IPad Pro 11-inch 2021 Vs 2022: Which One Wins?

Hey guys! So, you're in the market for a new iPad Pro 11-inch, huh? Awesome choice! Both the 2021 and 2022 models are absolute powerhouses, but they do have some key differences that might sway your decision. I'm here to break down everything you need to know, from the specs and performance to the display and price, so you can make the perfect choice for your needs. We'll dive deep into the world of tablets and figure out which one reigns supreme. Let's get started!

Design and Build Quality: Same but Different

Alright, let's kick things off with the design. Honestly, at first glance, the iPad Pro 11-inch (2021) and the iPad Pro 11-inch (2022) look almost identical. They both sport that sleek, modern design with flat edges, a stunning Liquid Retina display, and a premium aluminum build. You'll find the same overall dimensions and weight, making cases and accessories interchangeable between the two models. Apple didn't mess with a winning formula here, which is understandable. The design is clean, elegant, and feels incredibly premium in hand. The build quality is top-notch, as you'd expect from Apple. You've got the same great look and feel that we've come to love from the iPad Pro line.

However, there's a subtle but important difference in the design of the 2022 model. While the overall aesthetics remain the same, Apple has introduced a minor tweak: the camera bump on the back is slightly more prominent. This is mainly due to the addition of the new features packed inside, so it's a trade-off for the added functionality. It's not a huge deal, but it's something to keep in mind if you're super picky about aesthetics. In terms of colors, you're still getting the classic Silver and Space Gray options, which is a good thing. They both look fantastic and fit perfectly with Apple's minimalist design language. The design is a strong point for both models, with their premium feel and familiar look. The build quality is also exceptional, meaning you're getting a tablet that feels great in your hands and can withstand everyday use. Ultimately, the design and build quality are pretty much a tie, with the 2022 model offering a very minor change in the camera bump area. If you're a stickler for the absolute latest, then the 2022 model might be slightly more appealing, but both are excellent choices.

Display: Liquid Retina Brilliance

Now, let's talk about the display, because this is where the iPad Pro really shines! Both the 2021 and 2022 models boast a gorgeous 11-inch Liquid Retina display with ProMotion technology. This means you get a super smooth 120Hz refresh rate, making everything from scrolling through web pages to playing games feel incredibly fluid and responsive. The display is bright, vibrant, and incredibly accurate, making it perfect for creative tasks like photo and video editing, as well as enjoying your favorite movies and shows. You'll experience incredible color accuracy and dynamic range, ensuring your content looks its best. The Liquid Retina display also features True Tone technology, which automatically adjusts the screen's color temperature to match the ambient lighting in your environment. This helps reduce eye strain and makes the display more comfortable to use for extended periods. Both iPads have incredible displays that are a joy to use.

So, what's the difference? Well, on paper, not much. Both displays have the same resolution, brightness, and ProMotion technology. However, the 2022 model does have a slight edge in terms of display technology. It features a new display engine, which allows for improved color accuracy and dynamic range. In real-world use, you might not notice a huge difference, but the 2022 model is technically superior. For most users, the difference is negligible. The 2021 model's display is still fantastic and will provide an excellent viewing experience. If you are a professional content creator or someone who really values the absolute best possible picture quality, the 2022 model might be slightly better. But for everyday use, both displays are excellent. Overall, the display quality is one of the key strengths of both iPads. The Liquid Retina display, with its ProMotion technology, makes for a truly immersive and enjoyable experience. You won't be disappointed with either model in this regard. So, it's a win-win situation!

Performance: M1 vs. M2

Alright, let's get into the performance because this is where things get interesting! The 2021 iPad Pro 11-inch is powered by Apple's M1 chip, while the 2022 model features the newer M2 chip. This is a significant upgrade, but how does it translate into real-world performance? The M1 chip is already a beast, offering incredible processing power and graphics performance. It's more than capable of handling demanding tasks like video editing, gaming, and multitasking. The M1 chip brings a huge performance leap compared to the previous generation of iPads. You'll experience incredibly fast app loading times, smooth multitasking, and stunning graphics in your favorite games.

The M2 chip takes things to the next level. It offers a significant boost in performance compared to the M1, with improvements in both the CPU and GPU. Apple claims that the M2 chip is up to 15% faster in CPU performance and up to 35% faster in graphics performance compared to the M1. This means you can expect even faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved graphics in games. The M2 chip also features a new media engine, which provides improved video encoding and decoding capabilities. This is especially beneficial for video editors, as it allows for faster rendering and export times. Furthermore, the M2 chip has a larger memory bandwidth, which improves overall system performance. In day-to-day use, the difference between the M1 and M2 chips might not always be immediately noticeable. Both chips are incredibly fast and can handle pretty much anything you throw at them. However, if you're a power user who does a lot of video editing, 3D rendering, or other demanding tasks, the M2 chip will provide a noticeable performance boost. The M2 chip offers a significant performance upgrade in the 2022 model, making it the more powerful option. The M1 chip is still incredibly fast, the M2 takes it to the next level. If you are serious about creative tasks or just want the absolute best performance, go for the 2022 model. However, the 2021 model with the M1 chip is still a powerhouse that will handle almost anything you can throw at it.

Features: New and Improved in 2022

Let's move on to features. While both models share a lot of the same core features, the 2022 iPad Pro introduces a few new additions that are worth noting. The most significant of these is the inclusion of the new Apple Pencil (2nd generation) hover feature. This allows the iPad to detect the Apple Pencil up to 12mm above the screen, providing a more precise and intuitive experience for drawing, sketching, and taking notes. With this feature, you can see a preview of your strokes before you make them, and it opens up new possibilities for interacting with apps and the iPad interface. This can be a game-changer for digital artists.

The 2022 model also features faster Wi-Fi 6E connectivity, which provides even faster download and upload speeds. This is great for streaming, online gaming, and transferring large files. You can expect a noticeable improvement in your Wi-Fi speeds if you have a compatible router. Additionally, the 2022 iPad Pro has upgraded Bluetooth 5.3. The 2021 model offers the same great features as the 2022 model, including the Center Stage feature, which automatically keeps you centered in the frame during video calls, and Thunderbolt / USB 4 port for fast data transfer and external display support. However, the 2022 model has added the Apple Pencil hover feature, and improved Wi-Fi 6E. These are the main differences in features between the two models. The 2022 model offers several welcome improvements. The Apple Pencil hover feature and faster Wi-Fi 6E are nice additions. If you use the Apple Pencil frequently, the hover feature can significantly improve your workflow. Even if you don't need these specific features, the 2022 model is the better choice. The 2021 model still delivers a fantastic experience, but the 2022 model offers some nice upgrades.

Price and Value: Weighing Your Options

Now, let's talk about the price and value. This is a crucial factor when deciding between the two models. The 2022 iPad Pro 11-inch is generally more expensive than the 2021 model. The price difference will depend on the configuration (storage, Wi-Fi only or cellular), but you can expect to pay a premium for the newer model. It is important to know that the prices may change depending on where you purchase your iPad Pro. The 2021 model is often available at a lower price. If you can find a good deal on a used or refurbished 2021 iPad Pro, it can be a fantastic value. You are still getting a top-of-the-line tablet with amazing performance and features, at a more affordable price. Consider your budget and how much the extra performance and features of the 2022 model matter to you. If you don't need the absolute latest, the 2021 model can offer a great value. The price difference between the two models can be significant, so it is important to factor that into your decision-making process. The 2021 model can be a great value if you want to save some money. If you can find a good deal on a used or refurbished 2021 iPad Pro, it can be a steal. Evaluate the price difference and the importance of the new features. Don't underestimate the value of the 2021 model, especially if you're on a budget. You still get a powerhouse tablet. Make sure to shop around and compare prices before making your final decision. Consider your budget and the importance of the new features. Don't be afraid to consider the 2021 model for a great deal.

Conclusion: Which iPad Pro 11-inch Should You Buy?

Alright, guys, let's wrap this up! So, which iPad Pro 11-inch is the right choice for you? Here's the breakdown:

• Choose the 2022 iPad Pro if: You want the absolute best performance, the latest features (like Apple Pencil hover), and don't mind paying a premium. This is the top-of-the-line option, perfect for creative professionals, gamers, and anyone who wants the best possible experience.
• Choose the 2021 iPad Pro if: You're on a budget, and still want a premium tablet experience. The M1 chip is incredibly powerful, and it will handle pretty much anything you throw at it. If you can find it at a discounted price, it offers fantastic value.

Both models are incredible tablets, and you really can't go wrong with either one. It all comes down to your budget and your specific needs. The 2022 model offers some nice upgrades, but the 2021 model still delivers a fantastic experience at a potentially lower price. Consider how you will use the iPad Pro, and what features are most important to you. Ultimately, the best iPad Pro is the one that fits your needs and budget. Good luck with your purchase, and enjoy your new iPad!