Apple never stops updating its products in various respects.In this article, I briefly explain the difference between the iPad and iPad Pro in their latest models released on the market so that you can figure out which one might be best for you.
I don't know how much it is Apple addicted, but one thing is certain: of all the various products in the World's most famous apple-shaped brand Of our dear old friend Steve Jobs, the iPad has always enjoyed some success.
Halfway between a smartphone and a laptop, it now allows you to do anything, whether it is work or simple entertainment.
Two new models of this fantastic device were recently launched on the market: the iPad (the "basic" one, to be clear, although it is not so basic anymore) of 10a generation and the iPad Pro, with the brand new, super-performing M2 chip.
But what is the difference between iPad and iPad Pro?
Yes, just naming the second one with the appellation "Pro" already suggests that it has even more incredible features, making it, precisely, suitable for all those who would like to make professional use of it.
On the other hand, however, the basic version of the iPad might seem more than sufficient for those who use it primarily as an entertainment device, to watch movies or surf the web.
However, we could also say that, for the layman, there may not be much difference between the two-and that therefore a greater expense for the Pro model would hardly be justified.
And you, which category do you belong to?
Perhaps you are just considering buying one-or it has been one of your desires for some time-but you wouldn't know which one to choose?
In this article, I already warn you, I do not want to declare myself in favor of one or the other model: this is because the choice essentially depends on two very personal factors, which are 1) your needs and 2) your budget.
Therefore, my purpose is to help you gain some clarity by showing you the main features, similarities and the difference between iPad and iPad Pro.
Hello?
Go!
iPad and iPad Pro: features in brief
Before we compare them to understand the difference between iPad and iPad Pro, here is a brief summary of their main features.
iPad (10a generation)
Some might call it the basic version, but in reality it is difficult to consider it as such yet.
This is because its evolution has meant that this 10.9" iPad can offer much more than what you might expect from a simple tablet (and not surprisingly, this is already partly revealed by the price, which brings it out of the cheapest end of the market).
A new, squarer shape and updated hardware (just to name a few distinguishing features) make it an almost entirely new product compared to its predecessors-so much so that at first glance it could be confused with an iPad Air, were it not for the garish new colors with which it is offered.
It has a larger display (there are no more front edges), although not anti-reflective, but its size has shrunk-as has its weight, which does not reach 500 grams.
The A14 Bionic processor is not among the latest, but it still makes a good impression-which means you can easily do things like 4K video editing, watch 4K movies, play graphics-intensive games, and more; it has 64 or 256 GB storage, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and support for 5G in the Cellular version.
The fingerprint reader is located directly on the power button, positioned on the top edge; there is a USB-C port, but no longer a headphone port; and the main camera has upgraded to 12 megapixels, with wide-angle and auto-framing.
The operating system with which it came to market is iPadOS 16.1.
You can write or draw with Apple Pencil or use the Magic Keyboard Folio to type, use the trackpad, and have better visibility while remaining integrated with all Apple features.
That said, the traditional iPad is thin and weighs little. This makes it easy to take with you almost anywhere without it being too bulky-with a battery that for let's say "standard" use can easily last for a couple of days.
iPadPro (6a generation)
L'iPad Pro is getting closer and closer to a real laptop computer: more powerful than other similar products out there, thanks to the usual compatibility with the Magic Keyboard it has nothing to envy from PCs.
Certainly, its main feature is in the hardware: equipped with ChipM2, Apple's next generation of processors (the same one found in Macs), it boasts remarkable performance and capabilities, in terms of speed, memory and graphics performance-with storage space of up to 1 TB and always with a battery that lasts a full day.
The other quality concerns the screen, which is more consistent and sharper, but above all larger than the other variants, coming in at 12.9 inches. Overall, it offers a unique design and an extremely realistic level of definition.
The 12 mega-pixel, ultra-wide-angle front-facing camera with the Auto Frame feature is joined by the TrueDepth camera, which allows you to securely unlock the device with Face ID.
The audio is definitely good, the best of the products in the category, thanks to the four speakers and five professional-quality microphones.
The iPadOS 16.1 operating system provides all the tools you need to accomplish any task; the addition of a side menu makes for a much more agile window system, allowing you to jump from one app to another more quickly.
With Apple Pencil (second generation) you can draw or take notes easily and intuitively (among other things, the display shows you where the tip will touch the screen before you even rest it).
The USB-C port is once again multi-use thanks to USB-C 4/Thunderbolt 4 technology.
The only downside is the decidedly high price-but, as always, it then depends on your intended use.
Difference between iPad and iPad Pro: comparing specifications
Well, after broadly explaining the features of both models, I think the most useful thing for you to understand what the difference between iPad and iPad Pro is may be a summary table comparing the main specifications of each.
Here it is!
| iPad Pro (6a generation) | iPad (10a generation) | |
| Size and weight | 281x215 mm 682 g | 249x180 mm 480 g |
| Display | Liquid Retina XDR 2732×2048 pixels Maximum XDR brightness ProMotion Technology Features Apple Pencil contactless anti-glare coating | Liquid Retina 2360×1640 pixels |
| Chip | Apple M2 | A14 Bionic |
| Memory | 128 GB to 2TB | 64 or 256 GB |
| Apple Pencil | 2a generation Wireless pairing and charging Magnetic coupling | 1a generation Pairing and charging via USB-C |
| Keyboard | Magic Keyboard Free tilt design | Magic Keyboard Folio Two-piece design |
| Camera | 12MP wide angle lens 10MP ultra-wide-angle lens | 12MP wide angle lens |
| Front camera | TrueDepth with ultra-wide-angle lens | Horizontal camera with ultra-wide-angle lens |
| Audio | Four speakers and five microphones | Horizontal stereo speakers and two microphones |
| Authentication | Face ID (via TrueDepth camera) | Touch ID (sensor built into the top button) |
| Connector | Thunderbolt / USB port 4 | USB-C |
Conclusion
So which iPad would be the right choice?
The truth is that there is no single and always true answer to this question.
Both devices are more powerful than many others that are out there and can be easily turned into laptops.
The differences of course are there and can be seen mainly in power and performance; however, as I told you at the beginning, what matters in the end is the use you will have to make of it, as well as your budget availability.
There is no doubt that the iPad Pro has a high price tag, which identifies it as a very high-end product; if you need a certain kind of performance, however, it is sure to be a good investment.
On the other hand, if you have lesser needs or more occasional use, the basic model will be able to equally satisfy you and be just as useful.
But tell me, have you already purchased either model or are you in the process of doing so?
Let me know in the comments!