iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) Vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series)

The longevity of these tablets is influenced by their release timelines and hardware capabilities, impacting software support and practical lifespan. The iPad 2021 was released in September 2021, while the iPad Pro 2021 models were released earlier in May 2021. This slight difference means the iPad Pro models have been in the market for a few months longer.

• Software Longevity: The iPad 2021, featuring its processor, is expected to receive major iPadOS updates until approximately September 2027, with security patches potentially extending to 2028. The iPad Pro 2021 models, equipped with a more advanced processor, are anticipated to receive software support for a longer duration, likely extending their functional life further into the future.
• Repairability: Both models generally offer similar repairability characteristics typical of Apple devices, with components often requiring specialized tools and expertise for replacement. The overall practical lifespan for both devices is substantial, with the iPad Pro potentially offering a longer period of peak performance for intensive applications.
• Design and Updates: The iPad 2021 retains a traditional design, which some users find dated, while the iPad Pro 2021 features a more modern, edge-to-edge display. The iPad 2021 is the last iPad model to feature a physical home button.

Performance is a key differentiator, with the iPad Pro 2021 models offering significantly more processing power and memory for demanding workflows compared to the iPad 2021.

• Processing Power: The iPad 2021 is equipped with a capable processor that delivers a noticeable performance boost over its predecessor, making it suitable for everyday tasks, casual gaming, and running advanced apps smoothly. The iPad Pro 2021 models feature a significantly more powerful processor, enabling them to handle intensive applications like video editing, 3D rendering, and complex multitasking with greater ease and speed.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: The iPad 2021 comes with 3GB of memory, which is sufficient for general use and switching between a few applications. The iPad Pro 2021 models offer 8GB of memory in lower storage configurations and up to 16GB in higher storage options, providing substantial headroom for keeping many applications open simultaneously and managing large projects.
• Storage Options: The iPad 2021 is available with 64GB or 256GB of internal storage. The iPad Pro 2021 offers a wider range of storage configurations, from 128GB up to 2TB, catering to users with extensive storage needs for large files and projects.

The display experience varies significantly between these two iPad lines, with the iPad Pro 2021 offering more advanced technology for visual professionals and enthusiasts.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The iPad 2021 features a 10.2-inch Retina IPS LCD display with a resolution of 2160 x 1620 pixels, providing clear visuals for general use. The iPad Pro 2021 models come with either an 11-inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD or a 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED display, both offering higher resolutions and enhanced visual fidelity. The 12.9-inch iPad Pro's mini-LED display provides exceptional contrast and brightness, particularly for HDR content.
• Brightness and Color: The iPad 2021 offers 500 nits of brightness and includes True Tone technology for adaptive color temperature. The iPad Pro 2021 models feature higher typical brightness levels (600 nits for the 11-inch, 1000 nits for the 12.9-inch) and support a wider color gamut (P3), making them suitable for color-critical work.
• Smoothness: The iPad Pro 2021 models incorporate ProMotion technology, allowing for adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz, which results in smoother scrolling and more responsive interactions, especially noticeable in fast-paced content or when using the Apple Pencil. The iPad 2021 has a standard refresh rate.

While both tablets include camera systems, the iPad Pro 2021 offers a more advanced and versatile setup, particularly for photography, video recording, and video conferencing.

• Rear Camera System: The iPad 2021 features an 8MP Wide rear camera, suitable for casual photography, document scanning, and basic video recording at 1080p 30fps. The iPad Pro 2021 models include a dual-camera system on the rear, with a 12MP Wide camera and a 10MP Ultra Wide camera, along with a LiDAR Scanner for enhanced depth sensing and augmented reality applications. They can record video at up to 4K 60fps.
• Front Camera and Video Calls: Both devices feature a 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage, a feature that automatically keeps users framed during video calls. The iPad Pro's TrueDepth camera system also enables Face ID for secure authentication.
• Audio Experience: The iPad 2021 is equipped with stereo speakers, providing adequate sound for media consumption. The iPad Pro 2021 models feature a four-speaker audio system, delivering a more immersive and richer sound experience. Both have capable microphones for calls and recordings.

Beyond core performance and display, several practical elements distinguish these two iPad lines, influencing daily usability and accessory compatibility.

• Connectivity Options: The iPad 2021 supports Wi-Fi 802.11ac and Bluetooth 4.2, with an optional LTE model for cellular data. The iPad Pro 2021 models offer more advanced connectivity, including Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) for faster wireless speeds and Bluetooth 5.0. Cellular models of the iPad Pro 2021 also support 5G, providing quicker mobile data connections where available.
• Port Types and Sensors: The iPad 2021 retains the Lightning connector and a 3.5mm headphone jack. It uses Touch ID for biometric authentication. The iPad Pro 2021 models feature a versatile USB-C port with Thunderbolt/USB4 support, enabling faster data transfer and broader accessory compatibility. They utilize Face ID for secure unlocking and authentication.
• Physical Design and Handling: The iPad 2021 has a traditional design with bezels and a Home button, measuring 250.6 x 174.1 x 7.5 mm and weighing around 487g (Wi-Fi). The iPad Pro 2021 models feature a more modern, edge-to-edge display design without a Home button. The 11-inch model measures 247.6 x 178.5 x 5.9 mm and weighs about 466g, while the 12.9-inch model is 280.6 x 214.9 x 6.4 mm and weighs around 682g. The Pro models are generally thinner and, for the 11-inch, slightly lighter than the standard iPad.