iPad (2018 model) vs iPad Pro 10.5 - which to buy?

[gobias]

I'm coming to the true user base with this question for help.

I am in the market to buy an iPad, either of the models that supports Pencil. I know the iPad Pro 10.5 is at the end of it's update lifecycle BUT, here's the rub. There are decent deals at Best Buy to save ~$150 on the Pro right now.

Where I'm stuck is not necessarily price, but functionality. Are the features that make the Pro better (TrueTone, etc). truly that impressive?

I intend to use the iPad for writing and drawing. My son wants me to help him make a comic book ala Dog Man, and we'd like to use the iPad for this purpose. It's likely the new iPad will be enough to get the job done for me, but I turn to you awesome users for your insights!

Thoughts?

 

[muzzy996]

Sounds like either one would fit the bill for you. I'd suggest seeing if you can look at both in-store and if you have any appreciation for the visual difference of the screens and audio quality. Things like the laminated screen with true-tone or the speaker arrangement are noticeable and appreciable to some but not necessary for everyone. Also factor in the storage capacity of each since the pricing will surely vary based upon that as well.

 

[BenTrovato]

I like the display on the 10.5 so much more that it's decision easily made for me. Also, iOS isn't as nice with 2 gigs of ram as it is with 4. If $150 isn't stretching the budget, then worth it. If money is tight, the 2018 is great.

 

[gobias]

I like the display on the 10.5 so much more that it's decision easily made for me. Also, iOS isn't as nice with 2 gigs of ram as it is with 4. If $150 isn't stretching the budget, then worth it. If money is tight, the 2018 is great.

I'll have to do some research on sketching and comic book apps to see if they pull a lot of memory. My guess is no. But quick math comparing the 2 deals at Best Buy, the Pro package is $365 more. And that's with a discount.

 

[Darmok N Jalad]

The iPP supports the Apple keyboard that doesn't require Bluetooth, it also has better cameras, a laminated display, and the A10X is faster than the A10. Keep in mind that the A10 is about as fast as the A9X of the previous generation of iPP.

That said, I just ordered the 2018 iPad for myself, as my previous Air 2 did everything I ever asked of it with no trouble. As tempting as it sounds, I don't need everything the iPP has to offer.

 

[CaleM3]

I'm coming to the true user base with this question for help.

I am in the market to buy an iPad, either of the models that supports Pencil. I know the iPad Pro 10.5 is at the end of it's update lifecycle BUT, here's the rub. There are decent deals at Best Buy to save ~$150 on the Pro right now.

Where I'm stuck is not necessarily price, but functionality. Are the features that make the Pro better (TrueTone, etc). truly that impressive?

I intend to use the iPad for writing and drawing. My son wants me to help him make a comic book ala Dog Man, and we'd like to use the iPad for this purpose. It's likely the new iPad will be enough to get the job done for me, but I turn to you awesome users for your insights!

Thoughts?

Where are you seeing the ~$150 off at Best Buy? I'm seeing $50/$100 depending on the model. Also, if you are drawing, the lower latency on the Pro might be better as there is a tad bit of lag on the 2018 model from the reviews that I've seen. Good luck on your decision!

 

[sracer]

I'll have to do some research on sketching and comic book apps to see if they pull a lot of memory. My guess is no. But quick math comparing the 2 deals at Best Buy, the Pro package is $365 more. And that's with a discount.

I've switched from a 12.9 iPad Pro to the 2018 iPad and I haven't found the switch from 4GB RAM down to 2GB to be an issue. And because the 2018 is more portable, I'm using it even more (for writing and drawing) than I was using the 12.9 for. I recommend checking out YouTube for some artist-centric reviews of the 2018 iPad. These are folks who heavily use their ipads for the things you are interested in so their insights can be helpful.

 

[gobias]

Where are you seeing the ~$150 off at Best Buy? I'm seeing $50/$100 depending on the model. Also, if you are drawing, the lower latency on the Pro might be better as there is a tad bit of lag on the 2018 model from the reviews that I've seen. Good luck on your decision!

Pencil: $93.99 (Save $7)
Smart Keyboard: $143.99 (Save $16)
iPad Pro 25g GB WI-FI Silver: $699.99 (save $100)
[doublepost=1525383038][/doublepost]Right now the breakdown via Best Buy works out to about $575 (2018 model w/ pencil and Logitech keyboard) vs about $930 (10.5 iPP with pencil and smart keyboard). So it ultimately comes down to is the performance improvements of the Pro worth ~$350?

 

[Darmok N Jalad]

Pencil: $93.99 (Save $7)
Smart Keyboard: $143.99 (Save $16)
iPad Pro 25g GB WI-FI Silver: $699.99 (save $100)
[doublepost=1525383038][/doublepost]Right now the breakdown via Best Buy works out to about $575 (2018 model w/ pencil and Logitech keyboard) vs about $930 (10.5 iPP with pencil and smart keyboard). So it ultimately comes down to is the performance improvements of the Pro worth ~$350?

Seems to me that performance difference is going to be up to you. The iPP offers real improvements in every way (RAM, processing power, display, camera), but it's up to you to decide if it's worth another $350. Perhaps the question might be better asked--if you go with the cheaper model, are you going to always wonder if you made the right choice? You probably won't feel that way by going with the iPP, unless that $350 was hard for you to come by. Some folks can't see the value in upgrading, while to others, that extra expense isn't a big deal.

 

[CharlesShaw]

Pencil: $93.99 (Save $7)
Smart Keyboard: $143.99 (Save $16)
iPad Pro 25g GB WI-FI Silver: $699.99 (save $100)
[doublepost=1525383038][/doublepost]Right now the breakdown via Best Buy works out to about $575 (2018 model w/ pencil and Logitech keyboard) vs about $930 (10.5 iPP with pencil and smart keyboard). So it ultimately comes down to is the performance improvements of the Pro worth ~$350?

Micro Center has all iPad Pros $150 off in-store only. They have a location in Denver.

And if you’re certain you want the Smart Keyboard you can find it much cheaper online.

 

[Mad Mac Maniac]

As a user of the 9.7 Pro for a year, and recently playing with the 2018 iPad I got for my gf, here's my personal comparison of the two. Note: this is against the 9.7 pro not the 10.5.

Screen differences: Negligible (I know, on here some people will call blasphemy, but honestly I didn't really notice a difference)
Speed differences: Negligible
Sound differences: Negligible
Size/thinness difference: Negligible (this is compared to my 9.7, but honestly when I've looked at 10.5 in store, I feel pretty much the same)
Pencil differences: Negligible (ok this is actually when I've compared my pro to an in-store 10.5 pro)
Smart Connector: Game changer. Again this is just my opinion, but my ASK literally has made all the difference in the world for how I use the device. Yes, I know there are lots of bluetooth keyboards, but I'm not so sure they provide the same experience. FWIW my gf bought the logitech slim folio keyboard case and she hates it. It arrived last night and already she's decided she's gonna return it. The "v" key popped out immediately (amazon reviews are littered with reviews about the keys coming out). She thinks it feels flimsy, doesn't like the feel of the keys, and says it doesn't hold open the iPad super well in the typing position. Take it with a grain of salt as an anecdote of one, but such is life...

So I think my position is pretty clear. I think in nearly every way the iPad is comparable to the iPad Pro, but the key difference is if you think you'd want the smart connect/ASK.

 

[9512tacoma]

I'm coming to the true user base with this question for help.

I am in the market to buy an iPad, either of the models that supports Pencil. I know the iPad Pro 10.5 is at the end of it's update lifecycle BUT, here's the rub. There are decent deals at Best Buy to save ~$150 on the Pro right now.

Where I'm stuck is not necessarily price, but functionality. Are the features that make the Pro better (TrueTone, etc). truly that impressive?

I intend to use the iPad for writing and drawing. My son wants me to help him make a comic book ala Dog Man, and we'd like to use the iPad for this purpose. It's likely the new iPad will be enough to get the job done for me, but I turn to you awesome users for your insights!

Thoughts?

I purchased my daughter the 2017 iPad last Xmas and I just got the 10.5 pro for myself about a week ago. The screen and speed are a lot better. I like the bigger form factor and it is easier to type on the screen. I got my iPad Pro for $588 Best Buy did a price match. I don’t have the pencil yet but videos have shown it works a little better on the pro than the 2018 model. To me if you are going to draw I think the pro is a better choice but it is costly.

 

[aakshey]

iPad Pro 10.5 is way better and will probably be better than even the 2019 budget iPad. And will probably trade blows with even the 2020 budget iPad at the very least.

Why to go with iPad Pro 10.5:

Significantly faster CPU that is likely to age a bit better.

Twice the amount of RAM and that will help a LOT after 12-24 months or so.

ProMotion is good. 120 Hz.

Quad speakers are amazing.

A better display feels nice.

Is lighter and thinner.

More real estate in a similar package.

Better battery life as per reviews out there.

Option to fast charge.

You might need a smart connector one day perhaps.

Then there is TrueTone.

And the list goes on.

IMO just the RAM alone is worth the price difference.

IMO all 2 GB iDevices (iPhones and iPads that is) will run iOS 13 terribly. But current 3/4 GB RAM devices may still do okay.

 

[orl2222]

Micro Center has all iPad Pros $150 off in-store only. They have a location in Denver.

And if you’re certain you want the Smart Keyboard you can find it much cheaper online.

[doublepost=1525439680][/doublepost]Yup got mine there at micro center 499 for 10.5 64 gig iPad Pro. Can't be the price they have going right now.

 

[Mad Mac Maniac]

iPad Pro 10.5 is way better and will probably be better than even the 2019 budget iPad. And will probably trade blows with even the 2020 budget iPad at the very least.

No one disputes that the Pro is better than the budget, it all comes down to how much better and what you use it for. For example I just upgraded a couple people to the 2018 iPad from my old hand-me-down iPad 2 & 3. People in this forum have a hard time imagining people still using the 7 year old iPad 2, but this is reality. I am pretty confident that the 2018 iPad will run as good (if not much much better) in 2025 than the iPad 2 does now.

 

[rui no onna]

No one disputes that the Pro is better than the budget, it all comes down to how much better and what you use it for. For example I just upgraded a couple people to the 2018 iPad from my old hand-me-down iPad 2 & 3. People in this forum have a hard time imagining people still using the 7 year old iPad 2, but this is reality. I am pretty confident that the 2018 iPad will run as good (if not much much better) in 2025 than the iPad 2 does now.

Agreed. I highly doubt the Athlon I was using circa 2004 would've fared well with Windows Vista. Meanwhile, slap an SSD inside a Wolfdale/Yorkfield build and it's actually quite decent running Windows 10 with basic tasks.

 

[MistrSynistr]

Watch comparison videos on youtube. You'll see the speed is almost the same, as well as the input with the Pencil. Definitely saved me $400+ I was going to spend on a pro.

 

[RedRaven571]

Same boat here, my daughter is off to optometry school in the fall; at her school, all the books are e-books. So, I was looking at iPads for texts/powerpoints, but also with an eye (sorry, pun unintentional) to note taking and maybe some light sketching. We looked at the 2018 iPad and the 10.5" iPP at Apple store and, except for the cool Apple keyboard, didn't see what would make us want to spend an extra $250 (at Microcenter today, 128GB wifi 2018 iPad is $399.99; 256GB 10.5" iPP wifi is $649.99). And, for serious typing, she still has her 13" MBP from undergrad, which is still chugging along rather nicely. i think maybe, if we were looking to replace her laptop, the 12.9" iPP would be in the running for sure.

 

[Frankfurt]

I had the same question in front of me a few weeks ago. I needed a 32GB+ size storage iPad to replace my aging Air 1. The 2018 iPad would have been $429 with 128GB (the base storage option does not do it for me). At the same time Microcenter offered the IPP 10.5 with 64 GB for $499. Accordingly, the upcharge of the IPP vs 2018 iPad was only $70.
Given the better features of the IPP (screen, RAM, ASK etc.), I went with the IPP. Bought the ASK and Pencil and this device has become my travel companion replacing 2017 MBP 15” on trips.

 

[fatalogic]

You could do what I did. Just get the ipad from the apple store. If you don't like it

I had the same question in front of me a few weeks ago. I needed a 32GB+ size storage iPad to replace my aging Air 1. The 2018 iPad would have been $429 with 128GB (the base storage option does not do it for me). At the same time Microcenter offered the IPP 10.5 with 64 GB for $499. Accordingly, the upcharge of the IPP vs 2018 iPad was only $70.
Given the better features of the IPP (screen, RAM, ASK etc.), I went with the IPP. Bought the ASK and Pencil and this device has become my travel companion replacing 2017 MBP 15” on trips.

This is pretty much exactly what I did. I bought the ipad and played with it for about a day and returned it for the pro. At a $70 difference I saw no reason to get the 2018 ipad.

 

[Mad Mac Maniac]

I had the same question in front of me a few weeks ago. I needed a 32GB+ size storage iPad to replace my aging Air 1. The 2018 iPad would have been $429 with 128GB (the base storage option does not do it for me). At the same time Microcenter offered the IPP 10.5 with 64 GB for $499. Accordingly, the upcharge of the IPP vs 2018 iPad was only $70.
Given the better features of the IPP (screen, RAM, ASK etc.), I went with the IPP. Bought the ASK and Pencil and this device has become my travel companion replacing 2017 MBP 15” on trips.

Good reasoning. At only a $70 premium it's no question to go iPad pro... However, for many people the decision between iPad to iPad Pro is around a $300 difference, and when you throw in the ASK and Pencil peripherals (which to me ASK is a game changer, but Apple Pencil I got more as a novelty) you're looking at over $500 difference. That price difference can often be a little more difficult to swallow unless you have a specific need, especially when you consider that you could upgrade to the 2020 iPad in a couple years and still have spent less money.

 

[The_Interloper]

Due to the nature of my work I get to use and test a lot of tech, including many iPads. I have owned the 9.7 Pro, 12.9 Pro (1st and 2nd Gen), 10.5 Pro and the new 2018 9.7 iPad. I currently use both the latter and a 12.9 2nd Gen which will be going on eBay in the next week. The new 9.7 is more than good enough (I find the 12.9 simply too large as a daily tablet and for 'pro' work, I've switched to the Surface Pro).

The differences between the 2018 9.7 and 10.5 Pro are minimal in day-to-day use. Yes, the ProMotion and True Tone are nice but you barely notice either after a day or so. The new 9.7 screen is just fine and the 10.5 simply cannot justify a $300+ price difference, IMO. The 'air gap' which we all managed with just fine for years is only visible if you are purposely holding the tablet at an extreme angle - straight on, you can't see it. The RAM difference makes negligible difference in normal usage. The processor in the 10.5 is also barely faster.

It comes down to whether you want the Smart Connector more than anything. If you absolutely must have the ASK then it's decision made. For me, the new 9.7 with the Logitech Keys-to-Go is perfect. Again, if money is no object, then go for it. But I cannot see the value in the 10.5 at this time - again, unless you simply MUST have the Smart Keyboard.

My only beef with the new 9.7? It's a bit...boring. Sure, it's an iPad and you know what to expect. But it feels like Apple has simply raided the parts bin, slapped it in an old Air shell and called it 'new'. It's uninspired, but the specs are solid and more than get the job done. Even given such an old design, it's still better than anything else in it's price range.

 

[gobikerider]

I'm coming to the true user base with this question for help.

I am in the market to buy an iPad, either of the models that supports Pencil. I know the iPad Pro 10.5 is at the end of it's update lifecycle BUT, here's the rub. There are decent deals at Best Buy to save ~$150 on the Pro right now.

Where I'm stuck is not necessarily price, but functionality. Are the features that make the Pro better (TrueTone, etc). truly that impressive?

I intend to use the iPad for writing and drawing. My son wants me to help him make a comic book ala Dog Man, and we'd like to use the iPad for this purpose. It's likely the new iPad will be enough to get the job done for me, but I turn to you awesome users for your insights!

Thoughts?

Display: Is awesome specifically trutone, my iPad always looks perfectly natural and my eyes strain less because of it.
Perfomance: The A10X is a decent chip as is the A10, the largest difference lies in the graphics and memory. The A10 has half of the gpu perfomance of A10X, and the 10.5 Pro is pushing less then 30% more pixels with over 2x the perfomance. The second difference is definetly the memory with iPad Pro having 4gb vs 2gb on the iPad. Some people wont mind this but if you plan to do SplitView or heavy multitasking your going to appreciate the extra memory especially in 3 years on iOS 16. Ive already seen people trying to open large Procreate or Affinity Photo projects for them to crash the app on the iPad while the Pro chugs right along.
Speakers: The iPad Pro’s speakers have become my go to speakers to listen to audio out loud. I tried a HomePod ultimately it wasn’t worth it because the Pro speakers sound amazing. HomePod still sounded way better just not better enough to have kept the $400 speaker.

Conclusion Ultimately I would argue the iPad Pro is an immensely better value for dollar on sale compared to the iPad.

 

[The_Interloper]

if you plan to do SplitView or heavy multitasking your going to appreciate the extra memory

You can't do 'heavy multitasking' on any iPad. The damn thing can only have a max of 3 apps on screen at a time - and one of those floats over another!

Ultimately I would argue the iPad Pro is an immensely better value for dollar on sale compared to the iPad.

OP mentioned a $350 difference. The 9.7 2018 costs $329. Really not sure the 10.5 Pro is worth that much more...

 

[gobikerider]

You can't do 'heavy multitasking' on any iPad. The damn thing can only have a max of 3 apps on screen at a time - and one of those floats over another!

OP mentioned a $350 difference. The 9.7 2018 costs $329. Really not sure the 10.5 Pro is worth that much more...

No but the new Pro at WWDC might be