IPad Pro 2019 Vs 2018: Which Is Right For You?
Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into a topic many of you have been asking about: the iPad Pro 2019 vs 2018. If you're in the market for a powerful tablet and trying to decide between these two titans, you've come to the right place, guys. We're going to break down everything you need to know to make an informed decision. It's not just about specs; it's about what you need and how these devices fit into your workflow. So, grab your favorite beverage, and let's get started on this comparison!
Design and Display: A Familiar Face
When you put the iPad Pro 2019 and 2018 side-by-side, you'll notice they look pretty darn similar. Apple kept the same sleek, modern design for both models. We're talking about those gorgeous Liquid Retina displays with ProMotion technology, making everything from scrolling to drawing feel incredibly smooth. The bezels are thin, the edges are squared off – it's a look that has become iconic for the iPad Pro line. Honestly, if you loved the design of the 2018 model, you'll feel right at home with the 2019 version. There aren't any radical design changes here, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. The build quality is still top-notch, with aluminum unibody construction that feels premium in hand. The placement of the cameras, speakers, and ports remains consistent, meaning your accessories that worked with the 2018 model should carry over just fine to the 2019. The display itself is a highlight for both. The edge-to-edge screen maximizes your viewing area, perfect for consuming media, editing photos, or working on creative projects. The True Tone technology adjusts the white balance to match the ambient light, making the display comfortable to view in any environment. And that ProMotion? It's a game-changer. With a refresh rate up to 120Hz, motion on the screen is buttery smooth. Whether you're gaming, sketching with the Apple Pencil, or just navigating the interface, the responsiveness is unparalleled. So, while the visual difference might be minimal, the consistent excellence in design and display technology is a major win for both the 2018 and 2019 iPad Pros. It's a testament to how good the design was, and still is.
Performance: Under the Hood
Now, let's talk about the brains of the operation: performance. This is where the iPad Pro 2019 vs 2018 comparison gets a bit more nuanced, but trust me, it's worth understanding. The 2018 iPad Pro models came equipped with the A12X Bionic chip. At the time of its release, this chip was an absolute beast, setting new benchmarks for mobile performance. It handled demanding tasks like video editing, graphic design, and heavy multitasking with ease. Fast forward to the 2019 models, and Apple introduced the A12Z Bionic chip. The A12Z is essentially an enhanced version of the A12X. While the core architecture is similar, the A12Z features an additional GPU core that's unlocked, plus slightly higher clock speeds for the CPU and GPU. What does this mean in real-world terms? For most everyday tasks – browsing, social media, emails, casual gaming – you're unlikely to notice a significant difference between the two. Both iPads are incredibly fast and responsive. However, when you push them to their limits, especially with highly demanding professional applications, the iPad Pro 2019 with its A12Z chip pulls ahead. Think complex 3D rendering, advanced video editing workflows, or running multiple power-hungry apps simultaneously. The extra GPU power in the A12Z can translate to faster rendering times and smoother performance in these intensive scenarios. For creatives and power users, this performance boost, however incremental, can be crucial. It means less waiting and more doing. It's also important to remember that these chips are paired with ample RAM (6GB or even 8GB in some configurations), ensuring that multitasking remains seamless on both devices. So, while the 2018 model is still a performance powerhouse, the 2019 model offers that extra edge for those who truly need to squeeze every ounce of power out of their tablet. It's about future-proofing and having that extra horsepower when the going gets tough.
Camera System: Slight Upgrades
When we look at the iPad Pro 2019 vs 2018 cameras, it's not a night-and-day difference, but there are some subtle improvements to talk about. The 2018 iPad Pro featured a solid 12MP wide rear camera and a 7MP front-facing FaceTime HD camera. These cameras were perfectly adequate for casual photos, video calls, and scanning documents. They produced good results in well-lit conditions and were competent for the average user. Now, the 2019 iPad Pro models brought a slight, but welcome, upgrade to the rear camera system. While the main 12MP wide camera remained, the 2019 models added an additional Ultra Wide camera. This 10MP Ultra Wide lens significantly expands your field of view, allowing you to capture more in a single shot. It's fantastic for landscape photography, architectural shots, or even just fitting more people into a group photo. The addition of this lens makes the iPad Pro 2019 a much more versatile tool for photography and videography. Think about capturing expansive scenes or getting a wider perspective when filming. On the front, both models retain the capable 7MP TrueDepth camera, which is excellent for selfies and, crucially, powers Face ID and enables features like Portrait mode for video calls. The LiDAR Scanner, introduced with the 2020 iPad Pro models, is not present in either the 2018 or 2019 versions, so if AR is a major focus, you'll need to look at newer generations. However, for general photography needs and expanding creative options, the inclusion of the Ultra Wide camera in the 2019 model is a definite step up from the 2018 model. It's not a revolutionary leap, but it adds a valuable new dimension to the iPad Pro's imaging capabilities, making it a more compelling option for content creators and anyone who enjoys capturing the world around them.
Apple Pencil and Accessories: Compatibility is Key
One of the biggest draws of the iPad Pro line is its versatility, and a huge part of that comes from the accessories, especially the Apple Pencil. When comparing the iPad Pro 2019 vs 2018, the good news is that accessory compatibility is practically identical. Both the 2018 and 2019 iPad Pro models support the Apple Pencil (2nd generation). This is huge! The second-gen Pencil offers features like wireless charging and pairing by simply attaching it magnetically to the side of the iPad. It also has a double-tap gesture that can switch between tools in compatible apps, which is a fantastic productivity booster. Forget fumbling with dongles or worrying about losing your charger; the magnetic attachment is a game-changer. This means if you bought an Apple Pencil (2nd gen) for your 2018 iPad Pro, it will work seamlessly with the 2019 model, and vice-versa. The same applies to keyboards and other accessories. Both generations of iPad Pro use the Smart Connector, allowing for easy connection to Apple's Smart Keyboard Folio or third-party keyboard cases. So, whether you're using it for note-taking, drawing, or typing out documents, you can expect a similar, excellent experience across both the 2018 and 2019 models regarding accessory support. This consistency is a huge plus, as it means you won't be left out in the cold if you're upgrading or trying to reuse existing accessories. It solidifies the iPad Pro as a true laptop replacement for many users, as the integration with essential peripherals remains strong and reliable.
Battery Life: Holding Steady
Let's talk battery life, guys. This is a crucial factor for anyone who relies on their tablet throughout the day. When we pit the iPad Pro 2019 against the 2018 model, the good news is that battery performance is remarkably consistent. Apple quotes up to 10 hours of surfing the web on Wi-Fi or watching video for both generations. In real-world usage, this generally holds true. Whether you're using the 2018 or the 2019 model, you can expect a full day of moderate use on a single charge. This includes tasks like browsing, emailing, streaming content, and even some light productivity work. Of course, heavy tasks like intense gaming, video editing, or prolonged use of demanding apps will drain the battery faster, just like with any powerful device. The charging speeds are also comparable, utilizing the USB-C port for power delivery. While neither model boasts revolutionary fast-charging technology beyond what was standard at the time, they both charge at a respectable pace, especially when using the included power adapter. The underlying efficiency of the A12X and A12Z chips plays a role here, as Apple consistently optimizes its silicon for power efficiency. So, if you were worried about battery life being a deciding factor between these two, you can rest easy. You're getting a very similar, all-day battery experience with both the 2018 and 2019 iPad Pros. It’s a testament to Apple’s engineering that they can pack so much power into these devices while still maintaining excellent battery endurance. It means you can rely on your iPad Pro to keep up with you, wherever your day takes you, without constantly searching for a power outlet.
Price and Value: Where's the Sweet Spot?
Finally, let's get down to the nitty-gritty: price and value. This is often the deciding factor for many of us, right? When considering the iPad Pro 2019 vs 2018, the pricing landscape has obviously shifted since their initial releases. The 2018 iPad Pro, being the older model, is generally available at a lower price point, especially if you're looking at refurbished or used units. This makes it an incredibly attractive option for those on a tighter budget who still want a premium tablet experience. You can often find fantastic deals on the 2018 models, offering tremendous value for money. The 2019 iPad Pro, while newer and offering that slight performance bump and the additional Ultra Wide camera, typically commands a slightly higher price. However, it's important to weigh this against the benefits. If those incremental performance gains or the extra camera lens are crucial for your specific needs, the extra cost might be justified. But here's the thing, guys: the 2018 iPad Pro is still an incredibly capable device. For a vast majority of users, its performance is more than sufficient for daily tasks and even demanding creative work. The design, display, and accessory support are virtually identical. Therefore, the iPad Pro 2018 often represents the better value proposition. You get 95% of the experience for potentially significantly less money. The 2019 model is certainly not a bad buy, but if budget is a primary concern, hunting down a well-maintained 2018 iPad Pro could be your smartest move. It really boils down to your priorities: maximum performance and the latest camera tech, or exceptional performance and features at a more accessible price point. Both offer a premium iPad experience, but the older model often wins on sheer value.
Conclusion: So, Which iPad Pro Should You Get?
Alright, let's wrap this up! We've gone through the iPad Pro 2019 vs 2018 comparison, and hopefully, you feel more equipped to make a decision. If you're looking for the absolute best performance, especially for demanding professional tasks, and you want that slightly more versatile camera system with the Ultra Wide lens, the iPad Pro 2019 is the one to aim for. The A12Z Bionic chip offers that extra bit of power, which can make a difference in specific workflows.
However, and this is a big 'however' for many of you, the iPad Pro 2018 remains an absolutely phenomenal tablet. For the vast majority of users, its performance is more than enough. The design, the stunning Liquid Retina display with ProMotion, the excellent battery life, and full compatibility with the Apple Pencil (2nd gen) and Smart Keyboard are all identical to the 2019 model. Given that you can often find the 2018 model at a significantly lower price, especially on the used or refurbished market, it presents an incredible value. For most people, the iPad Pro 2018 offers the best bang for your buck. You get a truly premium, powerful tablet experience without needing to spend the premium price of the slightly newer model. Unless you have very specific, high-demand professional needs where the A12Z's extra GPU cores will make a tangible difference, or the Ultra Wide camera is a must-have, sticking with the 2018 iPad Pro is a smart and cost-effective choice. Both are fantastic devices, but the value champion here is undeniably the 2018 model. Happy tablet hunting, everyone!
