iPad Pro Disappointing speakers in 2018 model

[petsk]

I picked up a base 12.9 inch 2018 because it was on sale, only 617€ before tax.

But the speakers are really disappointing when comparing side by side to my 12.9 inch 2017 model. The sound is flat with lack of base (no, it’s not an EQ setting). The 2018 version is 1mm slimmer, so I guess that’s the reason?

Has anyone else compared the speakers between 2017-2018-2020 versions? Is the 2020 version just as bad?

The difference is very noticable, I expected a bit worse speakers, but not this bad.

 

[McScooby]

Can't speak for the 12.9" but I've got a 2017 10.5" & 2020 11", both have outstanding sound very similar, maybe give a call / reset & reinstall first?

 

[AutomaticApple]

I picked up a base 12.9 inch 2018 because it was on sale, only 617€ before tax.

But the speakers are really disappointing when comparing side by side to my 12.9 inch 2017 model. The sound is flat with lack of base (no, it’s not an EQ setting). The 2018 version is 1mm slimmer, so I guess that’s the reason?

Has anyone else compared the speakers between 2017-2018-2020 versions? Is the 2020 version just as bad?

The difference is very noticable, I expected a bit worse speakers, but not this bad.

Maybe the 2018 one has more worn out speakers?

 

[ericwn]

Maybe the 2018 one has more worn out speakers?

Doesn’t sound like it was purchased used.

 

[petsk]

The device is new and not defected. Reading earlier posts it seems other people agree. If you compare them side by side the 2018 sounds thinner. The speakers are downgraded in the 11" vs 10,5" as well from what I could read.

 

[spiderman0616]

I've owned every gen of iPad Pro and have been blown away by all 4 as far as audio quality and volume. Apple is becoming a real powerhouse in this area.

 

[sparksd]

I find my 2018 12.9 to be much better than my 2017 10.5 Pro.

 

[petsk]

I find my 2018 12.9 to be much better than my 2017 10.5 Pro.

Have you compared them side by side?

I upgraded from 10.5 to 12.9 (both 2017) and found that the 12.9 had superior speakers, but I didn’t compare them next to each other, so I can’t really say.

It’s almost impossible to compare speakers if you don’t have the side by side, playing the same medium at the same volume.

 

[sparksd]

Have you compared them side by side?

I upgraded from 10.5 to 12.9 (both 2017) and found that the 12.9 had superior speakers, but I didn’t compare them next to each other, so I can’t really say.

It’s almost impossible to compare speakers if you don’t have the side by side, playing the same medium at the same volume.

Yes, as I still have the 10.5.

 

[sparksd]

Have you compared them side by side?

I upgraded from 10.5 to 12.9 (both 2017) and found that the 12.9 had superior speakers, but I didn’t compare them next to each other, so I can’t really say.

It’s almost impossible to compare speakers if you don’t have the side by side, playing the same medium at the same volume.

I should add that I rarely use the iPad's speakers. If I want external sound, I'll use a JBL Flip 4 BT speaker but I'm usually using my Sony WF-1000XM3 earbuds (preferred) or Bose QuietComfort 35 II headphones (secondary).

 

[Digitalguy]

The speakers system on the 2018/2020 model are different.
A couple of remarks.
The 12.9 in the 2015/2017 sound the best
The 12.9 in the 2018/2020 come second, slightly behind, mainly slight lack of bass.
The 9.7/10.5 come third. The difference with the 12.9, especially the the older ones is noticeable.
And the 11in come last, but again, the difference is very minor, and it's mainly a lack of bass compared to the 10.5/9.7
That's my experience, which explains why you are disappointed with the 2018 model (compared to the older 12.9) and why another poster found the 12.9 better than the 10.5.
Of course you can expect some different opinions since the differences are relatively small.