Another year, another iPad Pro. Yes, Apple’s premium tablet is now in its sixth generation, with the iPad Pro (2022) bringing some notable improvements to the table. This includes the inclusion of the extremely powerful M2 chip, which you’ll also find in the latest MacBook Pro. The question is, if you ignore that new processor, is there anything else really significant under the hood of the tablet that makes it worth buying over last year’s iPad Pro (2021)?
We’ll answer that question by looking at the specs of each model and comparing how they fare in terms of performance, displays, design, batteries, cameras and software. This should clarify which is the better tablet overall, as well as explain whether it’s worth upgrading if you already have an iPad Pro from last year.
Note: This article covers both the 11-inch and 12.9-inch versions of each model.
specifications
| Apple iPad Pro (2022) | Apple iPad Pro (2021) | |
| Size | 11-inch: 247.6 x 178.5 x 5.9 mm (9.75 x 7.03 x 0.23 in)
12.9 inches: 280.6 x 214.9 x 6.4 mm (11.05 x 8.46 x 0.25 inches) |
11-inch: 247.6 x 178.5 x 5.9 mm (9.75 x 7.03 x 0.23 in)
12.9 inches: 280.6 x 214.9 x 6.4 mm (11.05 x 8.46 x 0.25 inches) |
| Weight | 11-inch: 466 grams (1.03 pounds)
12.9-inch: 682 grams (1.5 pounds) |
11-inch: 466 grams (1.03 pounds)
12.9-inch: 682 grams (1.5 pounds) |
| screen | 11-inch IPS LCD with Liquid Retina
12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED LCD |
11-inch IPS LCD with Liquid Retina
12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED LCD |
| Screen resolution | 11-inch: 1688 x 2388 pixels (265 pixels per inch)
12.9-inch: 2048 x 2732 pixels (265 pixels per inch) |
11-inch: 1688 x 2388 pixels (265 pixels per inch)
12.9-inch: 2048 x 2732 pixels (265 pixels per inch) |
| OS | iPadOS 16 | iPadOS 16 |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB |
| MicroSD card slot | No | No |
| Processor | Apple M2 | Apple M1 |
| RAM | 8GB, 16GB | 8GB, 16GB |
| Camera | Dual 12-megapixel and 10MP ultra-wide, LiDAR, 12MP ultra-wide front | Dual 12MP and 10MP ultrawide, LiDAR, 12MP ultrawide front |
| Video | 4K at 60 fps, 1080p at 240 fps | 4K at 60 fps, 1080p at 240 fps |
| Bluetooth version | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Ports | USB-C | USB-C |
| Fingerprint sensor | No, Face ID | No, Face ID |
| Water resistance | No | No |
| Battery | 11-inch: 7,538mAh, fast charging (18W)
12.9-inch: 10,758 mAh, fast charging (18 W) |
11-inch: 7,538mAh, fast charging (18W)
12.9-inch: 10,758 mAh, fast charging (18 W) |
| App Market | Apple App Store | Apple App Store |
| Network support | AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon (Cellular models only) | AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon (Cellular models only) |
| Colors | Silver, Space Gray | Silver, Space Gray |
| Price | 11-inch: $799+
12.9-inch: $1,099+ |
11-inch: $799+
12.9-inch: $1,099+ |
| Buy from | An apple | An apple |
| Review result | News | 4.5 out of 5 stars |
Design, display and durability
It’s clear that Apple is very, very happy with the design of its iPad Pro, as it hasn’t changed its basic appearance in several years. This means that the iPad Pro (2022) is almost identical to its predecessor, featuring the same edge-to-edge display and narrow bezels. Both devices are built with aluminum frames and backs, and the dimensions are also identical for the 11-inch and 12.9-inch versions. They also weigh the same, so you’ll have the same level of comfort and lightness no matter which model you choose.
Also, we have no choice but to report that the displays are identical across generations. If you go for the 11-inch version of the iPad, you’ll get a Liquid Retina IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1688 x 2388 pixels (which works out to 265 pixels per inch). If you go for the 12.9-inch version, you get a superb 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED LCD panel with dimensions of 2048 x 2732 pixels (also 265 ppi). Regardless of the size of your model, you’ll have a 120Hz refresh rate, which makes for very smooth scrolling and animations.
Neither tablet is waterproof, so it’s not the most durable. However, their screens are made of scratch-resistant glass that repels oil and fingerprints, while their aluminum frames apparently won’t crack like glass.
Winner: Tie
Performance, battery life and charging
We were amazed when the iPad Pro (2021) arrived with Apple’s M1 chip on board, giving it the power to handle any kind of task, app or video game. Now the iPad Pro (2022) has the even more powerful M2 chip, which Apple said it’s about 20% faster than the M1. This probably means that the newer iPad can handle intensive multitasking more comfortably than the older model, although most people will be hard-pressed to see a real difference given how powerful the M1 chip already was. Both devices come with either 8GB or 16GB of RAM, giving them more than enough memory to thrive in 2022 and beyond.
In terms of internal storage, both devices start at 128GB as standard, but can go up to 2TB (for an extra $1,100). Needless to say, this will be more than most people need, although the higher-end options mean you really can turn your tablet into a laptop in disguise.
It’s also a case of history repeating itself when it comes to batteries. Both models have the same capacity cells in both the 11-inch and 12.9-inch versions. Of course, the software (and processor) changes could potentially mean that the iPad Pro (2022) battery lasts a bit longer, although we’ll need a full review to confirm that.
So far, this round is a slight win for the newer iPad Pro, as its more powerful chip could make it more useful for higher-end professional users.
Winner: Apple iPad Pro (2022)
Cameras
The new iPad Pro (2022) also has old cameras, carrying the same dual-lens rear setup as the 2021 model. That means a 12-megapixel main lens and a 10MP ultra-wide lens with a LiDAR sensor for depth perception. At the same time, it has a 12MP ultra-wide selfie camera on the front, just like the iPad Pro (2021).
As before, the 12MP ultra-wide selfie camera supports the AI-powered Center Stage feature, which allows for some impressive panoramic selfies. More generally, the rear lenses on both models are very good as far as tablet cameras go, capable of taking great photos in most normal situations. However, since there is no difference between the two, this round is another draw.
Winner: Tie
Software and updates
With updates, the iPad Pro (2022) could potentially be supported for one more year than the older iPad. However, since Apple tends to support its devices for a long time, most users won’t really notice.
Winner: Tie
Special features
Yes, there are no real differences between the two iPad Pros when it comes to special features. Both support 5G (if you buy the cellular versions) and both support the new Stage Manager feature as well as the Center Stage camera feature.
They also come with a LiDAR sensor each, enabling the use of a range of augmented reality applications. There’s also Face ID (for unlocking your device and for purchases) and support for Magic Keyboard accessory, which means you can turn your iPad into a laptop.
Other than that, both are basically high-powered, extremely reliable tablets.
Winner: Tie
Price and availability
The iPad Pro (2022) is now available to order from Apple’s website. The 11-inch version starts at $799 and rises to $2,099 for the 2TB version with 5G. Likewise, the 12.9-inch version starts at $1,099 and rises to $2,399 if you add 2TB of storage and cellular support.
The iPad Pro (2021) can no longer be ordered directly from Apple, although we’ve seen it for sale through various retailers (eg Best Buy, Amazon), so you may find it below its original retail price.
Overall Winner: Apple iPad Pro (2022)
Editors’ recommendations
https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/apple-ipad-pro-2022-vs-ipad-pro-2021/
