At one point, I had 2018 12.9 1TB (Apple refurb), 2020 12.9 1TB (Amazon open-box) and 2021 12.9 1TB while trying to determine which one to keep. I had Mini-LED induced migraines when I first got the 2021 Pro so I decided to check out the alternatives.
While the 2018 and 2020 didn't reload as often as the 2017, it still reloaded more often than the 2021 in my experience (~90 Safari tabs, Excel, Marvin 3, Marvin sxs, Messages, Mail and Files). As I recall, I didn't get any reloads at all on the 2021 for a full week. Meanwhile, several of my Safari tabs reloaded on the 2018 and 2020. Marvin reloaded on the older Pros as well, which was noticeable since it loses the current position/page when it reloads because of the way it renders pages.
Even with the relatively light apps I'm using, RAM usage was still high. I know there's a saying free RAM is wasted RAM but in the case of iOS, a buffer is needed otherwise, it'll start suspending apps and stuff's gonna reload left and right.
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