iPad Pro 9.7 vs 10.1 for $180 less

[Dunbar]

You're correct on the iPhone 6S. I always get 6 and 6S confused. It is true that the A9X is faster than the A9 but it's also pushing a higher resolution screen on the iPad Pro. The extra 2 GB of RAM on the 10.5 could make a difference in performance on future versions of iOS. I actually own a gen 1 12.9 and the processor is a beast. What most impresses me about the gen 2 iPad Pro is Pro Motion. It makes the touch interface feel so much more fluid and responsive. It's hard to explain until have had a chance to experience it for more than 5-10 minutes in a store. I'm so impressed with it that I'm selling my 12.9 and getting the gen 2. That means I'll have both the 10.5 and gen 2 12.9 (I know I'm crazy!)

BTW, I completely agree that some sort of keyboard case is mandatory to get the most out of the iPad Pro. I'm a big fan of the ASK and I ended up paying retail for my 10.5 ASK (which did hurt!)

 

[Mad Mac Maniac]

You're correct on the iPhone 6S. I always get 6 and 6S confused. It is true that the A9X is faster than the A9 but it's also pushing a higher resolution screen on the iPad Pro. The extra 2 GB of RAM on the 10.5 could make a difference in performance on future versions of iOS. I actually own a gen 1 12.9 and the processor is a beast. What most impresses me about the gen 2 iPad Pro is Pro Motion. It makes the touch interface feel so much more fluid and responsive. It's hard to explain until have had a chance to experience it for more than 5-10 minutes in a store. I'm so impressed with it that I'm selling my 12.9 and getting the gen 2. That means I'll have both the 10.5 and gen 2 12.9 (I know I'm crazy!)

BTW, I completely agree that some sort of keyboard case is mandatory to get the most out of the iPad Pro. I'm a big fan of the ASK and I ended up paying retail for my 10.5 ASK (which did hurt!)

Just crazy about Apple! Maybe it was only cause I only experienced the 5-10 minutes in the store, but honestly the promotion to me seemed very minor. Edit: maybe it was also my subconscious refusing to see the different to justify the purchase I had already made a few months ago I know how psychology works!

Also, that's another good thing about buying old products. Cheaper accessories. I was able to get the ASK for $80, new in box.

 

[miatadan]

A9 is iPhone 6S, but that's irrelevant because the 9.7 pro is A9X which, while based on the same/similar architecture still blows the A9 out of the water.
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While I agree that $180 is relatively minimal, if cost is important (and clearly it is otherwise he wouldn't have even posted) I would advise using that money towards the smart keyboard. For my use (and for the use the OP describes) I would hands down take 9.7 pro w/ smart keyboard over 10.5 without it. Also any difference in resale value in 4 years is going to be minimal
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Just think how good a deal he'll be able to get on it if he waits 12 months! Oh wait, then he'd be foolish to get it because the new hotness will be out

However, honestly to the OP if you do go 9.7 pro, try to find a better deal.... I was able to buy a refurb 9.7 pro back in April for $380US which is $270US less than the 10.5 is going for. (granted that was on eBay, which is another thing that everyone here will steer you away from, but mine arrive in perfect mint condition. But I was cautious with the seller)

Because I am only working part time, money is a issue as $180 + 15% tax is $219 so I will order the iPad Pro 9.7 rose/gold which is more than good enough for email/netflix/safari and I do prefer apple smart keyboard over Logitech.
Hopefully the 4 speaker setup does make a difference. Display quality is also important to me.

Dan

thanks for the input from all

 

[44267547]

Because I am only working part time, money is a issue as $180 + 15% tax is $219 so I will order the iPad Pro 9.7 rose/gold which is more than good enough for email/netflix/safari and I do prefer apple smart keyboard over Logitech.
Hopefully the 4 speaker setup does make a difference. Display quality is also important to me.

Dan

thanks for the input from all

It's Still really good choice for the 9.7 Pro and I always appreciated the 9.7 Pro size. And the quad speakers are really impressive for media. One of my favorite features it offers. Good luck with your purchase.

 

[Mad Mac Maniac]

Because I am only working part time, money is a issue as $180 + 15% tax is $219 so I will order the iPad Pro 9.7 rose/gold which is more than good enough for email/netflix/safari and I do prefer apple smart keyboard over Logitech.
Hopefully the 4 speaker setup does make a difference. Display quality is also important to me.

I don't think you'll be disappointed. I was pleasantly surprised with mine. Also you might be able to save $$ if you check Amazon/eBay/Craigslist. I see a refurbished on Amazon for $420 and used on eBay for $340. Not sure if it makes a difference that you're in Canada.

 

[theNatest]

Because I am only working part time, money is a issue as $180 + 15% tax is $219 so I will order the iPad Pro 9.7 rose/gold which is more than good enough for email/netflix/safari and I do prefer apple smart keyboard over Logitech.
Hopefully the 4 speaker setup does make a difference. Display quality is also important to me.

Dan

thanks for the input from all

Congrats! It's still going to be awesome either way!

 

[miatadan]

Amazon.ca is actually more money than Best Buy, Kijiji is closest thing to Craigslist but I normally do not buy refurbished. Now looking for better price on apple smart keyboard.

 

[s2mikey]

Agree - to me it just does not make any sense to go with last year's model when the price gap is so small.

Yeah, I've been looking at the deals on the 9.7 pro models and it's tempting...but....ehhh.....if I upgrade then I want to really upgrade. I'm still on my Air 1 so either will be a nice bump in performance. But, the few hundred bucks saved will be forgotten long before the buyers remorse I'd have by not getting the 10.5 model. Or something like that.

Go for the newer, premium model for less than $200 bucks difference. No brainer, IMO.

 

[Septembersrain]

I like my 9.7 still. I see zero reason to upgrade right now. If you are just watching videos, doing email and browsing the web, I would think the 9.7 would be just fine. However it's up to you on that call.

 

[Chupa Chupa]

Either the 10.5 makes your heart sing or it doesn't. If it doesn't then get the 9.7 and pocket the $. If it does spend the $180 b/c you'll end up having buyer's remorse with the 9.7.

 

[danny842003]

I like my 9.7 still. I see zero reason to upgrade right now. If you are just watching videos, doing email and browsing the web, I would think the 9.7 would be just fine. However it's up to you on that call.

That's a different position totally. I don't blame you for not seeing a reason to upgrade, but an upgrade would cost considerably more than the savings in this case.

 

[44267547]

That's a different position totally. I don't blame you for not seeing a reason to upgrade, but an upgrade would cost considerably more than the savings in this case.

Agreed. And then take into consideration would the upgrade be justified for the price If the OP isn't entirely sure if that's what they wanted just because it's the latest hardware.

 

[danny842003]

Agreed. And then take into consideration would the upgrade be justified for the price If the OP isn't entirely sure if that's what they wanted just because it's the latest hardware.

Its not a upgrade though, but I get your point. For me yes for the reasons I explained, options do vary I was just pointing out that an upgrade and new purchase are very different.

 

[44267547]

Its not a upgrade though, but I get your point. For me yes for the reasons I explained, options do vary I was just pointing out that an upgrade and new purchase are very different.

It is an upgrade over the 9.7 Pro taken into consideration of the Promotion display (Which improved Apple Pencil support), additional RAM, upgraded processor, upgraded camera and flash, etc. But yes, price point is more influential over what one needs versus wants.

 

[danny842003]

It is an upgrade over the 9.7 Pro taken into consideration of the Promotion display (Which improved Apple Pencil support), additional RAM, upgraded processor, upgraded camera and flash, etc. But yes, price point is more influential over what one needs versus wants.

Its not an upgrade as in the OP has neither so its an initial purchase rather than deciding if its a big enough upgrade to sell a 9.7 and buy a 10.5.
I think we have our wires crossed here ha.

 

[44267547]

Its not an upgrade as in the OP has neither so its an initial purchase rather than deciding if its a big enough upgrade to sell a 9.7 and buy a 10.5.
I think we have our wires crossed here ha.

I understand that. If you compare the 9.7 Pro and a 10.5 Pro, the 10.5 Pro supersedes the 9.7 Pro in almost every facet with the exception of some software features like Tru-Tone that already pre-exists. But you're also not considering the 9.7 Pro has been discontinued, even though it's still supported, it only matters what the OP wants from the iPad versus price point, as stated before.

 

[Royksöpp]

The 9.7 is a good iPad for most people. It's basically the high end version of the 2017 iPad. I think that's a fair comparison because the 10.5 is in a league of it's own. With that being said, I would fork over the extra 200-250 for the new model. The processor and ram is well worth the extra cost with Promotion being an extra goody. If you plan on keeping the device for at least 3 years I would highly recommend it. The 2GB on the 9.7 won't fare so well in the years to come especially now that Pro iPads going forward all have 4gb.

 

[Broadus]

Because I am only working part time, money is a issue as $180 + 15% tax is $219 so I will order the iPad Pro 9.7 rose/gold which is more than good enough for email/netflix/safari and I do prefer apple smart keyboard over Logitech.
Hopefully the 4 speaker setup does make a difference. Display quality is also important to me.

Dan

thanks for the input from all

I think that's a good choice, Dan. I really doubt, considering the usage you describe, that you would have noticed a significant difference with the 10.5 over what you'll experience with the 9.7.

 

[Septembersrain]

Its not a upgrade though, but I get your point. For me yes for the reasons I explained, options do vary I was just pointing out that an upgrade and new purchase are very different.

Yeah. I think if I were buying for the first time right now, I'd probably feel more compelled to go with newer hardware. However, as I've come to experience, a really good deal on a slightly older model isn't always a bad idea.

 

[miatadan]

The 9.7 is a good iPad for most people. It's basically the high end version of the 2017 iPad. I think that's a fair comparison because the 10.5 is in a league of it's own. With that being said, I would fork over the extra 200-250 for the new model. The processor and ram is well worth the extra cost with Promotion being an extra goody. If you plan on keeping the device for at least 3 years I would highly recommend it. The 2GB on the 9.7 won't fare so well in the years to come especially now that Pro iPads going forward all have 4gb.

What promotion are you referring to?

 

[danny842003]

Promotion is a feature on the newer iPad pros that allows the screen to refresh at up to 120Hz as opposed to 60 on the old models.
It makes the screen feel much smoother and reduces lag with the apple pencil.

 

[Royksöpp]

What promotion are you referring to?

The 120hz ProMotion Display.

 

[Shanghaichica]

June of 2016 is when it was released and the A9 processor dates back to 2015 and the iPhone 6. It does have tru tone but not 4GB of RAM, 120Hz refresh rate or the 20% larger screen. Like I said, if you don't already have a 9.7 Pro it's a pretty easy decision to go with the 10.5 IMO.

The iPhone 6 has the A8 processor. The iPhone 6S has the A9 processor and the 9.7 inch pro has the A9 X processor.

 

[pdaholic]

I was debating the 10.5 vs. 9.7, too. A new 9.7 can be had for $525, and you can get a Smart Keyboard off eBay for $80. I got a deal for only 20 bucks off the price of the 10.5 and the Smart Keyboard.

That said, I’m really happy I didn’t go with the 9.7. The screen is bigger, which is really important when you multitask (and you will with ios11). If anything, I have 12.9 lust as I now want an even bigger screen. Also, 4GB of ram will make this device more future resistant.

if you can swing it, go for the 10.5, it’s amazing.

 

[Shanghaichica]

I've been having this same debate with myself and I've decided to go for the 10.5 inch iPad Pro. In the UK the price difference is only £100 and by paying an extra £100 I can get double the storage (256GB) plus all the other upgrades, pro motion, improved display, faster innards, 4GB of ram, better camera, more future proof.

Also I'm coming from an iPad Air 2 so I think I will see more of a difference by upgrading by 2 generations.

I'm not a power user so even the 9.7 2017 model would theoretically serve my needs. However I can't get past the non laminated display on the budget iPad and I don't think it would be much of an upgrade on my iPad Air 2, maybe even a downgrade.

I've been using an adonit pixel on my iPad Air 2 which is pretty good but can only be used in certain apps and also the palm rejection does not work 100 % of the time. I will have a much better experience with the Apple Pencil particularly with the new features coming in iOS 11.

Also I'd like to have a go at some photo editing. If prefer to do it on my iPad than on my 2014 MacBook Air which probably isn't that well equipped for it.