iPad Pro Who upgraded iPad Pro 2020 for M1 iPad Pro 2021?

[Jára Tyky]

Z Ovy ?.
Fortunately Apple Suport have been very nice, as they always are and agreed to return the iPad, no questions asked.
Now there's a bigger discount, I will now be exactly 108% satisfied with the iPad, a sizeable increase from 104%.

Tak proč píšeš anglicky, vole? ?

 

[Artsketch]

If you still had your 2018, do you think you would have upgraded to the 2021?

Maybe not, the 12.9" 2018 has one of the best LCD displays. It was produced 2018, maybe they used different displays in later ones. In day to day use the 2018 and 2021 screens are very similar.

 

[slplss]

Tak proč píšeš anglicky, vole? ?

Abych nedostal banána ? kokso?

 

[Broadus]

Maybe not, the 12.9" 2018 has one of the best LCD displays. In day to day use the 2018 and 2021 screens are very similar.

That's really interesting. Not meaning to hijack the thread, but the visual contrast, particularly ease of reading with blacker print on a light background or even the contrast of white against a darker background almost has me spending almost $300 more for the 2021. On the other hand, if the 2018 has the same or similar contrast for non-HDR viewing, then an Apple-refurbished 2018 may be just as well (though there is something about buying a three-year old tablet when planning to keep it for five years to overcome).

What seems strange is that almost no one else in any review (only NotebookCheck has noted it among the reviews that I've read) or forum comment has mentioned the 2020 text contrast compared to the 2018 or even the 2021.

 

[slplss]

That's really interesting. Not meaning to hijack the thread, but the visual contrast, particularly ease of reading with blacker print on a light background or even the contrast of white against a darker background almost has me spending almost $300 more for the 2021. On the other hand, if the 2018 has the same or similar contrast for non-HDR viewing, then an Apple-refurbished 2018 may be just as well (though there is something about buying a three-year old tablet when planning to keep it for five years to overcome).

What seems strange is that almost no one else in any review (only NotebookCheck has noted it among the reviews that I've read) or forum comment has mentioned the 2020 text contrast compared to the 2018 or even the 2021.

But the NB check’s technical review isn’t out yet? Not sure about the contrast (it seems similar in videos), but from what I’ve found, miniLED produces whiter whites compared to older models.

 

[Expos of 1969]

I upgraded because I could no longer stand 12,9”, much better now with 11”…

If I recall correctly last year you were raving about the 12,9.

 

[Broadus]

But the NB check’s technical review isn’t out yet? Not sure about the contrast (it seems similar in videos), but from what I’ve found, miniLED produces whiter whites compared to older models.

Right -- I wasn't clear -- I was referring to the 2018 against the 2020. What I meant is that NotebookCheck's positive mention in its technical review of the 2018 lower black level which resulted in better contrast than the 2017. If specs mean anything, the 2020 with higher black level and lower contrast would have reverted the contrast back to 2017, actually, perhaps, a little lower than the 2017.

 

[Artsketch]

Right -- I wasn't clear -- I was referring to the 2018 against the 2020. What I meant is that NotebookCheck's positive mention in its technical review of the 2018 lower black level which resulted in better contrast than the 2017. If specs mean anything, the 2020 with higher black level and lower contrast would have reverted the contrast back to 2017, actually, perhaps, a little lower than the 2017.

The 12.9" 2020 black level is 0.47 vs. 0.32 on the 12.9" 2018 (lower is better)
contrast 1:1330 vs. 1:1975

 

[Broadus]

The 12.9" 2020 black level is 0.47 vs. 0.32 on the 12.9" 2018 (lower is better)
contrast 1:1330 vs. 1:1975

I think I'm about to do what I've said that I wouldn't . . . order a 2021. I rarely view HDR content, but there is still nothing about the iPad that's as important as the display. If there is a difference in day-to-day, then I would bite that 2021 bullet and order it. I'm tempted to order a refurbished 2018 but am concerned about buying 3-year-old tech that I'm planning to keep for five years.

Edit: since it seems that the influx of 2018 iPP refurbs are the result of trade-ins, that makes them less attractive to me. I don't like spending the extra money, but for the difference in contrast and using for at least the next five years, it seems that a 2021 iPP makes a good deal more sense than a 2020 iPP.

 

[christophermdia]

I debated upgrading and kept making excuses to myself, however, it just so happened 2 days before they came out, my wife spilled an entire cup of water on my son's iPad, so I had to get him a new one, which he then inherited my 2020 and I got the 2021

 

[Jára Tyky]

I debated upgrading and kept making excuses to myself, however, it just so happened 2 days before they came out, my wife spilled an entire cup of water on my son's iPad, so I had to get him a new one, which he then inherited my 2020 and I got the 2021

you have good excuse! ? next time do not be so obvious telling your wife to destroy one iPad to have a reason to buy another one ??

 

[Broadus]

I debated upgrading and kept making excuses to myself, however, it just so happened 2 days before they came out, my wife spilled an entire cup of water on my son's iPad, so I had to get him a new one, which he then inherited my 2020 and I got the 2021

It's nice having help in making a decision!

 

[mdhaus72]

I did and plan to return it. Apple needs to allow it to do more like extend the desktop to multiple monitors and have Mac apps.

Why does Apple need to do that? If you want Mac apps, then you should buy a Mac. Why is it Apple's responsibility to give you access to features that are are sold on a completely different line of devices?

 

[Isengardtom]

I had the 2020 11” and wanted to upgrade to the larger display.

 

[marmiteturkey]

I think I'm about to do what I've said that I wouldn't . . . order a 2021. I rarely view HDR content, but there is still nothing about the iPad that's as important as the display. If there is a difference in day-to-day, then I would bite that 2021 bullet and order it. I'm tempted to order a refurbished 2018 but am concerned about buying 3-year-old tech that I'm planning to keep for five years.

Edit: since it seems that the influx of 2018 iPP refurbs are the result of trade-ins, that makes them less attractive to me. I don't like spending the extra money, but for the difference in contrast and using for at least the next five years, it seems that a 2021 iPP makes a good deal more sense than a 2020 iPP.

I just upgraded my 2018 12.9 to a 2021 model after promising not to - I can claim it as a business expense and Apple were offering a not terrible trade in figure. For a week I compared them next to each other. The 2018 display is very, very good, but the 2021 is meaningfully better, for photos and videos.

I also got for my money:
an extra 256gb storage (useful now that apple lossless music is a thing)
5g
a slight increase in speed and smoothness
An extra couple of gb of RAM which is causing fewer refreshes
A new battery - the 2018 battery is showing its age and I would have spent £100 to have it replaced if I hadn‘t upgraded.
Thunderbolt connection to my LG ultrafine 5k display (which one day will be useful, if not this year!)

It’s the display that has made it worthwhile for me. My iPad Pro is my main device and I do a lot with it.

 

[Jamacfer]

If I recall correctly last year you were raving about the 12,9.

In fact, for a year I really tried to like the 12.9" both to use it as a tablet and as a laptop but unfortunately the experiment failed because in my opinion the 12.9" doesn't excel neither as a tablet nor as a laptop, so for me better the 11" and a MBA...

 

[spiderman0616]

In fact, for a year I really tried to like the 12.9" both to use it as a tablet and as a laptop but unfortunately the experiment failed because in my opinion the 12.9" doesn't excel neither as a tablet nor as a laptop, so for me better the 11" and a MBA...

That’s exactly what happened to me—I thought the 12.9” iPad Pro would push me that extra bit of the way there to genuinely be my laptop and it actually ended up feeling more limiting due to bulkiness, aspect ratio, and weight, especially with the Magic Keyboard attached. I also eventually had to admit I was doing too many mental backflips just to be able to even do any real multi tasking. What I really ended up doing by turning this “modular computer” into a laptop was inventing the MacBook. So I just switched to an actual MacBook and haven’t regretted it yet.

 

[BeatCrazy]

I did this upgrade a few days ago. For context, my iPad Pro history has been:

• 2017 10.5" Wi-Fi (sold)
• 2018 11" LTE (daughter uses)
• 2020 12.9" Wi-Fi (now sold)

I started to realize how much I missed having cellular connectivity. Also, I'm a display nerd (currently typing this on Pro Display XDR) so I feel like the extra tech is not wasted on my eyes.

Sure enough, the 2021 M1 12.9" has amazing contrast. Not just with HDR, but even SDR can showcase the darker blacks. I haven't been going around looking for blooming white text on an all-black background. Because that's not how I'd typically use my iPad! For general consumption, it's outstanding.

A few more takeaways:

• My "old" Magic Keyboard fits the 2021 version just fine. I was initially frustrated when Apple came out with a different one for the thicker 2021 iPad Pro, but I think the tolerances on the Magic Keyboard are already loose enough to support the 0.5mm difference in the 2020/2021.
• Web pages do seem to load even faster vs. the 2020. Hard to believe they could get any faster, but it is. I have 1Gbps internet, and usually get >500Mbps via Wi-Fi 5.
• I think this particular iPad will get OS support for 6, maybe even 7 years. Based on history, Apple has supported Macs for 6-7 years, so we should expect the same (possibly a bit more) from the M1 powered Macs. And if M1 powered Macs get 6 years of macOS, seems reasonable to assume that M1 iPads would get the same number of years for iPadOS.
• I only have one gripe with this iPad, the lack of the "Eye Contact" feature we got starting with the iPhone 12. With the camera on the side, it still makes FaceTime calls awkward, and I can't believe we didn't get this given it has an M1 and iOS 15.

 

[Eyez77]

Sorry guys. Today I went to Apple and bought iPad Pro 12.9” 2021 ? even I was writing that it is pointless. Why?

Firstly in our country right now we have 8% summer discount on all models. So this discount compensate me 150 bucks loss of difference in prices when I sell iPad Pro 2020. So I think I will not have better opportunity for upgrade and next year I would loss half price of iPad Pro 2020' s price.

Lets speak about reasons that are worth 200€

1. I was waiting for upgrade my Air 2 for few years and in 2020 I was really disappointed with minimum upgrade that Apple introduced with iPad Pro 2020. The M1 version was what I was waiting for. To be honest I was never happy about having iPad Pro 2020.
2. I thought deeply about benefits which are not small:

• XDR display
• M1 chip
• thunderbolt port
• 5G mobile network
• 2GB RAM more
• centerstage

Let me explain why it is not minor upgrade

1. XDR display - the truth is that iPad is in general only one big display so improving display means better experience in every way of usage. For me it is really noticeable upgrade.
   EYE STRAIN - from the first time I had both version of iPad Pro 2020 (11” and 12.9”) my eyes hurts and something was unpleasant that I could not explain. Now I know that it was LCD display that hurts my eyes. We are all the time looking into lights that are every time turned on. LED technology is much more pleasant because black diods are off. Right now I feel much more relaxed looking into bigger display and this benefit for my health is worth every penny. Now I know I will not look into LCD lights for few years everyday few hours.
2. M1 chip - okay, arguments are that iPadOS does not unlock full potencial of this beast but I do not agree. How is possible that Divinity 2 Origin Sin (do not know the name very well) is playable at 60 fps but iPad Pro 2020 handle "only" 30 fps? So that shows that there are apps and games comming that can use the power of M1 and we do not have to be dependend on Apple software engineers. Right now I have to confirm that iPad Pro 2021 is much more fluid and you do not experience any lag at all. I remember that there were situation when iPad Pro 2020 lagged. And I am looking for new Diablo game and want to have best experience.
3. Future proof - I have to admit that having iPad Pro 2020 would make me still unhappy and waiting again for new model in 2022. So going for 2021 model even when WWDC disappoints us is for me solution that I do not have to think next 4 years that I missed something and looking everytime for changing my device for something better.. thunderbolt, 5g network, online videocalls with better camera makes it worth for next years. And I have one more year for iPadOS update.
   
   
4. Battery life - I was using iPad Pro 2020 few hours per day and charging everyday, sometimes twice a day. So right now I have again complete fresh new battery and do not have to worrry that my iPad can serve me one year less because of battery capacity depreciation.

so after few hours of using I have to say I am really happy with the upgrade. In reality the difference between two models is bigger than when you are only reading about it and reading opinions of other people that are disappointed from conference.

BUT NOW I HAVE TWO iPad Pros 12.9”, so guys wish me luck to finding a buyer and selling 2020 version for good price. That is only what worries me at the moment!!! ???

Hi, I’d love to know more on one of your comments. You mentioned the mini led display

I can’t use Apple oled phone for example xs, 11 pro, 12 pro.

And I used a MacBook Pro (late 2013) for all these years. Because the new ones strain my eyes.
I recently brought a MacBook Air lcd panel with pwm and it’s caused severe eye strain.
As a last resort I’m considering the new iPad previous 12s also given me mild headaches. (But nothing in comparison to apples oled pwm phone displays) But enough for me return it.

but in this comment section your self and someone else mention less strain with the lcd-led panel.. I’m interested as this m1 2021 12 inch. also has pwm and is still a lcd screen!! But with led back lights.
I was wondering is it a significant difference?? From previous 12s. As I totally understand the feeling of the something unpleasant you can’t explain. I’m becoming desperate as I can’t find anything that doesn’t hurt my eyes.
Do you struggle with any other devises or phones? Any information would be great. Thankyou

 

[Jára Tyky]

No, I think it is not. After few month I think I was just looking for reason to justify the purchase of M1 iPad Pro.
Right now I am writting the answer on the iPad Pro and I have eye strain right now.. but I think it is because I am in hotel where I was driving 4 hours and then looking into iPhone 12 Pro and iPad Pro 12.9 all the time..

 

[Coolpher]

Nobody needs to apologize for what gear they buy. I know you were just saying it to be silly, but there really is too much judgement about who is using what for what tasks. Nobody knows your workflow(s) but you, so only you can determine the best tool for the job at hand. Even if you buy a maxed out 12.9" iPad Pro with all the bells and whistles SOLELY to watch video--that's your business and nobody else's choice to judge.

Again, I know you were saying it in a lighthearted way, but I just wanted to point out that too many people worry WAY too much about what gear others are using. It's super weird, and I don't get it.

Thank you for saying that I agree with that it is all way up to you what works or you with your workflow and what u want we can give u our ideas and options here on this for but really up to you in the end