IPad Pro Showdown: 2017 Vs. 2018 - Which Reigns Supreme?

Hey tech enthusiasts! Let's dive deep into a head-to-head comparison of two titans in the tablet world: the iPad Pro 2017 and the iPad Pro 2018. This isn't just a simple spec sheet rundown, guys. We're going to explore the nitty-gritty, the real-world performance, and the features that make each of these devices stand out. Whether you're a creative pro, a student, or just someone who loves a killer tablet experience, this comparison will help you decide which iPad Pro is the perfect fit for you. So, grab your coffee, sit back, and let's get started!

Unveiling the Designs: Aesthetics and Functionality

When we talk about the iPad Pro 2017 and the iPad Pro 2018, the first thing that hits you is the design. The 2017 model, still a sleek piece of tech, sported a design that was a refinement of the previous generation. It featured a familiar look, with the traditional Home button and thicker bezels surrounding the display. Available in Silver, Gold, and Space Gray, the design language was clean and professional. The rounded edges provided a comfortable grip, making it easy to hold for extended periods. The build quality was top-notch, with an aluminum unibody that felt premium in hand. The iPad Pro 2017 definitely looked and felt like a high-end device, and that was immediately clear when you first pick it up.

Now, fast forward to the iPad Pro 2018, and things got a serious upgrade. Apple ditched the Home button, opting for a full-screen display with dramatically reduced bezels. This gave the 2018 model a more modern and immersive feel. The design was instantly recognizable, a sign of what was to come in the tablet world. The edges were squared off, giving it a more angular and contemporary look. The 2018 model also gained Face ID, replacing the fingerprint sensor, a feature that unlocked the tablet securely and efficiently. This gave the 2018 model a truly futuristic feel. The color options remained the same, Silver and Space Gray, but the overall aesthetic was a significant leap forward. The iPad Pro 2018 was thinner, lighter, and felt more premium thanks to its updated design. The design changes in the iPad Pro 2018 weren't just about aesthetics; they enhanced usability, providing more screen real estate and making the device feel even more immersive when watching movies, playing games, or creating. The shift to a full-screen design was a game-changer, and it's a difference you immediately notice when comparing the two models side-by-side.

Considering the difference, the iPad Pro 2018 definitely wins in the design round, offering a more modern and immersive experience. However, the iPad Pro 2017 still holds its own with its classic, refined design, and for some, the presence of a Home button might be preferable. But no matter your preference, both tablets scream high quality.

Display: Visual Feast or Familiar Fare?

The displays on the iPad Pro 2017 and iPad Pro 2018 are a key factor in their overall appeal. The 2017 model came with a stunning Retina display, known for its vibrant colors, excellent brightness, and wide viewing angles. The display was sharp and detailed, making everything from browsing the web to watching videos a pleasure. Apple's display technology always impresses, and the 2017 model was no exception. The ProMotion technology, which dynamically adjusts the refresh rate up to 120Hz, made scrolling and animations incredibly smooth. This feature was a significant improvement compared to regular iPad models. The 2017 model had that classic iPad look and feel, and the display really brought the device to life. Whether you were editing photos, reading articles, or simply scrolling through social media, the display on the iPad Pro 2017 was top-notch.

Now, let’s talk about the iPad Pro 2018. This model took the display game to a whole new level. While the 2017 model was great, the 2018 upped the ante. The biggest change was the move to a nearly bezel-less display, which made the screen feel even larger and more immersive. This design change made the content pop right out at you. Like the 2017 model, the 2018 also sported a Retina display with ProMotion technology. However, with the thinner bezels, the display appeared even more expansive. The 2018 models benefited from improvements in color accuracy and brightness, meaning the visual experience was even better. The iPad Pro 2018 was the first iPad to use the Liquid Retina display, which provided even more realistic and vibrant colors. Also, the shape of the display was a little more rounded, which added to the overall immersive experience. The display was simply stunning, making it perfect for creative work, media consumption, and gaming. The display was one of the most significant upgrades, making the iPad Pro 2018 a clear winner when it comes to the visual experience.

Both devices boast exceptional displays, but the iPad Pro 2018 has the edge with its expanded screen real estate and overall visual enhancements.

Performance: Power Under the Hood

Let’s get into the heart of things: performance. The iPad Pro 2017 was powered by the A10X Fusion chip, a powerhouse processor for its time. This chip delivered impressive performance, handling demanding tasks like video editing, gaming, and multitasking with ease. The A10X Fusion chip was a significant leap from previous iPad models, offering a noticeable speed boost. The 2017 models were available with up to 512GB of storage. This meant a lot of space for apps, photos, and videos. The tablet handled apps and games with no lag. The iPad Pro 2017 performed well for its time and still holds up as a very capable device in 2024.

The iPad Pro 2018 took things up a notch with the A12X Bionic chip. The A12X Bionic chip was a beast, offering a substantial performance boost over the A10X Fusion. It delivered incredible speed and efficiency, making everything run smoother and faster. Apps launched quickly, multitasking was effortless, and even the most demanding games ran flawlessly. The performance of the iPad Pro 2018 was truly impressive, cementing its place as one of the most powerful tablets available. The 2018 model also had increased storage options, up to 1TB. This provided plenty of space for massive projects and libraries. Whether you were editing 4K videos, working on complex 3D models, or just browsing the web, the iPad Pro 2018 handled it all with ease. The A12X Bionic chip also included a Neural Engine, which enhanced machine learning capabilities, enabling advanced features like faster facial recognition and improved image processing. The enhanced processing power made the iPad Pro 2018 an excellent choice for users who wanted to handle demanding tasks. Overall, the iPad Pro 2018 was significantly faster than the iPad Pro 2017.

The iPad Pro 2018 clearly wins the performance battle, thanks to its more advanced processor.

Cameras: Snapping the Moment

When it comes to the cameras, both the iPad Pro 2017 and iPad Pro 2018 deliver solid performance. The iPad Pro 2017 featured a 12MP rear camera with optical image stabilization, which captured sharp and detailed photos and videos. The front-facing camera was also excellent, perfect for video calls and selfies. The camera's capabilities were more than sufficient for everyday use and even some professional applications. The iPad Pro 2017 could also shoot 4K video. It was an excellent tablet camera for its time, producing high-quality images and videos. You could capture some seriously great shots with this one.

The iPad Pro 2018 took the camera game up a notch with a similar 12MP rear camera but with improved image processing capabilities. The front-facing TrueDepth camera enabled Face ID, but it also offered better performance in video calls and selfies. This meant clearer images and improved low-light performance. The rear camera could also shoot 4K video, just like the iPad Pro 2017. But, the image processing improvements resulted in even better overall photo and video quality. With the addition of Face ID and advanced processing, the iPad Pro 2018 offered a more versatile and capable camera system. The camera was improved enough to make a difference.

While both iPads offer excellent camera performance, the iPad Pro 2018 has an edge thanks to the enhancements in image processing and the addition of Face ID, making it a more versatile option for photography and video calls.

Accessories: Taking it to the Next Level

One of the great things about the iPad Pro line is the ecosystem of accessories that enhance the user experience. The iPad Pro 2017 was compatible with the Apple Pencil (1st generation), which offered precise control and a natural writing and drawing experience. Also, there was the Smart Keyboard, which turned the iPad into a productivity powerhouse. These accessories expanded the functionality of the iPad Pro 2017. They were great for creative work and productivity tasks. The Apple Pencil felt very natural and comfortable in your hand, and the Smart Keyboard made it very easy to work on the go.

The iPad Pro 2018 took accessory compatibility a step further. It was compatible with the Apple Pencil (2nd generation), which magnetically attached to the side of the iPad for charging and storage. The new Apple Pencil was more ergonomic and offered even better performance. The Smart Keyboard Folio offered a more streamlined and convenient design. These accessories made it a complete productivity package. These accessories added to the overall user experience. The Apple Pencil (2nd generation) and the Smart Keyboard Folio made the iPad Pro 2018 incredibly versatile. The charging feature for the Apple Pencil was a total game-changer.

The iPad Pro 2018 wins this round. The upgrades to the Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard Folio made the device more convenient and versatile.

Battery Life: Keeping You Going

Battery life is a critical factor for any tablet. Both the iPad Pro 2017 and iPad Pro 2018 offer excellent battery life, allowing you to use your device all day without needing to constantly look for an outlet. The iPad Pro 2017 generally offers around 10 hours of web browsing or video playback. This made it a great companion for travel, work, or leisure. The battery life was more than enough to get you through the day. The battery life on the iPad Pro 2017 was reliable, allowing you to use your device without worrying too much about running out of power.

The iPad Pro 2018 offered a similar battery life, typically providing around 10 hours of use on a single charge. This was good news for users. The iPad Pro 2018 offers reliable battery performance. It was still more than enough to get you through your day. Battery life is one of the most important things for a tablet, and the iPad Pro 2018 did not disappoint.

In terms of battery life, both devices perform similarly. So, there is no clear winner in this round. Both are built to get you through the whole day.

Price and Value: The Bottom Line

When considering the iPad Pro 2017 and iPad Pro 2018, the price and value are essential factors. The iPad Pro 2017 is now more affordable, making it a great option for those seeking a premium tablet experience without breaking the bank. You can find used or refurbished models at a good price. The iPad Pro 2017 offers excellent value, especially if you don't need the absolute latest features. This is a very good tablet, and now it is available at a very accessible price.

The iPad Pro 2018 comes with a higher price tag due to its more advanced features, such as the full-screen design, the A12X Bionic chip, and Face ID. Even so, the iPad Pro 2018 offers excellent value. It offers the latest technology and a top-notch user experience. For those who want the best of the best, the iPad Pro 2018 is worth the investment. It is still a great value for the price. The advanced features and improved performance justify the higher price tag for the consumer.

Ultimately, the choice depends on your budget and needs. The iPad Pro 2017 is a great value option, while the iPad Pro 2018 is the best choice for those seeking the latest and greatest features.

Which iPad Pro Reigns Supreme?

So, guys, after all of this, which iPad Pro comes out on top? The iPad Pro 2018 clearly has the edge. With its modern design, enhanced performance, and upgraded features, it's the more powerful and feature-rich device. However, the iPad Pro 2017 is still a fantastic tablet. It offers excellent value and performance. If you're on a budget, the iPad Pro 2017 is still a great choice. Both are great options, but the iPad Pro 2018 is the better device. It really comes down to your personal needs and preferences. Ultimately, it's a win-win situation!

I hope this comparison was helpful. Feel free to ask any questions. Thanks for reading!