iPad 6 (2018, A10 series) Vs iPad Pro (2018, A12 series)

The iPad 2018 (6th Generation) and the iPad Pro 2018 represent distinct tiers within Apple's tablet lineup from the same year. While both devices offer the familiar iPadOS experience, the iPad Pro 2018, released in October, introduced significant advancements in display technology, processing power, and accessory support compared to the more budget-friendly iPad 2018, launched in March. These differences cater to varying user needs, from everyday tasks to demanding professional workflows.

When considering the longevity of these devices, both tablets, released in 2018, have received consistent software updates, extending their practical lifespan. The iPad 2018 shipped with iOS 11.3 and is upgradeable to iPadOS 17.x, while the iPad Pro 2018 launched with iOS 12 and also supports iPadOS 17.x. [2, 12, 13]

• Software Support: Both models have demonstrated robust software support, receiving major iPadOS updates for several years, ensuring access to current features and security enhancements. The iPad Pro, being a more premium device, might receive updates for a slightly longer period, though both are nearing the end of their major OS update cycle.
• Physical Durability: The iPad 2018 features a traditional aluminum unibody design. The iPad Pro 2018, while also featuring an aluminum frame, introduced a thinner design with flatter edges. [15, 25] Neither device includes advanced screen protection like Ceramic Shield, which was introduced in later models.
• Expected Lifespan: Users can expect both tablets to remain functional for general use for several more years, particularly for tasks that do not require the absolute latest software features or intensive processing power. The iPad Pro's more powerful internals may offer a smoother experience for longer with newer applications.

The performance capabilities of these two tablets reflect their intended use cases, with the iPad Pro 2018 offering a substantial upgrade in processing power.

• Everyday Responsiveness: The iPad 2018, powered by its A10 Fusion processor, handles daily tasks like web browsing, email, and light gaming smoothly. [2, 21] Multitasking with two apps side-by-side is possible, though switching between them might involve brief pauses. [21]
• Demanding Applications: The iPad Pro 2018, featuring a more advanced A12X Bionic processor, delivers significantly faster performance, particularly for intensive applications such as video editing, graphic design, and advanced gaming. [5, 14, 24, 26, 27] This allows for seamless multitasking and quicker rendering times. Users report that the iPad Pro 2018's performance rivals that of some laptops from its era. [5, 24, 26]
• Storage and Multitasking: The iPad 2018 offers storage options up to 128GB and includes 2GB of RAM. [2, 13, 16] The iPad Pro 2018 provides a wider range of storage, up to 1TB, and comes with 4GB of RAM for most configurations, with the 1TB model featuring 6GB of RAM, which significantly benefits heavy multitasking and handling large files. [8, 12, 28]
• Battery Behavior: Both devices are designed to offer all-day battery life under typical usage. The iPad 2018 provides up to 10 hours of web browsing or video playback. [9] The iPad Pro 2018, despite its more powerful components, also delivers extended usage, with some reports indicating over 13 hours of battery life for the 12.9-inch model. [1]

The display is a key differentiator between these two tablets, with the iPad Pro 2018 offering a more advanced visual experience.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The iPad 2018 features a 9.7-inch Retina IPS LCD display with a resolution of 2048 x 1536 pixels, providing clear visuals for general use. [2, 15] The iPad Pro 2018, available in 11-inch and 12.9-inch sizes, boasts a Liquid Retina IPS LCD display with higher resolutions (2388 x 1668 for 11-inch, 2732 x 2048 for 12.9-inch). [6, 7, 12, 19, 28] These Pro models also feature a fully laminated display and an anti-reflective coating, which reduces glare and makes content appear closer to the surface. [16, 28]
• Brightness and Color: The iPad Pro 2018's Liquid Retina display offers higher brightness levels (up to 600 nits) and supports a wider color gamut (P3), resulting in more vibrant and accurate colors, especially beneficial for creative work and media consumption. [8, 14, 28] Both displays include True Tone technology, which adjusts the white balance to match the ambient light. [14, 28]
• Smoothness and Responsiveness: A significant advantage of the iPad Pro 2018 is its ProMotion technology, which enables an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz. [14, 28] This results in noticeably smoother scrolling, more fluid animations, and enhanced responsiveness for tasks like drawing with the Apple Pencil, compared to the standard 60Hz refresh rate of the iPad 2018.

The camera systems on both tablets are suitable for basic photography and video calls, but the iPad Pro 2018 offers more advanced capabilities.

• Rear Camera Performance: The iPad 2018 is equipped with an 8-megapixel rear camera capable of recording 1080p HD video. [9, 16] The iPad Pro 2018 features a more capable 12-megapixel rear camera with an f/1.8 aperture, supporting 4K video recording at up to 60 frames per second and Smart HDR for improved dynamic range in photos. [10, 12, 30]
• Front Camera and Security: For video calls and selfies, the iPad 2018 has a 1.2-megapixel front-facing camera. [9] The iPad Pro 2018 significantly upgrades this with a 7-megapixel TrueDepth front camera, enabling Face ID for secure authentication and Portrait Mode selfies. [10, 14, 29, 30]
• Audio Experience: The iPad 2018 includes stereo speakers. [16] The iPad Pro 2018 enhances the audio experience with a four-speaker system, providing a richer and more immersive sound, particularly for media consumption. [10, 36] Both devices offer decent microphone quality for calls and recordings.