Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2021) vs. (2022): A Senior Tech Review
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The iPad Pro 12.9 (2022) offers a noticeable performance boost thanks to the M2 chip and a slightly brighter display. However, the 2021 model remains a powerhouse and offers excellent value, especially at discounted prices. The 2022 is for power users; otherwise, the 2021 is still a fantastic choice.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2021) | Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (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 |
| 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, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 71 - A2764, A2437 |
| 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 | 1, 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 - A2764 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - A2461, A2462 | 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 - A2437, A2766 | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021, April 20 | 2022, October 18 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, May 21 | Available. Released 2022, October 26 |
| 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 6.4 mm (11.05 x 8.46 x 0.25 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 682 g (Wi-Fi), 685 g (5G) (1.50 lb) | 682 g (Wi-Fi), 685 g (5G) (1.50 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) | Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED LCD, 120Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1000 nits (typ), 1600 nits (peak) |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x3.2 GHz & 4xX.X GHz) | Octa-core (4x3.49 GHz performance cores, 4 efficiency cores) |
| Chipset | Apple M1 | Apple M2 |
| GPU | Apple GPU (8-core graphics) | Apple GPU (10-core graphics) |
| OS | iPadOS 14.5.1, upgradable to iPadOS 26.1 | iPadOS 16.1, 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 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM, 2TB 16GB 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, 125˚ (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) | 12 MP, f/2.4, 122˚ (ultrawide) |
| Video | 4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS | 4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, ProRes |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | Face detection, HDR, panorama | Face detection, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 12 MP, f/2.4, 122˚ (ultrawide) | 12 MP, f/2.4, 122˚ (ultrawide) |
| Video | 1080p@25/30/60fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@25/30/60fps, gyro-EIS, HDR |
| 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 | 5.3, 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 4 (Thunderbolt 3), DisplayPort, 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/6e, dual-band, hotspot |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Face ID, accelerometer, gyro, barometer | Face ID, accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Type | Li-Po 10758 mAh (40.88 Wh) | Li-Po 10758 mAh (40.88 Wh) |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Silver, Space Gray | Silver, Space Gray |
| Models | A2379, A2461, A2462, iPad13,8, iPad13,9, iPad13,10, iPad13,11 | A2764, A2437, A2766, A2436, iPad14,5, iPad14,6 |
| Price | About 1200 EUR | About 1450 EUR |
Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2021)
- Excellent value for money
- Powerful M1 chip
- Stunning Liquid Retina XDR display
- Long battery life
- ProMotion 120Hz refresh rate
- Slightly older technology
- Not as powerful as the M2 chip
- Lower peak brightness than 2022 model
Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2022)
- Latest M2 chip for enhanced performance
- Slightly brighter display
- Excellent value for money (relative to its capabilities)
- Stunning Liquid Retina XDR display
- ProMotion 120Hz refresh rate
- Premium price
- Performance gains may not be noticeable for all users
Display Comparison
Both models feature a stunning 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with ProMotion (120Hz adaptive refresh rate). The 2022 model boasts a slightly higher peak brightness (1600 nits vs 1200 nits), making it marginally better for HDR content and outdoor use. Color accuracy and overall image quality are exceptional on both.
Camera Comparison
Camera hardware remains largely unchanged between the two models. Both feature a 12MP Wide camera and a 10MP Ultra Wide camera with a LiDAR scanner. Image quality is excellent, and the LiDAR scanner enhances AR experiences and improves low-light autofocus. Video recording capabilities are also top-notch on both.
Performance
The M2 chip in the 2022 iPad Pro provides a performance increase of roughly 15-20% over the M1 in the 2021 model. This translates to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and improved performance in demanding creative applications. Both chips are incredibly capable, but the M2 offers a tangible edge for power users.
Battery Life
Battery life is comparable between the two models, offering around 10-11 hours of mixed usage. The larger battery capacity is similar across both generations. Expect consistent performance throughout the day.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2021)? Creative professionals, students, and anyone needing a large, powerful tablet for productivity and entertainment on a budget. Who should buy the Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2022)? Users demanding the absolute best performance for demanding tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, and heavy multitasking.