Choosing the right iPad Pro can be a tough decision, especially when considering the latest 2024 model alongside its predecessor. Both devices offer top-tier performance and features, but some key differences might sway your choice. This comprehensive guide will delve into 25 distinct areas, comparing the iPad Pro 2022 and 2024, to help you make the most informed buying decision.
Design and Build
The iPad Pro 2024 boasts a refreshed design, showcasing a slimmer profile and flatter edges. Its back panel features a smooth, unibody construction with a minimalist aesthetic. The 2022 model, on the other hand, maintains a slightly thicker and more rounded edge design.
Key Differences:
- Design: The 2024 model features a flatter and more modern design with slimmer edges.
- Weight: The 2024 iPad Pro is slightly lighter than its 2022 counterpart, especially in the 12.9-inch size.
- Materials: Both models utilize a premium aluminum frame with a glass back panel.
Display
Both iPad Pro models feature stunning Liquid Retina XDR displays with ProMotion technology for smooth scrolling and responsive visuals. However, the 2024 model takes it a step further with a brighter and more vibrant display, offering a wider color gamut and higher peak brightness.
Key Differences:
- Resolution: Both models sport the same 2732 x 2048 resolution.
- Brightness: The 2024 model features a significantly higher peak brightness of 1600 nits (HDR) compared to the 2022 model's 1000 nits.
- Color Gamut: The 2024 model offers a wider color gamut, showcasing more accurate and vibrant colors.
- Reflective Coating: The 2024 model boasts an improved reflective coating for better clarity in bright environments.
Performance
Under the hood, both iPads pack a punch with powerful processors and graphics capabilities. The 2024 iPad Pro comes equipped with the Apple M3 chip, offering a significant performance leap over the 2022 model's M2 chip. This translates to faster processing speeds, improved graphics performance, and enhanced multitasking capabilities.
Key Differences:
- Processor: The 2024 model utilizes the Apple M3 chip, while the 2022 model has the Apple M2 chip.
- GPU: The M3 chip in the 2024 model boasts a more powerful GPU, providing smoother graphics and faster rendering speeds.
- RAM: Both models offer 8GB of RAM as standard, with the 2024 model offering an optional 16GB configuration.
- Storage: Both models offer various storage options, ranging from 128GB to 2TB.
Camera
The iPad Pro models have always been known for their impressive camera capabilities, and the 2024 model continues this trend. Both models offer a 12MP wide-angle lens and a 10MP ultrawide lens for capturing stunning photos and videos. However, the 2024 model introduces a new feature – Center Stage. This feature automatically adjusts the camera angle to keep you in frame during video calls, making it ideal for video conferencing.
Key Differences:
- Center Stage: The 2024 model introduces Center Stage, automatically adjusting the camera angle to keep you in frame during video calls.
- Video Recording: The 2024 model features a new 4K video recording feature at 60fps, while the 2022 model only supports 4K video at 30fps.
Connectivity and Features
Both iPad Pro models offer a range of connectivity features, including Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C port, and a built-in LiDAR Scanner. However, the 2024 model introduces a new Thunderbolt 4 port, offering faster data transfer speeds and enhanced connectivity capabilities.
Key Differences:
- Thunderbolt 4: The 2024 model features a Thunderbolt 4 port, while the 2022 model has a USB-C port.
- Cellular Support: Both models offer optional cellular connectivity options.
Battery Life
Both iPad Pro models provide excellent battery life, capable of lasting for a full day of mixed use. The 2024 model claims to offer slightly improved battery life over the 2022 model, though real-world usage may vary depending on usage patterns.
Key Differences:
- Battery Capacity: The 2024 model features a slightly larger battery capacity, promising improved battery life.
Price
The 2024 iPad Pro comes at a higher price point compared to the 2022 model. This is primarily due to the updated hardware and software features. The starting price for the 2024 model is significantly higher than its predecessor.
Key Differences:
- Starting Price: The 2024 model starts at a significantly higher price than the 2022 model.
Apple Pencil Support
Both iPad Pro models offer support for the second-generation Apple Pencil, providing a seamless and responsive experience for drawing, sketching, and note-taking. The 2024 model boasts the same Apple Pencil 2 support as its predecessor, delivering the same precise and responsive experience.
Key Differences:
- Apple Pencil 2 Support: Both models support the second-generation Apple Pencil.
Magic Keyboard Compatibility
The 2024 iPad Pro maintains compatibility with the Magic Keyboard, offering a comfortable and ergonomic typing experience. The 2022 model also offers compatibility with the Magic Keyboard, providing a similar typing experience.
Key Differences:
- Magic Keyboard Compatibility: Both models are compatible with the Magic Keyboard.
Operating System
Both iPad Pro models run on iPadOS, Apple's dedicated operating system for its tablets. The 2024 model ships with the latest version of iPadOS, offering enhanced features and improvements, while the 2022 model can be upgraded to the latest iPadOS version.
Key Differences:
- iPadOS Version: The 2024 model comes pre-installed with the latest version of iPadOS.
Which iPad Pro is Right for You?
Ultimately, the choice between the iPad Pro 2022 and 2024 depends on your individual needs and budget. If you're looking for the latest and greatest, the 2024 model offers a significant performance leap, enhanced display, and new features like Center Stage and a Thunderbolt 4 port. However, if you're on a tighter budget or don't require the latest features, the 2022 model still offers an excellent iPad experience with powerful performance and a stunning display.
25 Key Differences Between iPad Pro 2022 and 2024:
1. Design: 2024 model has a flatter, slimmer design with a more modern look. 2. Weight: 2024 model is slightly lighter. 3. Display Brightness: 2024 model offers significantly higher peak brightness (1600 nits vs 1000 nits). 4. Color Gamut: 2024 model offers a wider color gamut for more vibrant and accurate colors. 5. Processor: 2024 model features the Apple M3 chip, while the 2022 model has the Apple M2 chip. 6. GPU: 2024 model has a more powerful GPU. 7. RAM: 2024 model offers an optional 16GB RAM configuration. 8. Storage: Both models offer various storage options from 128GB to 2TB. 9. Center Stage: 2024 model introduces Center Stage for improved video conferencing. 10. Video Recording: 2024 model supports 4K video recording at 60fps, while the 2022 model only supports 30fps. 11. Thunderbolt 4: 2024 model features a Thunderbolt 4 port, while the 2022 model has a USB-C port. 12. Battery Life: 2024 model claims slightly improved battery life. 13. Starting Price: 2024 model starts at a higher price. 14. Apple Pencil 2 Support: Both models support the second-generation Apple Pencil. 15. Magic Keyboard Compatibility: Both models are compatible with the Magic Keyboard. 16. Operating System: 2024 model comes with the latest version of iPadOS. 17. Front Camera: 2024 model features a 12MP ultrawide front camera. 18. Rear Camera: Both models feature a 12MP wide-angle and 10MP ultrawide camera system. 19. LiDAR Scanner: Both models include a LiDAR Scanner for augmented reality experiences. 20. Facial Recognition: Both models feature Face ID for secure authentication. 21. Audio System: Both models feature a four-speaker audio system with stereo sound. 22. Microphones: Both models have a five-microphone array for clear audio recording. 23. Dimensions: 2024 model is slightly thinner and has a more compact design. 24. Wi-Fi: Both models offer Wi-Fi 6 support. 25. Bluetooth: Both models support Bluetooth 5.0.
Conclusion
Choosing between the iPad Pro 2022 and 2024 is a matter of personal preference and budget. If you prioritize the latest features, the 2024 model is a great choice with its powerful M3 chip, enhanced display, and new features like Center Stage and Thunderbolt 4. However, the 2022 model still offers an excellent iPad experience with powerful performance and a stunning display, making it a more affordable option. Whichever model you choose, both the iPad Pro 2022 and 2024 offer exceptional performance and versatility, making them excellent choices for professionals, students, and creatives alike.
FAQs
Q1: What is the difference between the M2 and M3 chips?
The Apple M3 chip is the latest generation of Apple's proprietary chips, offering significant performance gains over the previous M2 chip. The M3 chip boasts faster CPU and GPU performance, improved energy efficiency, and enhanced machine learning capabilities.
Q2: What is Center Stage?
Center Stage is a new feature introduced with the 2024 iPad Pro, automatically adjusting the camera angle to keep you in frame during video calls. This feature ensures that you are always centered in the frame, even if you move around.
Q3: What is Thunderbolt 4?
Thunderbolt 4 is a high-speed data transfer interface offering significantly faster data transfer speeds than USB-C. The 2024 iPad Pro features a Thunderbolt 4 port, enabling faster data transfers, enhanced connectivity options, and support for external displays with higher resolutions and refresh rates.
Q4: Is the iPad Pro 2022 still a good buy?
Yes, the iPad Pro 2022 is still a great buy for users who don't require the latest features or who are on a tighter budget. It offers powerful performance, a stunning display, and excellent battery life.
Q5: What are the best accessories for the iPad Pro 2022 and 2024?
Both iPad Pro models are compatible with a wide range of accessories, including the Magic Keyboard, Apple Pencil (2nd generation), and various cases and covers. Choosing the right accessories will enhance your iPad Pro experience and provide added functionality.