Apple iPad Pro 11 (2022) vs. iPad Pro 11 (2018): A Detailed Comparison

The iPad Pro line consistently sets the standard for tablet performance and features. But with several generations under its belt, is the newer iPad Pro 11 (2022) worth the upgrade over the still-capable 2018 model? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to help you decide.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The 2022 iPad Pro 11 boasts a significant performance leap thanks to the M2 chip, a brighter display, and improved cameras. However, the 2018 model remains a solid choice for budget-conscious users who don't need the absolute latest tech. The 2022 is the clear winner for power users.

PHONES
Phone Names Apple iPad Pro 11 (2022) Apple iPad Pro 11 (2018)
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 71 - A2435, A27611, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 29, 30, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 66, 71 - A2013
5G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 70, 71, 77, 78, 79, 258, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - A2435-
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5G - cellular model onlyHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (4CA) Cat16 1024/150 Mbps, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE
 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 70, 71, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - A2761, A27621, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 66, 71 - A1934
Launch
Announced2022, October 182018, October. Released 2018, November
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, October 26Discontinued
Body
BuildGlass front, aluminum back, aluminum frameGlass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame
Dimensions247.6 x 178.5 x 5.9 mm (9.75 x 7.03 x 0.23 in)247.6 x 178.5 x 5.9 mm (9.75 x 7.03 x 0.23 in)
SIMNano-SIM + eSIM (cellular model only)Nano-SIM + eSIM
Weight466 g (Wi-Fi), 470 g (5G) (1.03 lb)468 g (1.03 lb)
 Stylus support (Bluetooth integration; magnetic)Stylus support (Bluetooth integration; magnetic)
Display
ProtectionScratch-resistant glass, oleophobic coatingScratch-resistant glass, oleophobic coating
Resolution1668 x 2388 pixels (~265 ppi density)1668 x 2388 pixels (~265 ppi density)
Size11.0 inches, 366.5 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio)11.0 inches, 366.5 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeLiquid Retina IPS LCD, 120Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 600 nits (typ)IPS LCD, 120Hz
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x3.49 GHz performance cores, 4 efficiency cores)Octa-core (4x2.5 GHz Vortex + 4x1.6 GHz Tempest)
ChipsetApple M2Apple A12X Bionic (7 nm)
GPUApple GPU (10-core graphics)Apple GPU (7-core graphics)
OSiPadOS 16.1, upgradable to iPadOS 26.1iOS 12, upgradable to iPadOS 26.1
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM, 2TB 16GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM, 512GB 4GB RAM, 1TB 6GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual12 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.22µm, dual pixel PDAF 10 MP, f/2.4, 125˚ (ultrawide) TOF 3D LiDAR scanner (depth)-
FeaturesQuad-LED dual-tone flash, HDRQuad-LED dual-tone flash, HDR
Single12 MP, f/2.4, 122˚ (ultrawide)12 MP, f/1.8, 29mm (standard), 1/3.0", 1.22µm, PDAF
Video4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, ProRes4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@240fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesFace detection, HDR, panoramaFace detection, HDR, panorama
Single12 MP, f/2.4, 122˚ (ultrawide)7 MP, f/2.2, 32mm (standard)
Video1080p@25/30/60fps, gyro-EIS, HDR1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers)Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers)
Comms
Bluetooth5.3, A2DP, LE, EDR5.0, A2DP, LE, EDR
NFCNoNo
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS (cellular model only)GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS (Wi‑Fi + Cellular model only)
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 4 (Thunderbolt 3), DisplayPort, magnetic connectorUSB Type-C 3.1, magnetic connector
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, hotspotWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, hotspot
Features
SensorsFace ID, accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometerFace ID, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, barometer
Battery
TypeLi-Po 7538 mAh (28.65 Wh)Li-Po 7812 mAh, non-removable (29.45 Wh)
Misc
ColorsSilver, Space GraySilver, Space Gray
ModelsA2435, A2761, A2762, A2759, iPad8,9, iPad8,10, iPad14,3, iPad14,4A2013, A1934, A1980, A1979, iPad8,1, iPad8,2, iPad8,3, iPad8,4
PriceAbout 1050 EURAbout 880 EUR
SAR-1.19 W/kg (body)
SAR EU-0.99 W/kg (body)

Apple iPad Pro 11 (2022)

  • Blazing-fast M2 chip
  • Brighter and smoother display (ProMotion)
  • Improved camera system with LiDAR
  • Modern design
  • Thunderbolt / USB 4 port

  • Higher price
  • May be overkill for casual users

Apple iPad Pro 11 (2018)

  • More affordable
  • Still a capable performer for everyday tasks
  • Excellent build quality
  • Good battery life

  • Older chipset (A12X Bionic)
  • Less bright display
  • Outdated camera system
  • Slower performance compared to the 2022 model

Display Comparison

The 2022 iPad Pro 11 features a Liquid Retina display with ProMotion (120Hz adaptive refresh rate) and a higher typical brightness (500 nits vs. 500 nits on the 2018 model, with peak brightness reaching 600 nits). While both offer excellent color accuracy and sharpness, the 2022 model's improved brightness and smoother scrolling provide a noticeably better visual experience. The 2018 model's display is still very good, but lacks the extra polish of the newer version.

Camera Comparison

The 2022 iPad Pro 11 features an upgraded camera system with a 12MP Wide camera and a 10MP Ultra Wide camera with a LiDAR scanner. This results in improved image quality, better low-light performance, and enhanced augmented reality experiences. The 2018 model has a 12MP Wide camera and a 7MP front-facing camera, which are adequate but not as impressive.

Performance

This is where the 2022 iPad Pro 11 truly shines. The M2 chip delivers a massive performance boost over the A12X Bionic. Expect significantly faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and effortless handling of demanding tasks like video editing and 3D rendering. The 2018 model is still capable, but it shows its age when pushed to its limits.

Battery Life

Both models offer excellent battery life, typically lasting around 10 hours of mixed usage. While there's no significant difference in battery capacity, the more efficient M2 chip in the 2022 model might offer slightly better real-world battery performance.

Buying Guide

The 2022 iPad Pro 11 is ideal for creative professionals, students needing high performance, and anyone wanting the best possible iPad experience. The 2018 iPad Pro 11 is a great option for casual users, students on a budget, or those who primarily consume content and need a reliable tablet.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the M2 chip in the 2022 iPad Pro 11 a huge upgrade?
Yes, the M2 chip provides a substantial performance boost, making it noticeably faster and more responsive than the A12X Bionic.
❓ Does the 2018 iPad Pro 11 still receive software updates?
Yes, Apple continues to support the 2018 iPad Pro 11 with software updates, although the frequency may decrease over time.