the raw performance gains, the M1 chip's efficiency also translates to better battery life. The M1 iPad Pro can easily last through a full day of use, even with demanding tasks. This is a significant advantage for users who are always on the go. If you're looking for the ultimate in iPad performance, the M1 iPad Pro is the clear choice. It's simply in a different league compared to the iPad Pro 2018. The M1 chip offers a monumental leap in performance that will be noticeable in virtually every task you perform.
Features and Functionality: Beyond the Basics
Now, let's delve into the features and functionality of these two iPads. Both the iPad Pro 2018 and the M1 iPad Pro offer a range of features that make them incredibly versatile devices. They both support the second-generation Apple Pencil, which magnetically attaches to the side of the iPad for charging and storage. The Apple Pencil is a fantastic tool for note-taking, drawing, and creative work. Both iPads also have a USB-C port, which allows you to connect to external displays, storage devices, and other accessories.
The iPad Pro 2018 was the first iPad to introduce Face ID, Apple's facial recognition system. Face ID is a secure and convenient way to unlock your iPad and authenticate purchases. The M1 iPad Pro also features Face ID, and it's even faster and more reliable than the 2018 model. One key difference between the two iPads is their storage options. The iPad Pro 2018 is available with up to 1TB of storage, while the M1 iPad Pro can be configured with up to 2TB of storage. This extra storage can be crucial for professionals who work with large files or who need to store a lot of media on their iPad.
The M1 iPad Pro also introduces Thunderbolt / USB 4 support. This allows for faster data transfer speeds and the ability to connect to more demanding peripherals, such as external SSDs and high-resolution displays. Another advantage of the M1 iPad Pro is its 5G connectivity (on cellular models). This allows for faster download and upload speeds when you're on the go. The iPad Pro 2018 only supports 4G LTE. Software support is also worth considering. Both iPads are capable of running the latest version of iPadOS, but the M1 iPad Pro is likely to receive software updates for a longer period of time due to its more powerful processor. Considering all the features, the M1 iPad Pro is better due to its Thunderbolt/USB 4 support, storage options, and 5G connectivity.
Camera Capabilities: Capturing the Moment
When it comes to cameras, both the iPad Pro 2018 and the M1 iPad Pro offer excellent image quality, but there are a few key differences. The iPad Pro 2018 features a 12MP rear camera and a 7MP front-facing camera. The rear camera can record 4K video at up to 60fps, and the front-facing camera supports 1080p video recording.
The M1 iPad Pro sports a 12MP Wide camera and a 10MP Ultra Wide camera on the rear. The front-facing camera is a 12MP Ultra Wide camera with Center Stage. Center Stage is a fantastic feature that automatically keeps you in frame during video calls, even if you move around. The M1 iPad Pro's cameras also benefit from the image signal processing capabilities of the M1 chip, resulting in improved image quality and low-light performance. While both iPads can take great photos and videos, the M1 iPad Pro offers a more versatile and feature-rich camera system.
Battery Life: Powering Through the Day
Battery life is crucial, especially for those who rely on their iPads for work or entertainment on the go. Both the iPad Pro 2018 and the M1 iPad Pro offer excellent battery life, but the M1 iPad Pro has a slight edge thanks to the efficiency of the M1 chip. Apple claims that both iPads can last up to 10 hours of surfing the web on Wi-Fi or watching video. In real-world use, you can expect similar results. However, the M1 iPad Pro tends to last a bit longer, especially when performing demanding tasks. The M1 chip's power efficiency allows it to handle intensive workloads without draining the battery as quickly. So, if battery life is a top priority, the M1 iPad Pro is the better choice.
Price and Value: Weighing Your Options
Finally, let's talk about price and value. The iPad Pro 2018 is no longer sold directly by Apple, but you can still find it on the used market. The price will vary depending on the condition and configuration of the device. The M1 iPad Pro is available new from Apple and other retailers. The price starts at $799 for the 11-inch model and $1099 for the 12.9-inch model. When considering the price, it's important to weigh the features and performance that each iPad offers.
The M1 iPad Pro is significantly more powerful and has a better display (especially the 12.9-inch model). It also has more advanced features like Thunderbolt / USB 4, 5G connectivity, and Center Stage. If you need the best possible performance and are willing to pay a premium, the M1 iPad Pro is the clear choice. However, if you're on a tighter budget and don't need the latest and greatest features, the iPad Pro 2018 can still be a great option, especially if you can find it at a good price. Ultimately, the best value depends on your individual needs and priorities.
The Verdict: Choosing Your Champion
So, after this in-depth comparison, which iPad Pro comes out on top? The answer, as always, depends on your specific needs and budget. If you demand the absolute best performance, a stunning display, and the latest features, the M1 iPad Pro is the undisputed champion. The M1 chip offers a monumental leap in performance, and the Liquid Retina XDR display on the 12.9-inch model is simply breathtaking. However, if you're on a tighter budget and don't need the bleeding edge technology, the iPad Pro 2018 is still a capable device that can handle most tasks with ease. It offers a great display, solid performance, and a premium design. Ultimately, the best iPad for you is the one that best fits your needs and budget. Consider what you'll be using the iPad for, how much performance you need, and how much you're willing to spend. With that in mind, you can make an informed decision and choose the iPad Pro that's right for you.