Compare the key specs of last year's 10.5-inch iPad Pro versus the new 11-inch iPad Pro 2018. Is the innovation worth the price difference? We understand the specific numbers.
As a reminder, on Tuesday Apple announced a new 11-inch iPad Pro along with a 12.9-inch third-generation model. At the same time, last year's 10.5-inch model will remain on sale for at least another year. Yes, the new miniature version is definitely better than the previous one. However, for most users iPad Pro 2017 will be more than enough.
Display
The 11-inch model features a new bezel-less Liquid Retina display similar to the one used in the iPhone XR. However, this is the only significant difference between the two screens. As you can see above, although the resolution is higher in the new model, this is due solely to the increased size of the display itself: the pixel density remains the same.
Performance
One of the key differences between these models is their processor. While the 2017 model uses the A10X Fusion chipset, the 2018 model features the latest A12X Bionic with a Neural Engine.
Apple claims the new GPU is twice as fast, which is important for augmented reality and gaming. The difference will also be noticeable when working in the new announced applications – including Photoshop for iPad.
At the presentation Apple she showed the gameplay of NBA 2K19 on the new iPad Pro. This shows that Apple is set to target the lineup iPad Pro not only to artists and creatives, as it used to be, but to gamers too. How successful it will be – time will tell.
Camera
Interestingly, this year Apple left mobile photography enthusiasts almost unattended. Moreover, in at least two aspects the camera of the new iPad Pro is even worse than that of last year's model. Aside from getting a 5-lens lens instead of a 6-lens lens in iPad Pro 2017, the new model also lacks optical image stabilization.
This is most likely due to the thinner design iPad Pro 2018.
At the same time, the front camera has received a significant upgrade this year. Thanks to the TrueDepth system, the 11-inch model supports Face ID, portrait mode, portrait lighting and Animoji / Memoji.
Additionally
The following changes may not be important for every user, so you have to decide how important these points are for you.
Only the line iPad Pro 2018 will be compatible with the new stylus Apple Pencil 2. An accessory worth 10,790 rubles. attached to iPad with a magnet. When connected to the tablet, the stylus starts to charge automatically. Additionally, Apple Pencil 2 also introduces new control gestures. The 10.5-inch iPad Pro 2017, just like other older tablet models, is not compatible with the new stylus.
The newest iPad Pro also became the first mobile devices from Apple with USB-C support. Through it, with the help of additional accessories, you can charge other equipment from the tablet – for example, a smartphone or a camera.
Finally, iPad Pro 2018 lost the 3.5 jack in accordance with the latest trends in the world of mobile technology. This means you have to use an adapter to use wired headphones. And yes, you won't be able to charge your tablet and listen to music at the same time – unless you switch to wireless headphones, of course.
Price
Of course, all the changes in the 11-inch iPad Pro 2018 also affected its price. In particular, the cost of the new model starts at 65,990 rubles. for Wi-Fi modification with 64 GB of memory. At the same time, 10.5 ″ iPad Pro 2017 in a similar configuration costs 53,990 rubles.
As for the most expensive models, in the case of 11 ″ iPad Pro 2018 it is 137,990 rubles. for the modification with LTE and 1 TB of storage. Last year's tablet did not have support for 1TB of storage, and the LTE version with 512GB costs 91,990 rubles.
Is it worth it?
Without a doubt, iPad Pro 2018 shows where tablets from Apple will take in the next few years. The future says it has no room for a home button and headphone jack, but welcomes a bezel-less display, Face ID and amazing performance. Most likely, a lot of this will be taken over by the next budget iPad, which is likely to be released next spring.
If you want the latest and greatest model, of course go for the 11-inch iPad Pro. This is a truly amazing tablet. If you don't plan on using your tablet for heavy gaming and don't like Face ID, iPad Pro 10.5 is enough for you. Even now, this model is cheaper than the new one, and, most likely, it will become even cheaper in the coming weeks (thanks to the holidays and sales season).
Both the 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2018 will go on sale November 7.