Break it down for me - differences that matter in reg vs pro

[ssledoux]

I can read specs all day long, and I’ve had two, 12.9 pros, but I’m using a 2018 iPad now, and have been struggling with whether to go back pro (it was my plan all along, but reading about all the issues has stopped me, as well as having an iPad that pretty much does what I need on a daily basis). I do use my iPad as my “everything” device at home - I no longer own an iMac, so I would like a device that provides a great user experience. My 12.9 definitely did that, but it was just a bit too big for me for portability.

I’d like someone to break down into real-world use for the average person what the spec differences are, and the benefits of the 2018 pro over the regular iPad.

 

[muzzy996]

The average person who uses an iPad doesn’t come to these forums regularly to read and post so we are all already skewed in our own personal preferences away from average... You’ve owned both yet still pose the question. Is there something you’re missing from the 12.9 that you’re not getting out of your regular iPad experience?

 

[VineRider]

Main things for me that make me choose the Pro
1. Fully laminated screen - I really like the anti-glare and the laminated screen. I think it is head and shoulders above the non Pro iPad.
2. Face ID on the 2018 11" Pro - After having face ID on my iPhone X, I really like this on the iPad Pro. Makes so many things that require authentication so much easier (banking apps etc.).
3. Screen size - Once you go to the 11" screen with smaller bezels, it would be hard to go back to the smaller screen.
4. Processor speed - This is really low on my priority list, as the regular iPad is plenty fast. But, the 11" is very fast and should last for a long time.

These are my thoughts....

 

[rowspaxe]

I’d like someone to break down into real-world use for the average person what the spec differences are, and the benefits of the 2018 pro over the regular iPad.

You could always just read the specs in the apple store

 

[DaveyVigs]

I love my 2017 iPad Pro 10.5 and am holding off on the 2018 iPad Pros mainly for cost but I didn’t like them either (mostly the smart KB and home bar). Though I like Apple Pencil 2 and how it connects better than the original.

One downside I don’t like about the Pro is if you use Microsoft Excel/Word apps (which I use mostly for my finances/resume) you’ll need an Office 365 subscription to edit them. I’ve found that you don’t need to subscribe for editing/saving on iPhone or iPad (2018/mini). That said I’m trying to transition to Numbers and Pages but not everything works the way I like.

Pro speed is awesome. Everything is noticeably faster on my Pro than my iPhone XR and kids iPad (2018 and mini).

If money is no object I say get the 2018 iPad Pro. For me I couldn’t because of my incompatible KB (need the new one) and I would have to buy the new pencil too. Plus I would only get $325 from Apple for the iPad only so would have to sell as a bundle on Swappa or eBay.

Edited: I also got rid of my MacBook Pro after using my iPad Pro. It does more of what I need and is way more portable. I couldn’t do the 12.9 Pro either (10.5 is big enough) but the iPad 2018 is still really good device. iPad Pro 2018 11 inch could be the ideal size for you as it’s smaller than the 10.5 but not too small and has a bigger screen.

 

[newellj]

I've had a 10.5" Pro and Air 2 recently and right now have an 11" Pro and a gen 6 iPad. I'm going to be returning the 9.7" gen 6 this weekend because overall it is a noticeably lesser experience. Examples:

I find the difference between the gen 1 and gen 2 pencils significant. The charging arrangement for the gen 1 means using the easy to misplace dongle or risking breaking the lightning tip. The gen 1 pencil is always rolling away, falling off the table or desk. The matte finish on the gen 2 gives me a feeling of better control.

FaceID works extremely well, and especially logging in or unlocking sites/apps is much more consistent and quicker with FaceID.

The added display real estate on the 11" vs. the 9.7" makes a lot of difference when using apps like Word, Excel and Notability.

The smaller bezels and larger display create a feeling almost like looking through a window rather than look at a mobile device. This one's really hard to explain, but it just feels like a different kind of device, rather than a bigger version of the same kind of device.

I will say that if you can cope with 32gb, the base 9.7" gen 6 is a great value, but you do give up a lot, in my opinion.

 

[ahostmadsen]

I can read specs all day long, and I’ve had two, 12.9 pros, but I’m using a 2018 iPad now, and have been struggling with whether to go back pro (it was my plan all along, but reading about all the issues has stopped me, as well as having an iPad that pretty much does what I need on a daily basis). I do use my iPad as my “everything” device at home - I no longer own an iMac, so I would like a device that provides a great user experience. My 12.9 definitely did that, but it was just a bit too big for me for portability.

I’d like someone to break down into real-world use for the average person what the spec differences are, and the benefits of the 2018 pro over the regular iPad.

There is also the Keyboard Folio. Yes, yes, yes, you can also get keyboard covers for the regular iPad, but none comes near to offer the combination of features for the Apple Keyboard Folio.

 

[sunapple]

The “Pro-ness” is in the screen (size, 120Hz) and accessories (keyboard case, Pencil). I got the 11” and it’s awesome, but I wasn’t upgrading from an older model so I’m not sure if I would.

Generally, owning the latest model of any tech product has more to do with emotion than objective reasoning anyway.

 

[xxray]

One thing no one has mentioned yet is ProMotion. It makes the Pros seem a lot faster and smoother even when both devices are performing the exact same. This applies for every task you do because it involves the screen (scrolling, animations, Apple Pencil).

 

[MisterSavage]

Main things for me that make me choose the Pro
1. Fully laminated screen - I really like the anti-glare and the laminated screen. I think it is head and shoulders above the non Pro iPad.
2. Face ID on the 2018 11" Pro - After having face ID on my iPhone X, I really like this on the iPad Pro. Makes so many things that require authentication so much easier (banking apps etc.).
3. Screen size - Once you go to the 11" screen with smaller bezels, it would be hard to go back to the smaller screen.
4. Processor speed - This is really low on my priority list, as the regular iPad is plenty fast. But, the 11" is very fast and should last for a long time.

This is a great list. I really wanted Face ID on my iPad and it hasn't disappointed. I still use my old 9.7 IPP in my office. I don't know if it's because of the number the cold weather is doing on my hands but touch ID has been really unreliable on it. Face ID on my iPad is almost flawless for me.

 

[VineRider]

One thing no one has mentioned yet is ProMotion. It makes the Pros seem a lot faster and smoother even when both devices are performing the exact same. This applies for every task you do because it involves the screen (scrolling, animations, Apple Pencil).

Yes, I agree on the ProMotion display. That, coupled with the fully laminated screen makes the viewing experience on the Pro exceptional. The scrolling is extremely smooth and fluid.

 

[kazmac]

The only reason why I would go Pro is for more RAM. Proceeate works a lot more smoothly with 4gb. Sure ProMotion, a laminated screen, and four speakers are swell too. Better latency with the pencil too.

But once my 2017 iPP started flaking outand I lost $ on it, I went 2018 iPad.

I really like my 2018 iPad. I am grateful Procreate can run on 2gb though. I hope the non Pro iPad(s), get a bump up in memory. I do not mind the non laminated display or 2 speakers. In fact, I like drawing on the 2018 iPad better than the iPPs. And only the 10.5 iPP and the 2018 iPad still have a headphone jack.

I do not need all the bells and whistles of more expensive iDevices.

OP, ymmv. Good luck on whatever you choose. And

 

[sracer]

I can read specs all day long, and I’ve had two, 12.9 pros, but I’m using a 2018 iPad now, and have been struggling with whether to go back pro (it was my plan all along, but reading about all the issues has stopped me, as well as having an iPad that pretty much does what I need on a daily basis). I do use my iPad as my “everything” device at home - I no longer own an iMac, so I would like a device that provides a great user experience. My 12.9 definitely did that, but it was just a bit too big for me for portability.

I’d like someone to break down into real-world use for the average person what the spec differences are, and the benefits of the 2018 pro over the regular iPad.

Psst, you're not the average person. If you don't find the 2018 iPad to offer you a "great user experience" then the answer seems pretty straightforward. The 11" iPad Pro.

 

[ssledoux]

You could always just read the specs in the apple store

Thanks. I’ve done that. Just wondering how the differences really affect real-world usage for people.
[doublepost=1547736796][/doublepost]

The average person who uses an iPad doesn’t come to these forums regularly to read and post so we are all already skewed in our own personal preferences away from average... You’ve owned both yet still pose the question. Is there something you’re missing from the 12.9 that you’re not getting out of your regular iPad experience?

Certainly there are things I can’t do, or can’t do as well, on my 2018 iPad, but it’s been a while since I had my pro. I didn’t sell it with the intention of keeping a basic iPad, but over time, I’ve realized the basic does most of what I need. I guess I’m just wondering how the differences in the two affect others’ uses because I’m trying to decide if those things matter enough to me to go back pro.
[doublepost=1547736902][/doublepost]

I love my 2017 iPad Pro 10.5 and am holding off on the 2018 iPad Pros mainly for cost but I didn’t like them either (mostly the smart KB and home bar). Though I like Apple Pencil 2 and how it connects better than the original.

One downside I don’t like about the Pro is if you use Microsoft Excel/Word apps (which I use mostly for my finances/resume) you’ll need an Office 365 subscription to edit them. I’ve found that you don’t need to subscribe for editing/saving on iPhone or iPad (2018/mini). That said I’m trying to transition to Numbers and Pages but not everything works the way I like.

Pro speed is awesome. Everything is noticeably faster on my Pro than my iPhone XR and kids iPad (2018 and mini).

If money is no object I say get the 2018 iPad Pro. For me I couldn’t because of my incompatible KB (need the new one) and I would have to buy the new pencil too. Plus I would only get $325 from Apple for the iPad only so would have to sell as a bundle on Swappa or eBay.

Edited: I also got rid of my MacBook Pro after using my iPad Pro. It does more of what I need and is way more portable. I couldn’t do the 12.9 Pro either (10.5 is big enough) but the iPad 2018 is still really good device. iPad Pro 2018 11 inch could be the ideal size for you as it’s smaller than the 10.5 but not too small and has a bigger screen.

Thanks for this. Speed would definitely be a big bonus, as I’m functioning with only data, and anything that could improve that experience would be awesome!

Also, for my work stuff (Disney travel agent/planner), I already use the Pages app for my clients’ itineraries and info, so the MS apps would be a non-issue.

The 11” is certainly what I’d be looking at, but I do need LTE so the threads about bending have really made me nervous.
[doublepost=1547737382][/doublepost]

I've had a 10.5" Pro and Air 2 recently and right now have an 11" Pro and a gen 6 iPad. I'm going to be returning the 9.7" gen 6 this weekend because overall it is a noticeably lesser experience. Examples:

I find the difference between the gen 1 and gen 2 pencils significant. The charging arrangement for the gen 1 means using the easy to misplace dongle or risking breaking the lightning tip. The gen 1 pencil is always rolling away, falling off the table or desk. The matte finish on the gen 2 gives me a feeling of better control.

FaceID works extremely well, and especially logging in or unlocking sites/apps is much more consistent and quicker with FaceID.

The added display real estate on the 11" vs. the 9.7" makes a lot of difference when using apps like Word, Excel and Notability.

The smaller bezels and larger display create a feeling almost like looking through a window rather than look at a mobile device. This one's really hard to explain, but it just feels like a different kind of device, rather than a bigger version of the same kind of device.

I will say that if you can cope with 32gb, the base 9.7" gen 6 is a great value, but you do give up a lot, in my opinion.

Also some great points here. Face ID has been enticing me also. I was really against getting it, and held off in 2017, going with the 8+ instead. However, since getting my XR (had the max and did have issues with OLED so I had to return), I am LOVING Face ID.

I also like that I wouldn’t really have a much larger device, but would have a bit more screen area, and just the overall appearance of it looks really nice.

Another thing I miss a lot from my pro is the ASK. Although I have a nice setup for my 2018 with a Bluetooth keyboard and stand (and I can easily grab my pad and go when I leave home), I absolutely loved the ASK. I’d probably have to wait a month or two to get it and the new pencil, but I could use my current keyboard setup til then (although I’d be outta luck with the pencil I guess).
[doublepost=1547737803][/doublepost]

Psst, you're not the average person. If you don't find the 2018 iPad to offer you a "great user experience" then the answer seems pretty straightforward. The 11" iPad Pro.

Lol, I’m KINDA average, as I certainly don’t know all the tech-y stuff most of the people here do. I just love my Apple products. It’s just when I read pro-motion, I have zero clue how that really affects me or my usage - maybe zero.

I do know that more ram generally improves performance, and certainly 4 speakers probably SOUNDS better than two, etc., but I have no clue about how certain specs affect the user experience for someone more basic like me.

 

[sracer]

Lol, I’m KINDA average, as I certainly don’t know all the tech-y stuff most of the people here do. I just love my Apple products. It’s just when I read pro-motion, I have zero clue how that really affects me or my usage - maybe zero.

I do know that more ram generally improves performance, and certainly 4 speakers probably SOUNDS better than two, etc., but I have no clue about how certain specs affect the user experience for someone more basic like me.

Fair enough. But some of those enhancements (like Pro-Motion, TrueTone, Pencil 2) are over-hyped IMO. When the 1st gen 12.9 Pro was released, nobody said, "oh, that screen is not so good, it needs 120 Hz refresh". But once Apple released a device with it, suddenly that 1st gen 12.9 Pro was a "laggy mess".

And then there's the flip-side, like the loss of the headphone jack, lack of cover/case options, lack of app support for the new screen form-factor (11" Pro), and such are those things that rarely get factored in on the minus-side of the equation.

Having the right case/cover and other accessories can make or break the ownership experience. There is no smartcover nor ASK for these new Pros. That is a no-go for me. What good is having a thin and light tablet when it has to be bulked up by a full folio? (which is to mask the effect of the camera bump)

 

[ssledoux]

Fair enough. But some of those enhancements (like Pro-Motion, TrueTone, Pencil 2) are over-hyped IMO. When the 1st gen 12.9 Pro was released, nobody said, "oh, that screen is not so good, it needs 120 Hz refresh". But once Apple released a device with it, suddenly that 1st gen 12.9 Pro was a "laggy mess".

And then there's the flip-side, like the loss of the headphone jack, lack of cover/case options, lack of app support for the new screen form-factor (11" Pro), and such are those things that rarely get factored in on the minus-side of the equation.

Having the right case/cover and other accessories can make or break the ownership experience. There is no smartcover nor ASK for these new Pros. That is a no-go for me. What good is having a thin and light tablet when it has to be bulked up by a full folio? (which is to mask the effect of the camera bump)

Good point on the folio. I need to look at that. I love the ASK; didn’t even realize what they were offering was different. See, I learn stuff on here all the time! ;-p

Honestly though, I had a back case on, even with my ASK on my other pros. I like mine covered. The price on that folio is ugly though. Ouch! Of course the current setup I have will work with the pro as well - I can just link up my Bluetooth keyboard. I’d only HAVE to buy the pencil right away.

The thing is, with moving all my stuff to digital as much as possible (planners and all that), I think I’d really enjoy a better writing experience, and a pencil that wasn’t a loose cannon. ;-p

 

[bluespark]

Lol, I’m KINDA average, as I certainly don’t know all the tech-y stuff most of the people here do. I just love my Apple products. It’s just when I read pro-motion, I have zero clue how that really affects me or my usage - maybe zero.

You're not average at all -- your posts are (refreshingly) non-techie, but always good.

Re: your questions, I don't think the specs tell the whole story with the new iPad Pro (except for those with a particular strong need/want, such as Face ID). The difference really is in the quality of the experience. For several reasons, there is an immediacy with the iPad Pro that seems new. It is both visually and viscerally more involving. Unfortunately, those are hard things to quantify or even to explain. You really have to spend some time with it to appreciate the difference. And whether that difference is worth the substantial extra charge over what you have now is an entirely personal decision.

My own view is that you should not worry at all about the "bending" issues. First, as is always the case with tech products, the people posting overwhelmingly tend to be those with the problem (or worried about it) rather than those who are happily using their device with no issues. Second, the bending generally reported is something that happened during the manufacturing process, not a tendency to bend after the fact. If you buy from an Apple Store or authorized dealer, you can return it if not satisfied. Third, Apple's explanation, although extremely ham-handed, makes sense from a manufacturing perspective: all manufactured products -- all of them -- are built within tolerances. That is, there is no such thing as a perfect product. Put differently, no one could manufacture a perfectly flat piece of aluminum for anything approaching a commercially-viable cost. That's actually one of the reasons most products like this have curved backs -- they hide flaws. While we can debate whether Apple could do better (and this is a debate best left to those with expertise in manufacturing), the end result from a user perspective should still be that you can return the product if you don't like it or if you think you would have a reasonable chance of getting a better one.

Bottom line is that if you have the money, the new Pro is a great device with some tangible benefits. But to see whether those benefits are worth it to you (or whether you are satisfied with its flatness), you have to spend some time with it. Fortunately, Apple allows returns.

 

[ssledoux]

You're not average at all -- your posts are (refreshingly) non-techie, but always good.

Re: your questions, I don't think the specs tell the whole story with the new iPad Pro (except for those with a particular strong need/want, such as Face ID). The difference really is in the quality of the experience. For several reasons, there is an immediacy with the iPad Pro that seems new. It is both visually and viscerally more involving. Unfortunately, those are hard things to quantify or even to explain. You really have to spend some time with it to appreciate the difference. And whether that difference is worth the substantial extra charge over what you have now is an entirely personal decision.

My own view is that you should not worry at all about the "bending" issues. First, as is always the case with tech products, the people posting overwhelmingly tend to be those with the problem (or worried about it) rather than those who are happily using their device with no issues. Second, the bending generally reported is something that happened during the manufacturing process, not a tendency to bend after the fact. If you buy from an Apple Store or authorized dealer, you can return it if not satisfied. Third, Apple's explanation, although extremely ham-handed, makes sense from a manufacturing perspective: all manufactured products -- all of them -- are built within tolerances. That is, there is no such thing as a perfect product. Put differently, no one could manufacture a perfectly flat piece of aluminum for anything approaching a commercially-viable cost. That's actually one of the reasons most products like this have curved backs -- they hide flaws. While we can debate whether Apple could do better (and this is a debate best left to those with expertise in manufacturing), the end result from a user perspective should still be that you can return the product if you don't like it or if you think you would have a reasonable chance of getting a better one.

Bottom line is that if you have the money, the new Pro is a great device with some tangible benefits. But to see whether those benefits are worth it to you (or whether you are satisfied with its flatness), you have to spend some time with it. Fortunately, Apple allows returns.

Thanks! I decided to bite the bullet. Just ordered one from AT&T. I’d love to take advantage of Apple’s return policy, but since I do LTE, it’s honestly less hassle, for me (and surprisingly), to go through AT&T. The only thing that sucks is the return situation because I’d have to deal with restocking and stuff, but I’m just gonna hope for the best!

Since I won’t be buying the keyboard right now anyway, it’ll give me time to go in and see them in person at Apple and decide if I’d want that extra thickness and weight, or if I just want to use my current setup to make it more portable when I’m on the go.

I will be getting the pencil ASAP since I’m doing so much more with my digital planning.

 

[DNichter]

Screen quality, speed, RAM, design, Face ID are all improvements over the non-pro version.

 

[subjonas]

Looking at other regular/pro product lines as examples, such as the Mac, we shouldn’t expect any major differences in usability. Usually “pro” is just a bump in specs and size that make it a bit more able/convenient/enjoyable, but for the most part it’s the same functions. Pencil support on iPad was the exception. Even the smart connector only adds convenience, not core functionality, since you can optionally connect a Bluetooth keyboard and still type out your paper at the same speed. But a drawing made on the iPad Pro was actually impossible on the regular iPad because 3rd party styluses are hacks and terrible. But now Pencil is supported on both, leaving the remaining differences incremental.

So if you’re satisfied with the regular iPad, I’d say you have no compelling reason to move to pro.

 

[newellj]

Re: your questions, I don't think the specs tell the whole story with the new iPad Pro (except for those with a particular strong need/want, such as Face ID). The difference really is in the quality of the experience. For several reasons, there is an immediacy with the iPad Pro that seems new. It is both visually and viscerally more involving. Unfortunately, those are hard things to quantify or even to explain. You really have to spend some time with it to appreciate the difference. And whether that difference is worth the substantial extra charge over what you have now is an entirely personal decision.

This is really well said, and matches my feelings about the 11" Pro.