iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) Vs iPad Pro (2022, M2 series)

The iPad Pro 2020, featuring the A12Z Bionic chip, and the iPad Pro 2022, powered by the M2 chip, represent two generations of Apple's professional-grade tablets. Both devices operate on iPadOS, offering a versatile computing experience. While they share a similar design philosophy, the 2022 model introduces updated internal components, enhanced connectivity, and specific display improvements on its larger variant, setting it apart from its 2020 predecessor.

When considering the longevity of these devices, several factors come into play, including their release timelines, software support, and overall build quality.

• Release Timeline: The iPad Pro 2020 was released in March 2020, while the iPad Pro 2022 followed in October 2022. This two-and-a-half-year difference means the 2022 model inherently benefits from a later starting point for software support and component advancements.
• Software Longevity: Both models receive regular iPadOS updates. However, the iPad Pro 2022, with its newer M2 chip, is expected to receive software updates for a longer duration than the 2020 model, potentially extending its functional lifespan for future iPadOS features. Users on Reddit have noted that older iPad Pro models might miss out on some iPadOS features in the future.
• Practical Lifespan: Both devices are built with durable materials and are designed for extended use. While the 2020 model remains a capable device, the 2022 model's more advanced internal hardware offers a longer functional life for handling increasingly demanding applications and operating system features over time.

The core performance of these tablets is largely defined by their internal processing capabilities, which impact everything from app responsiveness to handling intensive creative tasks.

• Processing Power: The iPad Pro 2020 is equipped with a powerful A12Z Bionic chip, which capably handles most demanding applications and multitasking. The iPad Pro 2022, however, features the M2 chip, offering a significant leap in processing power and graphics performance. This translates to smoother operation for complex tasks like 4K video editing, 3D rendering, and advanced graphic design, with Apple stating the M2 offers 15% faster CPU and 35% faster GPU performance than the M1 chip (which succeeded the A12Z).
• Multitasking and Storage: Both models offer various storage configurations, with the 2022 model extending up to 2TB, compared to the 2020 model's maximum of 1TB. The iPad Pro 2022 also comes with higher RAM configurations (8GB or 16GB depending on storage) compared to the 2020 model's 6GB across all configurations, which can benefit heavy multitasking and professional applications.
• Battery Behavior: Both generations are designed to provide similar battery life, typically around 10 hours of web browsing or video playback on a single charge. However, real-world usage can vary, with some users reporting around 5-7 hours for intensive tasks like note-taking or gaming on the 2020 model.

The visual experience on both iPad Pro models is a highlight, though there are distinctions, particularly with the larger screen size.

• Display Technology: Both the 11-inch iPad Pro 2020 and 2022 models feature a Liquid Retina IPS LCD display. For the 12.9-inch models, the iPad Pro 2020 uses a Liquid Retina IPS LCD, while the iPad Pro 2022 boasts a Liquid Retina XDR display with mini-LED technology. This mini-LED display on the larger 2022 model offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and enhanced brightness for HDR content, providing a visual experience closer to OLED panels.
• Resolution and Clarity: Both generations offer high-resolution displays, ensuring sharp text and clear images. The 12.9-inch models feature a 2732 x 2048 pixel resolution, while the 11-inch models have a 2388 x 1668 pixel resolution, both resulting in a pixel density of 264 pixels per inch.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: Both models support ProMotion technology, providing an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz for smooth scrolling and responsive interactions. The 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2022 can achieve higher peak brightness for HDR content (up to 1600 nits) compared to the 2020 model, making it more suitable for viewing high dynamic range media.

While tablets are not typically primary photography devices, both iPad Pro models offer capable camera systems for various uses, including augmented reality and video calls.

• Rear Camera System: Both the iPad Pro 2020 and 2022 feature a dual-camera setup on the rear, consisting of a 12MP wide camera and a 10MP ultra-wide camera, along with a LiDAR Scanner for enhanced augmented reality experiences. The 2022 model benefits from updated image processing with Smart HDR 4, which can improve the handling of light and dark areas in photos compared to the 2020 model's Smart HDR 3.
• Front Camera and Video: The iPad Pro 2020 includes a 7MP TrueDepth front camera, suitable for video calls and selfies. The iPad Pro 2022 upgrades this to a 12MP ultra-wide front camera, which also supports Center Stage, a feature that keeps the user in frame during video calls. The 2022 model also introduces the ability to capture ProRes video, offering more flexibility for professional video workflows.
• Audio Experience: Both generations are equipped with a quad-speaker audio system, providing a rich and immersive sound experience for media consumption and video conferencing.