iPad 6 (2018, A10 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series)

The iPad 2018, also known as the 6th generation iPad, was released in March 2018, offering a capable tablet experience for general use. In contrast, the iPad Pro 2021, available in 11-inch and 12.9-inch models, arrived in April and May 2021, bringing significant advancements in performance, display technology, and overall capabilities. Both devices operate on Apple's iPadOS, providing a consistent software experience, but they cater to different user needs through their distinct hardware.

The release timeline and expected software support are key considerations for device longevity.

• Release Timeline: The iPad 2018 was introduced in March 2018, making it an older device compared to the iPad Pro 2021, which launched in April and May 2021.
• OS Support Duration: The iPad 2018 has received major iPadOS updates for several years, with its software support likely concluding around 2025-2026. The iPad Pro 2021, being a newer model, is expected to receive major iPadOS updates for a considerably longer period, extending its practical software lifespan.
• Expected Practical Lifespan: While both devices are built with durable materials, the iPad Pro 2021 offers a longer expected practical lifespan due to its more powerful internal components and extended software update cycle, ensuring compatibility with future applications and features for more years.

Performance is a primary differentiator, impacting how smoothly applications run and how effectively multitasking can be handled.

• Processor Capabilities: The iPad 2018 is equipped with an A10 Fusion chip, which capably handles everyday tasks, web browsing, media consumption, and light multitasking. The iPad Pro 2021 features the M1 chip, delivering desktop-class performance that allows for demanding applications, complex video editing, 3D rendering, and extensive multitasking without noticeable slowdowns.
• System Responsiveness: Users will experience a fluid and responsive interface on the iPad Pro 2021, particularly when switching between multiple applications or running graphics-intensive games. The iPad 2018 provides a smooth experience for general use, though it may show limitations with more intensive workloads.
• Memory and Storage: The iPad 2018 typically comes with 2GB of RAM, suitable for its intended use. The iPad Pro 2021 offers significantly more memory, with configurations ranging from 8GB to 16GB of RAM, which is beneficial for professional applications and heavy multitasking. Storage options for the iPad 2018 include 32GB and 128GB, while the iPad Pro 2021 provides a wider range from 128GB up to 2TB.

The visual experience varies significantly between these two iPad generations, particularly concerning display technology and features.

• 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 viewing. The iPad Pro 2021 models offer more advanced displays. The 11-inch model has a Liquid Retina IPS LCD, while the 12.9-inch model boasts a Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED display. Both Pro models feature higher resolutions and maintain a sharp pixel density.
• Brightness and Contrast: The iPad Pro 2021 models offer superior brightness levels, especially the 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display, which can reach up to 1600 nits peak brightness for HDR content and features a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio, resulting in deeper blacks and more vibrant highlights. The iPad 2018's display is suitable for indoor use but may struggle with visibility in bright outdoor conditions.
• Refresh Rate and Lamination: The iPad Pro 2021 models include ProMotion technology, offering an adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz for smoother scrolling and more responsive interactions. Both iPad Pro 2021 models also feature fully laminated displays, which reduce parallax when using a stylus and minimize glare. In contrast, the iPad 2018's display is not laminated, which can lead to a slight air gap between the glass and the display panel, potentially affecting the visual experience and increasing reflections.

The camera systems on these two iPads reflect their different design philosophies and intended uses.

• Rear Camera System: The iPad 2018 includes an 8-megapixel rear camera with an f/2.4 aperture, capable of recording 1080p video at 30 frames per second. This camera is suitable for basic photography and document scanning. The iPad Pro 2021 features a more advanced dual-camera system on the rear, comprising a 12-megapixel Wide camera (f/1.8) and a 10-megapixel Ultra Wide camera (f/2.4), alongside a LiDAR scanner. This setup allows for higher-quality photos, improved low-light performance, and 4K video recording at up to 60 frames per second. The LiDAR scanner enhances augmented reality (AR) experiences and improves depth sensing.
• Front Camera and Video Calls: For front-facing cameras, the iPad 2018 has a 1.2-megapixel sensor that records 720p video, adequate for standard video calls. The iPad Pro 2021 significantly upgrades this with a 12-megapixel Ultra Wide front camera that supports the Center Stage feature, which automatically keeps the user in frame during video calls by panning and zooming.
• Audio Experience: The iPad 2018 is equipped with dual speakers located at the bottom of the device. The iPad Pro 2021 offers a four-speaker audio system, providing a more immersive sound experience, and includes studio-quality microphones for clearer audio input during recordings or calls.