Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2017) vs. Apple iPad (2022): A Detailed Tablet Showdown
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Apple iPad (2022) decisively wins thanks to its significantly faster A14 Bionic chip, improved display technology, and modern features. While the 2017 iPad Pro still holds up reasonably well, the 2022 iPad offers a more future-proof and enjoyable user experience at a competitive price.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2017) | Apple iPad (2022) |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - A2757 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 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 - A2757 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - A2757, A2777 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (3CA) Cat9 450/50 Mbps, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps | HSPA, LTE, 5G - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 71 - A2777 | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2017, June. Released 2017, June | 2022, October 18 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, October 26 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 305.7 x 220.6 x 6.9 mm (12.04 x 8.69 x 0.27 in) | 248.6 x 179.5 x 7 mm (9.79 x 7.07 x 0.28 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 677 g (Wi-Fi) / 692 g (LTE) (1.49 lb) | 477 g (Wi-Fi) / 481 g (LTE) (1.05 lb) |
| Stylus | Stylus support (1st gen only) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass, oleophobic coating | Scratch-resistant glass, oleophobic coating |
| Resolution | 2732 x 2048 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~265 ppi density) | 1640 x 2360 pixels (~264 ppi density) |
| Size | 12.9 inches, 515.3 cm2 (~76.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.9 inches, 359.2 cm2 (~80.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz | Liquid Retina IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ) |
| True-tone | - | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Hexa-core 2.38 GHz (3x Hurricane & 3x Zephyr) | Hexa-core (2x3.0 GHz Firestorm + 4x1.8 GHz Icestorm) |
| Chipset | Apple A10X Fusion (10 nm) | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR Series 7 (12-core graphics) | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) |
| OS | iOS 10.3.2, upgradable to iPadOS 17.7.10 | iPadOS 16.1, upgradable to iPadOS 26.1 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM, 512GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | Quad-LED dual-tone flash, HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 12 MP, f/1.8, 1/3.0", PDAF, OIS | 12 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, 1080p@120fps, 720p@240fps | 4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120/240fps |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | Face detection, HDR, panorama | HDR |
| Single | 7 MP, f/2.2, 32mm (standard) | 12 MP, f/2.4, 122˚ (ultrawide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@25/30/60fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, EDR | 5.2, A2DP, EDR, LE |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS (Wi‑Fi + Cellular model only) | GPS, GLONASS (Wi‑Fi + Cellular model only) |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | Lightning, USB 3.0; magnetic connector | USB Type-C 2.0, DisplayPort; magnetic connector |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, hotspot |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer | Fingerprint (top-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Talk time | Up to 10 h (multimedia) | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 10,891 mAh, non-removable (41 Wh) | Li-Po 7606 mAh (28.6 Wh) |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Space Gray, Gold, Silver | Silver, Blue, Pink, Yellow |
| Models | A1670, A1671, A1821, iPad7,1, iPad7,2 | A3162, A2757, A2777, A2696, iPad13,18, iPad13,19 |
| Price | About 900 EUR | About 430 EUR |
| SAR | 1.19 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.97 W/kg (body) | - |
Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2017)
- Large 12.9-inch display
- ProMotion 120Hz refresh rate
- Powerful A10X Fusion chip (for its time)
- Good value on the used market
- Non-laminated display
- Older chipset, slower performance
- Less efficient battery
- Outdated design
Apple iPad (2022)
- Faster A14 Bionic chip
- Laminated display with anti-reflective coating
- True Tone display
- Modern design
- Improved camera
- No ProMotion display
- Can be more expensive than used Pro
Display Comparison
The iPad (2022) boasts a fully laminated display with an anti-reflective coating, resulting in a noticeably sharper and more vibrant image compared to the 2017 iPad Pro's non-laminated display. While both have excellent resolution, the 2022 model's True Tone technology dynamically adjusts the display's color temperature to match ambient lighting, reducing eye strain. The Pro's ProMotion 120Hz refresh rate is a significant advantage for smoother scrolling and responsiveness, but the overall image quality on the 2022 is still superior.
Camera Comparison
Both tablets offer decent cameras for their class, but the iPad (2022) has a slightly improved main camera and a more modern image processing pipeline. The 2017 iPad Pro's front-facing camera is noticeably less capable for video calls. Neither tablet is a primary photography device.
Performance
The A14 Bionic chip in the iPad (2022) is a massive upgrade over the A10X Fusion in the iPad Pro (2017). Expect significantly faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved performance in demanding games and creative applications. The A14's efficiency also contributes to better battery life. The 2017 Pro is still capable, but it shows its age when pushed.
Battery Life
While both offer all-day battery life under typical usage, the iPad (2022) generally provides slightly longer runtime due to the efficiency of the A14 Bionic chip. The 2017 iPad Pro's battery degrades more noticeably over time.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2017)? Users seeking a large-screen tablet for media consumption and light productivity tasks at a budget price. It's a good option if you already own one and don't need the latest features. Who should buy the Apple iPad (2022)? Most users! It's a fantastic all-around tablet for students, creatives, and anyone who wants a powerful and versatile device for entertainment, work, and everything in between.