IPad Pro 11-inch Face-Off: 2018 Vs. 2019
Hey guys! So, you're looking at getting an iPad Pro 11-inch, but you're scratching your head about whether to go for the 2018 model or the 2019 one? Don't sweat it; I'm here to break down the differences and help you figure out which one is the perfect fit for you. We'll dive deep into the specs, performance, design, and all the juicy details to make sure you make the best choice. Let's get started, shall we?
Design and Build Quality: A Familiar Face
Alright, let's talk about the looks first. When it comes to the design, the iPad Pro 11-inch 2018 and 2019 models are pretty darn similar. I mean, they're practically twins! Both rock that sleek, minimalist design that Apple is famous for. You've got the flat edges, the slim bezels, and the beautiful Liquid Retina display that makes everything look amazing. Both models ditch the home button for Face ID, which is super convenient for unlocking your iPad and logging into apps. Seriously, the design is a win-win, whether you go for the 2018 or the 2019. The overall build quality is top-notch, with both iPads feeling solid and premium in your hands. You'll definitely appreciate the high-quality materials and craftsmanship that Apple is known for. The portability of the 11-inch size is perfect for carrying around in a bag or using on the go. Both models are super thin and light, so you won't feel weighed down when you're using them. They're designed to be used both vertically and horizontally, and they can fit into any lifestyle. Both iPad Pro 11-inch models, the 2018 and 2019 versions, use the same durable materials and construction, guaranteeing that you get a robust product. This ensures that the iPads can withstand the rigors of daily use. With both devices you're getting a premium feel and a device that is sure to draw some attention.
However, while the designs are similar, there are a couple of subtle differences to keep in mind. One minor difference is the camera bump on the back. The 2019 model has a slightly more pronounced camera bump due to the addition of the second ultrawide camera. This means that if you're really picky about aesthetics, you might notice the slight change, but it's not a deal-breaker by any means. It's a very slight bump, but important to know. Another minor detail is the placement of the microphones. You will get the same number of microphones in the same location between the models. So, to be very clear, you will not have any difference here. If you are a designer, or a video editor, or someone who uses creative apps a lot, this point will not matter to you. As for the color options, both models are available in silver and space gray, so you've got the same choices there. The materials used, and the overall feel is of high quality. They both have the same level of finishing. Both devices feature the same edge-to-edge display design that gives you a larger viewing area, and makes the whole experience much more immersive. You will notice that the weight of the devices are very close. So the difference will not be noticeable at all. When comparing these, you're mainly going to be looking at the hardware.
Display: Visual Feast with Liquid Retina
Now, let's talk about the display. The iPad Pro 11-inch is known for its stunning Liquid Retina display, and both the 2018 and 2019 models offer a fantastic viewing experience. The screen is the same size on both, 11 inches, and has the same resolution, meaning that text looks crisp, colors pop, and everything looks vibrant and clear. Whether you're watching movies, browsing the web, or working on creative projects, the display is a real treat for the eyes. The display technology is the same on both devices, and both have great color accuracy and wide color gamut support. You will not notice any difference here, as the quality is the same. Both of these iPads also support ProMotion technology, which means the screen has a variable refresh rate that can go up to 120Hz. The technology is amazing because it makes everything feel super smooth, from scrolling through web pages to playing graphically intense games. It's a feature that really enhances the user experience, making everything feel fluid and responsive. The difference between the 120Hz and 60Hz is night and day, and it's something you will appreciate in your everyday usage. This is even more impactful when you start to use the Apple Pencil. The display is very reactive to the touch and that makes using these iPads a truly amazing experience.
Both devices are fantastic for watching videos or reading content. You can consume all of your favorite content, or get some work done. The amazing display will make your experience more immersive, so it will be a joy to use. With that display, you will be able to play games, edit videos, create graphic designs, or anything else you might need.
Performance: Power Under the Hood
Alright, let's get into the performance game. This is where things get interesting, because the 2019 model packs a slightly more powerful punch than its predecessor. The iPad Pro 11-inch 2018 runs on the A12X Bionic chip, which is still a powerhouse, mind you. It can handle pretty much anything you throw at it, from gaming to video editing to multitasking. You'll get super-smooth performance and fast app loading times. The iPad Pro 11-inch 2019 model, on the other hand, comes with the A12Z Bionic chip, which is a slightly upgraded version of the A12X. The A12Z chip gives the 2019 a boost in graphics performance, and is optimized for certain professional workflows. The difference in real-world performance between the two chips isn't massive, but the A12Z does have a slight edge when it comes to demanding tasks and multitasking. Games will look great and load fast on both, and the extra power of the 2019 model becomes more noticeable when you're doing things like editing large video files or working with complex 3D models. So, the 2019 model is slightly more future-proof, but the 2018 model is still no slouch, and it'll handle most tasks with ease. You can still expect very good performance from the 2018 iPad Pro. In everyday tasks, you might not notice any difference between the two devices. Apps will run quickly and smoothly on both devices. Both devices can handle heavy multitasking. This means that you can easily switch between apps, and keep multiple apps open simultaneously without any performance issues. Both have incredible processing power.
It's important to keep in mind that the A12X Bionic chip in the 2018 model is still incredibly powerful, and it will handle most of the tasks that the average user throws at it. If you're mainly using your iPad for web browsing, social media, and some light productivity tasks, you probably won't notice a huge difference between the two models. However, if you're a heavy user who does a lot of video editing, graphic design, or other demanding tasks, the extra power of the A12Z Bionic chip in the 2019 model might be worth the upgrade.
Camera: Snapping Memories
Let's chat about the camera. The iPad Pro 11-inch 2018 has a single 12MP rear camera that takes good photos and videos. It's perfectly fine for everyday use, and it's great for video calls and scanning documents. The iPad Pro 11-inch 2019, however, has a dual-camera system on the back, with a 12MP wide-angle lens and a 10MP ultrawide lens. This gives you more flexibility when taking photos and videos, allowing you to capture a wider field of view. The ultrawide lens is especially useful for capturing landscapes, group photos, or when you want to fit more into the frame. The 2019 model also has some software enhancements that improve the image quality and video recording capabilities. It has Smart HDR, which helps to balance the highlights and shadows in your photos, and it also supports 4K video recording at up to 60 frames per second. The front-facing camera on both models is the same, so you'll get the same quality for video calls and selfies. The camera is not the main focus of these devices. But the 2019 is a step up. The image quality is good in both, but the 2019 will have a much wider field of view. With the ultrawide lens you will be able to capture more in the image.
Battery Life: Keeping You Powered Up
When it comes to battery life, you can expect similar performance from both models. Both the iPad Pro 11-inch 2018 and the 2019 models have excellent battery life, and they'll easily get you through a full day of use. You can expect to get around 10 hours of web browsing or video playback on a single charge. The exact battery life will vary depending on how you use your iPad, but both models are designed to last. You can rest assured that you won't have to worry about constantly searching for a power outlet. This is a very important point, as no one wants to find their device dead, when they need it the most. The battery life is great, so you will be able to enjoy your iPad for many hours without a recharge. Both have great battery life, which should be very important when deciding which one to get. You will be able to work, create, play games, and more. This gives you the freedom to use your iPad without any issues. The battery life is comparable, with no major differences. Both are long lasting, with a performance that makes them ideal for daily usage. You will get a whole day of usage with these.
Storage Options: Finding the Right Fit
Both the iPad Pro 11-inch 2018 and 2019 models come with a variety of storage options, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs. The 2018 model came with storage options of 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB. The 2019 model came with 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB. The 2019 model gives you more options, with an entry-level of 128GB, but the 2018 is still a very solid option. The 2019 also has a 1TB option. This is for users who require a lot of storage. The extra storage makes it easy to store large files, videos, and other things. If you are going to use your iPad for professional work, it's very important to keep in mind the amount of storage. If you will be storing a lot of data, and you require more storage, the 2019 is a better option. If you mainly use your iPad for basic tasks like browsing the web, checking emails, and watching videos, you can probably get away with the lower storage options. Consider how much space you need for your apps, photos, videos, and other files. If you plan to download a lot of content or work with large files, you might want to go with a higher storage option. Choose the storage capacity that best fits your requirements.
Apple Pencil and Accessories
Both the iPad Pro 11-inch 2018 and 2019 models are compatible with the second-generation Apple Pencil. This is a great stylus that makes it easy to take notes, draw, and navigate your iPad. You can also use the Smart Keyboard Folio with both models, which provides a comfortable typing experience. When it comes to accessories, you will not have any issues. Both are compatible with all Apple accessories, like the Apple Pencil or the Magic Keyboard, and other external accessories. This makes it easy to customize your iPad and make it perfect for your needs. The Apple Pencil 2nd generation attaches magnetically to the side of the iPad and charges wirelessly. The accessories make it a powerful tool, perfect for productivity and creativity.
Price and Value: Making the Smart Choice
Okay, let's talk about price. The iPad Pro 11-inch 2018 is typically available at a lower price point than the 2019 model, especially if you're buying it used or refurbished. This can make the 2018 model a great value, especially if you're on a budget. However, the price difference might not be that significant, and you'll have to weigh the cost savings against the upgraded features of the 2019 model. Considering the features and performance upgrades, the 2019 model might be worth the extra cost. It is recommended to compare prices to find the best deal. You will have to consider the long-term value, and how much use you will give the iPad. If you need the extra performance of the 2019, it's a good investment. But if you have less demanding needs, the 2018 version is a great choice too.
Conclusion: Which iPad Pro 11-inch is Right for You?
So, which iPad Pro 11-inch should you choose? Well, it depends on your needs and budget. If you're looking for the best possible performance and features, and you don't mind spending a bit more, the 2019 model is the way to go. It offers a slightly faster processor, a better camera system, and more storage options. However, if you're on a budget, or you don't need the absolute latest and greatest, the 2018 model is still an excellent choice. It offers great performance, a stunning display, and a premium design, all at a lower price. Both are excellent options. You need to consider all the variables, and what you need from the iPad. Either way, you'll be getting a fantastic tablet that's perfect for work, play, and everything in between. Do your research, weigh the pros and cons, and choose the iPad Pro 11-inch that's the best fit for your needs and budget. Good luck!