IPad Pro 2019 Vs 2018: Which One Should You Choose?

Hey guys! Are you stuck trying to decide between the iPad Pro 2019 and the 2018 model? Don't worry, you're not alone! Both are fantastic tablets, but there are some key differences that might make one a better fit for you. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you make the right choice.

Design and Display: What's the Difference?

When it comes to design and display, both the 2018 and 2019 iPad Pro models share a similar premium aesthetic. You get that sleek, edge-to-edge Liquid Retina display that's just gorgeous to look at. The 2018 iPad Pro marked a significant design shift, ditching the home button and embracing slimmer bezels, a design that the 2019 model continues. Both come in 11-inch and 12.9-inch sizes, offering plenty of screen real estate for creatives, professionals, and anyone who loves to binge-watch their favorite shows. The fully laminated display with ProMotion technology (120Hz refresh rate) ensures incredibly smooth scrolling and responsiveness, whether you're sketching with the Apple Pencil or just navigating through apps.

The biggest noticeable difference? It's not really in the display itself. The dimensions are virtually identical, meaning accessories designed for the 2018 models should generally work with the 2019 versions. However, subtle internal changes (which we'll get to) mean there might be some minor compatibility issues with very specific accessories. Apple maintained the same overall look and feel, which is a testament to how well-received the 2018 redesign was. So, if you're choosing based purely on aesthetics, you'll be happy with either. The slim bezels, the squared-off edges, the premium build quality – both models scream high-end. The Liquid Retina display with its vibrant colors and sharp details makes everything from editing photos to watching movies a visual treat. And that ProMotion technology? Once you've experienced that buttery-smooth 120Hz refresh rate, it's hard to go back.

Both iPads also boast USB-C ports, replacing the Lightning port, which was a welcome change for many users. This allows for faster data transfer and the ability to connect to a wider range of accessories, like external displays and cameras. The absence of a headphone jack remains consistent across both generations, encouraging the use of wireless headphones or a USB-C adapter. Ultimately, in terms of design and display, the 2019 iPad Pro is more of an iterative update rather than a complete overhaul. The core experience remains largely the same, which is a good thing considering how impressive the 2018 model already was. You're getting a beautiful, immersive display with excellent color accuracy and responsiveness on both devices. The choice here really comes down to whether the internal upgrades of the 2019 model justify the price difference for your specific needs.

Performance: A Chip Can Make a Difference

Now, let's talk about performance, because this is where the 2019 iPad Pro really shines, thanks to its A12Z Bionic chip. While the 2018 model sports the A12X Bionic, the A12Z offers a slight but noticeable performance boost, especially in graphics-intensive tasks. The A12Z Bionic chip features an 8-core GPU compared to the 7-core GPU in the A12X Bionic chip, which translates to better performance in gaming, video editing, and other graphically demanding applications. While day-to-day tasks like browsing the web, checking emails, and streaming videos will feel virtually identical on both models, the 2019 iPad Pro pulls ahead when you push it to its limits.

Think about it: if you're a professional video editor working with 4K footage, the extra GPU core can make a significant difference in rendering times and overall workflow smoothness. Gamers will also appreciate the improved graphics performance, allowing for higher frame rates and more detailed visuals in demanding games. And for those who use their iPad Pro for augmented reality (AR) applications, the A12Z chip provides a more robust and responsive experience. Beyond the GPU, the A12Z Bionic also includes an enhanced thermal architecture, which helps to maintain consistent performance over extended periods of heavy use. This means less thermal throttling and more sustained power when you need it most. The 2019 iPad Pro also comes with 6GB of RAM across all storage configurations, while the 2018 model only offers 4GB of RAM on the 64GB and 256GB models, with the 512GB and 1TB models getting 6GB. This extra RAM can further improve multitasking and overall system responsiveness, especially when working with large files or running multiple apps simultaneously.

However, it's important to note that the performance difference between the A12X and A12Z Bionic chips isn't massive. For most users, the 2018 iPad Pro will still feel incredibly fast and capable. But if you're a power user who demands the absolute best performance, or if you plan to use your iPad Pro for demanding tasks like video editing, gaming, or AR development, the 2019 model is worth the upgrade. The A12Z Bionic chip, combined with the consistent 6GB of RAM across all models, provides a noticeable edge in performance and ensures that your iPad Pro will remain responsive and capable for years to come. In terms of performance benchmarks, the 2019 iPad Pro consistently scores higher than the 2018 model in tests like Geekbench and AnTuTu. While these numbers don't always translate directly into real-world performance gains, they do provide a clear indication of the A12Z's superior processing power. So, if you're looking for the fastest and most powerful iPad Pro experience, the 2019 model is the clear winner.

Camera: The Ultra Wide Advantage

Let's move on to the camera. The 2019 iPad Pro features a significant upgrade in the camera department compared to the 2018 model. While the 2018 version has a single 12MP wide camera, the 2019 iPad Pro boasts a dual-camera system with a 12MP wide lens and a 10MP ultra-wide lens. This addition of the ultra-wide lens is a game-changer, allowing you to capture a wider field of view in your photos and videos. Think stunning landscape shots, group photos where everyone fits in the frame, and creative perspectives you simply couldn't achieve with the single lens on the 2018 model.

The ultra-wide lens also opens up new possibilities for augmented reality (AR) applications. It allows the iPad Pro to better understand its surroundings and create more immersive and realistic AR experiences. Whether you're playing AR games, designing furniture in your home, or exploring virtual worlds, the ultra-wide lens enhances the overall AR experience. Beyond the hardware, the 2019 iPad Pro also benefits from improved image processing thanks to the A12Z Bionic chip. This results in better dynamic range, more accurate colors, and reduced noise in your photos and videos. The Smart HDR technology also works more effectively to balance highlights and shadows, ensuring that your images look their best. Both models feature a 7MP TrueDepth front camera for Face ID and selfies. The front camera performs admirably in well-lit conditions, but the 2019 model's improved image processing helps to reduce noise and improve clarity in low-light situations.

While the iPad Pro isn't necessarily designed to be your primary camera, the improved camera system on the 2019 model makes it a more versatile tool for capturing photos and videos on the go. The addition of the ultra-wide lens is a significant upgrade that expands your creative possibilities and enhances the AR experience. So, if you value camera performance and versatility, the 2019 iPad Pro is the better choice. The dual-camera system provides a noticeable advantage in terms of image quality, field of view, and AR capabilities. While the 2018 iPad Pro's camera is still decent, it simply can't compete with the versatility and performance of the 2019 model's camera system.

Audio: Immersive Sound

Both the 2018 and 2019 iPad Pro models feature a fantastic audio experience with their quad-speaker setup. These speakers are strategically placed to deliver immersive, room-filling sound, whether you're watching movies, listening to music, or playing games. The sound quality is rich and detailed, with clear highs, balanced mids, and surprisingly deep bass for a tablet. Apple has really nailed the audio experience on the iPad Pro, making it a joy to consume media on the go. The speakers automatically adjust the sound based on the orientation of the iPad, ensuring that you always get the best possible stereo separation. This is a subtle but important detail that enhances the overall listening experience.

Whether you're watching a movie with headphones or sharing a video with friends, the iPad Pro's audio system delivers a premium experience that rivals many laptops. The sound is clear, loud, and distortion-free, even at high volumes. And because the speakers are located on all four corners of the device, you get a true stereo effect regardless of how you're holding it. In terms of audio quality, there's very little difference between the 2018 and 2019 iPad Pro models. Both offer the same quad-speaker setup and deliver the same exceptional sound quality. So, if audio is a top priority for you, you'll be happy with either model. The quad-speaker setup is a standout feature that sets the iPad Pro apart from many other tablets on the market. It provides an immersive and enjoyable audio experience that enhances everything from watching movies to playing games.

Battery Life: All-Day Power

When it comes to battery life, both the 2018 and 2019 iPad Pro models offer excellent performance, typically providing around 10 hours of usage on a single charge. This is more than enough to get you through a full day of work, school, or travel. Whether you're browsing the web, streaming videos, editing documents, or playing games, you can count on the iPad Pro to last. Apple has done a great job of optimizing the power efficiency of both models, ensuring that you get the most out of the battery. Of course, battery life can vary depending on your usage habits and screen brightness. Demanding tasks like video editing and gaming will drain the battery faster than simple tasks like browsing the web and checking emails. But overall, you can expect to get a solid day's worth of usage out of both the 2018 and 2019 iPad Pro.

Both models also support fast charging via USB-C, allowing you to quickly replenish the battery when needed. And with the included power adapter, you can fully charge the iPad Pro in a relatively short amount of time. The battery performance is consistent between the two models, ensuring you have enough power for all your daily tasks. So, if battery life is a major concern for you, you can rest assured that both the 2018 and 2019 iPad Pro will deliver excellent performance. Apple has optimized the power efficiency of both models, ensuring that you get the most out of the battery. And with fast charging support, you can quickly replenish the battery when needed.

Price: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

Finally, let's talk about price. The 2019 iPad Pro typically commands a higher price than the 2018 model, especially if you're buying it new. However, the price difference may be smaller if you're considering buying a used or refurbished 2018 model. The question is: is the upgrade to the 2019 iPad Pro worth the extra cost? That depends on your individual needs and priorities. If you're a power user who demands the absolute best performance, or if you value the improved camera system with the ultra-wide lens, then the 2019 iPad Pro is definitely worth considering. The A12Z Bionic chip and the additional GPU core provide a noticeable performance boost, especially in demanding tasks like video editing and gaming. And the ultra-wide lens opens up new creative possibilities for photography and augmented reality.

However, if you're a more casual user who primarily uses the iPad Pro for browsing the web, checking emails, streaming videos, and light productivity tasks, then the 2018 iPad Pro may be a better value for you. It still offers excellent performance for most everyday tasks, and you can save a significant amount of money by opting for the older model. Ultimately, the best way to decide is to weigh the features and benefits of each model against your own needs and budget. Consider how you plan to use the iPad Pro, and which features are most important to you. If performance and camera versatility are high on your list, then the 2019 iPad Pro is the clear winner. But if you're looking for the best value for your money, and you don't need the absolute latest and greatest features, then the 2018 iPad Pro is still an excellent choice. The price difference between the two models is a key factor to consider when making your decision. Weigh the features and benefits of each model against your own needs and budget to determine which one is the best fit for you.

Conclusion: Which iPad Pro Should You Choose?

So, which iPad Pro should you choose? The iPad Pro 2019 is the winner if you need the best performance, the improved camera with the ultra-wide lens, and are willing to pay a premium. But if you're looking for great value and don't need the absolute latest features, the iPad Pro 2018 is still an amazing tablet that will serve you well. Consider your needs and budget to make the best decision!