Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2021) vs. (2020): The Ultimate Showdown

The iPad Pro 12.9 has long been the pinnacle of Apple's tablet offerings, and both the 2020 and 2021 models are incredibly powerful. But with the 2021 model boasting the revolutionary M1 chip, is the upgrade worth it? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The 2021 iPad Pro is the clear winner thanks to the significantly faster M1 chip, offering a noticeable performance boost for demanding tasks. However, the 2020 model remains a fantastic option, especially if you can find it at a discounted price.

PHONES
Phone Names	Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2021)	Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2020)

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
4G bands	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 - A2379, A2461, A2462	1, 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, 48, 66, 71
5G bands	1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78, 79, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - A2379	-
Speed	HSPA, LTE, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps, 5G	HSPA, LTE, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps
Technology	GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G	GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE
	1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - A2461, A2462	CDMA2000 1xEV-DO

Launch
Announced	2021, April 20	2020, March 18
Status	Available. Released 2021, May 21	Available. Released 2020, March 19

Body
Build	Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame	Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame
Dimensions	280.6 x 214.9 x 6.4 mm (11.05 x 8.46 x 0.25 in)	280.6 x 214.9 x 5.9 mm (11.05 x 8.46 x 0.23 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM + eSIM	Nano-SIM + eSIM
Weight	682 g (Wi-Fi), 685 g (5G) (1.50 lb)	641 g (Wi-Fi), 643 g (LTE) (1.41 lb)
	Stylus support (Bluetooth integration; magnetic)	Stylus support (Bluetooth integration; magnetic)

Display
Protection	Scratch-resistant glass, oleophobic coating	Scratch-resistant glass, oleophobic coating
Resolution	2048 x 2732 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~265 ppi density)	2048 x 2732 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~265 ppi density)
Size	12.9 inches, 515.3 cm2 (~85.4% screen-to-body ratio)	12.9 inches, 515.3 cm2 (~85.4% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED LCD, 120Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1000 nits (typ), 1600 nits (peak)	IPS LCD, 120Hz, 600 nits (typ)

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (4x3.2 GHz & 4xX.X GHz)	Octa-core (4x2.5 GHz Vortex + 4x1.6 GHz Tempest)
Chipset	Apple M1	Apple A12Z Bionic
GPU	Apple GPU (8-core graphics)	Apple GPU (8-core graphics)
OS	iPadOS 14.5.1, upgradable to iPadOS 26.1	iPadOS 13.4, upgradable to iPadOS 26.1

Memory
Card slot	No	No
Internal	128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM, 2TB 16GB RAM	128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 512GB 6GB RAM, 1TB 6GB RAM

Main Camera
Dual	12 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)	12 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.22µm, dual pixel PDAF 10 MP, f/2.4, 11mm (ultrawide) TOF 3D LiDAR scanner (depth)
Features	Quad-LED dual-tone flash, HDR	Quad-LED dual-tone flash, HDR
Single	12 MP, f/2.4, 122˚ (ultrawide)	-
Video	4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS	4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS

Selfie camera
Features	Face detection, HDR, panorama	Face detection, HDR, panorama
Single	12 MP, f/2.4, 122˚ (ultrawide)	7 MP, f/2.2
Video	1080p@25/30/60fps, gyro-EIS	1080p@30/60fps

Sound
3.5mm jack	No	No
35mm jack	No	No
Loudspeaker	Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers)	Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers)

Comms
Bluetooth	5.0, A2DP, LE, EDR	5.0, A2DP, LE, EDR
NFC	No	No
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS (Wi‑Fi + Cellular model only)	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS (Wi‑Fi + Cellular model only)
Radio	No	No
USB	USB Type-C 4 (Thunderbolt 4), DisplayPort, magnetic connector	USB Type-C 3.1, magnetic connector
WLAN	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, hotspot	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, hotspot

Features
Sensors	Face ID, accelerometer, gyro, barometer	Face ID, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, barometer

Battery
Type	Li-Po 10758 mAh (40.88 Wh)	Li-Po 9720 mAh (36.71 Wh)

Misc
Colors	Silver, Space Gray	Silver, Space Gray
Models	A2379, A2461, A2462, iPad13,8, iPad13,9, iPad13,10, iPad13,11	A2069, A2232, A2233, A2229, iPad8,11, iPad8,12
Price	About 1200 EUR	About 1000 EUR

Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2021)

Blazing-fast M1 chip
Excellent display with ProMotion
Improved performance for demanding tasks
5G connectivity option
Excellent thermal management

Higher price point
Incremental upgrade for some users

Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2020)

Stunning Liquid Retina XDR display
Powerful A12Z Bionic chip
Excellent battery life
Mature iPadOS ecosystem
Potentially lower price (depending on retailer)

Slower performance compared to M1
No 5G option

Display Comparison

Both models feature a stunning Liquid Retina XDR display with ProMotion (120Hz adaptive refresh rate). The 2020 model boasts a 1330:1 contrast ratio and 625 nits max brightness (measured), which is excellent. The 2021 model maintains these impressive specs, offering virtually identical visual quality. The mini-LED technology provides exceptional HDR performance on both.

Camera Comparison

Camera performance is largely similar between the two models. Both feature a 12MP Wide camera and a 10MP Ultrawide camera with a LiDAR scanner for improved AR experiences and faster autofocus. Video recording capabilities are also comparable.

Performance

This is where the 2021 model truly shines. The M1 chip delivers a substantial performance leap over the A12Z Bionic. Expect faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and significantly improved performance in demanding tasks like video editing and 3D rendering. The M1's efficiency also contributes to excellent thermal management.

Battery Life

Battery life is excellent on both devices, typically lasting 10-12 hours of mixed usage. The M1 chip's efficiency helps maintain this impressive battery life despite the increased performance.

Buying Guide

Who should buy the Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2021)? Creative professionals, power users, and anyone needing the absolute best performance in a tablet. Who should buy the Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2020)? Students, casual users, and those seeking a premium iPad experience at a potentially lower cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the M1 chip in the 2021 iPad Pro a big deal?

Yes, the M1 chip provides a significant performance boost, especially for demanding tasks like video editing and gaming. It's a worthwhile upgrade if you need that extra power.

❓ Are the displays the same on both models?

Essentially, yes. Both feature a Liquid Retina XDR display with ProMotion, offering excellent color accuracy, brightness, and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate.