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

Hey tech enthusiasts! Let's dive into a classic battle of the tablets: the iPad Pro 2017 versus the iPad Pro 2018. Both are fantastic devices, but they have their own strengths and weaknesses. Figuring out which one is right for you, or which is the better buy in 2024, can feel like a bit of a puzzle. Don't worry, guys, I'm here to break it down in a way that's easy to understand. We'll compare the key aspects, like design, performance, display, and features, to help you make an informed decision. So, grab your favorite drink, settle in, and let's get started. By the end of this, you'll have a clear picture of which iPad Pro deserves a spot on your desk or in your bag. This comparison is not just about specs; it's about real-world use and how these tablets stack up in your daily life. Let's find out which iPad Pro is the champion.

Design and Build Quality: A Tale of Two iPads

Design and Build Quality are often the first things we notice when we pick up a new gadget. The iPad Pro 2017 and iPad Pro 2018 certainly show Apple's dedication to sleek and premium design, but there are some notable differences. Let's start with the iPad Pro 2017. This model features the classic iPad design with a prominent bezel around the display and a physical home button. The bezels, while functional, give the tablet a more traditional look. The aluminum unibody construction feels solid and high-quality, giving it a premium feel in hand. The available colors are typically Silver, Gold, and Space Gray. The 2017 iPad Pro still looks modern and elegant, just with a touch of familiarity that many users appreciate. The home button, with its integrated Touch ID sensor, provides a familiar and reliable way to unlock the device and authenticate purchases. The rounded edges of the device make it comfortable to hold for extended periods, despite its size. Weighing in at a reasonable amount, the iPad Pro 2017 is easy to carry around and use on the go. This model represented Apple's established design language at the time. In terms of durability, the aluminum build is robust and can withstand everyday wear and tear.

Now, let's turn our attention to the iPad Pro 2018. This model introduced significant changes to the design, making it look much more modern. The most obvious difference is the removal of the home button, resulting in a significantly thinner bezel around the display. This allows for a larger screen size within a similar overall footprint. The bezels are uniform all around the screen, giving it a sleek and more immersive appearance. The iPad Pro 2018 also brought Face ID to the iPad, enhancing the unlocking and authentication experience. The aluminum unibody construction is retained, but the edges are flatter than the previous generation, creating a more squared-off appearance. The available colors are similar: Silver and Space Gray, offering a clean, minimalist aesthetic. The slimmer bezels not only enhance the visual experience, but also make the device feel more compact and modern. The squared-off edges provide a more industrial look, which some users find more appealing. The 2018 model is designed to feel more premium, with every detail meticulously crafted. It embraces the future of tablet design, and the difference is instantly noticeable when placed side-by-side with the 2017 model. The reduction in bezel size and the elimination of the home button are not just aesthetic changes; they make a functional difference, providing more screen real estate and an entirely new way to interact with the device. Face ID is more convenient than the older Touch ID, especially for those who frequently use their tablet in different orientations. This shift in design is not just a visual upgrade, but also a glimpse into Apple's future. The design of the iPad Pro 2018 is a significant step forward, providing a more immersive and modern user experience. In terms of build quality, both models are excellent, but the 2018 has a slight edge due to its more modern design. Both tablets are built to last, and while the 2017 is great, the 2018 feels a little more special.

Display: Visual Feast - iPad Pro 2017 vs. 2018

The display is arguably the most important part of any tablet, as it's the window through which you experience all the content. Both the iPad Pro 2017 and iPad Pro 2018 boast impressive displays, but there are subtle yet significant differences. The iPad Pro 2017 features a stunning Retina display. This screen is known for its excellent color accuracy, vibrant visuals, and high brightness levels, making it ideal for everything from browsing the web to watching movies. The display also has a high resolution, ensuring that images and text look incredibly sharp. One key technology in the 2017 model is ProMotion, which dynamically adjusts the refresh rate up to 120Hz. This results in incredibly smooth scrolling and animations, enhancing the overall user experience, making everything feel faster and more responsive. ProMotion truly sets the iPad Pro 2017 apart from many other tablets in its class.

However, the iPad Pro 2018 takes the display experience to another level. While it retains the Retina display and ProMotion technology, it introduces several enhancements. The most obvious change is the reduction in bezel size, allowing for more screen real estate in the same body size. The iPad Pro 2018 also features a True Tone display. This technology automatically adjusts the screen's color temperature to match the ambient lighting of your environment. This means the display will appear more natural and comfortable to view in different lighting conditions. The 2018 model also has improved brightness and contrast, giving you a slightly richer and more immersive visual experience. The color accuracy remains top-notch, with both iPads offering a wide color gamut. The ProMotion technology remains, ensuring that the smooth scrolling and animations are present in both generations. The iPad Pro 2018 also has a slightly better anti-reflective coating, reducing glare and making the screen easier to see in bright environments. In everyday use, these differences might seem subtle, but they collectively contribute to a more enjoyable and immersive experience. When comparing the displays side-by-side, the iPad Pro 2018 offers a more refined and visually pleasing experience. While both displays are excellent, the 2018 provides a more modern and enhanced viewing experience. This makes the iPad Pro 2018 a better choice if you prioritize visual quality.

Performance and Specs: Power Under the Hood

When we talk about performance and specs, we're diving into the heart of what makes these iPads tick. The iPad Pro 2017 is powered by the A10X Fusion chip, a powerful processor that delivers impressive performance. This chip handles everyday tasks with ease, whether you are browsing the web, checking emails, or running multiple apps at once. The A10X Fusion is more than capable of handling graphically demanding games and editing high-resolution videos, making it a great choice for both casual users and creative professionals. The 2017 model has up to 512GB of storage. The A10X Fusion chip ensures smooth multitasking and fast app loading times. The overall performance is still very competitive, especially when it comes to general use and more simple editing tasks. The chip is efficient, providing excellent battery life and keeping the device running smoothly throughout the day. The iPad Pro 2017 continues to be a reliable performer for various tasks.

On the other hand, the iPad Pro 2018 steps up the game with the A12X Bionic chip. This chip represents a significant leap in performance over the A10X Fusion. The A12X Bionic is incredibly fast, offering noticeably better performance in various aspects. The A12X Bionic is particularly impressive with tasks like video editing, gaming, and handling complex apps. The 2018 model is available with up to 1TB of storage, providing a huge amount of space for your files, apps, and media. The A12X Bionic chip also includes a Neural Engine, which enhances performance in machine learning tasks, such as photo and video editing, and augmented reality applications. Overall, the iPad Pro 2018 is noticeably faster in everyday use, with quicker app loading times and smoother multitasking. If you are a power user who needs to edit videos, run intensive applications, or use augmented reality features frequently, the iPad Pro 2018 is the superior choice. If raw power is not your primary concern, the 2017 is still a very capable tablet. The 2018 delivers an all-around more powerful and responsive experience, making it a great option for future-proofing your tech. The performance difference is especially noticeable in graphic-intensive apps and multitasking scenarios, so it provides a smoother experience compared to the older model. In terms of specs, the iPad Pro 2018 is the clear winner. The A12X Bionic chip outperforms the A10X Fusion, giving you a faster and more responsive experience. However, the iPad Pro 2017 remains a solid performer, and will suit most people's everyday needs.

Features and Accessories: Enhancing the iPad Experience

Features and accessories play a big role in the overall user experience. The iPad Pro 2017 supports the first-generation Apple Pencil, which attaches to the iPad via a Lightning port for charging and pairing. The Smart Keyboard for the 2017 model also connects via a Smart Connector. These accessories are functional and add value to the tablet experience, providing options for note-taking, drawing, and typing. The Apple Pencil offers precise control for creative tasks, while the Smart Keyboard provides a comfortable typing experience, turning the iPad into a productivity powerhouse. The 2017 model also has a headphone jack, something that was removed in the later models. The support for accessories like the Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard enhances the usability and functionality of the device, making it a versatile tool for both work and play. While the accessories are excellent, they are not as intuitive as the ones on the 2018 model.

The iPad Pro 2018 takes a step forward with its features and accessory compatibility. The most notable change is the support for the second-generation Apple Pencil, which magnetically attaches to the side of the iPad for charging and pairing. This design is more convenient and user-friendly. The Smart Keyboard Folio for the 2018 model provides a sleek and protective design, while also offering a comfortable typing experience. The 2018 model also ditched the headphone jack, adopting the USB-C port, which is more versatile for connecting to external devices. The second-generation Apple Pencil offers improved latency and tilt sensitivity, making it a better tool for artists and creatives. The second-generation Apple Pencil's magnetic attachment is a huge improvement over the first. The Smart Keyboard Folio is also more compact and portable, protecting the screen while providing a comfortable typing experience. The iPad Pro 2018 offers a more streamlined and modern accessory experience. The shift to USB-C opens up a world of possibilities for connecting external displays, hard drives, and other peripherals. The overall experience is more refined, with more seamless integration between the tablet and its accessories. The move to USB-C enhances the tablet's capabilities. The accessories are more advanced, improving the user experience.

Conclusion: Which iPad Pro Reigns Supreme?

So, which iPad Pro should you choose, the 2017 or the 2018? It depends on your needs and budget, guys.

• iPad Pro 2017: If you are on a budget, the iPad Pro 2017 is still an excellent choice. It offers great performance, a beautiful display, and supports accessories like the first-generation Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard. It is ideal for general use, media consumption, and casual creative tasks. The 2017 is a great entry point into the iPad Pro ecosystem, and provides a solid, reliable experience. It's a great choice if you are upgrading from an older iPad or are looking for a powerful tablet without breaking the bank. It's still powerful enough for most tasks. If you're okay with the slightly thicker bezels and don't need the absolute latest in performance, it's still a fantastic option.

• iPad Pro 2018: The iPad Pro 2018 is the superior choice if you want the best performance, a more modern design, and advanced features. It has a faster processor, a more immersive display, Face ID, and supports the second-generation Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard Folio. This model is perfect for power users, creative professionals, and anyone who wants the latest and greatest technology. It's a premium device with a premium price tag. If you are willing to spend the extra money, the 2018 offers a significantly better experience in terms of speed, features, and overall feel. The slimmer bezels and Face ID make it more enjoyable to use.

Ultimately, both the iPad Pro 2017 and 2018 are great tablets. The choice really comes down to your budget and needs. The 2017 provides great value, while the 2018 delivers a more advanced and enjoyable experience. Consider what you plan to do with the iPad. For basic tasks and media consumption, the 2017 is a great choice. For creative tasks, gaming, or heavy multitasking, the 2018 is the better option. Both of these are powerful tablets that will serve you well. Choose the one that best fits your needs, and enjoy your new iPad Pro!