iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) Vs iPad Pro (2018, A12 series)

When considering the longevity of these tablets, several factors come into play, including their release timelines and anticipated software support.

• Release Timeline: The iPad 2021 was released three years after the iPad Pro 2018, giving it an inherent advantage in terms of its lifecycle.
• Software Support: The iPad 2021 is expected to receive major iPadOS updates for a longer period, potentially until late 2027 for major updates and security patches extending to 2028 or 2029. The iPad Pro 2018, being an older device, will likely see its software support conclude sooner, though it has already demonstrated a robust update history.
• Practical Lifespan: Both devices are built with durable aluminum bodies. While the iPad Pro 2018 was designed with higher-end components, the newer processing unit in the iPad 2021 provides a more recent starting point for future software demands. Users often report iPads lasting around four years or more with good care.

Performance is a key differentiator, with both tablets offering capable processing power for various tasks, though with different strengths.

• Processing Capabilities: The iPad 2021 features a capable A13 Bionic chip, which provides a significant performance boost over its predecessor, handling everyday apps, multitasking, and many games smoothly. The iPad Pro 2018 is powered by an A12X Bionic chip, which, despite being older, was a highly powerful chip at its release, designed for demanding professional workflows and graphics-intensive applications.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: The iPad Pro 2018 typically comes with 4GB of RAM, with 1TB storage models featuring 6GB, allowing for more intensive multitasking and handling of larger files. The iPad 2021 includes 3GB of RAM, which is sufficient for general use but may show limitations with numerous demanding applications open simultaneously.
• Storage Options: The iPad 2021 is available with 64GB or 256GB of internal storage. The iPad Pro 2018 offered a wider range of storage configurations, from 64GB up to 1TB, catering to users with extensive storage needs.

The visual experience on these tablets varies, primarily due to differences in display technology and features.

• Display Technology and Size: The iPad 2021 features a 10.2-inch Retina IPS LCD display with a resolution of 2160 x 1620 pixels. The iPad Pro 2018 offers a Liquid Retina IPS LCD display, available in 11-inch (2388 x 1668 pixels) and 12.9-inch (2732 x 2048 pixels) sizes, providing more screen real estate and a more modern edge-to-edge design.
• Brightness and Color: Both displays feature True Tone technology for automatic white balance adjustment. The iPad 2021 has a typical brightness of 500 nits. The iPad Pro 2018 offers a higher typical brightness of 600 nits, which can be beneficial for outdoor use or in brightly lit environments.
• Refresh Rate: A significant difference is the refresh rate. The iPad Pro 2018 includes ProMotion technology, offering an adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz for smoother scrolling and more responsive interactions. The iPad 2021 has a standard 60Hz refresh rate.

Both tablets are equipped with capable camera systems for their respective uses, with some notable distinctions in features.

• Rear Camera: The iPad 2021 features an 8MP wide rear camera. The iPad Pro 2018 has a 12MP wide rear camera, capable of capturing detailed photos and 4K video recording.
• Front Camera and Video Calls: The iPad 2021 excels in video conferencing with its 12MP ultra-wide front camera featuring Center Stage, which automatically keeps subjects in the frame during video calls. The iPad Pro 2018 includes a 7MP TrueDepth front camera, which enables Face ID for secure authentication.
• Audio Experience: The iPad Pro 2018 features a four-speaker audio system, delivering a more immersive and balanced sound experience, particularly for media consumption. The iPad 2021 has stereo speakers.

Beyond core specifications, several practical elements differentiate these two iPad models, impacting their usability and accessory compatibility.

• Connectivity and Ports: The iPad 2021 retains the Lightning port and supports Bluetooth 4.2 and Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac). The iPad Pro 2018 was a pioneer in adopting the more versatile USB-C port, allowing for broader accessory compatibility and faster data transfer, alongside Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi 5.
• Authentication: The iPad 2021 uses Touch ID, integrated into the home button, for secure unlocking and purchases. The iPad Pro 2018 features Face ID, Apple's facial recognition technology, for secure authentication.
• Stylus Support: The iPad 2021 is compatible with the 1st generation Apple Pencil, which charges via the Lightning port. The iPad Pro 2018 supports the 2nd generation Apple Pencil, which magnetically attaches to the side of the tablet for charging and pairing.