iPad Pro 2018 has arrived: here is comparison with the 2017 version of Apple tablet, dimensions and specifications to figure out which model to choose.
The new iPad Pro 2018 made their debut a few days ago and are on sale officially in Apple Stores and in all speciality stores. But what changes compared to iPad Pro 2017?
Many in possession of the previous version of the iPad Pro series are wondering how much is worth moving on to the new, and more expensive, model of the Apple tablet which are the substantial differences between the two devices.
If you are also among these (or you are undecided on which device to choose) we try to understand together what new specifications and are introduced by the iPad Pro 2018 compared to the old model, going to analyze the differences, new displays and new features in what, according to Apple, it is the definitive iPad able to completely replace a PC.
iPad Pro 2018 vs iPad Pro 2017: the price
First of all the price, a real sore point for our wallets when we talk about Apple products. The iPad Pro are no exception, and the new models come to touch a thousand dollars for the 13-inch version, up to 2000 dollars for the most complete version and with more memory.
A very high price range for the average user, who could come to the rescue of the iPad Pro 2017: the model of last year in fact has a starting price of 739 dollars and comes just above 1000 dollars for the 512 GB version (the starting price of the iPad Pro 2018 in maxi version, in practice).
iPad Pro 2018 vs iPad Pro 2017: screen and design
What immediately jumps to the eye of the new iPad Pro 2018 is undoubtedly the screen: available in two versions, from 11 and 12.9 inches, the new device says goodbye to the bulky frames of iPad Pro 2017 becoming in fact the first Apple tablet to full screen.
The 11-inch version of the iPad Pro 2018 features a 2388 x 1668 pixel resolution display, while the maxi version comes with 2732 x 2048 pixels, both in Liquid Retina LCD. In practice we speak of a screen really similar, if not identical, compared to the iPad Pro 2017 from 10.5 inches (currently only available in this size).
But something else is noted compared to the past, and it is the absence of the Home button in favor of Face ID and facial recognition for unlocking the device.
If the iPad Pro 2018 comes with larger screens than the previous version, it can boast of smaller size thanks to the absence of frames that increase the display and reduce the overall volume of the device.
Compared to iPad Pro 2017, the new tablet is 25% smaller with a thickness of 5.9 mm compared to 6.1 mm of the predecessor. The edges also change, now slightly curved and less squared.
The audio jack input for headphones and lightning port in the new version is replaced by USB C that can also charge our iPhone via cable, as well as allowing the connection with an external screen or a camera.
iPad Pro 2018 comes in two colors, silver and sidereal gray, compared to the four iPad Pro 2017 that also include gold and rose gold.
Face ID vs Touch ID
As we pointed out, the new iPad Pro 2018 said goodbye to the old and dear Home key, substituted by the Face ID mounted at the top of the new models.
Those who have already used the Face ID on iPhone X and above will already know how to move: no Home key means relying on Gesture, the new way to browse iOS 12 introduced by Apple in the latest generation of smartphones.
In this case, personal preferences could also be won: those who prefer to surf in iOS with the old home button should choose iPad Pro 2017, also favored by the fingerprint recognition that for years is a security of old-school Apple devices.
On the other hand, the iPad Pro 2018 has a Face ID improved compared to the past, even higher than that of the iPhone Xs and Xs Max thanks to the ability of facial recognition even when the device is used horizontally.
iPad Pro 2018 vs iPad Pro 2017: better power and performance
The new iPad Pro 2018 can count on the new A12X Bionic octa-core chip, which guarantees a doubled speed in graphic terms that allows professionals to be able to manipulate even huge digital files such as 3GB photos (with an extremely high pixel density) without any slowdown or lag.
iPad Pro 2017 can still count on the good A10X chip: of course, the new iPad Pro 2018 undoubtedly guarantees the best performance of the iPad line, with a calculation speed superior and unattainable compared to last year’s model.
Nothing transcendental of course, iPad Pro 2017 is still an excellent machine to work, so the choice in terms of performance always focuses on how much you think to work via tablet and for what type of work: a graphic designer or an illustrator would do better to invest on the latest model.
Not only speed, iPad Pro 2018 also makes use of another indispensable tool: the new Apple Pencil. Better than before, with the ability to recharge (and be transported everywhere) by attaching to the iPad via magnet.
The new Apple Pencil is slightly higher than in the past, and is only compatible with the latest version of iPad Pro: so be careful, during the purchase, to evaluate well the pros and cons of this unique accessory of the Pro line.