iPad Pro Reading experience on 12.9”: 2018 vs 2019

[Broadus]

If you have compared text on the 2018 and 2020 iPPs, did you notice a difference? Is the text more black against a light background in one? Does the text stand out better? I’m particularly considering the text in ebooks using the same text settings.

It seems as though it should be the same (after all, the resolution is), but one forum member has posted that the difference is evident because the contrast was reduced from 1975:1 on the 2018 to 1330:1 the 2020 and it was evident in his real world experience. The contrast numbers come from NotebookCheck.

Can anyone with access to both tablets confirm this? I recently bought the 2020 primarily because of the additional two RAM, but readability is an even more important criterion.

I may end up ordering a 2018 refurbished from Apple to compare for myself, but I wanted to ask first.

 

[AutomaticApple]

If you have compared text on the 2018 and 2020 iPPs, did you notice a difference? Is the text more black against a light background in one? Does the text stand out better? I’m particularly considering the text in ebooks using the same text settings.

It seems as though it should be the same (after all, the resolution is), but one forum member has posted that the difference is evident because the contrast was reduced from 1975:1 on the 2018 to 1330:1 the 2020 and it was evident in his real world experience. The contrast numbers come from NotebookCheck.

View attachment 1789201

Can anyone with access to both tablets confirm this? I recently bought the 2020 primarily because of the additional two RAM, but readability is an even more important criterion.

I may end up ordering a 2018 refurbished from Apple to compare for myself, but I wanted to ask first.

I could never notice a difference to begin with. I use my iPad Pro and don't worry about all these little things.

 

[rui no onna]

If you have compared text on the 2018 and 2020 iPPs, did you notice a difference? Is the text more black against a light background in one? Does the text stand out better? I’m particularly considering the text in ebooks using the same text settings.

It seems as though it should be the same (after all, the resolution is), but one forum member has posted that the difference is evident because the contrast was reduced from 1975:1 on the 2018 to 1330:1 the 2020 and it was evident in his real world experience. The contrast numbers come from NotebookCheck.

View attachment 1789201

Can anyone with access to both tablets confirm this? I recently bought the 2020 primarily because of the additional two RAM, but readability is an even more important criterion.

I may end up ordering a 2018 refurbished from Apple to compare for myself, but I wanted to ask first.

I haven't noticed any difference on the 2018 (Apple refurb) and 2020 (Amazon open-box) I have right now. If Apple uses multiple vendors for displays, then this could just be luck of the draw.

I think best you can do is buy the refurb from Apple and compare them yourself. Otherwise, you'll always have doubts.

Mind, the 2021 with Mini-LED seemed sharper/higher contrast to me. I will be keeping the 2021 and returning both 2018 and 2020.

 

[Broadus]

I could never notice a difference to begin with. I use my iPad Pro and don't worry about all these little things.

I wish that I didn't! The more black the letters (on a light screen), the better to me. But if this is a case where the specs don't translate into real world experience, then I'm with you. One forum member said that it did, so I'm just trying to find corroboration.