Resolved iPad Pro 3rd Gen Replacement - M1 or M2?

[barry.pearson]

Hi there. I know there have likely been millions of these types of threads, but I cannot find any recent ones. After many years I've finally sold my iPad Pro 3rd Gen, and I'm already missing it! However, I sold it for two main reasons:

1. I want to use my iPad with my second monitor when away from my desktop.
2. I would like to use Logic Pro and Final Cut Pro occasionally.

I'm looking to replace it with a newer model iPad, and with the rumours of a larger iPad potentially releasing over the next few years I want to go for something a little cheaper for now. So with that in mind, I'm looking at a second-hand M1 or M2 12.9 iPad Pro.

Two options that I'm looking at are either:

• iPad Pro M1 128GB WiFi (excellent condition) - £599
• iPad Pro M2 128GB WiFi + Cellular (very good condition) - £749

I'm wondering if the extra £150 is worth it for the M2 processor. I still have my Smart Keyboard and Apple Pencil so I won't need to purchase any more accessories other than a screen protector for either of them.

I will intend to keep this iPad until either a larger iPad is released, or a couple of years have passed.

While cellular is nice, my previous iPad also had it and I found I only used it when I went away on holiday, but perhaps it could help the iPad retain some resale value in the future?

Thanks for anyone's insight. I really appreciate it.

 

[rui no onna]

I’d just opt for the M1 12.9 since you’re planning on getting a bigger iPad anyway.

The 2018 iPP still perform very well even at 5 years old (apart from more reloads due to 4GB RAM). The gap between M1 and M2 is smaller CPU-wise (albeit a notable GPU bump) and they both have the same RAM anyway.

Note sure if your Smart Keyboard for the 2018 iPP will work though. The 2018 iPP didn’t have LiDAR so the camera holes on cases are smaller.

 

[barry.pearson]

I’d just opt for the M1 12.9 since you’re planning on getting a bigger iPad anyway.

The 2018 iPP still perform very well even at 5 years old (apart from more reloads due to 4GB RAM). The gap between M1 and M2 is smaller CPU-wise (albeit a notable GPU bump) and they both have the same RAM anyway.

Note sure if your Smart Magic Keyboard for the 2018 iPP will work though. The 2018 iPP didn’t have LiDAR so the camera holes on cases are smaller.

Thanks. That is what I was thinking of doing if I was to update in the near future - I was thinking that if there wasn’t a larger iPad then I’d stick with what I buy now for a few years (hence the M2).

The Smart Magic Keyboard has the larger cut out for the LiDAR sensor. I just believe it’s a little tight when shut as it’s the first gen release that came out alongside the 2020 iPad Pro.

 

[Torty]

M2. Only to get as much features as possible for future ipadOS updates. Apple goes the way to cut features for older models.

 

[Digitalguy]

Thanks. That is what I was thinking of doing if I was to update in the near future - I was thinking that if there wasn’t a larger iPad then I’d stick with what I buy now for a few years (hence the M2).

The Smart Keyboard has the larger cut out for the LiDAR sensor. I just believe it’s a little tight when shut as it’s the first gen release that came out alongside the 2020 iPad Pro.

I don't know about the smart keyboard but I have the 2 Magic Keyboards and the old one is not tight, the only real difference is that the M1 keyboard has stronger magnets while the M1 iPad with the older keyboards attaches to the keyboards but the magnets are not very strong.
I also suggest going with M1. Apple is cutting features for iPads with less RAM but M1 and M2 have the same RAM so they'll get mostly the same features....

 

[barry.pearson]

I don't know about the smart keyboard but I have the 2 Magic Keyboards and the old one is not tight, the only real difference is that the M1 keyboard has stronger magnets while the M1 iPad with the older keyboards attaches to the keyboards but the magnets are not very strong.
I also suggest going with M1. Apple is cutting features for iPads with less RAM but M1 and M2 have the same RAM so they'll get mostly the same features....

Sorry my mistake I meant to Magic Keyboard.

Thanks for the input, I’m only considering the M2 because it’s almost half the price of new from Apple and if/when a new larger iPad comes along it might hold its value a bit longer due to the M2 and cellular options.

 

[Digitalguy]

Sorry my mistake I meant to Magic Keyboard.

Thanks for the input, I’m only considering the M2 because it’s almost half the price of new from Apple and if/when a new larger iPad comes along it might hold its value a bit longer due to the M2 and cellular options.

I agree with you, if the conditions are similar the cellular makes more sense, I hadn't noticed it was the 5G version. So yes go with the M2

 

[barry.pearson]

Thanks everyone for your input. I managed to pick up an excellent condition M1 iPad Pro 128GB WiFi + Cellular model for £599. I must say that the screen is actually a bigger improvement over my 2018 model than I originally thought (especially with the option to fit more on the screen at a time!)

Thanks again to everyone who gave their input. I’m also happy to report that this model (2021) fits in the original release of the Magic Keyboard case without any issue. I have no idea why I’ve seen so many messages about it being incompatible?