iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) vs iPad Pro (2024, M4 series)

The longevity and software support duration are key considerations when comparing the iPad 2021 and the iPad Pro 2024, largely influenced by their release dates and hardware.

• Release Timeline: The iPad 2021, having been released in September 2021, has already completed a significant portion of its expected software update cycle. The iPad Pro 2024, launched in May 2024, is at the very beginning of its support period, ensuring a longer future of new features and security updates.
• OS Support Duration: The iPad Pro 2024 is anticipated to receive major iPadOS updates for a considerably longer period, potentially extending its functional lifespan by several years beyond that of the iPad 2021. This extended support means access to newer software capabilities and continued compatibility with evolving applications.
• Practical Lifespan: While both devices are built to last, the more advanced internal components of the iPad Pro 2024, particularly its processor, provide greater headroom for handling future software demands, potentially allowing it to remain a high-performing device for a longer practical duration.

A significant distinction between these two iPad models lies in their processing power and overall system performance, catering to different levels of user demand.

• Processor Capabilities: The iPad Pro 2024 is equipped with a substantially more powerful and efficient processor, enabling it to effortlessly manage highly demanding professional applications, complex 3D rendering, and intensive multitasking. The iPad 2021, while capable for everyday tasks, offers performance suitable for general productivity, web browsing, and casual gaming.
• System Responsiveness: Users will experience a noticeable difference in speed and fluidity on the iPad Pro 2024, with applications launching almost instantly and transitions between tasks being exceptionally smooth. The iPad 2021 provides a responsive experience for its intended use, but may show more hesitation with very heavy workloads.
• Storage and Multitasking: The iPad Pro 2024 offers a wider array of higher storage configurations, crucial for professionals dealing with large media files and extensive project data. Its enhanced internal memory also contributes to superior multitasking capabilities, allowing more applications to run simultaneously without performance degradation compared to the iPad 2021.

The display technology represents one of the most prominent upgrades in the iPad Pro 2024, offering a vastly different visual experience compared to the iPad 2021.

• Display Technology: The iPad Pro 2024 features a cutting-edge Tandem OLED display, marketed as Ultra Retina XDR, which delivers unparalleled contrast ratios, perfect blacks, and exceptional color accuracy. This is a significant advancement over the iPad 2021's traditional LCD Retina display, which offers good color reproduction but cannot match the depth and vibrancy of OLED.
• Brightness and Clarity: The iPad Pro 2024's display achieves significantly higher peak brightness levels, making it ideal for viewing HDR content and ensuring excellent visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. Its higher pixel density also contributes to sharper text and more detailed images. The iPad 2021 provides adequate brightness for indoor use and general viewing.
• Refresh Rate and Size: The iPad Pro 2024 incorporates ProMotion technology, providing an adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz for incredibly smooth scrolling, fluid animations, and a more responsive touch experience. It also offers larger screen size options (11-inch and 13-inch) compared to the iPad 2021's 10.2-inch display, enhancing the immersive viewing experience. The iPad 2021 maintains a standard 60Hz refresh rate.

While tablets are not primarily camera devices, the capabilities for photography, video, and audio capture vary considerably between these two models.

• Camera System: The iPad Pro 2024 features a more advanced rear camera system, including a 12MP wide camera with improved low-light performance and a LiDAR scanner for enhanced augmented reality experiences and depth sensing. Both models include a 12MP ultra-wide front camera with Center Stage, which keeps subjects framed during video calls. The iPad 2021 has an 8MP wide rear camera suitable for casual photos and document scanning.
• Video Recording: The iPad Pro 2024 offers superior video recording capabilities, supporting higher resolutions and frame rates, along with advanced features like ProRes video capture, making it a more suitable tool for content creation. The iPad 2021 is capable of recording clear video for personal use and video conferencing.
• Audio Experience: The iPad Pro 2024 typically includes a four-speaker audio system that delivers a richer, more immersive sound experience for media consumption, alongside a studio-quality microphone array for clearer audio recording and calls. The iPad 2021 features a two-speaker system and standard microphones, which are sufficient for general use.

Beyond the core specifications, several practical features and design elements differentiate the iPad 2021 from the iPad Pro 2024.

• Connectivity Options: The iPad Pro 2024 supports the latest Wi-Fi 6E standard and offers advanced 5G cellular connectivity, providing faster and more stable wireless performance. The iPad 2021 supports Wi-Fi 5 and 4G LTE, which are still capable but offer slower speeds.
• Port Type and Accessories: The iPad Pro 2024 features a versatile USB-C port with Thunderbolt/USB 4 support, enabling high-speed data transfer, external display support, and compatibility with a wider range of professional accessories. It also supports the Apple Pencil Pro and the latest Magic Keyboard. The iPad 2021 uses a Lightning port and is compatible with the first-generation Apple Pencil and the Smart Keyboard.
• Authentication and Design: The iPad Pro 2024 utilizes Face ID for secure and convenient facial recognition unlocking, integrated into its slim-bezel design. The iPad 2021 retains the classic home button with Touch ID for fingerprint authentication and features thicker bezels. The Pro model also boasts a thinner and lighter profile, enhancing portability.