IPad Pro 11-inch: 2018 Vs. 2019 - Which One Reigns?
Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into a comparison that many of you have been curious about: the iPad Pro 11-inch from 2018 versus the 2019 model. Choosing the right iPad can be a tough decision, especially when you're trying to figure out if the newer version is worth the extra cash. Fear not, because we're going to break down all the key differences, from the design to the performance, so you can make a smart choice. We'll explore which iPad Pro 11-inch reigns supreme in this head-to-head battle, helping you decide which tablet best suits your needs and budget. Let's get started, shall we?
Design and Build: Subtle Yet Significant Changes
Alright, let's kick things off with the design and build quality. Both the 2018 and 2019 iPad Pro 11-inch models boast a sleek, modern aesthetic, featuring flat edges and a nearly bezel-less display. It's a design that screams premium and feels fantastic in your hands. The materials are top-notch, with both tablets crafted from aerospace-grade aluminum, giving them a sturdy and durable feel. You won't find any glaring differences in the overall look and feel, so they both offer a high-end experience. However, there are a few subtle but significant changes between the two generations that are worth noting. The 2018 model was a pioneer in design, being one of the first to eliminate the home button completely and embrace Face ID for authentication. This design revolution continued with the 2019 model, keeping the same smooth lines and premium feel. Both models share the same dimensions, ensuring compatibility with most accessories. The placement of the power button and volume rocker remains consistent, meaning the physical controls are in the same spot, making it easy to switch between the two if you're upgrading. Both feature the groundbreaking edge-to-edge Liquid Retina display, delivering vibrant colors and incredible clarity, perfect for watching movies, browsing the web, or working on creative projects. Overall, the design similarities are more noticeable than the differences. The build quality in both models is excellent, showcasing Apple's commitment to delivering premium products. If you are a design enthusiast, you'll be pleased with either option. The choice really depends on what other features are important to you. Now, let's explore some of these differences.
The Subtle Differences in the iPad Pro 11-inch
While the overall design is similar, there's a key difference in the cameras, where the 2019 model gains an extra lens. The 2018 model features a single 12MP wide-angle rear camera, which is excellent for general photography and video recording. The 2019 model upgrades with a dual-camera system, including the same 12MP wide-angle lens and an additional 10MP ultra-wide lens. This addition opens up new possibilities for capturing photos and videos, offering a wider field of view. The inclusion of the ultra-wide lens gives you more flexibility when capturing landscapes or group shots. The 2019 model features a 7MP front-facing camera, designed to handle your video calls and selfies with exceptional clarity. The 2018 model also has the same 7MP front-facing camera. In terms of overall build and design, both the 2018 and 2019 models are incredibly well-made. They're both thin and lightweight, making them easy to carry around. Both models also use USB-C, which is a major convenience. USB-C enables charging, data transfer, and connectivity with various accessories. It also marks a significant shift from Apple's Lightning connector. This transition makes the iPad Pro more versatile and compatible with a wide range of devices.
Display: A Visual Delight
Let's talk about the display, which is one of the most important features of any tablet. Both the 2018 and 2019 iPad Pro 11-inch models share the same stunning Liquid Retina display. This display technology is one of the highlights of both tablets, offering a visually stunning experience. With its edge-to-edge design and rounded corners, the Liquid Retina display maximizes the screen real estate, providing an immersive viewing experience. The display delivers vibrant colors, incredible detail, and a high level of brightness, making it a joy to use. With a high resolution and pixel density, everything on the screen looks sharp and crisp. The display's technology also incorporates ProMotion, which is a key feature. ProMotion dynamically adjusts the refresh rate of the display, going up to 120Hz. This results in incredibly smooth scrolling and animations, enhancing the overall user experience. Whether you're browsing the web, playing games, or watching videos, the ProMotion technology makes everything feel more responsive and fluid. Both models support True Tone, which adjusts the display's color temperature to match the ambient lighting of your environment. This is a subtle yet significant feature that reduces eye strain and makes the display more comfortable to view in various lighting conditions. While both models have the same display specifications, you'll find the visual experience is very consistent.
Comparing Display Technologies
There's no clear winner between the 2018 and 2019 models when it comes to the display. Both offer a top-tier visual experience, with the Liquid Retina display being a standout feature. The high resolution, vibrant colors, and ProMotion technology make these tablets ideal for entertainment and creative tasks. True Tone ensures that the display always looks its best, adjusting to the ambient lighting to reduce eye strain. When considering the display, the 2018 and 2019 models offer nearly identical experiences. The edge-to-edge design maximizes screen space, and the display itself is a joy to use. Whether you are watching videos, playing games, or doing creative work, the display quality will not disappoint. If you prioritize a superior viewing experience, both the 2018 and 2019 models are excellent choices. Given the similarities in display technology, the decision between the two may come down to other features. If you are looking for a stunning display, you can't go wrong with either of these tablets. The inclusion of ProMotion ensures that animations and scrolling appear incredibly smooth, making the overall user experience very enjoyable.
Performance: Power Under the Hood
Next up, let's explore the performance of these iPads. The performance is where we start to see some differences, and the 2019 model has a slight edge. The 2018 iPad Pro 11-inch is powered by the A12X Bionic chip, which is still a very powerful processor. It handles demanding tasks with ease, making it suitable for gaming, video editing, and running multiple apps simultaneously. The A12X Bionic chip provides a smooth and responsive experience, ensuring you can tackle a wide range of tasks without lag or slowdowns. However, the 2019 model steps up with the A12Z Bionic chip, which builds upon the A12X. The A12Z features an enhanced architecture, offering improved performance, especially in graphics-intensive applications. It boasts more processing power and enhanced graphics capabilities, delivering smoother gaming experiences and faster video rendering.
Chipset Comparison
While the A12X Bionic chip in the 2018 model is still potent, the A12Z Bionic chip in the 2019 model provides a slight advantage in terms of performance. The A12Z Bionic chip offers enhanced performance, particularly in graphics-intensive tasks. You'll notice this if you're a gamer or if you frequently work with video editing software. The 2019 model is slightly faster and more responsive, which makes it a great choice for demanding users. However, both tablets are more than capable of handling everyday tasks such as web browsing, email, and social media. The choice between the two will depend on your specific needs and the intensity of your usage. The 2019 model's improved graphics performance gives it an edge, especially if you enjoy playing graphics-intensive games or working with video editing software. For most users, the performance difference between the two models will not be immediately noticeable. However, power users and those who value the latest technology may prefer the 2019 model for its slightly enhanced performance. If you need a tablet that can handle demanding tasks with ease, the 2019 model is the better choice, but if you prioritize the value and want a great tablet for everyday tasks, the 2018 model is still an excellent option. Both models offer exceptional performance.
Cameras: Snapping the Perfect Shot
Let's move on to the cameras. This is where we see some notable differences between the two models. The 2018 iPad Pro 11-inch features a single 12MP wide-angle rear camera. This camera is capable of capturing high-quality photos and videos, making it ideal for casual photography and video recording. It delivers sharp images and vibrant colors, and it performs well in various lighting conditions. While it is a capable camera, the 2019 model takes things to the next level by adding an additional lens. The 2019 model includes a dual-camera system, which features a 12MP wide-angle lens and a 10MP ultra-wide lens. This addition significantly enhances the versatility of the camera. The ultra-wide lens expands your creative options, allowing you to capture wider shots. This is particularly useful for landscape photography, group shots, and capturing more of your surroundings in a single frame. The addition of the ultra-wide lens provides you with a greater degree of flexibility and allows you to capture more of the scene.
Upgraded Camera Features
The 2019 model also supports 4K video recording at up to 60fps, providing exceptional video quality. In addition to the rear camera improvements, the 2019 model introduces improvements to the front-facing camera. Both models have a 7MP front-facing camera, which is excellent for video calls and selfies. The 2019 model offers better low-light performance and enhanced image quality, resulting in clearer and more detailed photos and videos. If you are a photography enthusiast, the 2019 model is the better option. However, the 2018 model still provides a good camera experience. The dual-camera system gives the 2019 model an edge. With the ultra-wide lens, you can capture more expansive shots, allowing you to get more creative with your photos and videos. The upgraded features and enhanced image quality of the 2019 model make it a great choice. If you prioritize camera quality, the 2019 model is the clear winner, but the 2018 model offers a reliable and capable camera system. Both models offer the convenience of video calls and selfies.
Battery Life: Staying Powered Up
Let's discuss battery life. Both the 2018 and 2019 iPad Pro 11-inch models offer impressive battery life. Apple has optimized these tablets to provide a long-lasting experience, ensuring you can use them throughout the day without constant charging. The average battery life for both models is approximately 10 hours of web browsing or video playback. This means you can comfortably use your iPad for work or entertainment without worrying about the battery dying too quickly. The battery life is consistent between both models, so you won't experience a noticeable difference in how long they last. Both models come equipped with a USB-C port, which allows for fast charging and compatibility with various charging accessories. This port also allows you to charge the iPad Pro efficiently. You can recharge your iPad Pro quickly and conveniently, no matter where you are. In terms of overall battery life, both the 2018 and 2019 models are very similar. The battery life is not a significant factor when choosing between the two. However, the consistent battery performance ensures that you can enjoy your tablet without interruptions.
Comparing Power Performance
Both the 2018 and 2019 iPad Pro 11-inch models provide excellent battery life. You can expect to get around 10 hours of web browsing or video playback on a single charge. If you need a tablet that can last all day, both models will meet your needs. Both models offer the convenience of fast charging through their USB-C ports, so you can quickly recharge your iPad Pro when you need to. The consistent battery performance ensures that you can use your tablet for extended periods without worrying about running out of power. Both models are designed to provide a seamless and uninterrupted experience, so you can enjoy your favorite content without any interruptions. The battery performance is an important factor. If you are a heavy user, you may want to carry a portable charger. Both models offer excellent battery life, so you'll have peace of mind knowing your iPad will last throughout the day.
Accessories and Ecosystem
Let's explore the accessories and ecosystem compatibility. Both the 2018 and 2019 iPad Pro 11-inch models are compatible with the same accessories. This means you can use the same Apple Pencil (2nd generation) and Smart Keyboard Folio with both models. This compatibility is a major advantage. If you already own these accessories, you can easily upgrade to either model without needing to purchase new ones. The second-generation Apple Pencil is a standout accessory. It attaches magnetically to the iPad Pro and charges wirelessly. The Smart Keyboard Folio provides a convenient and comfortable typing experience, making it perfect for productivity tasks. Both models also support a wide range of third-party accessories. This provides you with even more options. The ecosystem of accessories for both models is vast and versatile, and it includes cases, screen protectors, and various adapters.
Maximizing iPad Pro Features
The Apple ecosystem is one of the strengths of both models, with seamless integration and easy connectivity with other Apple devices. This integration allows you to sync your data, share files, and use features like AirDrop effortlessly. If you have other Apple products, you'll appreciate the seamless integration of both iPad Pro models. The accessories and ecosystem are key to enhancing your iPad Pro experience. From the Apple Pencil to the Smart Keyboard Folio, these accessories expand the functionality of your iPad. You can also customize your tablet with a wide variety of third-party accessories. You can choose from a range of cases, screen protectors, and adapters to suit your needs. The choice between the 2018 and 2019 models won't impact accessory compatibility. Both models support the same accessories, allowing you to seamlessly integrate them into your workflow. If you prioritize the Apple ecosystem and a wide range of accessories, both models offer a great experience. The choice really depends on what other factors are important to you.
Price and Value: Making the Right Choice
Let's talk about the price and value of these iPads. The prices of the 2018 and 2019 models have shifted over time, influencing which offers the better value. When the 2019 model was first released, it was priced higher than the 2018 model. However, now that the 2019 model has been on the market for a while, its price has come down. This means you can find great deals on both models, especially if you're looking for a refurbished or used option. The price is also dependent on storage capacity and whether you choose the Wi-Fi-only or cellular model. The price difference between the two models can be significant, so it's important to consider your budget and what features are most important to you. The 2018 model is still a great value, especially if you can find it at a discounted price. It offers a premium experience without breaking the bank. The 2019 model, with its improved performance and camera, may be worth the extra cost if you're a power user. It offers more advanced features.
Balancing Cost and Performance
When considering the price and value, the 2018 model is an excellent option for those looking to save money. The 2018 model offers a premium experience and delivers exceptional performance. The 2019 model offers better value, with its enhanced features and performance. This makes it an ideal choice for those who want the latest technology. When weighing the options, consider your budget and the features you need. If you're looking for a great value and a reliable tablet, the 2018 model is a good choice. If you value the latest technology and improved performance, the 2019 model is worth the extra cost. By weighing your budget and needs, you can determine which iPad Pro offers the best value. The current market situation is also important. The prices of both models change depending on the retailer. If you are looking for a deal, compare prices at different stores. The choice between the two models will depend on your budget and what features are most important to you.
Conclusion: Making the Right Decision
So, guys, which iPad Pro 11-inch reigns supreme? The answer depends on your specific needs and priorities. The 2018 model remains a fantastic tablet, offering excellent performance, a stunning display, and access to the vast Apple ecosystem. It's a great option for everyday users and those looking for a great value. The 2019 model, with its A12Z Bionic chip and enhanced camera system, is a better choice for power users and those who want the latest technology. It's a great choice for gamers, creative professionals, and anyone who demands the best performance and features. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your budget, your usage habits, and what features are most important to you. If you need a powerful tablet for demanding tasks, the 2019 model is the better choice. If you are looking to save money, the 2018 model is still a very capable option.
Final Thoughts
Consider the specific improvements in the 2019 model: the enhanced camera, the improved performance, and the updated chip. These upgrades come at a premium, so it is necessary to weigh your options carefully. Think about how you intend to use your iPad and what features are important to you. If you are a casual user, the 2018 model offers great value and performance. If you are a creative professional or a gamer, the 2019 model is worth the extra cost. Decide which model best aligns with your needs, and you can't go wrong. Consider your budget and desired features, then make an informed choice. No matter which model you choose, you are getting a premium tablet experience. Both the 2018 and 2019 iPad Pro 11-inch models are excellent devices. Enjoy your new iPad!