iPad Pro 2021 12.9" XDR screen and text? 2018 Apple Refurb? 2020 new?

[Broadus]

I bought a 128GB 12.9" 2020 iPad Pro from Costco a couple of weeks ago. I was out of town last week and have yet to open and set up the new iPad, so I've been thinking more about whether to keep it or return it and invest in a 2021 12.9". I've also wondered whether I ought to try to increase storage to 256GB with the intention of keeping it for five years.

On the one hand, I think that with my light usage, mostly textual, the 2020 12.9" will satisfy me over the next five years as much as the 2021 12.9.

On the other hand, I realize that the 2021 12.9" is a significant upgrade and may be better situated for the latter two or three of those five years.

As I've tried to synthesize what MR forum members have said in their experiences with and reviews of their own 2021 12.9" iPPs, am I correct that, other than HDR video, the screen difference between the Gen 4 and Gen 5 12.9" is minimal? The screen is the big deal for me, probably more so than the M1 processor -- nice, crisp fonts with great contrast that makes for easy reading. Does the XDR screen improve that over the regular LCD screen?

I'm basically considering three options:
-- Keep the 2020 128GB 12.9", which cost $799 USD plus state sales tax (128GB may very well be satisfactory based on my present used storage;
-- Return it and order a 2018 Apple Refurbished 256GB 12.9", priced at $709 plus state sales tax;
-- Splurge for a 2021 256GB 12.9" from Costco, which will cost $1149 plus state sales tax (whenever they happen to get them back in stock). I can afford it, but I wonder whether it will be money well spent considering my usage.

My initial thought is that 2018 Apple Refurbished is the smartest move, though it's hard to consider that 3-year-old tech is a good place to begin a prospective five-year ownership. But, then again, the 2020 12.9" is almost the same tech as the 2018 plus two additional gigs of RAM for the lower-storage iPad Pros. My usage would probably be satisfied with a 12.9" iPad Air, were there such a device.

I am not a "Pro" user -- the iPad will not be replacing my MBP, though it could satisfy much of that usage if I needed to be without my MBP for some time, such as a MacBook repair.

If you've made it through these meandering thoughts, then thanks! If you have some insights, I would appreciate your sharing.

Thanks so much.

 

[AutomaticApple]

I am not a "Pro" user -- the iPad will not be replacing my MBP, though it could satisfy much of that usage if I needed to be without my MBP for some time, such as a MacBook repair.

iPadOS 15 will make it even better!

 

[brt622]

I bought a 128GB 12.9" 2020 iPad Pro from Costco a couple of weeks ago. I was out of town last week and have yet to open and set up the new iPad, so I've been thinking more about whether to keep it or return it and invest in a 2021 12.9". I've also wondered whether I ought to try to increase storage to 256GB with the intention of keeping it for five years.

On the one hand, I think that with my light usage, mostly textual, the 2020 12.9" will satisfy me over the next five years as much as the 2021 12.9.

On the other hand, I realize that the 2021 12.9" is a significant upgrade and may be better situated for the latter two or three of those five years.

As I've tried to synthesize what MR forum members have said in their experiences with and reviews of their own 2021 12.9" iPPs, am I correct that, other than HDR video, the screen difference between the Gen 4 and Gen 5 12.9" is minimal? The screen is the big deal for me, probably more so than the M1 processor -- nice, crisp fonts with great contrast that makes for easy reading. Does the XDR screen improve that over the regular LCD screen?

I'm basically considering three options:
-- Keep the 2020 128GB 12.9", which cost $799 USD plus state sales tax (128GB may very well be satisfactory based on my present used storage;
-- Return it and order a 2018 Apple Refurbished 256GB 12.9", priced at $709 plus state sales tax;
-- Splurge for a 2021 256GB 12.9" from Costco, which will cost $1149 plus state sales tax (whenever they happen to get them back in stock). I can afford it, but I wonder whether it will be money well spent considering my usage.

My initial thought is that 2018 Apple Refurbished is the smartest move, though it's hard to consider that 3-year-old tech is a good place to begin a prospective five-year ownership. But, then again, the 2020 12.9" is almost the same tech as the 2018 plus two additional gigs of RAM for the lower-storage iPad Pros. My usage would probably be satisfied with a 12.9" iPad Air, were there such a device.

I am not a "Pro" user -- the iPad will not be replacing my MBP, though it could satisfy much of that usage if I needed to be without my MBP for some time, such as a MacBook repair.

If you've made it through these meandering thoughts, then thanks! If you have some insights, I would appreciate your sharing.

Thanks so much.

I am eagerly awaiting a response to this post.


The new Pro seems way too powerful and pricey for my needs. I’m mainly interested in a crisp, sharp display for reading. But I will pay if the display is dramatically better.

 

[perezr10]

I am eagerly awaiting a response to this post.


The new Pro seems way too powerful and pricey for my needs. I’m mainly interested in a crisp, sharp display for reading. But I will pay if the display is dramatically better.

If you’re looking for crisp sharp text, I don’t think the MiniLED screen is going to make any difference. The resolution isn’t improved at all from the prior year. It’s resolution, not contrast, that will make text crisp.

Outside of people who just want a great picture for Netflix, the new MiniLED screen is aimed at professional photographers and video editors. The increased contrast ratios allow them to edit photos and video in the field without having to go back to their desk. They no longer need to wait until they get back to their reference monitor.

For me, the MiniLED screen is no big deal. It’s hard to even see the difference unless your looking at the new iPad vs the old side-by-side.

 

[pugxiwawa]

XDR screen is a pretty big upgrade, and not just in HDR video, not to mention m1 upgrade. I would definitely get 2021 version if you intend to keep it for awhile.

 

[Broadus]

If you’re looking for crisp sharp text, I don’t think the MiniLED screen is going to make any difference. The resolution isn’t improved at all from the prior year. It’s resolution, not contrast, that will make text crisp.

Outside of people who just want a great picture for Netflix, the new MiniLED screen is aimed at professional photographers and video editors. The increased contrast ratios allow them to edit photos and video in the field without having to go back to their desk. They no longer need to wait until they get back to their reference monitor.

For me, the MiniLED screen is no big deal. It’s hard to even see the difference unless your looking at the new iPad vs the old side-by-side.

XDR screen is a pretty big upgrade, and not just in HDR video, not to mention m1 upgrade. I would definitely get 2021 version if you intend to keep it for awhile.

It's hard to get "resolution" to this question. I guess I'll have to hold tight and wait till WWDC to see if there are additional reasons to have the M1.

iPadOS 15 will make it even better!

I keep seeing this but I guess that that's more of a hope or circumstantial evidence than based on solid evidence (or you may just being sarcastic because the assertion keeps being made ?).

 

[haruhiko]

If casually watching YouTube and Netflix is what you do the XDR screen is going to make a difference in HDR videos.

 

[Broadus]

If casually watching YouTube and Netflix is what you do the XDR screen is going to make a difference in HDR videos.

Are you saying that the XDR screen makes a difference only in HDR videos? That had been my understanding, as far as videos go.

 

[haruhiko]

Are you saying that the XDR screen makes a difference only in HDR videos? That had been my understanding, as far as videos go.

I think so, but the difference is huge.

 

[rui no onna]

I actually have access to all three right now.

Personally, I’m just really loving the extra RAM on the 2021. Of course, my old one was the 2017 Pro and I already had complaints about memory management on 4GB since 2019.

Screen quality for reading though (I use dark text on light/sepia background), they all appear to be similar.

With that said, I'd much rather keep the 2021 Pro than either 2018 or 2020 Pro despite the higher price tag.

 

[Broadus]

With that said, I'd much rather keep the 2021 Pro than either 2018 or 2020 Pro despite the higher price tag.

Would you still prefer the pricier 2021 Pro with 8GB RAM to the 2020’s 6GB (I can’t foresee ever needing more than 256GB storage at most)?

 

[Artsketch]

Go for the 2018 for it’s superior display compared to the 2020. I compared the 2018 and 2020 side by side, returned the 2020 and got the 2021 because my 2018 was sold. I made the mistake assuming the 2018 and 2020 12.9 '’ have the same displays. Both IPS panels share only the same resolution, P3 color space and 120 Hz refresh rate. The 12.9" 2020 likely uses PWM dimmig.

 

[NastyMatt]

I'd recommend trying them in an Apple store with your use cases.

 

[ZBoater]

I think that unless the $300 difference makes a big dent in your budget, I would go for the 2021. Nobody has ever complained about having too much memory or too fast of a processor. The complaints are always not having enough. If you plan on having it 5 years, then having the best tech available is the best course of action. That is, of course, if the $300 extra spend doesn't deprive you of other more essential things. A 2018 iPad will work five years from now. The battery may not last as long, it may not run all the latest software, but it will work. The 2021 will obviously work better, and in my opinion the $300 are well worth it, but you and I have different budgets so YMMV.

 

[rui no onna]

Would you still prefer the pricier 2021 Pro with 8GB RAM to the 2020’s 6GB (I can’t foresee ever needing more than 256GB storage at most)?

I honestly don't know.

I might opt for the discounted model now with an eye towards upgrading in 2-3 years.

With that said, we can't accurately predict when and what Apple will release. I was already planning on upgrading last year but I found the 2020 iPad Pro to be a very disappointing minor refresh over the 2018. The 2021 is a sure thing so I might just end up going with that for the $350 extra it costs in your situation.

 

[Broadus]

I honestly don't know.

I might opt for the discounted model now with an eye towards upgrading in 2-3 years.

With that said, we can't accurately predict when and what Apple will release. I was already planning on upgrading last year but I found the 2020 iPad Pro to be a very disappointing minor refresh over the 2018. The 2021 is a sure thing so I might just end up going with that for the $350 extra it costs in your situation.

I always appreciate your responses, so thank you.

I posted this in another thread, having just run some numbers: With a Costco coupon that I have, I can order a 2021 256GB 12.9" M1/XDR iPP for $1180.91 (shipping charge and state sales tax included) . . . if Costco gets them back in stock by June 13.

The Apple Refurbished 2018 256GB 12.9" would be $758.63 (free shipping plus sales tax), some $420 less. Of course, the RAM is only 4GB, right? But with relatively light usage, would that impact anything? My 2017 10.5" iPP seems pretty sufficient for my needs, though I'd like a larger screen.

Hmm.

 

[rui no onna]

I always appreciate your responses, so thank you.

I posted this in another thread, having just run some numbers: With a Costco coupon that I have, I can order a 2021 256GB 12.9" M1/XDR iPP for $1180.91 (shipping charge and state sales tax included) . . . if Costco gets them back in stock by June 13.

The Apple Refurbished 2018 256GB 12.9" would be $758.63 (free shipping plus sales tax), some $420 less. Of course, the RAM is only 4GB, right? But with relatively light usage, would that impact anything? My 2017 10.5" iPP seems pretty sufficient for my needs, though I'd like a larger screen.

Hmm.

It really depends on you. My 2021 1TB 5G costs ~$2200 with tax while the 2018 1TB LTE Apple refurb and 2020 1TB LTE Amazon open-box are both ~$1300 with tax so ~$900 difference. I know I'll regret downgrading to essentially 3-yr old hardware more than the $900 though.

For me, the 4GB is already causing occasional glitches. However, I haven't had any complaints from my parents with their 2GB RAM iPads (YouTube, Netflix, Facebook and some web browsing).

 

[pdoherty]

I am eagerly awaiting a response to this post.


The new Pro seems way too powerful and pricey for my needs. I’m mainly interested in a crisp, sharp display for reading. But I will pay if the display is dramatically better.

For reading I’d buy a Kindle Paperwhite reader. Hugely better battery life, easy to read outside (and won’t overheat), plus backlit for reading inside or in the dark.

 

[sparksd]

For reading I’d buy a Kindle Paperwhite reader. Hugely better battery life, easy to read outside (and won’t overheat), plus backlit for reading inside or in the dark.

I have the Oasis but find I prefer reading on the 12.9's larger screen (few hours/day using Kindle, including in bed). But yes, the Kindle devices are outstanding outside.

 

[Broadus]

I’ve about decided to be content with my 2017 10.5” iPP for the time being.

 

[Broadus]

Deleted

 

[rui no onna]

I’ve about decided to be content with my 2017 10.5” iPP for the time being.

Personally, if Apple hadn't released the 2021 iPP, I'd probably just stick to my 2017 iPP for yet another generation as well.

 

[Broadus]

Personally, if Apple hadn't released the 2021 iPP, I'd probably just stick to my 2017 iPP for yet another generation as well.

I could change my mind, but I've spent too much time researching among the alternatives. If I used my iPad more, I would probably just go with the 2021 for the larger screen and no concerns about keeping up with iPadOS for the next five years. I've almost done just that but haven't because it is such overkill for my usage.

And yet I don't want to buy what is, as you've noted, basically 3-year-old tech. Still, I wouldn't be surprised to find myself concluding that that 3-year-old tech is perfectly fine for my usage and go with the 2018 Apple refurbished 12.9".

And then again, I wouldn't be surprised if I ended up with a 256GB 12.9" 2021.

 

[MarkC426]

I think that unless the $300 difference makes a big dent in your budget, I would go for the 2021. Nobody has ever complained about having too much memory or too fast of a processor.

Except all those people on the M1 mini thread (8 or 16 decision)........... ? ?
That debate is still going on since it was released last year... ?

 

[rui no onna]

I could change my mind, but I've spent too much time researching among the alternatives. If I used my iPad more, I would probably just go with the 2021 for the larger screen and no concerns about keeping up with iPadOS for the next five years. I've almost done just that but haven't because it is such overkill for my usage.

And yet I don't want to buy what is, as you've noted, basically 3-year-old tech. Still, I wouldn't be surprised to find myself concluding that that 3-year-old tech is perfectly fine for my usage and go with the 2018 Apple refurbished 12.9".

I believe I've mentioned this elsewhere but I expect the 2018 iPP (and really, anything A12-based) to work just fine for the next 3-5 years.

I just have certain use cases which I think would benefit from 2021 hardware (multitasking, dozens of Safari tabs, peripheral support, 5G, etc) so that's my preference.