iPad Pro Light user: Will 2021 12.9 make a noticeable difference over a 2020 12.9 five years from now?

[Broadus]

There has been a good deal of discussion about the discounted 2020 12.9” iPP vs the 2021, but I wanted input on this particular question.

My iPad needs are pretty minimal, even while I love new tech as most on the forums do. I can buy a 2021 12.9” iPP, but my frugal side keeps looking at canceling my Costco order (256GB) and getting a 2020 model instead, saving some $250 ($899 vs. $1149 plus sales tax).

I use an iPad to read books and articles, view websites, and display sheet music. Coming from a 2017 10.5”, a larger display would be helpful, especially for reading music. At age 65, I don’t see my tablet needs changing, hence my question. I use a 2018 MBP for my work where I have full apps not available for iPads.

All input is much appreciated. Thanks much.

 

[rui no onna]

I've got the 2016 Pro 9.7 A9X/2GB RAM and 2017 Pro 10.5 A10X/4GB RAM.

For my usage, the biggest difference is with web browsing. On the Pro 9.7, there are some badly designed websites that would just go into a crash loop always. Those same sites will work on the Pro 10.5 as long as RAM isn't heavily loaded. Might need a hard reset sometimes but they have worked eventually.

6GB RAM is good enough right now but I don't think it offers much headroom. Given we can't install more RAM on iPads, pretty much the only fix for low memory is if Apple implements SSD swap ala-MacOS/Linux/Windows to iPadOS.

Reading though, even the Pro 9.7 handles that beautifully. For the most part, so does the Air 2 but I have noticed some delay when I change font sizes with my fave ebook reader app.

 

[Broadus]

Thanks for your insight, rui-no-onna. I always appreciate you perspective.

I really wonder what noticeable improvement will display will make.

 

[ericwn]

Looking how a first generation 12.9 pro would easily handle your tasks, a 2020 model will fly.
If iPadOS doesn’t all of a sudden explode in terms of ram usage iPads will continue to work for years.

 

[one more]

Just to add on, iPad Air 2 is still very useable for light tasks and supports the latest iPadOS 14.5.1. This is a very good longevity, IMO, as that iPad is 7 years old now! As mentioned above, unless iPadOS makes a hyperjump (needing much more RAM), any of the currently sold iPads should serve you well for at least 3-5 years from now. ?

 

[maflynn]

All in all, I'd say that for the majority of users, the 2020 12.9 will suffice. I myself am buying the 2021 iPad Pro 12.9 but its clearly overkill for my needs but the mini-led is a display i've been looking forward too

As for the future, I have a 2017 iPad Pro (10.5) and all in all, for what I use it for, I've not noticed any performance issues. So with the 2020 iPad Pro, I think its going to be fine for the foreseeable future.

 

[jqc]

my 2015 first gen 12.9 IPP still feels very fast and would handle those tasks with ease. I am upgrading though because I want spatial audio, True Tone, HDR, etc

 

[AutomaticApple]

There has been a good deal of discussion about the discounted 2020 12.9” iPP vs the 2021, but I wanted input on this particular question.

My iPad needs are pretty minimal, even while I love new tech as most on the forums do. I can buy a 2021 12.9” iPP, but my frugal side keeps looking at canceling my Costco order (256GB) and getting a 2020 model instead, saving some $250 ($899 vs. $1149 plus sales tax).

I use an iPad to read books and articles, view websites, and display sheet music. Coming from a 2017 10.5”, a larger display would be helpful, especially for reading music. At age 65, I don’t see my tablet needs changing, hence my question. I use a 2018 MBP for my work where I have full apps not available for iPads.

All input is much appreciated. Thanks much.

We won't know until the actual product is in the hands of people.

 

[ZBoater]

I wouldn't do it for $250. But that's just me.

 

[Seanm87]

Unless you’re watching lots of movies, Netflix etc (which it sounds like you’re not) I wouldn’t bother with the 2021 model with the mini LED screen.

An M1 chip is overkill for you as well.

Get the cheaper model.

 

[cardfan]

2021 is 50% faster and has more ram. It will definitely extend the life of it a year or two over the 2020 version. Along with xdr screen, 250 isn't much. Besides, the 2020 basically uses the 2018 processor making it not much newer than what you're currently using.

 

[jmgregory1]

Even the 2018 model, which is what I’ve been using the past couple of years, is a great device. I am upgrading to the 2021 12.9”, but that is in part so I can pass my current iPP down to my mother-in-law, who really wants an iPP to replace her old MBA. So I’ll get the updated iPP, and brownie points from both my wife and her mom, which is a pretty good deal if you ask me.

 

[thadoggfather]

If your span of time is 5 years, personally I'd pony up for the 2021 for M1 + the screen @$250 more.

If you span is like roughly half that, or you'll get a 2021 version when a 2022+ model comes out for cheap and do the old swaperoo again (some people stay a model or two behind and get it when the new one comes out and save a boatload), I'd save some coin.

That's my take.

5 years is a long time in tech world, even for tablets, even though A12Z is not going to be a slouch any time soon at the same time. And if the discount were deeper, even reaching for that time frame, like $400-500, that would be absolutely be worth considering too. It's a good discount, no doubt, but I'd want deeper. Cause that's how I roll.

Could done $100 off $500+ Costco coupon (expired now I believe), and 5% Discover cash back if you had that card to put you at $996 before tax for a presumably 256GB wifi 12.9 2021. Sometimes a crazy stackable deal is the way to go, even before launch

My 11" 128GB M1 Pro was $624 before tax, with stacking. I just rolled the dice on a $99 Best Buy refurb Magic keyboard too - let's see how it looks when it arrives

 

[maflynn]

That's my take.

No question but since the iPad pro is the top of the line model, even the 2020 model will be more then viable for 5+ years since its so much more powerful then regular iPad models. I get what you're saying and I'm not disagreeing with your logic but performance wise, the 2020 is fine.

I do think for a mere 250 more, you're getting more benefits, like the mini-led screen, the M1 processor, more ram (I'm not sure about this).

 

[Broadus]

5 years is a long time in tech world, even for tablets, even though A12Z is not going to be a slouch any time soon at the same time. And if the discount were deeper, even reaching for that time frame, like $400-500, that would be absolutely be worth considering too. It's a good discount, no doubt, but I'd want deeper. Cause that's how I roll.

No question but since the iPad pro is the top of the line model, even the 2020 model will be more then viable for 5+ years since its so much more powerful then regular iPad models. I get what you're saying and I'm not disagreeing with your logic but performance wise, the 2020 is fine.

I do think for a mere 250 more, you're getting more benefits, like the mini-led screen, the M1 processor, more ram (I'm not sure about this).

Those are good points, the kind of thinking that has me pausing before I cancel the 2021 order. This is a jump in iPad performance and features, perhaps even more than the 2018 was.

My question is whether I'll even notice the difference a few years down the road. The screen resolution is the same, right? The Mini-LED screen is a quality upgrade, but will the casual user see that? Will it affect books and PDFs? If it will make such things easier on older eyes to read, the extra cash would be worth it.

I'm not sure the processor speed will be noticeable for me. Perhaps it will in a few years as app requirements increase. Still, if my 10.5" iPP were instead a 12.9", I probably would be waiting another year or two to upgrade. It is still pretty fast.

The extra 2GB of RAM (6GB on the 2020 12.9" and 8GB on the 2021, right?) could make a difference if I have some demanding Safari tabs open, but I'm not sure about this.

So, yes, all-in-all, a great upgrade for heavy users and maybe a nice upgrade for the casual user. On a whim I checked Costco's site last night and discovered that the 2021 12.9 256GB was showing in stock after having been out of stock for a few days. I managed to snag one and order it, so I have the luxury of thinking about the Pro's and Con's while there are still plenty (so it seems) 2020 12.9's available.

 

[Apple Mac Daz]

Buying 3 year old tech just to save 250. no thx

 

[rui no onna]

Those are good points, the kind of thinking that has me pausing before I cancel the 2021 order. This is a jump in iPad performance and features, perhaps even more than the 2018 was.

My question is whether I'll even notice the difference a few years down the road. The screen resolution is the same, right? The Mini-LED screen is a quality upgrade, but will the casual user see that? Will it affect books and PDFs? If it will make such things easier on older eyes to read, the extra cash would be worth it.

I'm not sure the processor speed will be noticeable for me. Perhaps it will in a few years as app requirements increase. Still, if my 10.5" iPP were instead a 12.9", I probably would be waiting another year or two to upgrade. It is still pretty fast.

The extra 2GB of RAM (6GB on the 2020 12.9" and 8GB on the 2021, right?) could make a difference if I have some demanding Safari tabs open, but I'm not sure about this.

So, yes, all-in-all, a great upgrade for heavy users and maybe a nice upgrade for the casual user. On a whim I checked Costco's site last night and discovered that the 2021 12.9 256GB was showing in stock after having been out of stock for a few days. I managed to snag one and order it, so I have the luxury of thinking about the Pro's and Con's while there are still plenty (so it seems) 2020 12.9's available.

Realistically, I think either device will serve you well. I'm certainly not expecting 6GB to be bad in 5 years time. Just more prone to hiccups than 8GB. With that said, I do tend to have tons of Safari tabs open so even if the tasks I do are considered light (web browsing, etc), it's probably harder on the memory subsystem compared to others who just have, like, one active tab open.

Personally, I know I'd regret not getting the 2021 considering the relatively small price difference ($250/5 years - $50/year - ~$4/month). YMMV.

 

[alexcue]

All in all, I'd say that for the majority of users, the 2020 12.9 will suffice. I myself am buying the 2021 iPad Pro 12.9 but its clearly overkill for my needs but the mini-led is a display i've been looking forward too

As for the future, I have a 2017 iPad Pro (10.5) and all in all, for what I use it for, I've not noticed any performance issues. So with the 2020 iPad Pro, I think its going to be fine for the foreseeable future.

Interesting, i have the same 2017 model. My only issue is with the digitizer not picking up the correct letters on the screen (sometimes). I was going to junk it. Then i realized, what i use it for, relay some music and texting while I'm at my office, i just ordered a cheap keyboard for it. Should be a problem solved.

I was using a 2018 iPad Pro 11" for that purpose, now that's freed up.

I am picking up the 12.9" Pro, but it wasn't a must have. Guess I just wanted to upgrade in size, though I don't know if the weight will turn me off when i travel with the Keyboard. As far as power goes, I'm sure it's more than what i really need, but it would be nice if it stayed current for another 5 years.

 

[Broadus]

Personally, I know I'd regret not getting the 2021 considering the relatively small price difference ($250/5 years - $50/year - ~$4/month). YMMV.

That is definitely part of the consideration.

I keep reminding myself that this is different than when the 2020 iPPs were released. The update was so minor that a nicely discounted 2018 was a good buy.

 

[LogicalApex]

My take on it is you have nothing to lose by waiting unless the sale is deep enough (in this case I don't think it is) on the 2020...

As it stands right now. 2021 is a generational leap on paper, but iPadOS limitations makes it only marginal in practice. WWDC is the unknown here that will determine how fast the 2020 iPad will become obsolete and how useful the improvements in the 2021 are outside of specific workflows -- it is the deciding factor between a marginal and a generation leap for actual users.

IMHO. We're about a month from WWDC. I think looking at the 2020 is prudent, but I wouldn't buy one before WWDC unless the deal was jaw dropping or you have a long enough return window to allow you to unwind it if WWDC offers something useful.

If we were talking about waiting until September to find out I would say that's silly. The future always has something better in store, but in this case WWDC is close at hand and it is pretty clear from the April 20 event that Apple only told half of the story for the iPad 2021. You need the full story before you can make an informed decision on 2021 vs 2020 or even 2018.

If you're like me and coming from an iPad Air Gen 1 then you go with the newest period to last 7 years again, but that's a different angle.

 

[teohyc]

The latest model is not going to make it faster for you to read books and articles, view websites, and display sheet music.

 

[Broadus]

The latest model is not going to make it faster for you to read books and articles, view websites, and display sheet music.

That’s certainly true. My biggest question at present is whether there will be a noticeable difference in the screen for my typically non-video usage. I have my doubts that there will be but would gladly be wrong.

Hopefully some early reviews will be helpful, but they tend to focus upon demanding apps that I don’t use.

 

[KaliYoni]

I own two iPad Minis. The first, an original Mini, was bought not long after the original release in 2013. The other, my main iPad, is a Mini 2 bought as a refurb about three years ago.

The main things I notice about using "obsolete" iPads now are:

• I'm stuck using outdated versions of all the apps on the Mini.
• I'm stuck using outdated versions of all the Apple apps on the Mini 2, but pretty much every other app is still able to be updated.
• When I'm looking for apps on the App Store, many apps won't run on a Mini or Mini 2.
• The Mini no longer gets any iOS updates.
• The Mini 2 only gets iOS security updates.
• The Mini 2 display is noticeably better than the Mini's display (five years from now, iPad displays might be 10K resolution or something else so good that you'll want to upgrade).
• The Mini feels really, really slow when starting up and launching apps.

Beyond all that, both iPads still run just fine. So, I'd say that if price is your main purchase criterion, go with the 2020 iPad. Or if service life is most important to you, get the 2021 iPad.

 

[svish]

Probably not. However with new iPad Pro getting more RAM, it might be beneficial in the future. If I were to buy one right now, I definitely would be getting a 2021 Pro

 

[Tsepz]

Rather just keep your order and get the latest.
The M1 iPad Pro will serve you well for longer.