IPad Pro M1 Vs. IPad Pro 2017: Which Should You Choose?
So, you're in the market for an iPad Pro, huh? Awesome! But, wait, you're stuck between the blazing-fast iPad Pro M1 and the still-capable iPad Pro 2017? No sweat, guys! This guide is here to break down the key differences, so you can make the smartest choice for your needs and budget. Let's dive in and see what makes these two tablets tick.
Design and Display: A Tale of Two iPads
When it comes to design, both the iPad Pro M1 and the iPad Pro 2017 sport that iconic iPad look, but there are a few nuances to consider. The iPad Pro 2017 comes in two sizes: a 10.5-inch model and a 12.9-inch model. The 10.5-inch version is super portable, making it great for on-the-go use. The 12.9-inch model, on the other hand, offers a more immersive experience, perfect for creative tasks and media consumption. Both models feature a classic aluminum design with rounded edges and a physical Home button with Touch ID.
Now, let's talk about the iPad Pro M1. This powerhouse also comes in 11-inch and 12.9-inch sizes. However, the design has been refined with slimmer bezels, giving you more screen real estate in a similar footprint. The Home button is gone, replaced by Face ID for secure and convenient unlocking. The overall design feels more modern and premium. Speaking of the display, the iPad Pro M1 boasts a Liquid Retina display with ProMotion technology. This means you get incredibly vibrant colors, stunning detail, and a super-smooth 120Hz refresh rate. Scrolling, gaming, and even just navigating the interface feel incredibly responsive and fluid.
The iPad Pro 2017 also has a great display, but it lacks the ProMotion technology. It still delivers accurate colors and sharp visuals, but it doesn't quite match the buttery-smooth experience of the M1 iPad Pro. The biggest difference here is the visual experience - the M1 is just so much smoother, but the 2017 is still solid. The fully laminated screen on both models minimizes glare and provides a more direct connection with the content you're interacting with. This is especially important for tasks like drawing or note-taking with the Apple Pencil.
Performance: M1 Chip vs. A10X Fusion
Alright, buckle up, because this is where the iPad Pro M1 really shines. The M1 chip is a game-changer. It's the same chip that powers Apple's latest Macs, and it brings a massive leap in performance to the iPad Pro. Whether you're editing 4K videos, playing graphics-intensive games, or multitasking between demanding apps, the iPad Pro M1 handles it all with ease. Apps launch instantly, animations are fluid, and everything just feels incredibly responsive. The neural engine in the M1 chip also accelerates machine learning tasks, making features like object recognition and augmented reality even faster and more seamless. The M1 iPad Pro is built for those who demand the absolute best performance, whether you're a creative professional, a student, or just a power user.
Let's not count the iPad Pro 2017 out just yet. Its A10X Fusion chip is still a capable performer. It can handle everyday tasks like browsing the web, checking email, and streaming videos without any hiccups. It can even handle some light photo and video editing. However, it starts to show its age when you push it with more demanding tasks. You might experience some slowdowns when multitasking between multiple apps or working with large files. The A10X Fusion chip is perfectly fine for casual users, but it's not going to cut it for professionals who need the absolute best performance. So, in a nutshell, the M1 chip is a performance beast, while the A10X Fusion chip is a reliable workhorse that's starting to show its age. The M1 chip offers significantly faster performance and more headroom for demanding tasks, making it the clear winner in this category.
Camera and Audio: Capturing Memories and Immersing Yourself in Sound
In the camera department, both the iPad Pro M1 and the iPad Pro 2017 are equipped with capable cameras that can capture stunning photos and videos. The iPad Pro 2017 features a 12MP rear camera with optical image stabilization and a 7MP front-facing camera. It can record 4K videos at 30fps and capture crisp, detailed photos in good lighting conditions. The front-facing camera is also decent for video calls and selfies.
The iPad Pro M1 takes things up a notch with a 12MP ultra-wide front camera with Center Stage. Center Stage automatically pans and zooms to keep you in the frame during video calls, even if you move around. The rear camera system includes a 12MP wide camera and a 10MP ultra-wide camera, offering more versatility for capturing different perspectives. It also features a LiDAR Scanner, which enhances augmented reality experiences and improves autofocus in low-light conditions. The biggest advantage of the M1 iPad Pro's camera system is the Center Stage feature, which is incredibly useful for video calls. The LiDAR Scanner also adds a new dimension to augmented reality apps, making them more immersive and realistic.
As for audio, both the iPad Pro M1 and the iPad Pro 2017 feature four speakers that deliver immersive stereo sound. The speakers are located on the top and bottom of the device, creating a wide soundstage that fills the room. Whether you're watching movies, listening to music, or playing games, the audio quality is excellent on both iPads. However, the iPad Pro M1 has a slight edge in terms of sound clarity and bass response. The M1 iPad Pro's speakers are slightly louder and produce a richer, more detailed sound.
Battery Life and Connectivity: Staying Powered Up and Connected
Battery life is an important factor to consider when choosing an iPad. Both the iPad Pro M1 and the iPad Pro 2017 offer excellent battery life, allowing you to get through a full day of use on a single charge. Apple claims that both iPads can last up to 10 hours when browsing the web or watching videos over Wi-Fi. In real-world usage, you can expect similar results, depending on your usage patterns. If you're doing demanding tasks like editing videos or playing graphics-intensive games, the battery will drain faster.
When it comes to connectivity, the iPad Pro M1 supports the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard, which offers faster wireless speeds and improved network performance. It also supports 5G cellular connectivity, allowing you to stay connected even when you're away from Wi-Fi. The iPad Pro 2017 supports Wi-Fi 5 and 4G LTE, which are still fast, but not as cutting-edge as the M1 iPad Pro's connectivity options. The iPad Pro M1 also features a Thunderbolt / USB 4 port, which offers significantly faster transfer speeds than the Lightning port on the iPad Pro 2017. This is especially useful for professionals who need to transfer large files quickly. The M1 iPad Pro's Thunderbolt port also supports connecting to external displays and other accessories.
Price and Value: Finding the Sweet Spot
Now, let's talk about the elephant in the room: price. The iPad Pro M1 is undoubtedly the more expensive option. It's a premium device with cutting-edge features, and the price reflects that. However, if you're a professional who needs the best possible performance, the M1 iPad Pro is worth the investment. The iPad Pro 2017, on the other hand, is a more affordable option. It's still a capable device, but it's starting to show its age. If you're on a tight budget, the iPad Pro 2017 is a good option, but keep in mind that it won't be supported with software updates for as long as the M1 iPad Pro. When considering the value proposition, it's important to weigh your needs and budget. If you need the absolute best performance and features, the iPad Pro M1 is the way to go. If you're a casual user who doesn't need all the bells and whistles, the iPad Pro 2017 is still a viable option, especially if you can find it at a discounted price.
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice
So, which iPad Pro should you choose? Well, it really depends on your needs and budget. If you're a creative professional who demands the best possible performance, the iPad Pro M1 is the clear winner. Its M1 chip, ProMotion display, and advanced camera system make it a powerhouse for creative tasks. If you're a casual user who just wants a tablet for browsing the web, checking email, and watching videos, the iPad Pro 2017 is still a decent option, especially if you can find it at a lower price. However, keep in mind that it's starting to show its age and won't be supported with software updates for as long as the M1 iPad Pro. Ultimately, the best iPad Pro for you is the one that meets your needs and fits your budget. Take some time to consider what you'll be using the iPad for and how much you're willing to spend, and then make an informed decision. Good luck, guys, and happy shopping!
