IPad Pro 11-Inch Showdown: 2018 Vs. 2019

Nov 8, 2025 by Admin 41 views

Alright, tech enthusiasts! Let's dive into a comparison of two fantastic tablets: the iPad Pro 11-inch models from 2018 and 2019. These iPads are still pretty relevant, even with newer models out there, so it's worth checking out the differences if you're in the market for a used or refurbished one, or just curious about the evolution of Apple's tablet technology. We'll break down the key differences, from the specs to the real-world performance, so you can decide which one is the best fit for your needs. This iPad Pro 11-inch 2018 vs 2019 comparison will cover everything from the design to the display, performance, and more. Buckle up, because we're about to get nerdy!

Design and Build Quality: A Familiar Face

When you look at the iPad Pro 11-inch 2018 vs 2019 models side-by-side, you'll notice that the design language is practically identical. Apple stuck with the sleek, minimalist aesthetic that defines the Pro line. Both models feature the same all-screen design, with slim bezels surrounding the stunning display, and rounded corners that make them comfortable to hold. The build quality is top-notch, with both tablets crafted from a single piece of aluminum, giving them a premium feel. The flat edges and clean lines exude sophistication and are undeniably Apple. The placement of the power button, volume buttons, and the USB-C port (replacing the Lightning port) are also the same on both devices. The only real way to tell them apart externally is by looking at the model number or the color options. Both come in Space Gray and Silver. So, if design is a big deal for you, you won't be disappointed with either of these iPads; they both look and feel fantastic. The similar design is a testament to how well Apple nailed it with the 2018 model, making it a timeless design that continued into the following year. They are both also incredibly thin and lightweight, making them perfect for portability. This is a crucial factor for those who want a tablet that they can easily carry around for work, school, or entertainment. If you are a fan of sleek design and portability, then either model would be a great choice. Considering how important a device's feel is, the iPad Pro 11-inch 2018 vs 2019 models are nearly indistinguishable in hand, which is not a bad thing at all.

Differences in the Build

While the overall design is the same, there are some subtle differences in the details. One notable difference is the camera bump on the 2019 model. Although both models have a single-lens rear camera, the 2019 model's camera module is slightly more prominent. Additionally, the 2019 model often has a slightly updated antenna design for improved cellular connectivity, but this is not always noticeable in day-to-day use. These are minor details, and the overall impression is one of consistency in design. Furthermore, the accessories are interchangeable between the two models, so if you already have an Apple Pencil or Smart Keyboard Folio, they will work seamlessly with either the 2018 or 2019 iPad Pro 11-inch. This ensures that your investment in accessories is protected, no matter which model you choose. The build quality is identical in terms of material and durability, so you can expect the same premium feel and longevity from both models. The build is a core component when choosing between iPad Pro 11-inch 2018 vs 2019, and this similarity should make your decision process simpler.

Display: Visual Feast with True Tone

Let's move on to the display, guys! Both the 2018 and 2019 models share the same gorgeous 11-inch Liquid Retina display with ProMotion technology. This means you're getting a vibrant, sharp, and incredibly smooth visual experience. The display has a resolution of 2388 x 1668 pixels, offering a pixel density of 264 pixels per inch (ppi), making text and images look incredibly crisp. ProMotion technology, with its adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz, makes everything from scrolling through web pages to playing games feel incredibly fluid and responsive. The colors are accurate, the blacks are deep, and the overall image quality is outstanding. The display is a real highlight of these iPads and one of the primary reasons they're such a pleasure to use. Both models also feature True Tone technology, which automatically adjusts the screen's white balance to match the ambient lighting of your environment. This makes the display easier on the eyes, especially when you're using the tablet in different lighting conditions. Whether you're working, watching videos, or browsing the web, the display will adapt to provide the best possible viewing experience. This is especially helpful if you're someone who often uses your iPad for extended periods, as it reduces eye strain. The iPad Pro 11-inch 2018 vs 2019 display comparison ends in a tie. You'll get pretty much the same beautiful display experience regardless of which model you go for, so there's no clear winner here. Both tablets deliver a visual feast that's sure to impress.

The ProMotion Advantage

The ProMotion technology is one of the standout features of these iPads. It dynamically adjusts the screen's refresh rate from 24Hz to 120Hz, depending on what you're doing. This means that when you're reading static content, the refresh rate will be lower, conserving battery life. When you're scrolling or playing games, the refresh rate will increase to 120Hz, making everything feel incredibly smooth and responsive. This adaptive refresh rate is a key reason why these iPads feel so incredibly fluid to use. It's a subtle but significant difference that enhances the overall user experience. The high refresh rate also makes the Apple Pencil feel even more responsive and accurate, which is essential for creative tasks like drawing and note-taking. Overall, the display on both models is superb and one of the best you can find on a tablet.

Performance: Power Under the Hood

Now, let's talk about what's inside. The iPad Pro 11-inch 2018 model is powered by the A12X Bionic chip, while the 2019 model gets a slight upgrade with the A12Z Bionic chip. Both chips are incredibly powerful, and they can handle demanding tasks like video editing, gaming, and multitasking with ease. The A12X Bionic is already a powerhouse, but the A12Z Bionic offers some incremental improvements, primarily in the graphics department. The A12Z has an 8-core graphics processor (GPU), which delivers a boost in graphics performance, making games and other visually intensive apps run even smoother. You might see a slight performance difference in certain tasks, but in everyday use, the gap isn't huge. Both iPads are incredibly fast and responsive, and you'll be able to breeze through your daily tasks without any lag or slowdown. The A12Z does provide a slight edge in sustained performance, especially during longer tasks, as it is designed to handle extended workloads more efficiently. So, if you're a heavy user who plans to push your iPad to its limits with tasks like video editing, the 2019 model might be a better choice. However, for most users, the performance difference won't be very noticeable. Both iPads deliver a premium performance experience. The iPad Pro 11-inch 2018 vs 2019 performance comparison favors the 2019 model, but the difference is subtle for most users.

Real-World Performance

In real-world use, both iPads handle everyday tasks like browsing the web, checking email, and using social media with ease. Apps launch quickly, multitasking is smooth, and you won't encounter any lag or slowdown. Even with more demanding tasks like video editing, gaming, and running multiple apps simultaneously, both iPads deliver impressive performance. However, if you are a gamer or video editor, you might appreciate the slightly improved graphics performance of the 2019 model. The A12Z Bionic chip in the 2019 model has a slightly more advanced thermal management system, which helps to maintain consistent performance during prolonged use. This means that the 2019 model might be able to handle demanding tasks for a longer period without throttling. For most users, both chips provide more than enough power to handle their needs. The performance is one of the key factors when considering iPad Pro 11-inch 2018 vs 2019, and both are powerful enough for almost all tasks.

Cameras: Snapping Photos

The camera on both the iPad Pro 11-inch 2018 and 2019 models isn't the primary focus of these devices. Both models feature a single 12MP rear camera that can capture decent photos and videos. The camera on the 2019 model is slightly improved, with some enhanced image processing capabilities, but the differences aren't significant. If you're a serious photographer, you probably won't be using your iPad as your main camera, but both models are perfectly capable of capturing snapshots, scanning documents, and making video calls. The front-facing camera on both models is a 7MP TrueDepth camera that supports Face ID for secure authentication. Face ID works flawlessly on both devices and is a convenient way to unlock your iPad and authorize purchases. The front camera also offers good image quality for video calls, making it easy to stay connected with friends, family, and colleagues. While the camera isn't the standout feature of these iPads, it is functional and offers a decent experience for basic photography and video calls. The iPad Pro 11-inch 2018 vs 2019 camera comparison doesn't have any major differences, so it's not a decisive factor when choosing between them.

Camera Specifics

Although both models have a 12MP rear camera, the 2019 model often includes some software improvements, such as Smart HDR, that enhance the quality of your photos. Smart HDR helps to balance the exposure in your images, resulting in more detail in both the highlights and shadows. The video recording capabilities are similar on both models, with the ability to record 4K video at 60 frames per second. The front-facing TrueDepth camera on both models enables Face ID and offers excellent image quality for video calls. Face ID is a secure and convenient way to unlock your iPad and authenticate purchases. The camera is good for quick snapshots, scanning documents, and video calls. Both models offer a comparable camera experience, so you won't notice a significant difference in the quality of your photos and videos. If the camera is not a priority, you won't see a significant difference when comparing the iPad Pro 11-inch 2018 vs 2019.

Battery Life: All-Day Power

Battery life is a crucial factor, and both the 2018 and 2019 models offer excellent battery performance. You can expect to get around 10 hours of web browsing or video playback on a single charge. This means you can comfortably use your iPad throughout the day without having to worry about running out of power. The actual battery life will depend on how you use your iPad. For example, gaming and video editing will drain the battery faster than web browsing or using productivity apps. However, both models offer excellent battery life that is more than enough for most users. The 2019 model has a slightly more efficient chip (A12Z), but the difference in battery life is negligible in real-world use. You won't notice a significant difference in battery performance between the two models. This is good news, as you can count on either model to last all day. When considering iPad Pro 11-inch 2018 vs 2019, the battery is a tie, with both models offering similar performance.

Battery Usage

To maximize your battery life, you can adjust your screen brightness, disable background app refresh, and turn off location services when you're not using them. It's also a good idea to close apps that you're not actively using. Both models have fast-charging capabilities, so you can quickly top up your battery when needed. The charging time is about the same for both models. If you are a heavy user who uses your iPad for demanding tasks, it's always a good idea to carry a portable charger or power adapter. The iPad Pro 11-inch 2018 vs 2019 battery life is impressive. Both devices provide a full day of use, which is a key factor for anyone using these devices for work or on the go.

Ports and Accessories: Connectivity and Compatibility

Both the 2018 and 2019 models come with a USB-C port, which is a major upgrade from the Lightning port found on older iPads. The USB-C port enables faster data transfer speeds, supports external displays, and allows you to charge other devices. This is a versatile port that makes it easy to connect your iPad to a variety of accessories. The accessories are interchangeable between the two models, so if you already have an Apple Pencil (2nd generation) or Smart Keyboard Folio, they will work seamlessly with either the 2018 or 2019 iPad Pro 11-inch. The Apple Pencil (2nd generation) attaches magnetically to the side of the iPad and charges wirelessly, while the Smart Keyboard Folio provides a comfortable typing experience. The compatibility of accessories is a big advantage, as you can upgrade to either model without replacing your existing accessories. Considering iPad Pro 11-inch 2018 vs 2019 you can get the same experience in terms of accessories.

Accessory Compatibility and Port Details

The USB-C port on both models is a versatile addition. You can connect to external displays, charge other devices, and transfer data at high speeds. This port also supports a wide range of accessories, such as USB-C hubs, card readers, and audio interfaces. The second-generation Apple Pencil is a must-have accessory for creative professionals and students. It attaches magnetically to the side of the iPad and charges wirelessly. The Smart Keyboard Folio is a great option if you need to type on your iPad. It offers a comfortable typing experience and also protects the screen. Both models are compatible with a wide range of accessories, so you can customize your iPad to fit your specific needs. The iPad Pro 11-inch 2018 vs 2019 models are nearly the same in terms of accessories and ports.

Which iPad Pro 11-inch Should You Buy?

So, which iPad Pro 11-inch model should you buy? The answer depends on your needs and budget. If you're looking for the absolute best performance and you want the latest features, the 2019 model is the slightly better choice, thanks to its A12Z Bionic chip and minor camera improvements. However, the performance difference between the A12X and A12Z is not noticeable for most users, so don't get hung up on this. If you are a casual user or if you are looking to save some money, the 2018 model is still a fantastic option. It offers nearly the same performance, the same stunning display, and the same sleek design, all at a potentially lower price point, especially if you buy used or refurbished. Both models are excellent tablets, and you won't be disappointed with either one. The iPad Pro 11-inch 2018 vs 2019 comparison leads to the conclusion that if you are price-conscious, go with the 2018 model. However, if you want the very best and don’t mind spending a little extra, the 2019 model is the better option.

Making the Decision

Here's a quick summary to help you decide:

Choose the 2019 Model If: You want the absolute best performance.
Choose the 2018 Model If: You're on a budget and want to save some money. Both models provide excellent performance.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your priorities. Consider your budget and the types of tasks you'll be performing on your iPad. If performance is critical, and the price is not an object, get the 2019 model. If you're a casual user, you can save money with the 2018 model. Both models offer similar features and experiences.

Conclusion: The iPad Pro 11-inch Legacy

In conclusion, both the iPad Pro 11-inch 2018 and 2019 models are exceptional tablets that continue to deliver a premium user experience. They share the same beautiful display, sleek design, and excellent battery life, making them ideal for both work and entertainment. While the 2019 model offers a slight performance edge with its A12Z Bionic chip and some camera improvements, the 2018 model remains a compelling option, especially for those on a budget. No matter which model you choose, you're getting a powerful, versatile, and stylish tablet that's sure to impress. Both models are a testament to Apple's commitment to innovation and design. These tablets have laid the foundation for future generations of iPads, setting a high bar for performance, portability, and style. The legacy of both models remains strong, and they're still excellent choices in the market for anyone looking for a premium tablet experience. Both devices are still powerful, especially when comparing iPad Pro 11-inch 2018 vs 2019 and the only difference is the price and a slightly improved performance.