IPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021) Vs. (2022): Which Should You Buy?

Hey everyone, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the iPad Pro 12.9-inch models from 2021 and 2022! If you're eyeing a premium tablet and trying to decide between these two powerhouses, you're in the right place. We'll break down the key differences to help you make the best choice. This comparison is packed with info to make sure you know exactly what you're getting. So, whether you're a creative pro, a student, or just someone who loves a fantastic display, let's see which iPad Pro reigns supreme.

Design and Build Quality: What's Changed?

Let's kick things off by talking about the design and build quality of the iPad Pro 12.9-inch 2021 vs. 2022 models. Honestly, at first glance, you might struggle to tell these two apart. Both iPads sport the same sleek, modern design with flat edges, a full-screen display, and a premium aluminum build. They're both seriously gorgeous, feeling super solid and high-end in your hands. The placement of the buttons, the speaker grilles, and the USB-C port remain identical. So, in terms of the overall look and feel, it's a tie – both are undeniably premium tablets that will turn heads. The 2022 model doesn’t introduce any significant design changes, so if you already love the look of the 2021 model, you'll feel right at home. The weight and dimensions are also almost identical, so there's no real difference in portability or comfort. The finish on the aluminum is also the same – it resists fingerprints pretty well and feels great to the touch. The design consistency is a testament to Apple's commitment to a refined aesthetic. The 2022 model, with its unchanged design, maintains the same level of elegance and sophistication that users appreciated in the 2021 version, ensuring that the latest iteration feels just as premium. If design is a major factor, both models deliver an outstanding experience. Both the 2021 and 2022 models have the same level of durability. They're both robust devices capable of withstanding the rigors of daily use. They both feature the same display technology, offering the same level of visual clarity and vibrant colors. Overall, the design is one of the areas where the 2021 and 2022 iPad Pros are very similar. The consistent build quality ensures that you're getting a top-tier tablet experience, regardless of the year. This ensures that users enjoy the same high-quality feel and visual appeal. This means you won’t feel like you’re missing out, even if you opt for the slightly older model.

Display: The Mini-LED Difference

Alright, let's talk about the display, which is where things get a bit more interesting, especially if you're a fan of visual quality. Both the 2021 and 2022 iPad Pro 12.9-inch models boast a stunning Liquid Retina XDR display, but there's a key difference in the 2021 model. The 2021 iPad Pro introduced the mini-LED backlighting technology, which offers incredible contrast ratios and a peak brightness that's absolutely jaw-dropping, specifically when it comes to HDR content. This results in deeper blacks and more vibrant colors, making images and videos pop like never before. The 2022 model keeps the same mini-LED technology, ensuring that you still get that phenomenal visual experience. The 2022 model has minor display improvements. The mini-LED technology, combined with features like ProMotion (which offers a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and animations) makes both displays an absolute joy to use. Both models provide excellent color accuracy and wide color gamut support, making them perfect for creative tasks like photo and video editing. The screens are responsive and make the overall user experience very fluid. Whether you're watching movies, gaming, or working on creative projects, the display on both models is designed to impress. You'll get a vibrant and immersive experience with either the 2021 or the 2022 models. The high refresh rate of the ProMotion technology makes the on-screen experience exceptionally smooth, enhancing both work and entertainment activities. The mini-LED backlighting creates an image with vivid colors. The display technology ensures that the visual output is both dynamic and visually stunning. This feature is particularly noticeable when you're viewing high-dynamic-range content. The 2021 and 2022 models both provide a display experience that is excellent for all sorts of creative and entertainment purposes. If you're coming from an older iPad, prepare to be amazed by the improvement in visual quality. The enhanced visual experience makes this a perfect choice for multimedia consumption. The displays are optimized for both creative professionals and casual users.

Performance: M1 vs. M2 Chips

Now, let's get into the performance – the heart of the iPad Pro experience! The 2021 iPad Pro 12.9-inch is powered by the M1 chip. This chip was a game-changer when it was released, offering a massive performance leap over previous iPad models. The M1 chip handles everything with ease, from demanding creative apps to complex multitasking. You can edit 4K video, run multiple apps side-by-side, and play graphics-intensive games without any lag or slowdown. The M1 chip offers serious power that will handle pretty much anything you throw at it. Moving to the 2022 model, Apple upgraded to the M2 chip. The M2 chip offers incremental performance improvements over the M1. You can expect faster processing speeds, improved graphics performance, and enhanced machine learning capabilities. The M2 chip makes the 2022 iPad Pro feel even snappier and more responsive. The M2 chip is able to handle tasks even quicker and more efficiently than the M1. If you're a power user or a creative professional who needs the absolute best performance, the M2 chip in the 2022 model gives you a slight edge. The M2 chip enhances performance. The differences between the M1 and M2 chips might not be immediately noticeable in everyday use. The M2 chip’s improvements shine when tackling the most demanding tasks. The M2 chip's faster performance allows for smoother handling. The M2 has an advantage in scenarios that require heavy graphics or intensive processing. The newer chip offers some noticeable advantages when you're working with complex files or doing heavy multitasking. The overall performance experience is significantly improved with the M2. The M2 chip also boasts improved image processing capabilities. The M2 chip supports advanced features that can enhance your workflows. The M2 chip makes sure that the device is running smoothly, even with complex projects.

Cameras and Audio: Capturing Moments and Immersive Sound

Let’s move on to the cameras and audio. Apple has always been serious about the camera systems in its iPad Pros, and these models are no exception. Both the 2021 and 2022 iPad Pro 12.9-inch models feature a similar camera setup on the back: a 12MP wide camera and a 10MP ultrawide camera. These cameras capture great photos and videos in various lighting conditions. They're capable of recording 4K video. Both models support features like Smart HDR and can take stunning shots. The front-facing camera on both models has been upgraded with the Ultra Wide camera, which enables Center Stage. Center Stage is an awesome feature that automatically keeps you in the frame during video calls, even as you move around. This makes video calls and conferences much more engaging and dynamic. The audio experience on both iPads is fantastic, thanks to the four-speaker audio system. The sound is loud, clear, and offers a wide soundstage, making it perfect for watching movies or listening to music. Both models provide an amazing audio experience that enhances your multimedia enjoyment. The quality of both the front and rear cameras ensures that all your photos and videos are of the highest quality. With the addition of Center Stage, the experience of having video calls is enhanced. The audio system provides an immersive soundscape that makes media consumption more enjoyable. The cameras on both models are excellent for video conferencing, photography, and video recording. The enhanced audio capabilities, paired with the quality of the cameras, offer a complete multimedia experience. The speakers are placed strategically, allowing for an optimal sound experience. Both the 2021 and 2022 iPad Pros deliver a great camera and audio experience.

Battery Life: Staying Powered Up

Battery life is another important consideration. Both the 2021 and 2022 iPad Pro 12.9-inch models offer excellent battery life. You can expect to get up to 10 hours of web browsing or video playback on a single charge. The real-world battery life will depend on how you use your iPad. The battery life is strong enough to last through a full day of use for most users. Apple has always optimized its devices for battery efficiency, and these iPads are no exception. You can easily get through a full workday of work or a long flight without needing to reach for a charger. The battery performance is great for both productivity and entertainment. Both models provide consistent battery performance, making them ideal for all-day use. Battery life is a crucial factor for mobile devices. The battery on these models is optimized for extended use. Both iPad Pro models offer reliable battery performance.

Accessories and Features: Expanding Your iPad Experience

Let's discuss accessories and features. Both the 2021 and 2022 iPad Pro 12.9-inch models support the Apple Pencil (2nd generation) and the Magic Keyboard. The Apple Pencil enhances your creativity. The Magic Keyboard turns your iPad into a laptop-like experience. These accessories add a whole new dimension to your iPad experience, making it even more versatile. The 2022 model is compatible with the latest version of the Apple Pencil, which offers some minor upgrades, like a new hover feature. The hover feature lets you see a preview of your strokes before you make them, which is cool for artists and designers. The 2022 model offers slightly improved connectivity options. Both models run iPadOS, which is packed with features. Both models offer a seamless and integrated experience with these accessories. The combination of hardware and software enhancements makes the iPad Pro models a fantastic option. The latest iPadOS features ensure that your device stays updated with all the latest functionalities. The compatibility with the latest accessories allows you to get the most out of your device. These accessories enhance productivity and allow for new creative options.

Price and Value: Making Your Decision

Price and value play a huge role in the buying decision. The 2021 iPad Pro is now available at a lower price than the 2022 model. This makes it an attractive option, especially if you're on a budget. You're getting a ton of value with the 2021 model. The 2022 model is the latest and greatest, so you can expect to pay a premium. Consider your needs and budget when making the final call. If you're looking for the absolute best performance and the latest features, the 2022 model is the way to go. If you're willing to save some money and still get an amazing tablet experience, the 2021 model is a fantastic choice. The 2021 model offers exceptional value, especially considering the performance and features it offers. Evaluate the long-term value and how the device will meet your needs. Both models offer excellent value, but the best choice depends on your individual needs and budget. The price difference between the models can be a significant factor for some buyers.

Conclusion: Which iPad Pro 12.9-inch Should You Choose?

So, which iPad Pro 12.9-inch should you choose in the end? Here’s a quick recap to help you decide. If you want the absolute best performance and the latest features, and budget isn't a major concern, the 2022 iPad Pro is the better choice. It has a slight edge in performance and some minor feature improvements. However, if you're looking for great value and the best bang for your buck, the 2021 iPad Pro is still an amazing tablet. The M1 chip is still incredibly powerful, and the display is just as stunning. Both models offer an amazing display, excellent performance, and a premium build quality. Consider your needs and budget. Both are excellent choices! Whether you choose the 2021 or the 2022 model, you're getting a top-of-the-line tablet experience. Decide what your priorities are. Ultimately, the best iPad Pro for you is the one that best fits your needs and budget. Enjoy your new iPad Pro! No matter which one you choose, you're in for a treat.