iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series)
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iPad Pro (2020, A12 series)
Starting at
£390.20£769.00 new
iPad Pro (2021, M1 series)
Starting at
£476.53£749.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) and iPad Pro (2021, M1 series)?
iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) comes down to the RAM, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) starts at £390.20, £86.33 less than the iPad Pro (2021, M1 series). The iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) is the newer model, released in 2021.
Refurbished from
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Front camera
Weight
- The iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.
- The iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) has a bigger battery: 10758 mAh vs 7538 mAh.
- The iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) has a bigger screen: 12.9 inch vs 11 inch.
iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) specs
The iPad Pro 2020 with the A12Z Bionic processor offers a larger 12.9 inch screen and storage options up to 1TB, with 6 GB of RAM. It has a battery capacity of 7538 mAh and a 7 megapixel front camera. The iPad Pro 2021 with the M1 chip features a smaller 11 inch screen, more RAM at 8 GB, and a wider range of storage options up to 2TB starting at 128GB. It also has a larger battery of 10758 mAh and a 12 megapixel front camera. Choose the 2020 model for a larger display or the 2021 model for more memory, battery life, and a sharper front camera.
iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) price
Colour
iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery life and software support.
Battery Capacity
The iPad Pro 2021 has a larger battery at 10758 mAh compared to 7538 mAh in the 2020 model. This means the 2021 device may last longer on a single charge, which is useful if you need extended use away from power. The 2020 model still provides strong battery life suitable for everyday tasks.
Software Updates
This ensures that whichever model you choose, you get current software features and security for your device.
Battery
Maximum operating system supported
Software updates
Year of release
iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) performance
Performance depends largely on the processor, RAM, and available storage. These factors influence speed, multitasking, and how much content you can keep locally on your iPad.
Processor Power
The iPad Pro 2021 features the Apple M1 processor, a powerful chip designed for handling demanding tasks and apps smoothly. The 2020 iPad Pro uses the A12Z Bionic processor, which is capable for everyday use and creative work but has fewer computing resources than the M1.
Memory Size
With 8 GB of RAM, the 2021 model keeps more apps and processes running simultaneously, which benefits users who multitask extensively. The 2020 iPad Pro has 6 GB of RAM, which is still sufficient for typical app use and productivity.
Storage Options
The 2020 iPad Pro comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB variants, allowing for a range of storage needs. The 2021 model offers the same options plus a 2TB version, giving you the choice of even more space for large files, apps, and media.
Chipset
Processor
Processor speed ghz
RAM
iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) screen
Screen quality affects how much you see and how content looks. Both models use Liquid Retina displays with the same brightness, pixel density, refresh rate, and True Tone technology, but differ in size and resolution.
Screen Size
The iPad Pro 2020 has a larger 12.9 inch screen, which provides more room for watching videos, drawing, or working with multiple windows. The 2021 model features an 11 inch screen, which is more compact and easier to carry around.
Screen Resolution
The 2020 iPad Pro's 2732 x 2048 resolution offers a higher pixel count, making it well suited to users who want more detail and space on screen. The 2021 model has a 2388 x 1668 resolution, still sharp and clear for most tasks but with a smaller display area.
Brightness
Display glass
Pixel density
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) camera
Audiovisual features include cameras and speakers, which affect photography, video calls, and media consumption.
Front Camera
The iPad Pro 2021 has a 12 megapixel front camera, which captures more detail and can improve video call quality or selfies. The 2020 model has a 7 megapixel front camera, providing solid performance for everyday video chats.
Rear Camera and Video
Both iPads have a 12 megapixel rear camera and support 4K video recording at 60 frames per second. This makes them equally capable for photography and high-quality video capture.
Audio
Each model features four speaker audio, delivering balanced sound for music, movies, and calls.
Front camera
Front camera definition
Main camera
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) size and design
Other factors include size, weight, connectivity, and accessories compatibility that influence daily use and portability.
Dimensions and Weight
The 2020 iPad Pro measures 280.6 mm in height and 214.9 mm in width, weighing 641 g, making it larger and heavier. The 2021 iPad Pro is more compact at 247.6 mm tall and 178.5 mm wide, weighing 470 g, which suits users who prioritise portability.
Connectivity and SIM
The 2021 iPad Pro is unlocked and uses a Nano SIM format, offering flexibility for mobile network use. The 2020 iPad Pro does not have a SIM port. Both use USB Type-C connectors and support Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi 6 technology.
Apple Pencil Compatibility
Both models are compatible with the Apple Pencil 2nd generation and the Apple Pencil with USB-C, supporting creative work and note-taking.
Additional Features
Both devices include Face ID, a Lidar scanner for depth sensing, and support double SIM use. Neither model features a touchscreen beyond the standard display input.
120hz
Apple pen compatible
Bluetooth version
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Double sim
Face
Generation number
Headphones connectivity
Height
Lidar scanner
Minimum system requirements mac
Minimum system requirements windows
Promotion
Sim format
Touch
Weight
Width
Wifi technology
iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) or iPad Pro (2021, M1 series): which should you buy?
Buy the iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £390.20, £86.33 less than the iPad Pro (2021, M1 series)
- you want a bigger screen (12.9 inch vs 11 inch)
Buy the iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 6 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (10758 mAh vs 7538 mAh)
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (12 megapixels vs 7 megapixels)
iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) FAQs
iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) comes down to the RAM, battery and screen size. The iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB. The iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) has a bigger battery: 10758 mAh vs 7538 mAh.
The iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £390.20 compared with £476.53 for the iPad Pro (2021, M1 series).
The iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) has a bigger battery: 10758 mAh vs 7538 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
The iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27. The iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27.
The iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) adds more RAM (8 GB vs 6 GB), a bigger battery (10758 mAh vs 7538 mAh) and a higher-resolution front camera (12 megapixels vs 7 megapixels). Refurbished, it costs £86.33 more (from £476.53 vs £390.20).
Refurbished, the iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB, and the iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB.
