IPad Pro 2018 Vs. IPad 10th Gen: Which Should You Buy?

by Alex Braham 55 views

Hey guys! Trying to decide between the iPad Pro 2018 and the iPad 10th generation? It's a tough call! Both are fantastic tablets, but they cater to slightly different needs and budgets. Let's break down the key differences to help you make the right choice. We'll dive deep into performance, display quality, design, features, and, of course, the price. By the end of this article, you'll have a clear understanding of which iPad best suits your lifestyle.

Design and Display: A Visual Showdown

When we talk about design and display, the iPad Pro 2018 and iPad 10th generation offer distinctly different experiences. The iPad Pro 2018 boasts a premium, edge-to-edge Liquid Retina display with ProMotion technology, meaning you get incredibly smooth scrolling and responsiveness. The bezels are slimmer, giving it a more modern and immersive look. It also supports Face ID for secure and convenient unlocking. The iPad Pro 2018 comes in two sizes: 11-inch and 12.9-inch, offering flexibility depending on your needs.

In contrast, the iPad 10th generation features a redesigned, more modern look compared to its predecessors. It has a larger 10.9-inch display with thinner bezels than older standard iPad models, but still has bezels that are noticeably thicker than the iPad Pro. The display is bright and vibrant, but it lacks ProMotion and full lamination, meaning there's a slight air gap between the glass and the display itself. Instead of Face ID, it uses Touch ID integrated into the power button. Both iPads offer excellent color accuracy and brightness, making them suitable for various tasks like watching videos, browsing the web, and creative work. However, the iPad Pro's ProMotion and slimmer bezels give it a more premium and immersive viewing experience, while the iPad 10th generation offers a more budget-friendly option with a still very capable display.

Performance: Power and Efficiency

Now, let's get into the performance aspects of these iPads. The iPad Pro 2018 is powered by Apple's A12X Bionic chip, which is an absolute beast. It can handle demanding tasks like video editing, graphic design, and gaming with ease. The A12X Bionic also features a Neural Engine for on-device machine learning, enhancing performance in tasks like photo editing and augmented reality. You'll notice apps launch quickly, multitasking is smooth, and overall performance is incredibly responsive, even when running multiple apps simultaneously.

On the other hand, the iPad 10th generation is equipped with the A14 Bionic chip. While not as powerful as the A12X Bionic in the iPad Pro 2018, the A14 Bionic is still a very capable chip. It offers a significant performance boost over previous standard iPad models and can handle everyday tasks like browsing the web, streaming videos, and playing casual games without any issues. It's also efficient, providing good battery life for all-day use. However, when it comes to more demanding tasks like video editing or running complex apps, the iPad Pro 2018 will have a noticeable edge. Gamers and creative professionals will definitely appreciate the extra horsepower of the iPad Pro's A12X Bionic chip.

Features and Functionality: Beyond the Basics

When it comes to features and functionality, both the iPad Pro 2018 and the iPad 10th generation have a lot to offer, but there are some key differences that might sway your decision. The iPad Pro 2018 supports the 2nd generation Apple Pencil, which magnetically attaches to the side of the iPad for charging and pairing. It also features a USB-C port, allowing you to connect to a wide range of accessories like external displays, cameras, and storage devices. The iPad Pro 2018 also has a Smart Connector for connecting to Apple's Smart Keyboard Folio, turning it into a capable laptop replacement.

The iPad 10th generation supports the 1st generation Apple Pencil, which requires a USB-C adapter for charging and pairing, a somewhat less elegant solution. It also has a USB-C port, but it lacks the Thunderbolt support found on newer iPad Pro models. The iPad 10th generation has a Smart Connector, but it's designed for the Magic Keyboard Folio, which offers a more laptop-like typing experience with a built-in trackpad. Both iPads have excellent speakers and cameras, but the iPad Pro 2018 has a slight edge in audio quality and low-light camera performance. The iPad Pro 2018 also offers Face ID for secure authentication, while the iPad 10th generation uses Touch ID integrated into the power button.

Price and Value: Getting the Most for Your Money

Now, let's talk about price and value. The iPad Pro 2018 was a premium device when it was first released, and while its price has come down since then, it's still generally more expensive than the iPad 10th generation. However, you're getting a more powerful processor, a better display, and more advanced features. If you're a creative professional or power user who needs the extra performance, the iPad Pro 2018 might be worth the investment.

The iPad 10th generation is positioned as a more affordable option, making it a great choice for students, casual users, and anyone on a budget. It offers a good balance of performance and features at a more accessible price point. While it might not be as powerful as the iPad Pro 2018, it's still a very capable tablet that can handle most everyday tasks with ease. When considering value, it's important to think about how you plan to use the iPad and how much you're willing to spend. If you need the best possible performance and features, the iPad Pro 2018 is the way to go. But if you're looking for a more affordable option that still offers a great experience, the iPad 10th generation is an excellent choice.

Who Should Buy the iPad Pro 2018?

The iPad Pro 2018 is an excellent choice for:

  • Creative professionals: Graphic designers, video editors, and photographers will appreciate the powerful A12X Bionic chip, the stunning Liquid Retina display with ProMotion, and the support for the 2nd generation Apple Pencil.
  • Power users: If you need a tablet that can handle demanding tasks like running multiple apps simultaneously, editing large files, or playing graphics-intensive games, the iPad Pro 2018 is the way to go.
  • Those who value a premium experience: The iPad Pro 2018 offers a sleek design, Face ID, and a wide range of accessories, making it a premium tablet experience.

Who Should Buy the iPad 10th Generation?

The iPad 10th generation is a great option for:

  • Students: It's affordable, lightweight, and has a long battery life, making it perfect for taking notes, doing research, and completing assignments.
  • Casual users: If you primarily use a tablet for browsing the web, streaming videos, and playing casual games, the iPad 10th generation offers a great experience at a more accessible price point.
  • Families: It's a great tablet for sharing with the whole family, whether it's for watching movies, playing games, or doing homework.

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice

So, there you have it, guys! A comprehensive comparison of the iPad Pro 2018 and the iPad 10th generation. Both are fantastic tablets, but they cater to different needs and budgets. The iPad Pro 2018 offers more power, a better display, and more advanced features, making it a great choice for creative professionals and power users. The iPad 10th generation is more affordable and still offers a great experience for students, casual users, and families.

Ultimately, the best iPad for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. Consider how you plan to use the iPad, what features are most important to you, and how much you're willing to spend. With a little research and consideration, you can find the perfect iPad to fit your lifestyle.