iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Pro (2022, M2 series)

The iPad 2021, also known as the 9th generation iPad, was released in September 2021, offering a capable and accessible tablet experience. The iPad Pro 2022, featuring the M2 series chip, followed in October 2022, positioning itself as a high-performance device for demanding tasks. Both tablets operate on Apple's iPadOS, but they cater to different user needs through significant distinctions in processing power, display technology, and professional features.

When considering the longevity of these devices, their release timelines and underlying hardware play a significant role.

• Software Support: The iPad Pro 2022, being released a year later and equipped with a more advanced processor, is likely to receive major iPadOS updates for a longer duration compared to the iPad 2021. This extended software support can translate to an additional year or more of access to the latest features and security enhancements.
• Build and Design: Both models feature an aluminum enclosure, providing a durable foundation. The iPad 2021 retains a classic design with a home button and thicker bezels, while the iPad Pro 2022 showcases a more modern, edge-to-edge display aesthetic. Repairability for both devices is generally considered challenging, typical for modern tablets.
• Practical Lifespan: The iPad Pro 2022's significantly more powerful internal components offer greater headroom for future demanding applications and multitasking, potentially extending its practical usability for intensive workflows further into the future. The iPad 2021 remains a robust device for general use, with users reporting it's fast enough for most needs, but its capabilities are more aligned with current mainstream applications.

The core performance of these two iPads presents a clear distinction, influencing their suitability for various tasks.

• Processing Power: The iPad 2021 is equipped with a capable processor that handles everyday applications, web browsing, and casual gaming smoothly. Users generally find its performance sufficient for common tasks and light multitasking. The iPad Pro 2022, however, features a significantly more powerful processor designed for professional-grade applications, complex multitasking, and graphics-intensive workflows, including advanced video editing and 3D rendering.
• Storage Options: The iPad 2021 is available with 64GB or 256GB of internal storage, providing adequate space for general users. The iPad Pro 2022 offers a wider range of storage configurations, starting from 128GB and extending up to 2TB, accommodating large project files and extensive media libraries.
• Battery Behavior: Both models are rated for approximately 10 hours of web surfing on Wi-Fi or video playback, with slightly less for cellular models. In real-world usage, battery life can vary based on screen brightness, application usage, and connectivity, but both are designed to last through a full day of typical use.

The visual experience is a key differentiator, with both tablets offering distinct display technologies and capabilities.

• Display Technology: The iPad 2021 features a 10.2-inch Retina IPS LCD display, providing clear visuals and good color reproduction for everyday viewing. The iPad Pro 2022 offers two display options: an 11-inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD or a 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED display. The 12.9-inch model, in particular, delivers superior contrast and deeper blacks due to its mini-LED technology.
• Resolution and Brightness: The iPad 2021 has a 2160x1620-pixel resolution with 500 nits of brightness, suitable for indoor and moderate outdoor use. The iPad Pro 2022 models feature higher resolutions and brightness levels, with the 11-inch reaching 600 nits SDR brightness and the 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display achieving 1000 nits max full screen brightness and up to 1600 nits peak for HDR content.
• Smoothness and Color: The iPad Pro 2022 models incorporate ProMotion technology, offering an adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz for smoother scrolling and more responsive interactions, alongside a wider P3 color gamut for more vibrant and accurate colors. The iPad 2021 has a standard refresh rate and supports True Tone for ambient color temperature adjustments.

The camera systems on these iPads are designed for different primary uses, from video calls to more advanced content creation.

• Rear Camera Capabilities: The iPad 2021 includes an 8MP wide rear camera, suitable for document scanning and casual photography. The iPad Pro 2022 features a more advanced Pro camera system, comprising a 12MP wide and a 10MP ultra-wide rear camera, along with a LiDAR Scanner for enhanced augmented reality experiences and depth sensing.
• Front Camera and Video: Both tablets are equipped with a 12MP ultra-wide front camera that supports Center Stage, a feature that keeps users automatically framed during video calls. The iPad Pro 2022 further enhances video capabilities with support for ProRes video recording, allowing for higher quality video capture, particularly for models with 256GB storage or more.
• Audio Experience: The iPad 2021 provides stereo speakers for media consumption. The iPad Pro 2022 elevates the audio experience with a four-speaker sound system and "studio-quality" microphones, which are beneficial for recording and video conferencing. User sentiment suggests that while iPad cameras are functional, they generally do not match the photographic quality of dedicated smartphone cameras.