IPad Pro 2017 Vs. 2018: Which IPad Reigns Supreme?
Hey tech enthusiasts! Ever found yourself staring at two shiny iPads, wondering which one deserves a spot in your life? Well, if you're stuck between the iPad Pro 2017 and the iPad Pro 2018, you're in the right place. We're about to dive deep into a head-to-head comparison, breaking down the key differences to help you make the perfect choice. Whether you're a creative pro, a student, or just someone who loves to binge-watch shows, this guide will provide all the insights you need. Let's get started, shall we?
Design and Build Quality: The First Impression
When it comes to design, both the iPad Pro 2017 and iPad Pro 2018 are premium devices, but there are some noticeable distinctions. The 2018 model introduces some sleek refinements that give it a more modern look. The iPad Pro 2018 boasts a thinner bezel, maximizing the screen real estate and making it more immersive. Apple also ditched the home button, embracing the all-screen design with Face ID, offering a seamless and secure unlocking experience. The 2017 model, while still stylish, has slightly thicker bezels and the traditional home button, which some users might still prefer for its familiarity. Both models are constructed with high-quality aluminum, providing a sturdy and premium feel. However, the iPad Pro 2018 is marginally lighter and thinner, adding to its appeal. The edges of the iPad Pro 2018 are also slightly more squared off, giving it a more industrial look compared to the rounded edges of the 2017 model. Both iPads are available in Space Gray and Silver, so you won't miss out on color options. The design changes, although subtle, contribute to a fresh and modern aesthetic for the iPad Pro 2018, making it a desirable upgrade for design-conscious users. Additionally, the shift to Face ID on the 2018 model not only enhances security but also allows for a cleaner front-facing design. This difference in design is one of the first things you'll notice when comparing the two, so it's essential to consider your personal preferences. Do you prefer a classic look with the home button, or do you gravitate towards the minimalist, all-screen design of the iPad Pro 2018? The answer to this question could be a deciding factor.
Size and Weight: Portability Matters
Both iPad Pro generations come in 10.5-inch (2017) and 11-inch (2018) or 12.9-inch sizes, allowing you to choose the size that fits your needs best. The iPad Pro 2018, with its reduced bezels, actually manages to pack a larger display into a body that’s similar in size to the 2017 model. This makes the iPad Pro 2018 feel more modern. The weight difference is slight, but every little bit counts when you're holding your tablet for extended periods. The iPad Pro 2018 is marginally lighter, which improves portability and makes it more comfortable to hold for long durations. For users who prioritize portability, the iPad Pro 2018 gains a slight edge due to its more compact and lighter design. The slim bezels and slightly smaller footprint of the iPad Pro 2018 make it easier to slip into a bag or carry around all day. This is a subtle yet significant advantage, especially if you're frequently on the go. Whether you're commuting to work, traveling, or simply moving between rooms in your house, the iPad Pro 2018 offers a more convenient and less cumbersome experience. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your personal needs. If portability is a top priority, then the iPad Pro 2018 is the better option. If you do not mind a slightly larger device, the iPad Pro 2017 is still an excellent choice, and the minor difference in size and weight might not be a deal-breaker for you.
Display: Visual Experience
Both the iPad Pro 2017 and iPad Pro 2018 deliver stunning visual experiences, but the iPad Pro 2018 has a slight edge thanks to some key improvements. Both models boast gorgeous Retina displays with vibrant colors, excellent brightness, and wide viewing angles. However, the iPad Pro 2018 features a slightly more advanced display technology, including ProMotion. ProMotion technology is one of the most significant upgrades in the iPad Pro 2018. It offers a dynamic refresh rate that adjusts up to 120Hz. This means that animations and scrolling appear incredibly smooth, making the overall user experience much more fluid and responsive. For tasks like gaming and video editing, this difference is especially noticeable. The 2017 model has a standard refresh rate, which is still excellent, but it does not provide the same level of smoothness. The iPad Pro 2018 also features True Tone technology, which automatically adjusts the display's color temperature based on the ambient lighting conditions. This makes the screen easier on the eyes in various environments, reducing eye strain and enhancing readability. Both models support wide color gamut (P3), which means they can display a wider range of colors than standard displays. This leads to more vibrant and lifelike images, making it perfect for creative work and consuming media. In terms of screen size, the iPad Pro 2018 offers slightly more screen real estate due to its thinner bezels, which, in turn, provides a more immersive viewing experience. If you're a creative professional, a gamer, or someone who simply appreciates a top-notch display, the iPad Pro 2018 is the superior choice. The ProMotion technology and True Tone display make a noticeable difference in everyday use, providing a more fluid and comfortable visual experience. The display is a critical component of any tablet, and the iPad Pro 2018 excels in this area, offering an exceptional viewing experience. Both models have excellent displays, but the iPad Pro 2018 simply takes things a step further, providing a superior visual experience overall.
Performance: Power Under the Hood
Performance is a critical factor when choosing an iPad, and the iPad Pro 2018 significantly outperforms the 2017 model. The iPad Pro 2017 is powered by the A10X Fusion chip, which is still a capable processor, handling most tasks with ease. It provides excellent performance for everyday use, including web browsing, video streaming, and running various apps. The iPad Pro 2018, on the other hand, features the A12X Bionic chip, which offers a substantial performance boost. This chip is incredibly powerful, delivering faster processing speeds and improved graphics performance. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a better overall experience for demanding tasks like video editing, gaming, and working with large files. The iPad Pro 2018 also comes with up to 1TB of storage, providing ample space for all your files, media, and apps. The 2017 model offers a maximum storage capacity of 512GB. If you're a power user or a creative professional who needs to run intensive applications and handle large files, the iPad Pro 2018 is the clear winner. The A12X Bionic chip makes a significant difference in performance, especially when handling complex tasks. Even for everyday tasks, the iPad Pro 2018 feels snappier and more responsive. While the A10X Fusion chip in the 2017 model is still very capable, the performance gains of the iPad Pro 2018 are undeniable. Consider your usage patterns: if you're primarily using your iPad for basic tasks like browsing and email, the 2017 model will still perform well. But if you're a power user, the iPad Pro 2018 is worth the investment. It has the edge in terms of processing power, making it the preferred choice for those seeking top-tier performance.
Gaming and Multitasking Capabilities
When it comes to gaming, the iPad Pro 2018 again shines, offering a smoother and more immersive experience due to its powerful A12X Bionic chip and enhanced graphics performance. Games load faster, and frame rates are higher, leading to a more enjoyable gaming session. The ProMotion display also contributes to the enhanced gaming experience by making animations and movements smoother. Multitasking is another area where the iPad Pro 2018 excels. The A12X Bionic chip, combined with the larger RAM, enables users to seamlessly switch between multiple apps without any lag. This is a massive advantage for users who need to work on several tasks simultaneously, like editing a video while also researching online. The iPad Pro 2018 handles multitasking with ease, making it a powerful tool for productivity. In contrast, the iPad Pro 2017 can handle multitasking but might experience slight lag or delays when switching between demanding apps. If you frequently use your iPad for gaming or multitasking, the iPad Pro 2018 is the better choice. It offers a significantly improved experience in both these areas, making it a more versatile and capable device for various use cases. The increased processing power and optimized performance of the iPad Pro 2018 allow it to handle demanding applications with ease, making it a superb choice for those who want the best performance available.
Accessories: Taking Productivity to the Next Level
Both the iPad Pro 2017 and iPad Pro 2018 support a range of accessories that enhance productivity and creativity. However, there are some differences in compatibility. The iPad Pro 2017 supports the first-generation Apple Pencil, which attaches to the iPad via a Lightning port. The iPad Pro 2018 introduced the second-generation Apple Pencil, which magnetically attaches to the side of the iPad and charges wirelessly. The second-generation Apple Pencil offers improved features like double-tap gestures for quick access to tools and a more comfortable grip. The shift to the second-generation Apple Pencil on the iPad Pro 2018 is a significant upgrade, offering a more convenient and intuitive drawing and writing experience. The iPad Pro 2018 also supports the Smart Keyboard Folio, which connects magnetically and offers a more streamlined and comfortable typing experience. The Smart Keyboard Folio is designed to fully protect the device while also functioning as a keyboard. The iPad Pro 2017 supports the first-generation Smart Keyboard, which offers a slightly different design and connection method. The iPad Pro 2018 also has a USB-C port, which allows for faster data transfer speeds and broader compatibility with external devices and accessories, such as displays and external hard drives. The USB-C port also supports charging other devices, making it a versatile addition. If you're planning to use your iPad for creative tasks like drawing, designing, or writing, the second-generation Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard Folio make the iPad Pro 2018 the better choice. The design, features, and functionality of these accessories are specifically optimized for the iPad Pro 2018, providing a superior and more seamless user experience. The iPad Pro 2017 still has access to many useful accessories, but the iPad Pro 2018 offers a more enhanced experience because of the accessories. If you often use accessories to get work done, the iPad Pro 2018 offers a more cohesive and efficient experience.
Apple Pencil and Keyboard Compatibility
The Apple Pencil and keyboard compatibility are key considerations when deciding between these two iPad Pro generations. The iPad Pro 2017 supports the first-generation Apple Pencil, which charges via a Lightning port. This design, while functional, can be inconvenient because the Pencil has to be plugged directly into the iPad for charging. The iPad Pro 2018 supports the second-generation Apple Pencil, which is a significant upgrade. The second-generation Pencil attaches magnetically to the side of the iPad for charging and storage, making it much easier to use. It also features double-tap gestures that allow you to quickly switch between tools. The keyboard compatibility is another point of difference. The iPad Pro 2017 is compatible with the first-generation Smart Keyboard, which provides a functional typing experience. The iPad Pro 2018 is compatible with the Smart Keyboard Folio, which connects magnetically and provides a more seamless typing experience and added protection. The Smart Keyboard Folio is also more stable when typing and offers a better overall design. The second-generation Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard Folio enhance the user experience. The seamless integration of these accessories makes the iPad Pro 2018 an attractive option for creative professionals. If you plan to use your iPad frequently with a pencil or keyboard, the iPad Pro 2018 offers a more advanced and convenient experience.
Battery Life: Staying Powered Up
When it comes to battery life, both the iPad Pro 2017 and the iPad Pro 2018 offer impressive performance, with typical usage providing a full day of use. Apple typically optimizes its devices to balance performance and battery life. Real-world usage can vary depending on factors such as screen brightness, app usage, and background processes. However, both models can handle a day's worth of moderate to heavy usage, making them ideal for work, entertainment, and general use. The iPad Pro 2018 might have a slight edge in battery life due to the efficiency improvements in the A12X Bionic chip, but the difference is minimal in most real-world scenarios. In terms of charging, both models support fast charging, which allows you to quickly replenish the battery when needed. This is a convenient feature for users who are constantly on the go or need their device to be ready to use quickly. Both devices are designed to last a full day of typical use, which is excellent for most users. The battery life is an important consideration, and both iPads provide great battery performance. The slight improvements in the iPad Pro 2018 are not enough to be a deal-breaker. However, if extended battery life is crucial, the iPad Pro 2018 offers some marginal improvements. For most users, the battery life performance of both models will be more than adequate to meet their daily needs.
Price and Value: Making the Right Investment
When comparing the iPad Pro 2017 and iPad Pro 2018, it's essential to consider price and value. The iPad Pro 2018 typically launched at a higher price point than the 2017 model. However, depending on the storage configuration, the prices can vary significantly. You might be able to find the iPad Pro 2017 at a discounted price, which makes it an attractive option, especially if you're on a budget. The value of each iPad depends on your needs. If you are not a power user and do not require the latest features, the iPad Pro 2017 is an excellent choice, providing a great experience at a lower price. However, if you are a creative professional or a power user who requires the latest features, the improved performance, display, and features of the iPad Pro 2018 justify the higher price. It's essential to assess your needs, budget, and the features that matter most to you. The price difference between the two models can be substantial, so it is necessary to consider how you will use the iPad and which features are most important to you. The iPad Pro 2018 offers more advanced features and enhanced performance, which makes it a better investment for some users. The iPad Pro 2017 remains a solid choice. If budget is a key concern, the iPad Pro 2017 is still a highly capable device that can meet most users' needs. Consider the long-term value: will the extra features and performance of the iPad Pro 2018 justify the higher cost in the long run? The answer to this question depends on your individual usage and budget. The iPad Pro 2017 is a great option if you need an affordable iPad, but the iPad Pro 2018 is still the superior choice.
Conclusion: Which iPad Pro Should You Choose?
So, which iPad Pro reigns supreme? The answer depends on your specific needs and budget. The iPad Pro 2018 offers significant improvements in performance, display technology, and accessory support. It is the better choice for power users, creative professionals, and anyone who wants the latest features. The A12X Bionic chip, the ProMotion display, and the second-generation Apple Pencil make the iPad Pro 2018 a more advanced and capable device. However, the iPad Pro 2017 is still an excellent tablet. It provides a great user experience and is a more affordable option. It is a great choice for those on a budget or for users who do not require the latest features. The A10X Fusion chip is still very capable, and the Retina display is beautiful. Consider your priorities: if you value top-tier performance and the latest features, go for the iPad Pro 2018. If you are looking for a more affordable and still capable device, the iPad Pro 2017 is a fantastic choice. Both iPads are premium devices that offer an exceptional tablet experience. So, there you have it, folks! I hope this comparison helps you make the best decision for your needs. Happy shopping!
