Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2022) vs. (2020): A Detailed Comparison

The iPad Pro 12.9 has long been the pinnacle of Apple's tablet offerings, catering to creatives and power users. But with the 2022 model boasting the M2 chip, is the upgrade worth it? We're pitting the 2022 iPad Pro against its 2020 predecessor to help you decide.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The 2022 iPad Pro delivers a significant performance boost thanks to the M2 chip, making it ideal for demanding tasks. However, the 2020 model remains a capable device, especially for those seeking a more budget-friendly option. The 2022 is the clear winner for power users, but the 2020 offers excellent value.

PHONES
Phone Names	Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2022)	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 - A2764, A2437	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, 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, 5G	HSPA, LTE, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps
Technology	GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G	GSM / 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 - A2437, A2766	CDMA2000 1xEV-DO

Launch
Announced	2022, October 18	2020, March 18
Status	Available. Released 2022, October 26	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 (4x3.49 GHz performance cores, 4 efficiency cores)	Octa-core (4x2.5 GHz Vortex + 4x1.6 GHz Tempest)
Chipset	Apple M2	Apple A12Z Bionic
GPU	Apple GPU (10-core graphics)	Apple GPU (8-core graphics)
OS	iPadOS 16.1, 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, ProRes	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, HDR	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	5.3, 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 3), DisplayPort, magnetic connector	USB Type-C 3.1, magnetic connector
WLAN	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, hotspot	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, hotspot

Features
Sensors	Face ID, accelerometer, gyro, compass, 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	A2764, A2437, A2766, A2436, iPad14,5, iPad14,6	A2069, A2232, A2233, A2229, iPad8,11, iPad8,12
Price	About 1450 EUR	About 1000 EUR

Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2022)

Significantly faster M2 chip
Improved graphics performance
Excellent display quality
Long battery life
Modern design

Higher price point
Incremental upgrade for some users

Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2020)

Excellent display quality
Long battery life
Still a very capable performer
More affordable than the 2022 model
Mature software support

Older chipset (A12Z Bionic)
Slower performance compared to M2
Less future-proof

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 2022 model maintains these impressive specs, offering a visually indistinguishable experience in terms of display quality. 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 Ultra Wide camera with a LiDAR scanner for improved AR experiences. Image quality is excellent in both, with accurate colors and good detail. Video recording capabilities are also comparable.

Performance

This is where the 2022 model shines. The M2 chip offers a substantial performance leap over the A12Z Bionic. Expect significantly faster processing speeds, smoother multitasking, and improved graphics performance. The M2 handles demanding tasks like video editing and 3D rendering with ease, while the A12Z, though still capable, will show its age with more intensive workloads. Geekbench scores demonstrate a clear advantage for the M2.

Battery Life

Both iPad Pro models offer excellent battery life, typically lasting around 10 hours of mixed usage. While there might be slight variations depending on usage patterns and screen brightness, the difference is negligible. Both support fast charging with a 20W USB-C power adapter (sold separately).

Buying Guide

Who should buy the Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2022)? Creative professionals, students needing serious processing power, and anyone wanting the absolute best iPad experience. Who should buy the Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2020)? Users on a tighter budget who still want a premium iPad experience and don't require the absolute latest performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the M2 chip in the 2022 iPad Pro a huge upgrade?

Yes, the M2 chip provides a significant performance boost, especially for demanding tasks like video editing and gaming. It's a worthwhile upgrade if you need the extra power.

❓ Can the 2020 iPad Pro still handle professional workloads?

Absolutely! The A12Z Bionic is still a very capable chip and can handle many professional workloads. However, it may struggle with the most intensive tasks compared to the M2.