iPad 6 (2018, A10 series) vs iPad Pro (2020, A12 series)

The iPad 2018 (6th Generation) and the iPad Pro 2020 represent different tiers within Apple's tablet lineup, released in March 2018 and March 2020, respectively. While both run on Apple's iPadOS, the iPad Pro 2020 offers significant advancements in processing power, display technology, and camera capabilities, catering to users with more demanding needs. The iPad 2018, on the other hand, provides a solid foundation for everyday tasks and media consumption.

The expected lifespan of a tablet is influenced by its initial release date and the duration of software support it receives. The iPad Pro 2020, being a newer device, generally benefits from a longer period of major iPadOS updates compared to the iPad 2018.

• Software Longevity: The iPad 2018, released in March 2018, shipped with iOS 11.3 and is upgradeable to iPadOS 17.2 or 17.3. It is likely nearing the end of its major iPadOS update cycle, with some sources suggesting it may not receive iPadOS 18. The iPad Pro 2020, released in March 2020, shipped with iPadOS 13.4 and is also upgradeable to iPadOS 17.2 or 17.3, and is expected to receive major updates for several more years.
• Repairability: Both models generally present challenges for repair due to the extensive use of strong adhesives to secure internal components. The iPad 2018 received a repairability score of 2 out of 10 from iFixit, noting that while the LCD display is separate from the cover glass, making glass replacement potentially cheaper, the overall disassembly is difficult. The iPad Pro 2020 also scores low on repairability, with similar challenges regarding adhesive and component access.
• Practical Lifespan: Users often report that iPads remain functional and perform well for many years, even after they stop receiving the latest major OS updates, as they continue to receive security updates for a period. The iPad Pro 2020, with its more advanced hardware, is likely to maintain smooth performance for demanding applications for a longer duration.

Performance is a key differentiator between these two tablets, with the iPad Pro 2020 offering a more robust experience for intensive tasks due to its more advanced internal components and greater memory capacity.

• Processing Power: The iPad 2018 is equipped with a processor that handles everyday applications, web browsing, and light gaming smoothly. The iPad Pro 2020 features a significantly more powerful processor, designed for demanding applications, complex multitasking, and graphics-intensive tasks like video editing and advanced gaming.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: The iPad 2018 comes with 2GB of RAM, which is sufficient for basic multitasking but may lead to apps reloading more frequently when switching between many applications. The iPad Pro 2020 includes 6GB of RAM across all configurations, enabling smoother transitions between numerous open applications and more efficient handling of professional-grade software.
• Storage Options: The iPad 2018 offers storage options of 32GB and 128GB. The iPad Pro 2020 provides a wider range of storage, starting from 128GB and going up to 1TB, accommodating larger files and more applications.

The display experience varies considerably between these two models, with the iPad Pro 2020 offering a more advanced and fluid visual interface.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The iPad 2018 features a 9.7-inch Retina IPS LCD display with a resolution of 2048 x 1536 pixels, providing clear visuals for general use. The iPad Pro 2020 comes with a Liquid Retina IPS LCD display, available in 11-inch and 12.9-inch sizes, offering higher resolutions (2388 x 1668 for 11-inch, 2732 x 2048 for 12.9-inch) and enhanced color accuracy with P3 wide color support.
• Refresh Rate and Smoothness: A notable difference is the refresh rate. The iPad 2018 has a standard 60Hz refresh rate. The iPad Pro 2020 features ProMotion technology, which provides an adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz, resulting in noticeably smoother scrolling, more responsive touch input, and a more fluid experience, especially when using the Apple Pencil.
• Brightness and Special Features: The iPad Pro 2020's display also offers higher peak brightness and features like True Tone, which adjusts the display's white balance to match the ambient light, and an anti-reflective coating, improving visibility in various lighting conditions. The iPad 2018's display is not fully laminated and lacks an anti-reflective coating.

The camera systems on these two iPads are designed for different use cases, with the iPad Pro 2020 offering a more versatile and advanced setup.

• Rear Camera System: The iPad 2018 includes an 8MP rear camera capable of capturing decent photos and 1080p video. The iPad Pro 2020 features a dual-camera system on the rear, comprising a 12MP wide lens and a 10MP ultra-wide lens, along with a LiDAR scanner for enhanced augmented reality experiences and improved depth sensing. It can record 4K video at up to 60fps.
• Front Camera Quality: For video calls and selfies, the iPad 2018 has a 1.2MP front-facing camera that records 720p video. The iPad Pro 2020 is equipped with a 7MP TrueDepth front camera, offering better image quality for video conferencing and supporting features like Portrait mode for selfies.
• Audio Experience: The iPad 2018 has dual speakers located at the bottom. The iPad Pro 2020 features a quad-speaker audio system, providing a richer and more immersive sound experience, particularly beneficial for media consumption.