IPad Pro Showdown: 2017 Vs. 2018 - Which Reigns Supreme?

Hey tech enthusiasts! Let's dive into a head-to-head battle of the titans: the iPad Pro 2017 versus the iPad Pro 2018. Both tablets were absolute powerhouses in their day, and even now, they can hold their own in many situations. If you're pondering which one to snag – maybe you're hunting for a deal or just curious about the differences – you're in the right place. We'll break down the key features, performance, and overall experience to help you make the best choice. So, grab a snack, sit back, and let's get this iPad Pro showdown started!

Design and Display: A Tale of Two Generations

Alright, let's kick things off with the design and display, because, let's be honest, it's what you'll be looking at all day, right? The iPad Pro 2017 was a beauty in its own right, with its sleek aluminum unibody design. It came in the classic silver, space gray, and even a gold finish, giving you some nice options to match your style. The bezels (the black borders around the screen) were noticeable, but they weren't exactly deal-breakers. The 2017 model kept the traditional home button, which some people still love for its familiarity and ease of use.

Then came the iPad Pro 2018. Apple really stepped up its game here, giving us a complete design overhaul. The bezels got a serious trim, making the screen look even more immersive. The home button vanished, replaced by a gesture-based navigation system – swipe up to go home, swipe down for the control center, etc. It took a little getting used to for some, but it quickly became second nature. The 2018 model also ditched the rounded edges for a more squared-off design, making it feel more modern and premium. It still came in silver and space gray, but the gold option was gone. One of the coolest upgrades was the introduction of Face ID. Instead of the fingerprint sensor, you now had facial recognition to unlock your iPad and authorize purchases. It's fast, secure, and worked really well.

The display on both models was, well, amazing. The 2017 iPad Pro sported a gorgeous Retina display with a ProMotion technology. This meant the screen had a variable refresh rate that could go up to 120Hz. What does that mean for you? Super smooth scrolling, super responsive gameplay, and just an overall more fluid experience. The 2018 model kept this ProMotion tech and improved on the display to make it even brighter and more color-accurate. So, both displays are fantastic, but the 2018 model subtly edges out the 2017 with its more modern design, Face ID, and display refinements. If you're a stickler for the latest design trends and a bigger screen in the same footprint, the 2018 is the clear winner in this round. However, the 2017 model's design still holds up, and the home button might be a plus for some of you who are used to it.

Performance: Power Under the Hood

Now, let's talk about what really matters: performance! Both the iPad Pro 2017 and iPad Pro 2018 were designed to deliver a smooth and responsive experience, but they went about it with different hardware. Inside the 2017 model, you'd find the A10X Fusion chip, a powerhouse at the time. This chip was paired with either 4GB of RAM (for the 64GB and 256GB models) or 6GB of RAM (for the 512GB model), allowing it to handle demanding tasks with ease. Whether you were editing videos, playing graphics-intensive games, or multitasking between several apps, the 2017 iPad Pro kept up without breaking a sweat.

The iPad Pro 2018 took things up a notch with the A12X Bionic chip. This was a massive leap in performance. The A12X was significantly faster than the A10X, offering up to 35% faster CPU performance and up to 2x faster graphics performance. Paired with 4GB or 6GB of RAM (depending on the storage capacity), this tablet could handle anything you threw at it. This meant faster app launches, smoother gaming, and more complex video editing workflows. If you're someone who often uses your tablet for heavy-duty tasks like professional photo or video editing, or if you simply want the absolute best performance, the 2018 model is the way to go. You will immediately notice the responsiveness and speed of the iPad Pro 2018 compared to the 2017 model. Even though the 2017 model still has plenty of power, the 2018 model just feels…faster.

In a nutshell, both tablets offer excellent performance, but the iPad Pro 2018 has a clear advantage with its more powerful A12X Bionic chip. This makes it ideal for anyone who wants the absolute best performance and is looking to use their tablet for the most demanding tasks. If you're a casual user, the 2017 model still packs plenty of power, and you likely won't notice a huge difference in everyday tasks like web browsing, social media, and light gaming.

Accessories: Apple Pencil and Keyboard Compatibility

Accessories can transform your iPad Pro from a tablet into a productivity powerhouse. Let's explore the accessories for the iPad Pro 2017 and iPad Pro 2018, focusing on the Apple Pencil and keyboard compatibility.

For the iPad Pro 2017, you could use the first-generation Apple Pencil. This Pencil was a solid performer, but it had a few quirks. It charged by plugging it directly into the Lightning port of the iPad, which was a little awkward. It was also easy to misplace the small cap that covered the charging connector. If you were looking for a seamless drawing and writing experience, the first-generation Apple Pencil was a solid choice. You can use it to take notes, sketch, and draw with precision.

The iPad Pro 2018 was designed to work with the second-generation Apple Pencil. This new Pencil was a major upgrade. It magnetically attached to the side of the iPad for easy storage and wireless charging. It also featured a double-tap gesture that let you quickly switch between tools or perform other actions. It was a more refined and convenient experience, and the magnetic attachment meant you'd be less likely to lose it. This second-generation Apple Pencil is a must-have accessory if you plan on using your iPad Pro for creative tasks.

Regarding keyboards, both iPads were compatible with Apple's Smart Keyboard. However, the iPad Pro 2018 also supported the new Smart Keyboard Folio, which offered a more streamlined and versatile design. It attached magnetically to the iPad and could be adjusted to various viewing angles. It also provided better protection for the device. The iPad Pro 2017 could use the older Smart Keyboard, which was a good keyboard, but lacked some of the refinements of the newer model. It snapped onto the Smart Connector and did its job well, but the newer keyboard offers a better experience.

In terms of accessories, the iPad Pro 2018 has the edge. The second-generation Apple Pencil is a significant improvement over the first, and the Smart Keyboard Folio offers a more refined and convenient experience. While the iPad Pro 2017 still works with the first-generation Apple Pencil and the older Smart Keyboard, the accessories for the 2018 model are more advanced and offer a better overall experience. So, if accessories are a big deal for you, the 2018 is the winner.

Battery Life: Keeping the Power On

Battery life is a crucial factor, especially when using a tablet on the go. Let's see how the iPad Pro 2017 and iPad Pro 2018 stack up in terms of battery life.

Apple typically advertises up to 10 hours of web browsing or video playback on its iPads. The iPad Pro 2017 generally lived up to this claim. You could comfortably get through a full day of use with moderate usage, including browsing the web, checking emails, watching videos, and maybe even a bit of gaming. Battery life can always vary depending on your usage. However, the 2017 model was a reliable performer, and you could expect it to last a decent amount of time on a single charge.

The iPad Pro 2018 also delivered impressive battery life. In real-world testing, you could expect similar results to the 2017 model, with up to 10 hours of web browsing or video playback. Apple had optimized the hardware and software to ensure that you could enjoy long hours of use without constantly searching for a power outlet. So, if you were planning on taking your iPad Pro on a long trip, either model would be a good choice.

In terms of battery life, both the iPad Pro 2017 and iPad Pro 2018 are quite comparable. Both models offer excellent battery life, and you can expect a full day of use with moderate usage. The differences in battery performance between the two models are minimal, and you won't notice a significant difference in everyday use. So, you don't need to choose between the two based on battery performance, as both are great.

Which iPad Pro Should You Choose?

Alright, it's decision time! So, which iPad Pro should you choose? It really depends on your needs, your budget, and what you prioritize. Let's summarize and give you a few recommendations.

If you're looking for the absolute best performance and the latest features, and if you can afford it, the iPad Pro 2018 is the clear winner. The A12X Bionic chip, the more modern design, the Face ID, and the second-generation Apple Pencil support make it a top-tier tablet. This is the tablet for professionals or those who want the absolute best. Even today, the iPad Pro 2018 is still a very capable tablet that will handle any tasks you throw at it. If you plan to make the most out of your iPad, you will love it.

However, the iPad Pro 2017 is still a great option, especially if you're on a tighter budget. It still has plenty of power, a gorgeous display, and a design that holds up well. If you don't need the absolute latest and greatest features, the 2017 model can deliver a fantastic experience. If you can find a good deal on a used or refurbished 2017 model, it's an excellent value proposition. Its still a great tablet to buy and use. It won't disappoint.

Ultimately, the choice is yours. Consider what you'll be using the iPad for, what features are most important to you, and how much you're willing to spend. Both the iPad Pro 2017 and iPad Pro 2018 are excellent tablets, and you'll be happy with either one. Happy shopping, and enjoy your new iPad Pro!