iPad Pro Upgrading from iPad 2018 to iPad Pro 11" - not sure which to go for

[fbm3334]

Hello,
I have been contemplating upgrading my iPad 2018 (9.7" non-Pro) to an iPad Pro 11" for a while, and I am considering pulling the trigger now the 2020 models are out. However, I'm not sure which model would be best for me, as there are currently some good prices on the Apple Refurb store in the UK.

The reason I want to upgrade is principally due to the lack of RAM in my current iPad making multitasking difficult - for example when using Notability and Safari and switching between them, the apps/tabs often have to reload. I do not care about things like the camera in the new Pro or the extra GPU performance, so the only thing pushing me to the 2020 is the extra RAM.

The options are:

• 2018 64GB WiFi refurbished from Apple for £519 - my worry is that the storage is not large enough for my needs (my iPad is 128GB currently and I use approx half of that)
• 2018 256GB WiFi refurbished from Apple for £649
• 2020 128GB WiFi (brand new) from Apple with education discount for £730.80

I am really undecided on which is the best option, so I'd really appreciate some guidance 😃

Thank you for your help in advance,

Finn

 

[ed.]

I think of the ones you list the 2020 is the only one with 6GB of ram. Of the 2018 ones, only the 1TB version has 6GB, the others all have 4Gb. I think the one you have now has 2Gb.
I wouldn't consider the 64Gb, you'll be wanting more space right off the bat, so it comes down to RAM and cost. Honestly if you can afford it, I'd go for the new one - 6Gb of ram would probably ensure you good real world improvements for a longer time (not to mention support for more future iOS versions).

 

[ericwn]

I’d always go for the most RAM available.

 

[SpitUK]

Go for the new one, the price isn't that much more. The 6Gb RAM will be awesome for you.

 

[limesmoothie]

If you have the funds for the new model with 6Gb Ram, I'd go for it. You should be able to keep it for longer before it needs upgrading.

 

[_karrol]

I would say this depends on which apps you use - if text editors and safari, then I guess 4GB RAM will be just fine for you, you’ll get more storage and could put saved money towards a new pencil or other accessories. However, if something more resource-heavy, then possibly the 2020 will be better for you.

on a side note, I was in the same situation as you and yesterday upgraded my 2018 iPad to a 2018 Pro (11 inch, 64GB) and boy... you will love it, the refresh rate of the screen alone would be worth the upgrade for me, but there’s so much more to it. So whatever decision you make, you’ll not regret

Just FYI, my use case is reading and marking lots of documents (I'm doing my PhD an literally stopped printing anything two years ago when I got an iPad with a pencil) as well as taking notes. Other than that, just the regular stuff like FaceTime, media consumption or so. Whenever I travel (and I do quite a lot whenever there's no deadly pandemic raging around the world), I tend to only take the iPad with me, so sometimes more substantial work also has to be done on it.

 

[AutomaticApple]

Hello,
I have been contemplating upgrading my iPad 2018 (9.7" non-Pro) to an iPad Pro 11" for a while, and I am considering pulling the trigger now the 2020 models are out. However, I'm not sure which model would be best for me, as there are currently some good prices on the Apple Refurb store in the UK.

The reason I want to upgrade is principally due to the lack of RAM in my current iPad making multitasking difficult - for example when using Notability and Safari and switching between them, the apps/tabs often have to reload. I do not care about things like the camera in the new Pro or the extra GPU performance, so the only thing pushing me to the 2020 is the extra RAM.

The options are:

• 2018 64GB WiFi refurbished from Apple for £519 - my worry is that the storage is not large enough for my needs (my iPad is 128GB currently and I use approx half of that)
• 2018 256GB WiFi refurbished from Apple for £649
• 2020 128GB WiFi (brand new) from Apple with education discount for £730.80

I am really undecided on which is the best option, so I'd really appreciate some guidance 😃

Thank you for your help in advance,

Finn

Get the 2020 iPad Pro. You'll need the extra RAM.

 

[marty1980]

If RAM is your primary concern, I don’t think you’ve given yourself much of a choice. You may be fine with a 4GB RAM model, but it sounds like - if you’re going to buy a replacement - the best bang for buck is going to be a 6GB model. There are enough improvements to make it worth any additional cost and you likely won’t be looking at a new one in 2 more years.

at the very least do not buy anything less than 128GB storage. If you’re already using half of that then less is just not a good idea.

 

[svgn]

get the 2020, because the price difference it is not that much with the education discount

 

[fbm3334]

Thanks everyone for the advice - I reckon I will go with the 2020 then for longevity's sake. I'm not going to rush in and buy straight away, as I'll most likely buy in the summer with the Apple back to school deals (hopefully the COVID-19 situation has calmed down by then so I can try in store too).

 

[1rottenapple]

I gave my 12.9 to the wife and will get the 2020 128gb 11 because price wise between the refurbished model 256gb 11 inch 2018 model, the price with that and the 2020 11inch 128gb is pretty close relative to having a 10% discount at best buy.

 

[Devyn89]

Personally my buying advice is generally get the best one you can at the time you need it. Even though performance wise there is basically no difference, there are other small benefits that make it worth the extra cash in my opinion. Honestly if I didn’t have a 2018 iPad Pro I’d jump on a cellular 256 12.9” iPad Pro

 

[slimejester]

I’m in the exact same boat: currently have a 2018 iPad (6th Generation) and ordered a refurbished 2018 iPad Pro 11” from Apple. It’s great, but I think I’m going to return it. I was salivating over the iPad Magic Keyboard, but even with the discounted price for the ipp, it’ll be over $900 for everything. The hardware is amazing, but I don’t really need it for any Pro purposes. I just felt like $549 was too good to pass up. I’m still conflicted about it, but I have some more time to decide.

 

[PlayUltimate]

I’m in the exact same boat: currently have a 2018 iPad (6th Generation) and ordered a refurbished 2018 iPad Pro 11” from Apple. It’s great, but I think I’m going to return it. I was salivating over the iPad Magic Keyboard, but even with the discounted price for the ipp, it’ll be over $900 for everything. The hardware is amazing, but I don’t really need it for any Pro purposes. I just felt like $549 was too good to pass up. I’m still conflicted about it, but I have some more time to decide.

If you need to convince yourself that you need it, you don't need it. Trust me, you will feel better if you return it. Besides, you can always buy it back later.

 

[ericwn]

If you need to convince yourself that you need, you don't need it. Trust me, you will feel better if you return it. Besides, you can always buy it back later.

Very well said!

 

[sonicrobby]

Since you’re not looking for the extra kick of the 2020 Version, I’d exclude that one outright. If you’re seeking just a new, some retailers will still be selling the 2018 version (new) but at discounted prices due to the new one being out, just to get rid of inventory. I personally like the refurbs as its where I always get my macs. For that option Id just say if you can live off of 64, to go with that and save the dosh.

 

[secretk]

I was in similar position as you. I have the 6th gen iPad (128 GB) and I was having RAM issues with it. Constant reloading of Safari tabs and quite often when multitasking (switching between apps) I will get reloading.

In my country the 2020 iPad Pros are still not available so I got 2018 11 inch iPad Pro at discount. I got 512 GB because man storage was a concern as well. 128 GB was definitely not enough. I knew that I needed at least 256 and the discount for 512 GB was good enough to go for it.

Anyway back to the point. I am able to compare the performance of the 6th gen iPad and the iPad Pro and honestly it is not that huge. I expected actually more. This 2018 iPad still suffers from tabs and apps reloads (less often compared to the 6th gen) and still suffers from apps crashes. In the of the day I guess it is about iOS and how buggy it is.

It does charge quicker, the screen is nicer, the pencil is better (faster, less latency, easier to work with and less strain for my hand as it is lighter) and speakers are better. I honestly was a bit sort of like did I make mistake by buying it because I expected WOW effect and it is not. I have this iPad for almost a week already and I am still in the phase of trying to convince myself that the purchase was really awesome. I hope that I will get to that point but we will see.

 

[slimejester]

I was in similar position as you. I have the 6th gen iPad (128 GB) and I was having RAM issues with it. Constant reloading of Safari tabs and quite often when multitasking (switching between apps) I will get reloading.

In my country the 2020 iPad Pros are still not available so I got 2018 11 inch iPad Pro at discount. I got 512 GB because man storage was a concern as well. 128 GB was definitely not enough. I knew that I needed at least 256 and the discount for 512 GB was good enough to go for it.

Anyway back to the point. I am able to compare the performance of the 6th gen iPad and the iPad Pro and honestly it is not that huge. I expected actually more. This 2018 iPad still suffers from tabs and apps reloads (less often compared to the 6th gen) and still suffers from apps crashes. In the of the day I guess it is about iOS and how buggy it is.

It does charge quicker, the screen is nicer, the pencil is better (faster, less latency, easier to work with and less strain for my hand as it is lighter) and speakers are better. I honestly was a bit sort of like did I make mistake by buying it because I expected WOW effect and it is not. I have this iPad for almost a week already and I am still in the phase of trying to convince myself that the purchase was really awesome. I hope that I will get to that point but we will see.

I returned my 2018 iPad Pro today, but I definitely felt a major improvement over the standard 2018 iPad. I really want to invest in the iPad Pro as a laptop replacement, but I just can’t do it now. The magic keyboard folio looks incredible. I want to believe that I can buy this combo to replace a MBP. I think in a few years, I can safely buy an iPad Pro 12.9 (or 15”) and the software will be up to speed. I’m going to save the money for the new iPhone and go all out. Hopefully, the 6.7” model will have Pro Motion, LiDAR sensor, A14 and 5G.

 

[secretk]

I returned my 2018 iPad Pro today, but I definitely felt a major improvement over the standard 2018 iPad. I really want to invest in the iPad Pro as a laptop replacement, but I just can’t do it now. The magic keyboard folio looks incredible. I want to believe that I can buy this combo to replace a MBP. I think in a few years, I can safely buy an iPad Pro 12.9 (or 15”) and the software will be up to speed. I’m going to save the money for the new iPhone and go all out. Hopefully, the 6.7” model will have Pro Motion, LiDAR sensor, A14 and 5G.

I am worse than you. I know that I would never rely on that iPad as a laptop replacement. For starters I need bigger display (12.9 could work indeed) and I need the ability to extend the screen with at least one monitor (preferably two). I need pretty good mouse support (not just trackpad but mouse as it is more portable) and yeah good enough keyboard for the pure ergonomics point of view.

That being said I do use the iPad for stuff that I don't and can't use my laptop. Namely for pencil related work - coloring in Procreate, reading and highlighting books in Apple Books, sketching work stuff in Notability. I have lots of meetings and quite often I need to present information and to think on how to do it the best possible way and using pencil in Notability helps me to try out different options and imagine different approaches.

Don't get me wrong all of that can be done on non Pro iPad. Problem is whenever I start doing things like that I end up browsing in Internet for ideas, opening multiple apps (Powerpoint, Apple books, Notability), using the pencil and the 2 GB RAM is just not enough. Makes me go insane. Also split screen honestly is not a good option for 9.7 inch display. And the keyboard was indeed a tad smaller than my preference.

In other words I don't need Pro but I really do find the 11 inch making more sense for my specific usage. I have more screen real estate to do brainstorming. And guys I know that I am trying to convince myself as I did the purchase. No worries. I see that.

 

[slimejester]

I am worse than you. I know that I would never rely on that iPad as a laptop replacement. For starters I need bigger display (12.9 could work indeed) and I need the ability to extend the screen with at least one monitor (preferably two). I need pretty good mouse support (not just trackpad but mouse as it is more portable) and yeah good enough keyboard for the pure ergonomics point of view.

That being said I do use the iPad for stuff that I don't and can't use my laptop. Namely for pencil related work - coloring in Procreate, reading and highlighting books in Apple Books, sketching work stuff in Notability. I have lots of meetings and quite often I need to present information and to think on how to do it the best possible way and using pencil in Notability helps me to try out different options and imagine different approaches.

Don't get me wrong all of that can be done on non Pro iPad. Problem is whenever I start doing things like that I end up browsing in Internet for ideas, opening multiple apps (Powerpoint, Apple books, Notability), using the pencil and the 2 GB RAM is just not enough. Makes me go insane. Also split screen honestly is not a good option for 9.7 inch display. And the keyboard was indeed a tad smaller than my preference.

In other words I don't need Pro but I really do find the 11 inch making more sense for my specific usage. I have more screen real estate to do brainstorming. And guys I know that I am trying to convince myself as I did the purchase. No worries. I see that.

I honestly think that if you use Procreate/Notability or any productivity apps, the ipp is fantastic, but I was in the situation where I was comparing the quality of The Irishman on Netflix on both devices, and obviously the ipp has a much better and bigger screen. I can live with iPad 6th gen for these purposes, and I think I just caught iPad fever after seeing the new models with the magic keyboard, and felt good about getting the 2018 ipp for $549 (nearly $600 after taxes), but I’m happy that I listened to the wisdom of the crowd and returned it. When I need to replace my 2012 MBP in a few years, I’ll probably go all in and get a 12.9 ipp or whatever the hell they’re selling at that point.

 

[secretk]

I honestly think that if you use Procreate/Notability or any productivity apps, the ipp is fantastic, but I was in the situation where I was comparing the quality of The Irishman on Netflix on both devices, and obviously the ipp has a much better and bigger screen. I can live with iPad 6th gen for these purposes, and I think I just caught iPad fever after seeing the new models with the magic keyboard, and felt good about getting the 2018 ipp for $549 (nearly $600 after taxes), but I’m happy that I listened to the wisdom of the crowd and returned it. When I need to replace my 2012 MBP in a few years, I’ll probably go all in and get a 12.9 ipp or whatever the hell they’re selling at that point.

What you say makes complete sense. I gotta admit I rarely watch movies on an iPad. I prefer my laptop. The screen I have on my laptop is quite good, speakers are good enough and it is 15.6 inch so naturally I always prefer it. Indeed for my purposes the iPad shines when it comes to the pencil. I am not sure what constitutes as productivity or not but yeah I do use Notability/Goodnotes for brainstorming and doing research for work. I am visual girl and like to map out things and write down stuff when I prepare myself for meetings. And I have like 6-7 meetings a day at work (all on different topics) so I need this sort of tool to map things in my head.

 

[Wando64]

I just went through the same decision process and opted for the refurb 2018 256gb.
In my case it was important to get 256gb and therefore the price difference with the 2020 (without student discount) was considerable. (keep in mind you will also likely want a keyboard of some kind - I went for the folio).
Whilst I agree that 6gb RAM are better than 4gb (obviously), I also think that in the real world it doesn't make much difference, if any.
It is pretty much established that Safari tabs and apps will reload, no matter how much RAM you throw at it.
My only doubt was about losing out on the LiDAR sensor, but I figured I could live without it.

In your case, if you can live with 128gb, then you should compare like with like.
How much is a refurb 2018 128gb vs 2020?