IPad Pro 2017 Vs. IPad Pro 2018: Which Should You Buy?

Hey guys! Let's dive into a head-to-head showdown: the iPad Pro 2017 vs. iPad Pro 2018. If you're in the market for a new tablet, especially one of the Pro variety, you've probably wrestled with this very question. Both are fantastic devices, but they have their unique strengths and weaknesses. This article is designed to break down the key differences, helping you make the best choice for your needs. We'll explore everything from the raw specs to the real-world performance, design tweaks, and of course, the price considerations. Let's get started and see which iPad Pro reigns supreme for you.

Design and Build Quality: A Visual and Physical Examination

When it comes to the iPad Pro 2017 vs. iPad Pro 2018, the first thing you'll notice is the design evolution. While both share the sleek, premium aesthetic that defines the iPad Pro line, the 2018 model introduces some significant changes. The 2017 iPad Pro, available in both 10.5-inch and 12.9-inch sizes, maintains the familiar design with slightly thicker bezels around the display. It features a physical Home button, which also serves as the Touch ID sensor for unlocking the device and authenticating purchases. The aluminum unibody construction feels robust and premium, a hallmark of Apple's build quality. The 2017 model is generally a bit more rounded on the edges, making it comfortable to hold for extended periods. The available colors are consistent with Apple's aesthetic, offering a clean and polished appearance.

The 2018 iPad Pro, on the other hand, embraces a more modern and minimalist design. Apple significantly reduced the bezels, maximizing the screen real estate and giving the device a more immersive feel. The Home button is gone, replaced by Face ID, which relies on the TrueDepth camera system for secure facial recognition. This design shift also allowed for the display to stretch to the edges. The 2018 model boasts sharper, squared-off edges, making it look thinner and more contemporary. The overall impression is one of sophistication and technological advancement. You'll also find a new USB-C port replacing the Lightning port, opening up a world of connectivity possibilities with accessories and external displays. This design change subtly but significantly alters how you interact with the iPad.

In terms of build quality, both iPads are exceptionally well-made. The aluminum construction ensures durability, and both feel incredibly solid in hand. The choice between the two often comes down to personal preference. Some users prefer the traditional Home button and slightly more rounded design of the 2017 model, while others are drawn to the more modern aesthetic and edge-to-edge display of the 2018 version. The weight difference is negligible, meaning both are easy to carry around. Both are premium devices, and the physical differences, while apparent, ultimately boil down to what feels best in your hands and what visual style you prefer.

Display: Visual Experience and Technology

The display is a critical factor when choosing between the iPad Pro 2017 and 2018. Both models feature gorgeous, high-resolution displays, but they incorporate different technologies. The 2017 iPad Pro boasts a stunning Retina display with ProMotion technology. ProMotion is Apple's adaptive refresh rate technology, which dynamically adjusts the display's refresh rate up to 120Hz. This results in incredibly smooth scrolling, fluid animations, and a responsive feel when using the Apple Pencil. The display is bright, vibrant, and accurate, making it ideal for everything from browsing the web and watching videos to creative tasks like photo and video editing. The color accuracy is top-notch, rendering images and videos with exceptional detail and realism. The screen is also laminated, reducing glare and improving visibility in direct sunlight.

The 2018 iPad Pro further enhances the display experience. While it also features a Retina display, it incorporates a few key upgrades. The bezels are thinner, creating a more immersive experience, and the display is slightly brighter. The ProMotion technology is still present, providing the same smooth and responsive feel as the 2017 model. The color accuracy is equally impressive, ensuring that images and videos look their best. Moreover, the 2018 model has an anti-reflective coating, which significantly reduces glare and reflections, making it even more comfortable to use in various lighting conditions. This enhancement is particularly noticeable when using the iPad Pro outdoors or in environments with bright light sources. The display on the 2018 model is arguably the best of any tablet on the market at the time of its release, showcasing Apple's commitment to visual excellence.

Ultimately, the display on both models is fantastic. The ProMotion technology makes the experience buttery smooth on both. The 2018 model offers some subtle refinements in brightness and anti-reflectivity, which are welcome additions. Both displays provide outstanding visuals for any task, whether you're working, watching movies, or simply browsing the web. The display, regardless of the version, is a significant selling point for the iPad Pro line, showcasing Apple's dedication to quality visuals.

Performance and Hardware: Power Under the Hood

When evaluating the iPad Pro 2017 vs. iPad Pro 2018 in terms of performance, the underlying hardware plays a crucial role. The 2017 iPad Pro is powered by the Apple A10X Fusion chip, paired with either 4GB of RAM (for the 10.5-inch model) or 4GB of RAM (for the 12.9-inch model). This chip is a powerhouse, capable of handling demanding tasks such as video editing, graphic-intensive games, and multitasking with ease. The A10X Fusion chip features a six-core CPU and a 12-core GPU, delivering exceptional speed and graphics performance. The performance is incredibly smooth and responsive, with apps launching quickly and animations appearing fluid.

The 2018 iPad Pro takes the performance to the next level, featuring the A12X Bionic chip. This chip is a significant leap forward, boasting an eight-core CPU and a seven-core GPU, providing a substantial increase in processing power and graphics capabilities. The A12X Bionic chip is paired with either 4GB or 6GB of RAM, depending on the storage configuration. The 2018 model handles even more demanding tasks without breaking a sweat, allowing for seamless multitasking, faster video rendering, and improved performance in graphically intensive games. The A12X Bionic chip is also more power-efficient, contributing to longer battery life. For professionals who frequently work with large files or perform complex creative tasks, the 2018 model offers a clear advantage in terms of raw power.

In real-world use, both iPads offer impressive performance. The 2017 model is still more than capable of handling most tasks with ease, and is a viable choice for most users. The 2018 model, however, offers a noticeable performance boost, particularly in demanding applications. The choice between the two depends on your specific needs. If you require the absolute best performance for resource-intensive tasks, the 2018 model is the better choice. However, if your needs are more moderate, the 2017 model provides excellent performance at a potentially lower price point. Both models offer a smooth and responsive user experience, showcasing Apple's dedication to delivering top-tier performance in its mobile devices.

Camera Capabilities: Capturing Moments

Let's compare the iPad Pro 2017 and 2018 cameras, which are important for video calls and capturing photos on the go. The 2017 iPad Pro features a 12MP rear camera with optical image stabilization, capable of recording 4K video at 30fps. The front-facing FaceTime camera has a 7MP sensor, which is good for video calls and selfies. The camera quality is excellent, capturing sharp and detailed photos and videos in good lighting conditions. The optical image stabilization helps to reduce blur in photos and videos, especially when shooting handheld. The camera app provides a range of features, including panorama mode, time-lapse video, and slow-motion video.

The 2018 iPad Pro retains the same 12MP rear camera, with 4K video recording, but improves on the front-facing camera with a 7MP TrueDepth camera system. This system enables Face ID and offers improved image quality for video calls and selfies. The TrueDepth camera also facilitates the use of Animoji and Memoji, adding a fun and interactive element to communication. The overall camera performance of the 2018 model is comparable to the 2017 model in terms of image quality. The main improvements are related to the front-facing camera and the addition of Face ID, which enhance the user experience and security. The rear camera remains quite capable for scanning documents or taking photos in a pinch.

While the rear camera specifications are similar, the front-facing camera is a clear win for the 2018 model. The addition of Face ID and the TrueDepth camera system add extra functionality and security. The overall photo quality is good on both, though using an iPad for primary photography isn't ideal. Both models offer a solid camera experience, and the choice depends on whether the benefits of Face ID and improved front-facing camera quality are important to you. The video capabilities are similar, allowing you to capture high-quality footage with either device. The key differences revolve around the front-facing experience and the additional features enabled by Face ID on the 2018 model.

Apple Pencil and Accessories: Enhanced Productivity

When considering iPad Pro 2017 vs. iPad Pro 2018, the compatibility with the Apple Pencil and other accessories is a significant factor, especially if you plan to use your iPad for creative tasks or note-taking. The 2017 iPad Pro is compatible with the first-generation Apple Pencil. This pencil connects via the Lightning port for charging and pairing, and it's a fantastic tool for drawing, sketching, and writing on the iPad. The first-generation Apple Pencil offers excellent precision and pressure sensitivity, allowing for a natural and intuitive drawing experience. The 2017 model also supports the Smart Keyboard, which connects via the Smart Connector and transforms the iPad into a more productive workstation. This keyboard provides a comfortable typing experience, making it easier to write emails, documents, and other text-based tasks.

The 2018 iPad Pro is compatible with the second-generation Apple Pencil. This new version has several improvements over the first generation. It attaches magnetically to the side of the iPad Pro for charging and pairing, eliminating the need for the Lightning port. It features a flat edge, which makes it more comfortable to hold and prevents it from rolling away. It also offers double-tap gestures for quick access to tools and functions. The 2018 model is also compatible with the Smart Keyboard Folio, which offers a more streamlined and protective design compared to the Smart Keyboard of the 2017 model. The Smart Keyboard Folio also provides improved typing comfort. The USB-C port on the 2018 model allows you to connect a wider range of accessories, including external displays, card readers, and USB-C hubs. This offers enhanced productivity and versatility.

The 2018 model offers a more advanced and convenient experience with the second-generation Apple Pencil and a more refined Smart Keyboard Folio. While both models support essential accessories, the 2018 model's charging and pairing mechanism for the Apple Pencil and the USB-C port adds to overall user experience. The choice really depends on the importance of those extras to you and how you plan to use your iPad. For heavy users of the Apple Pencil, the second-generation version is a considerable upgrade. If you do a lot of work that involves using accessories, the USB-C port on the 2018 model offers more flexibility.

Battery Life: Powering Your Day

When we examine the iPad Pro 2017 vs. iPad Pro 2018, battery life is a key aspect for daily use. Both models are designed to provide excellent battery performance, allowing you to use your iPad for extended periods without needing to recharge. The 2017 iPad Pro typically delivers up to 10 hours of web browsing over Wi-Fi, watching videos, or listening to music. The actual battery life can vary depending on your usage patterns, screen brightness, and the types of apps you use. Heavy use, such as gaming or video editing, will drain the battery faster. However, the battery life is generally very good, allowing you to get through a full day of work or entertainment without needing to plug in.

The 2018 iPad Pro also offers impressive battery life, often matching or slightly exceeding that of the 2017 model. Apple claims that the 2018 model offers up to 10 hours of web browsing over Wi-Fi, watching videos, or listening to music. Like the 2017 model, the actual battery life will vary based on your usage habits. The A12X Bionic chip in the 2018 model is designed to be more power-efficient, which helps to optimize battery performance. Both iPads support fast charging, so you can quickly top up the battery when needed. However, you will need to use a compatible charger and cable to take advantage of this feature.

In terms of battery life, both the 2017 and 2018 models offer excellent performance. Both should easily get you through a full day of typical use. The efficiency of the A12X Bionic chip in the 2018 model may provide some slight edge, but the difference is unlikely to be significant for most users. The actual battery life that you'll experience will depend on how you use your iPad. Both iPads can be charged with their included chargers. In general, battery life is not a major factor in choosing between the two, because both will last for a long time.

Price and Value: Making the Right Investment

Price is usually a major factor in the iPad Pro 2017 vs. iPad Pro 2018 decision. The prices of both models have fluctuated since their release, depending on the storage capacity, cellular connectivity, and whether they are new, refurbished, or used. The 2017 iPad Pro, being an older model, typically sells for less than the 2018 model. This can make it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. However, the price also depends on the condition of the iPad. The price range will also vary based on the seller and current market demand. Even with the release of newer iPads, the 2017 iPad Pro offers excellent value for its performance and features. If you don't need the latest technologies, you can often find a great deal on a used or refurbished 2017 model.

The 2018 iPad Pro, being the newer model, generally commands a higher price. The price is reflective of the upgraded features, performance improvements, and the more modern design. The price will vary based on the storage capacity, with higher storage configurations costing more. The cost will also be impacted by whether you opt for the Wi-Fi-only or Wi-Fi + Cellular model. Despite the higher price, the 2018 model offers good value for the features it provides, especially if you plan to use it for demanding tasks or creative work. The premium design, powerful performance, and advanced features justify the price for many users. The investment depends on your budget and how much you value the upgrades. When considering the price, also include the cost of accessories, like the Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard.

The key is to consider your budget and needs. The 2017 model provides excellent value, especially if you're looking for a more affordable option. The 2018 model offers a premium experience with the latest technologies. Carefully consider the features and performance benefits of each model and determine which best fits your needs and budget. Often, it's worth checking the current prices to compare and make the best decision.

Conclusion: Which iPad Pro is Right for You?

So, guys, after this deep dive into the iPad Pro 2017 vs. iPad Pro 2018, which iPad Pro is the best choice? It really depends on what you need. The 2017 iPad Pro remains a fantastic tablet that offers incredible performance, a beautiful display, and a premium design, all at a potentially lower price. It's a great choice for everyday use, creative tasks, and productivity. If you're looking to save some money and still get a top-tier iPad experience, the 2017 model is a great option.

The 2018 iPad Pro is the more advanced model, featuring a more modern design, a more powerful processor, and enhanced features like Face ID and the second-generation Apple Pencil support. It's ideal for those who demand the best performance, appreciate a more immersive display, and want the latest features. It's the right choice for professionals, creators, and anyone who wants the cutting edge of tablet technology. The 2018 model provides a more advanced and refined experience that justifies the higher price for those who value the latest tech.

Ultimately, both are excellent tablets. Consider your budget, your need for the latest features, and the kind of tasks you will be performing to make your decision. Check the current prices and compare the specifications to make the best choice. Either iPad Pro will provide a premium experience. Happy shopping, and hopefully, this comparison has helped you choose the perfect iPad Pro for you!