Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into a comparison that many of you have been asking about: the iPad Pro 11-inch M1 (released in 2021) versus the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (released in 2018). It's a classic showdown between a newer, beefier model and an older, but still capable, predecessor. We'll break down what truly matters for you, whether you're a creative pro, a student, or just someone who loves a powerful tablet. Get ready, because we're going to explore the nitty-gritty details to help you decide if that upgrade is worth it or if your trusty 2018 model still has plenty of life left in it. Let's get this party started!

Performance Powerhouse: M1 Chip vs. A12X Bionic

Alright, let's talk brains – the chips that power these beasts. The iPad Pro M1 (2021) sports Apple's legendary M1 chip. You guys know the M1; it's the same silicon that's blowing minds in MacBooks and iMacs. This thing is an absolute monster when it comes to raw power. We're talking about CPU speeds that are significantly faster, graphics performance that'll make your jaw drop, and an overall efficiency that just keeps things running smoothly without draining your battery like a leaky faucet. For anyone pushing their iPad to the limits – video editing, complex graphic design, heavy multitasking, or even playing the most demanding games – the M1 chip is a game-changer. It handles everything you throw at it with an ease that's almost unfair to older chips. The M1 chip isn't just an upgrade; it's a leap forward, bringing desktop-class performance to your fingertips. It means faster rendering, smoother animations, quicker app launches, and the ability to run more sophisticated applications that previously would have choked on less powerful hardware. Seriously, if performance is your top priority, the M1 is where it's at. It's built for the future, ready for whatever developers dream up next. You can expect lightning-fast responsiveness in every single task you perform.

Now, let's rewind to the 2018 iPad Pro, which was powered by the A12X Bionic chip. And let me tell you, back in its day, this chip was the king of mobile processors. It was revolutionary, offering performance that rivaled many laptops. For its time, the A12X was incredibly capable. It could handle pretty much anything you threw at it, from professional-grade apps like Procreate and LumaFusion to intense gaming sessions. The A12X Bionic was a true pioneer, setting a new standard for tablet performance. However, compared to the M1, it's like comparing a race car from a few years ago to the latest Formula 1 machine. While still very respectable, the A12X simply can't match the sheer speed, graphical prowess, and energy efficiency of the M1. Tasks that take the M1 mere seconds might take the A12X a bit longer. For everyday use, you might not notice a huge difference, but when you're really pushing the device or using apps that are optimized for newer chips, the gap becomes apparent. It's still a fantastic chip, but the M1 has definitely taken the crown. Think of it this way: the A12X was like the V8 engine in a muscle car, powerful and thrilling. The M1 is like a hybrid hypercar engine – faster, more efficient, and capable of feats the V8 could only dream of. So, while the 2018 iPad Pro remains a potent device, the M1 chip in the newer model offers a significant performance boost that's hard to ignore, especially for power users.

Display Differences: Liquid Retina vs. Liquid Retina XDR

Moving on to the visual experience, guys, because let's be honest, we spend a lot of time looking at our iPad screens! The 2021 iPad Pro 11-inch features an all-screen Liquid Retina display. This is the same fantastic edge-to-edge screen technology we've come to love, offering vibrant colors, sharp details, and True Tone technology for a comfortable viewing experience. It's bright, it's responsive, and it's perfect for browsing, watching videos, and even detailed creative work. You get that smooth 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate, which makes scrolling and drawing feel incredibly fluid. It’s a high-quality panel that delivers excellent visuals for pretty much any task. We're talking about excellent color accuracy and great brightness levels that make content pop. Whether you're editing photos where color precision is key, or just binge-watching your favorite shows, the Liquid Retina display ensures a superb viewing experience. The 120Hz ProMotion technology is a standout feature, dynamically adjusting the refresh rate to match what you're doing, which not only makes everything feel smoother but also helps conserve battery life. It’s a display that’s designed to impress and perform, and for most users, it’s more than enough to satisfy their visual needs. It's a testament to Apple's commitment to quality display technology across its Pro line.

Now, let's talk about the 2018 iPad Pro 12.9-inch. It boasts a stunning Liquid Retina display as well. Apple really nailed it with this display tech early on. It's a beautiful screen with P3 wide color gamut support, True Tone, and that buttery-smooth 120Hz ProMotion. For its time, and honestly, even now, it's a gorgeous display. The larger 12.9-inch size offers a more expansive canvas for creativity and multitasking. You get incredible color reproduction and deep blacks that make images and videos look lifelike. The higher resolution on the larger screen also means more screen real estate, which is fantastic for productivity apps and drawing. The 2018 iPad Pro's display was, and still is, a benchmark for tablet screens. It provides a premium visual experience that holds up remarkably well even today. The size difference itself is a major factor for many users. That extra real estate on the 12.9-inch model can significantly enhance workflows, especially for artists who need more space to draw or for professionals who split-screen apps frequently. Both displays offer that signature Apple quality, but the 2018 model's larger size might be a deciding factor for those who crave more room to work and play. It’s a bigger, brighter, and more immersive experience for consuming content and creating it.

Camera Capabilities: From Everyday Snaps to AR

When it comes to cameras, both these iPads are surprisingly capable, but there are some key differences, especially with the newer M1 model's advancements. The 2021 iPad Pro 11-inch comes equipped with an upgraded camera system. On the back, you'll find a 12MP Wide camera and a 10MP Ultra Wide camera. This setup is great for everyday photos, scanning documents, and capturing wider scenes. The standout feature here is the Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage. This is a pretty cool piece of tech that uses machine learning to keep you perfectly framed in the video call, even if you move around. It automatically pans and zooms to follow you, making video calls feel much more natural and engaging. This is a big win for anyone who spends a lot of time on FaceTime or other video conferencing apps. The rear cameras, while not as advanced as those on the latest iPhones, are perfectly adequate for most tablet photography needs, document scanning, and AR applications. The addition of LiDAR Scanner on the M1 iPad Pro also enhances augmented reality experiences and improves autofocus in low-light conditions. This makes it even better for AR apps, 3D scanning, and measuring.

On the other hand, the 2018 iPad Pro 12.9-inch also has a solid camera setup for its time. It features a single 12MP Wide rear camera and a 7MP TrueDepth front camera. The rear camera is capable of taking good quality photos and 4K video, and it's perfectly fine for scanning documents or quick snapshots. The 7MP front camera is good for video calls, though it lacks the advanced features like Center Stage found on the M1 model. It gets the job done, but you won't get that automatic reframing magic. The 2018 Pro also lacks the LiDAR scanner, which means its AR capabilities are more basic compared to the M1 model. However, for general use, both devices offer reliable camera performance. The 2018 iPad Pro's cameras were top-notch for a tablet in 2018, and they still hold up reasonably well for most casual uses. But if you're looking for cutting-edge features like Center Stage for video calls or enhanced AR performance, the M1 iPad Pro definitely takes the cake. It's all about how you plan to use those cameras – for quick snaps and video calls, the 2018 Pro is fine, but for more dynamic video conferencing and advanced AR, the M1 wins.

Connectivity and Ports: USB-C for All

Let's talk about how these devices connect to the world, specifically their ports. Both the 2021 iPad Pro 11-inch and the 2018 iPad Pro 12.9-inch feature a USB-C port. This was a big deal back in 2018, moving away from Apple's proprietary Lightning port and embracing a more universal standard. USB-C is fantastic because it allows for faster data transfer speeds, connecting to external displays, and charging accessories. You can plug in monitors, external hard drives, SD card readers, and all sorts of peripherals, making the iPad Pro a much more versatile tool. The M1 iPad Pro also supports Thunderbolt / USB 4, which is essentially a supercharged version of USB-C. This means even faster data transfer speeds (up to 40Gbps), support for higher-resolution external displays, and the ability to connect to more demanding accessories like external GPUs. This is a huge advantage for professionals who need to move massive files quickly or drive multiple high-resolution displays. Thunderbolt opens up a world of professional connectivity options that were previously unheard of on an iPad. The 2018 iPad Pro has USB 3.1 Gen 2 speeds (up to 10Gbps) via its USB-C port, which is still very respectable and more than adequate for most users. But for those pushing the boundaries, the M1's Thunderbolt port is a significant upgrade.

So, while both iPads embrace the convenience of USB-C, the M1 iPad Pro (2021) offers a more advanced and faster connectivity standard with Thunderbolt / USB 4. This makes it a more powerful hub for complex workflows. The 2018 iPad Pro's USB-C port, however, is still highly capable and offers excellent versatility for everyday users and many professionals. It supports external displays, fast charging, and a wide range of accessories. The key takeaway is that both are well-equipped with modern ports, but if your work involves massive data transfers or high-bandwidth peripherals, the M1 iPad Pro's Thunderbolt capabilities give it a distinct edge. It’s about future-proofing and enabling even more demanding workflows. So, if you're constantly transferring gigabytes of video footage or need to hook up multiple high-resolution monitors simultaneously, the M1 Pro's Thunderbolt port is a serious consideration. Otherwise, the 2018 model's robust USB-C implementation is still a solid performer.

Storage Options and Price Points

When we're talking about storage, both the 2021 iPad Pro 11-inch and the 2018 iPad Pro 12.9-inch offer a range of options, but the pricing and availability can differ, especially now. The M1 iPad Pro (2021) typically starts at 128GB of storage and goes up to a whopping 2TB. Apple also offers models with 256GB and 512GB in between. The base model starts at a higher price point than the original 2018 model did, reflecting its newer technology and enhanced capabilities. For most users, 128GB or 256GB is plenty. However, if you work with large video files, high-resolution photos, or extensive app libraries, stepping up to 512GB or even 1TB (or 2TB) might be necessary. The price increases significantly with each storage tier, so it's crucial to choose wisely based on your needs and budget. Remember, iPads don't have expandable storage like some Android tablets, so you're locked into your choice once you buy.

The 2018 iPad Pro 12.9-inch, being an older model, can often be found at more attractive price points on the used or refurbished market. It originally launched with storage options ranging from 64GB up to 1TB. If you're lucky, you might still find a 1TB model available. The 64GB base model was significantly cheaper at launch than the M1's 128GB base model, making it a more accessible entry point for some users. However, 64GB can feel limiting quickly, especially with modern apps and operating systems taking up more space. If you're considering the 2018 model, try to aim for at least 256GB if your budget allows, as it offers a much more comfortable experience for storing apps, media, and files. The pricing on the 2018 Pro, especially refurbished, can be a major selling point if you're looking for a powerful iPad without breaking the bank. However, keep in mind that you'll be getting older technology and potentially a device that's closer to the end of its software update cycle. When comparing prices, always factor in the storage size. A higher-storage 2018 model might even cost more than a lower-storage M1 model, so do your homework. Ultimately, your storage needs and budget will be the deciding factors here.

Which One Should You Choose?

So, guys, we've broken down the key differences between the iPad Pro M1 (2021) and the iPad Pro 2018. Now comes the million-dollar question: which one is right for you? If you're a power user who demands the absolute best performance for demanding tasks like 4K video editing, complex graphic design, 3D modeling, or running demanding applications, the M1 iPad Pro is the clear winner. Its M1 chip is a beast, offering desktop-class power and efficiency. Plus, the Thunderbolt / USB 4 port provides unparalleled connectivity for professional workflows. The Center Stage feature on the front camera is also a nice bonus for frequent video callers. If your budget allows and you want the most future-proof device, the M1 iPad Pro is the way to go.

However, if you're looking for a powerful and capable iPad Pro experience without the premium price tag, the 2018 iPad Pro (especially the 12.9-inch model) is still an excellent choice. It boasts a fantastic display, a very capable A12X Bionic chip that handles most tasks with ease, and the versatile USB-C port. For students, artists, writers, or professionals who don't need the absolute bleeding edge of performance, the 2018 iPad Pro offers incredible value, especially on the used or refurbished market. It's a device that still feels modern and performs admirably. Consider the size difference too – the 12.9-inch screen offers a significantly larger canvas. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your specific needs, budget, and how you plan to use your iPad. Both are phenomenal devices, but the M1 model represents the pinnacle of current iPad technology, while the 2018 model remains a highly competent and cost-effective option. Choose wisely!