iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) vs iPad Pro (2022, M2 series)
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iPad Pro (2021, M1 series)
Starting at
£476.53£749.00 new
iPad Pro (2022, M2 series)
Starting at
£565.31£1,079.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) and iPad Pro (2022, M2 series)?
iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) vs iPad Pro (2022, M2 series) comes down to the screen type. Refurbished, the iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) starts at £476.53, £88.78 less than the iPad Pro (2022, M2 series). The iPad Pro (2022, M2 series) is the newer model, released in 2022.
Refurbished from
Screen type
- Screen type: Liquid Retina display on the iPad Pro (2021, M1 series), Liquid Retina XDR on the iPad Pro (2022, M2 series).
iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) vs iPad Pro (2022, M2 series) specs
The iPad Pro 2021 with the M1 chip offers strong performance with 8 GB of RAM and a Liquid Retina display suitable for everyday use and creative work. The 2022 iPad Pro with the M2 chip shares many features but adds a Liquid Retina XDR screen and Bluetooth 5.3, which may appeal to those wanting the latest screen technology and improved wireless connectivity. Both devices support the same software updates and storage options, making them solid choices depending on whether you prefer the M1's proven performance or the M2's enhancements in display and connectivity.
iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) vs iPad Pro (2022, M2 series) price
Colour
iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) vs iPad Pro (2022, M2 series) battery life and software updates
Both iPad Pro models support the same maximum iPadOS version and software update timeline, ensuring long-term usability. Their build and support lifespan are comparable.
Software Updates
The iPad Pro 2021 and 2022 models both support iPadOS 18 and will receive updates up to iPadOS 27. This means you can expect software improvements and security patches for several years, helping keep either device current.
Release Year Context
The iPad Pro 2021 was released in 2021 and the 2022 model in 2022. While this does not affect their software support, it provides context for when each device became available.
Battery
Maximum operating system supported
Software updates
Year of release
iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) vs iPad Pro (2022, M2 series) performance
The two iPad Pro models share the same RAM capacity and storage options, but differ in their processors. This affects who might benefit most from each device in terms of speed and handling demanding tasks.
Processor Differences
The iPad Pro 2021 features the Apple M1 chip, while the 2022 model has the Apple M2 chip. Both are powerful processors, but the M2 may handle newer or more intensive apps more efficiently. Users running creative or professional software might notice the difference more.
Memory And Storage
Both models come with 8 GB of RAM, which keeps everyday apps running smoothly. They offer identical storage choices from 128GB up to 2TB, allowing you to pick the capacity that fits your needs, whether for work files or media.
Processor
RAM
iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) vs iPad Pro (2022, M2 series) screen
Screen quality is a key difference between these iPads. Both share size and resolution, but the 2022 iPad Pro's display technology offers distinct benefits for certain users.
Display Technology
The iPad Pro 2021 has a Liquid Retina display, while the 2022 model features a Liquid Retina XDR screen. The XDR screen is designed for better contrast and brightness performance, which benefits users who work with high dynamic range content or prefer a display with greater depth in visuals.
Brightness And Resolution
Both devices reach a maximum brightness of 600 nits and share the same resolution of 2388 by 1668 pixels at 264 pixels per inch. This means everyday viewing, streaming, or reading feels equally sharp and clear on both screens.
Screen Size And Features
Each iPad Pro has an 11 inch screen with True Tone technology, which adjusts colour temperature for more natural visuals in different lighting. The display glass is standard on both, so screen protection and feel are comparable.
Brightness
Display glass
Pixel density
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) vs iPad Pro (2022, M2 series) camera
Audio and camera features are consistent across both iPad Pro models, ensuring similar quality for video calls, recording, and media consumption.
Camera Resolution
Both the front and rear cameras have a 12 megapixel resolution. This suits users who want clear photos and video calls without sacrificing detail.
Video Recording And Sound
Video recording supports 4K at 60 frames per second on both devices, ideal for capturing smooth, high-quality footage. Audio playback uses four speaker audio, delivering immersive sound for movies, music, and calls.
Front camera
Front camera definition
Main camera
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) vs iPad Pro (2022, M2 series) size and design
Other specifications include connectivity and physical dimensions, where small but meaningful differences can influence daily use and compatibility with accessories.
Bluetooth Version
The 2021 iPad Pro has Bluetooth 5.0, while the 2022 model upgrades to Bluetooth 5.3. This newer version improves wireless efficiency and supports a wider range of devices, which can benefit users relying on Bluetooth accessories.
Connectivity And Design
Both iPads use USB-C for charging and audio, have Face ID, and include a LiDAR scanner. Their dimensions and weight are identical, meaning either fits comfortably in hand or bag without difference in feel or portability.
Apple Pencil Compatibility
Both models support the Apple Pencil 2nd generation and Apple Pencil with USB-C, catering to creative users who want precision input for drawing, note-taking, and design.
Wireless And Network
Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax is standard on both iPads, allowing fast wireless internet speeds. Both are unlocked with Nano SIM support, making them flexible for mobile data use across networks.
Promotion And Storage
Promotion technology is included on both screens for smoother visuals. Storage options range identically from 128GB to 2TB, so you can select the right capacity for your files and apps.
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 (2021, M1 series) or iPad Pro (2022, M2 series): which should you buy?
Buy the iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £476.53, £88.78 less than the iPad Pro (2022, M2 series)
Buy the iPad Pro (2022, M2 series) if
- you want the newer model (2022)
What our customers say
Customers say the iPad Pro 2021 with M1 performs well for streaming, gaming, and professional use. Many note it looks clean with only minor scratches and praise its speed and battery life lasting through a full day. Some mention charging takes longer compared to other tablets, but the overall reliability and smooth app experience make it a worthwhile purchase. The larger storage options receive positive feedback for users requiring space for files and media.
The iPad Pro 2022 with M2 is described as smooth and fast, with several customers happy with the silver finish and storage capacity. Users appreciate the bright screen indoors, although a few mention the screen can be dim in direct sunlight. Performance is sharp even with demanding apps, and battery life is sufficient for daily use. The device runs apps without lag and feels almost new.
Overall, the iPad Pro 2021 suits those wanting a powerful device with proven performance and excellent battery life. The iPad Pro 2022 fits users who prioritise the latest display technology and improved Bluetooth connectivity, especially for creative or professional tasks where screen quality is important.
iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) vs iPad Pro (2022, M2 series) FAQs
iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) vs iPad Pro (2022, M2 series) comes down to the screen type. Screen type: Liquid Retina display on the iPad Pro (2021, M1 series), Liquid Retina XDR on the iPad Pro (2022, M2 series).
The iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £476.53 compared with £565.31 for the iPad Pro (2022, M2 series).
The iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27. The iPad Pro (2022, M2 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27.
The iPad Pro (2022, M2 series) is newer, but the main specs we compare are the same. Refurbished, it costs £88.78 more (from £565.31 vs £476.53).
Both come in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB refurbished.
