Another year, another iPad Pro. Yes, Apple’s premium tablet is now its sixth generation, with the iPad Pro (2022)This brings some significant improvements to the table. This includes the inclusion of the highly powerful M2 chip, which you’ll also find in the latest MacBook Pro. The thing is, if you disregard this new processor, is there anything else truly significant under the tablet’s hood that makes it worth buying over last year’s iPad Pro (2021)?
We’ll answer this question by looking at the specs of each model and comparing how they fare in terms of performance, displays, designs, batteries, cameras, and software. This should clear up which is the better tablet overall, as well as explain whether it’s worth upgrading if you already have last year’s iPad Pro.
Notice: This article applies to both the 11-inch- and 12.9 inch versions of each model.
Specifications
| Apple iPad Pro (2022) | Apple iPad Pro (2021) | |
| Size | 11-inch: 247.6 x 178.5 x 5.9mm (9.75 x 7.03 x 0.23 inches)
12.9-inch: 280.6 x 214.9 x 6.4mm (11.05 x 8.46 x 0.25 inches) |
11-inch: 247.6 x 178.5 x 5.9mm (9.75 x 7.03 x 0.23 inches)
12.9-inch: 280.6 x 214.9 x 6.4mm (11.05 x 8.46 x 0.25 inches) |
| Weight | 11-inch: 466 grams (1.03 pounds)
12.9-inch: 682 grams (1.5 pounds) |
11-inch: 466 grams (1.03 pounds)
12.9-inch: 682 grams (1.5 pounds) |
| Screen | 11-inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD
12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED LCD |
11-inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD
12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED LCD |
| High resolution | 11-inch: 1688 x 2388 pixels (265 pixels per inch) 12.9-inch: 2048 x 2732 pixels (265 pixels per inch) |
11-inch: 1688 x 2388 pixels (265 pixels per inch)
12.9-inch: 2048 x 2732 pixels (265 pixels per inch) |
| Operating system | iPadOS 16 | iPadOS 16 |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB |
| Slot for MicroSD cards | No | No |
| Processor | Apple M2 | Apple M1 |
| RAM | 8GB, 16GB | 8GB, 16GB |
| Camera | Dual 12-megapixel, 10MP ultrawide, LiDAR and 12MP ultrawide front | Dual 12MP and ultrawide 12MP, LiDAR, 12MP Ultrawide Front |
| Video | 4K at 60 fps, 1080p at 240 fps | 4K at 60 fps, 1080p at 240 fps |
| Bluetooth version | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Ports | USB-C | USB-C |
| Fingerprint sensor | No, Face ID | Face ID is not required |
| Water resistance | No | No |
| Batteries | 11.-inch: 7,538mAh fast charging (18W).
10.758mAh, Fast Charging (18W) |
11.-inch: 7,538mAh fast charging (18W).
12.9-inch: 10.758mAh fast charging (18W). |
| App marketplace | Apple App Store | Apple App Store |
| Support network | AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon (Cellular models only) | AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon (Cellular models only) |
| Colors | Space Gray, Silver | Space Gray, Silver |
| Prices | 11-inch: $799+
12.9-inch: $1,099+ |
11-inch: $799+
12.9-inch: $1,099+ |
| Buy from | Apple | Apple |
| Review score | News | 4.5 out 5 stars |
Design, display and durability
Clearly, Apple is very, very happy with the design of its iPad Pro, since it hasn’t changed its fundamental appearance in several years. The iPad Pro 2022 is nearly identical to its predecessor with the same edge-to–edge display and narrow bezels. Both models are made with aluminum frames and rears. The dimensions of both the 11-inch- and 12.9 inch versions are identical. They also weigh the same, so you’re going to have the same level of comfort and ease regardless of which model you choose.
We can also report that the displays are identical across generations. If you go for the 11-inch version of either iPad, you’ll receive a Liquid Retina IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1688 x 2388 pixels (which works out at 265 pixels per inch). If you opt for the 12.9-inch version, you’ll get a superior 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED LCD panel that packs 2048 x 2732 pixels (also 265 ppi). Regardless of the size of your model, you’ll have a refresh rate of 120Hz, making for some very smooth scrolling and animations.
Neither tablet is water resistant, so they aren’t the most durable. That said, their screens are made with scratch-resistant glass that repels oil and fingerprints, while their aluminum frames won’t obviously crack like glass.
Winner: Tie
Performance, battery performance, and charging
We were amazed when the iPad Pro (2021) arrived with Apple’s M1 chip on board, giving it the kind of power that could handle any kind of task, app, or video game. The iPad Pro (2022), now has an even more powerful M2 chip. Apple claims it is about 20% faster than the M1. The newer iPad is likely to be able to handle multitasking with greater ease than the older model. However, most people won’t notice a difference due to the M1 chip’s already powerful capabilities. Both the 8GB and 16GB RAM versions of both devices give them plenty of memory to survive in 2022.
The internal storage capacity of both tablets is 128GB. However, you can increase this to 2TB by paying an additional $1,100. This will not be enough for most people, but you can disguise your tablet as a laptop with the higher-end options.
It’s also a case of history repeating when it comes to batteries. Both the 12.9-inch and 11-inch models have identical capacity cells. The iPad Pro (2022) could have software and processor changes that make its battery last slightly longer. We will however need to review the whole thing.
This round is a win for the iPad Pro. Its more powerful chip might make it more useful for professional users.
Winner: Apple iPad Pro (2022)
Cameras
The new iPad Pro (2022) also happens to have old cameras, carrying the same dual-lens rear setup as 2021’s model. This includes a main 12-megapixel lens and a 10-MP ultrawide lens with a LiDAR sensor that allows depth perception. It also has a 12-megapixel ultrawide selfie camera at its front, similar to the iPad Pro (2021).
As before, the ultrawide 12MP selfie camera supports the artificial intelligence powered Center Stage feature. This allows for spectacularly panoramic selfies. The rear lenses of both models are excellent for tablet cameras and can take great photos in almost any situation. However, because there’s no difference between the two, this round is another tie.
Winner: Tie
Software updates
The iPad Pro (2022), will be available with iPadOS 16 right out of the box, bringing some useful new features to the iPad experience. Stage Manager is a multitasking tool that allows users to run up eight apps simultaneously. It is ideal for creative and professional users. The iPad Pro (2021) runs iPadOS 15 at the moment, but will soon receive the 16th edition.
The iPad Pro (2022), which is supported by updates, may be extended for an additional year. Apple supports its devices for many years so most users won’t even notice.
Winner: Tie
Additional features
The iPad Pros are identical in terms of special features. They support 5G (if they are cellular), and both can support the Stage Manager feature.
These devices also include a LiDAR sensor, which allows for the use of many augmented-reality applications. There’s also Face ID (for unlocking your device and for purchases) and support for the Magic Keyboard accessoryThis means that your iPad can be turned into a laptop.
Other than that, they’re both basically high-powered, highly reliable tablets.
Winner: Tie
Price and availability
The iPad Pro (2022) is now available to order from Apple’s website. The 11-inch model starts at $799, and the 2TB version with 5G comes in at $2,099 Similar to the 12.9-inch version, it starts at $1,099 and rises to $2,399 with 2TB of memory.
Although the iPad Pro (2021 can’t be ordered directly from Apple, we have seen it on sale at various retailers (e.g. You might be able to find it at a lower price through Best Buy or Amazon.
Overall winner: Apple iPad Pro (222)
They’re almost the very same device, yet the iPad Pro (2022)The M2 processor is the only reason that the tablet wins. Other than that, both tablets have identical displays and the same internal memory, software, cameras, and batteries. If you have an existing tablet, it will work with your current one. last year’s iPad Pro, there really isn’t much need to upgrade. Having said that, the newer iPad is a truly fantastic tablet, and while it doesn’t really offer any innovations, it out-performs every other similar device on the market.
Editors’ Recommendations
