iPad 8 (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Pro (2022, M2 series)

The iPad (8th generation), released in September 2020, and the iPad Pro (6th generation), launched in October 2022, represent distinct tiers within Apple's tablet lineup. While both devices operate on iPadOS, the iPad Pro 2022 is engineered for demanding professional workflows and advanced creative tasks, whereas the iPad 2020 serves as a capable and accessible option for everyday use and general productivity. The primary differentiators lie in their processing power, display technology, and camera systems.

The longevity of a tablet is influenced by its build quality, hardware capabilities, and software support. These two iPads offer different expectations in terms of their practical lifespan.

• Release Timeline: The iPad 2020 was released in September 2020, making it an older model compared to the iPad Pro 2022, which launched in October 2022. This two-year difference in release dates directly impacts their remaining software support window.
• Software Support: The iPad Pro 2022, with its more recent release and advanced processor, is expected to receive iPadOS updates for a significantly longer period than the iPad 2020. This extended software support means the iPad Pro 2022 will remain compatible with the latest features and security updates for more years, enhancing its overall practical lifespan for users who prioritize up-to-date software.
• Hardware Durability: Both models feature an aluminum back and glass front, offering a solid build. The iPad Pro 2022's design has remained consistent since 2018, indicating a proven form factor. The iPad 2020 also has a durable construction, though its design is older.

Performance is a key area where these two iPads diverge significantly, impacting how they handle various tasks from casual browsing to intensive professional applications.

• Processing Power: The iPad 2020 is equipped with a capable processor that handles everyday tasks, web browsing, media consumption, and many popular apps smoothly. The iPad Pro 2022, however, features a more advanced processor, delivering substantially faster CPU and GPU performance. This allows it to manage demanding professional applications, complex multitasking, high-fidelity gaming, and advanced video editing with greater efficiency and speed.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: For users who frequently switch between multiple applications or work with resource-intensive software, the iPad Pro 2022 offers a more fluid and responsive experience due to its enhanced processing capabilities and increased memory bandwidth. The iPad 2020 provides a smooth experience for typical multitasking, but may show limitations with very heavy workloads.
• Storage Options: The iPad 2020 is available with 32GB or 128GB of internal storage. The iPad Pro 2022 offers a wider range of storage configurations, starting from 128GB and extending up to 2TB, catering to users with extensive storage needs for large files, projects, and media.

The visual experience on a tablet is largely defined by its display, and here the iPad Pro 2022 offers notable advancements over the iPad 2020.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The iPad 2020 features a 10.2-inch Retina IPS LCD display, providing clear visuals and good color reproduction for general use. The iPad Pro 2022 comes in 11-inch and 12.9-inch sizes. The 11-inch model uses a Liquid Retina IPS LCD, while the 12.9-inch model boasts a Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED display. The mini-LED technology on the 12.9-inch iPad Pro offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and higher peak brightness, making it particularly well-suited for HDR content and professional creative work.
• Refresh Rate and Smoothness: The iPad 2020 has a standard refresh rate. In contrast, both iPad Pro 2022 models feature ProMotion technology, which enables an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz. This results in noticeably smoother scrolling, more responsive touch input, and a more fluid visual experience, especially during fast-paced content or when using the Apple Pencil.
• Brightness and Outdoor Visibility: The iPad 2020 offers up to 500 nits of brightness. The iPad Pro 2022 models provide higher brightness levels, with the 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display reaching up to 1000 nits typical full-screen brightness and 1600 nits peak brightness for HDR content, significantly improving visibility in bright environments and enhancing HDR viewing.

The camera systems on these two iPads cater to different user needs, with the iPad Pro 2022 offering a more comprehensive and advanced setup.

• Rear Camera System: The iPad 2020 includes an 8-megapixel wide rear camera, suitable for casual photography, document scanning, and augmented reality applications. The iPad Pro 2022 features a dual-camera system on the rear, comprising a 12-megapixel wide camera and a 10-megapixel ultra-wide camera, along with a LiDAR Scanner. This setup allows for more versatile photography, improved low-light performance, and enhanced augmented reality experiences.
• Front Camera and Video Conferencing: The iPad 2020 has a 1.2-megapixel front-facing camera, which is functional for video calls. The iPad Pro 2022 is equipped with a 12-megapixel ultra-wide front camera with Center Stage, a feature that automatically keeps the user in the frame during video calls. This provides a significantly better experience for video conferencing and selfies.
• Video Recording and Audio: The iPad 2020 supports 1080p video recording at 30 frames per second. The iPad Pro 2022 offers more advanced video capabilities, including 4K video recording and ProRes video capture, providing greater flexibility for content creators. Additionally, the iPad Pro 2022 features a four-speaker audio system and studio-quality microphones, delivering a richer audio experience for media consumption and clearer sound for recordings and calls compared to the iPad 2020's stereo speakers.