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

[rui no onna]

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.

Honestly, all iPads look "boring", even the Pro 10.5 and Pro 12.9. They're pretty much just rectangular slabs that only vary in terms of physical dimension and bezel size. Which is perfectly fine with me. I don't think I'd like a tablet shaped like a starfish anyway.

 

[The_Interloper]

Honestly, all iPads look "boring", even the Pro 10.5 and Pro 12.9. They're pretty much just rectangular slabs that only vary in terms of physical dimension and bezel size. Which is perfectly fine with me. I don't think I'd like a tablet shaped like a starfish anyway.

Yeah, I don't think that would be great for ergonomics. I guess what I mean is there's no sense of wonder when unboxing it. It is literally like opening up a 4-year old tablet...because it basically is a 4-year old design with new internals.

Maybe it's a perfect design and the familiarity is a good thing, but it seems lazy now. Look at the Surface Pro, the Lenovo Yoga Tab and Book, the HP Spectre and Envy x2. Even if they're not your thing, at least they represent different approaches to what a tablet can look like and be in 2018.

Apple could have at least slimmed the bezels down a bit like the 10.5; there's a point where even a classic design can look dated. The MacBook Air and iPhone 8/8+ are good examples of this - still good devices, but they look archaic next to devices like the MacBook Pro, Surface Book, iPhone X and Galaxy S9 etc.

 

[rui no onna]

Maybe it's a perfect design and the familiarity is a good thing, but it seems lazy now. Look at the Surface Pro, the Lenovo Yoga Tab and Book, the HP Spectre and Envy x2. Even if they're not your thing, at least they represent different approaches to what a tablet can look like and be in 2018.

Apple could have at least slimmed the bezels down a bit like the 10.5; there's a point where even a classic design can look dated. The MacBook Air and iPhone 8/8+ are good examples of this - still good devices, but they look archaic next to devices like the MacBook Pro, Surface Book, iPhone X and Galaxy S9 etc.

Quite frankly, I don't view any of those as being particularly interesting. They still look like the same old rectangular glass slab with varying size and bezels to me. Except for the iPhone X. I really don't like that notch.

 

[sracer]

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.

LOL I can understand that. After spending 2+ years of daily use with the 12.9 Pro, "boring" is what I appreciate about the 2018 iPad. It's a very familiar form-factor that never gets in the way, i never have to consider "is it going to be a hassle if I take it with me to go xxxx?" I'm sure that there are those with a 12.9 Pro who never have to consider that, and that's good... for them.

 

[NajamQ]

iPads are not to be upgraded every year unless their is some major breakthrough in design. Form factor is subjective choice so as the primary usage. Such as iPad Pro has laminated display, meaning no parallax when using Apple Pencil while new 2018 iPad has a glass panel on top of display.

iPad Pro 10.5" is the best choice.

 

[Macalicious2011]

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.

I second the speakers.

It's the single most overlooked advantage of buying the 10.5. The extra screen real estate is a bonus too.

However the Pro is expensive and is luxury over the 2018 iPad, similarly to how the iPhone X is better than the 8 but not necessarily worth the premium to some.

 

[DNichter]

RAM and display quality make me lean 10.5. I am biased though as I love that machine.

 

[sracer]

iPads are not to be upgraded every year unless their is some major breakthrough in design. Form factor is subjective choice so as the primary usage. Such as iPad Pro has laminated display, meaning no parallax when using Apple Pencil while new 2018 iPad has a glass panel on top of display.

iPad Pro 10.5" is the best choice.

The parallax effect on the 2018 iPad vs. what is present on the 10.5 and 12.9 has been a bit exaggerated. Obviously having a laminated display is preferable over one that is not, but what each needs to assess is, is it $325 preferable? (yes, there are other things like faster processor, refresh rate, smart connector, etc. that go with the 10.5)

Entry level to entry level, the 10.5 is twice the price of the 2018 iPad. Even those of us who can easily afford a 10.5 totally maxed out should be wise with our purchasing decisions.

 

[Richard8655]

I must be in the minority in preferring the non-laminated regular Retina display (2017 5th generation). Saving a few hundred $ is the added benefit.

 

[rui no onna]

I must be in the minority in preferring the non-laminated regular Retina display (2017 5th generation). Saving a few hundred $ is the added benefit.

Based on Apple's 10-K reports, you're in the majority on that one. It just so happens the minority who prefer top of the line is represented quite heavily than the population norm on this forum.

 

[Richard8655]

Based on Apple's 10-K reports, you're in the majority on that one. It just so happens the minority who prefer top of the line is represented quite heavily than the population norm on this forum.

Interesting that mine is a majority view in the general user community (if I understanf the 10-K reports correctly). Since this is mostly an Apple fan forum, the result from here is what I’d expect. But I respect that viewpoint.

 

[CrazyForCashews]

The Pro model is worth the price of admission. So many goodies and high end tech packed into a sleek slate of beauty.

It's nice that Apple isn't skimping out on features with the Pro models. Last year was the 120Hz screen and all of its glory, and I wonder what they can add or improve on this year...

 

[sracer]

Interesting that mine is a majority view in the general user community (if I understanf the 10-K reports correctly). Since this is mostly an Apple fan forum, the result from here is what I’d expect. But I respect that viewpoint.

Looking around Youtube, you'll find that there's a lot of love out there for the 2018 iPad. Most there seem to "get it". They understand it isn't intended to replace the Pros, but is the continuing of the basic line. IMO, the 2018 represents the best value iPad since the 1st gen (when all the experts thought that it was going to have a $1000 pricetag).

 

[pd_forta]

Entry level to entry level, the 10.5 is twice the price of the 2018 iPad. Even those of us who can easily afford a 10.5 totally maxed out should be wise with our purchasing decisions.

You can actually get the 128 GB iPad 2018 with Apple care coverage, an Apple Pencil and a Smart Cover all together, and still spend less money than buying the entry level 64 GB iPad Pro 10.5! It’s a great deal, IMO.

 

[satchmo]

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.

Frankly, I've never understood the allure behind the Smart Connector. Other than the ASK (which personally I dislike...prefer really keys to covered membrane), and one Logitech keyboard, what other accessories utilize this port?

I have an older Logitech Type+ Keyboard case for the original iPad Air which I quite like. Because it's bluetooth based, it actually worked with my 2017 iPad and will again with the 2018. (I sold the 2017 as I wanted Pencil support).

I'm trying to decide as well between the 10.5 and 2018 iPad.
And while I'd love to go Pro, the price differential (at least here in Canada) is more than double. Granted you get 64 vs 32gb.

Even if a new iPad Pro is unveiled in 2 weeks time at WWDC, I doubt the current 10.5 will drop very much. I've seen it discounted 15% on Apple's refurbished site. Even with that, it's still too much of a premium unless Truetone and speakers is that important. For casual use, I think the 2018 is the best deal...more so if you can find a sale on it (it's sometimes on sale for $299 at BB in the US).

 

[nj1266]

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.

If you shop around you can find great deals on the 10.5 Pro. I got a new 256 gig cellular and wireless from a local retailer for 645$ cash. I am very impressed with it since I am coming from an iPad mini 2

 

[crodonline]

While the price between wifi models can be negligible, the price between cellular models - not so much.

I've always had a cellular model for iPads since 2014 because I didn't always have wifi access. And as someone who is coming from the mini 4 to the 2018 iPad, I think for some more space (my mini 4 was 16 GB - before the 128 became the standard when selling the mini 4), the 2018 is the best value if you are getting the cellular model and you don't want all the features of the Pro.

I would have gotten the Pro if I was using only wifi and maybe I will one day when my finances allow me to be an iPad collector. Or maybe I will sell the 2018 if a new Pro comes out with features I find worth the price tag. BUT if you are a user of the cellular model, you have a little more to consider.

In the end, it depends on what you want and what you can afford.

 

[sdwaltz]

Having just picked up a 2018 "base" iPad a week and a half ago, I can tell you that there isn't much difference.

Since it appears you're budget conscious, I'd go with the entry-level iPad. Sounds like it'll do everything you need it to do without the extra cost.

 

[sracer]

Frankly, I've never understood the allure behind the Smart Connector. Other than the ASK (which personally I dislike...prefer really keys to covered membrane), and one Logitech keyboard, what other accessories utilize this port?

I have an older Logitech Type+ Keyboard case for the original iPad Air which I quite like. Because it's bluetooth based, it actually worked with my 2017 iPad and will again with the 2018. (I sold the 2017 as I wanted Pencil support).

I'm trying to decide as well between the 10.5 and 2018 iPad.
And while I'd love to go Pro, the price differential (at least here in Canada) is more than double. Granted you get 64 vs 32gb.

Even if a new iPad Pro is unveiled in 2 weeks time at WWDC, I doubt the current 10.5 will drop very much. I've seen it discounted 15% on Apple's refurbished site. Even with that, it's still too much of a premium unless Truetone and speakers is that important. For casual use, I think the 2018 is the best deal...more so if you can find a sale on it (it's sometimes on sale for $299 at BB in the US).

The Smart Connector offers a benefit now (Smart Keyboard) and the "promise" of expanded features down the road. On the wild chance that Apple actually offers support for a trackpad/mouse, the smart connector would allow for an integrated solution. (that's a longshot though)

The Apple Smart Keyboard is my all-time favorite keyboard for any device. (previous favorite was the Surface TypeCover). I've used (and still use) mechanical keyboards for over 40 years. It's a bit of a drag. I can type faster, longer, and with less fatigue on the ASK. I'd love to have a BT version of the ASK. (the cover portion is cumbersome and when completely unfolded is quite unwieldy).

Your observations are spot-on with regard to the bluetooth keyboards. I'm finding that I am able to re-use my BT keyboards and keyboard covers from my previous iPads. THAT is a nice benefit to keeping the same form-factor.

While the 2018 iPad is a "no-brainer" for casual users, at least for THIS "serious" user, the 2018 iPad has easily replaced my 1st gen 12.9 Pro. Performance is just as good and the smaller form-factor allows me to take it more places than I could with the 12.9 Pro. The ability to "get things done" has not been hampered in the least with the 2018 iPad. But I can understand how some can take advantage of the greater capabilities of an iPad Pro.

 

[BenTrovato]

I like the older Apple keyboard for my iPad since I don’t always need the keyboard on the go. Works great!

 

[Mad Mac Maniac]

Frankly, I've never understood the allure behind the Smart Connector. Other than the ASK (which personally I dislike...prefer really keys to covered membrane), and one Logitech keyboard, what other accessories utilize this port?

I have an older Logitech Type+ Keyboard case for the original iPad Air which I quite like. Because it's bluetooth based, it actually worked with my 2017 iPad and will again with the 2018. (I sold the 2017 as I wanted Pencil support).

I'm trying to decide as well between the 10.5 and 2018 iPad.
And while I'd love to go Pro, the price differential (at least here in Canada) is more than double. Granted you get 64 vs 32gb.

Even if a new iPad Pro is unveiled in 2 weeks time at WWDC, I doubt the current 10.5 will drop very much. I've seen it discounted 15% on Apple's refurbished site. Even with that, it's still too much of a premium unless Truetone and speakers is that important. For casual use, I think the 2018 is the best deal...more so if you can find a sale on it (it's sometimes on sale for $299 at BB in the US).

The only thing I use it for is the ASK. I’m not saying the ASK is necessarily perfect, but I’d never used an attached keyboard before so basically it changed how I use the iPad by having an always connected keyboard/stand which can super easily ripped off if I want to just hold the iPad in my hands. The reasons why I prefer it (in my head) over a Bluetooth keyboard is a) always on b) never needs to be charged c) never any lag, d) easily attach/detach. It’s also nice that it’s water resistant (which actually saved it during a rainy day with a window open). Those attributes will always be superior to a Bluetooth keyboard, even as Bluetooth improves. I mean Bluetooth could probably become close enough in those areas that most people won’t notice a difference/care, but as it stands now I don’t think we’re quite there yet

 

[CharlesShaw]

The Apple Smart Keyboard is my all-time favorite keyboard for any device. (previous favorite was the Surface TypeCover). I've used (and still use) mechanical keyboards for over 40 years. It's a bit of a drag. I can type faster, longer, and with less fatigue on the ASK. I'd love to have a BT version of the ASK.

In just a couple days, it’s quickly becoming my favorite keyboard as well. The concave keys felt strange yet familiar. Maybe it’s because they’re slightly concave and sized like mechanical typewriters I loved when I was a kid.

 

[gigaguy]

IMO, people are crazy to pay new prices for iPads, esp the iPP. I just got a 3 mo old 10.5 cellular 64 on CL for $400. Mint as new. A good deal, but others were heavily discounted too. Demand is low for iPP and the used prices reflect it. good luck tho, I know some people only want new items, I just wanted a cheap iPP.

 

[HandsomeDanNZ]

OP - have you thought of looking into a genuine Apple refurbished iPP?
To be honest, I have only ever had great results buying refurbished from Apple and my 9.7" iPP is a refurb and is like new and going strong.
I love the Pro, simply for the additional speakers and the screen tech, but again, if the $$ are a significant barrier the 2018 iPad is a solid choice...

 

[Farrgazer]

IMO, people are crazy to pay new prices for iPads, esp the iPP. I just got a 3 mo old 10.5 cellular 64 on CL for $400. Mint as new. A good deal, but others were heavily discounted too. Demand is low for iPP and the used prices reflect it. good luck tho, I know some people only want new items, I just wanted a cheap iPP.

Now that you can remotely lock lost devices, I find that paying extra for a brand new model, or a refurb only from Apple is worth the peace of mind of being guaranteed not having to deal with any potential shenanigans from buying what could end up being a useless paperweight.