iPad 9 (2021, A13 series) Vs iPad Pro (2024, M4 series)

When considering the longevity of a tablet, both hardware durability and software support are key factors. The iPad (2021) and iPad Pro (2024) offer different timelines for expected usability.

• Release Timeline: The iPad (2021) is an older model, released in September 2021, while the iPad Pro (2024) is a much newer device, launched in May 2024. This difference in release year directly impacts their remaining lifespan for software updates.
• Software Longevity: The iPad (2021), powered by the A13 Bionic chip, is expected to receive major iPadOS updates until approximately 2026, with security patches potentially extending to 2028. The iPad Pro (2024), featuring the advanced M4 chip, is anticipated to receive software support for a significantly longer period, likely several years beyond the 2021 model, ensuring it remains current with the latest features and security enhancements.
• Practical Lifespan: For users who prioritize having the latest software features and security, the iPad Pro (2024) offers a considerably longer practical lifespan. The iPad (2021) remains a capable device for general use, but its update cycle is nearing its end compared to the newer Pro model.

The performance capabilities of these two iPads vary significantly, reflecting their intended uses and the generational gap in their internal components.

• Processing Power: The iPad (2021) is equipped with a processor that handles everyday tasks, web browsing, media consumption, and casual gaming smoothly. The iPad Pro (2024), however, features a much more powerful current-generation processor designed for demanding professional applications, intensive multitasking, high-end gaming, and complex tasks like video editing and 3D rendering with ease.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: While the iPad (2021) offers adequate responsiveness for typical tablet usage, the iPad Pro (2024) provides a noticeably smoother and faster experience, especially when running multiple applications simultaneously or switching between heavy workloads. This is further supported by its increased memory, with the iPad (2021) typically having 3GB of RAM, compared to the iPad Pro (2024) offering 8GB or 16GB depending on the storage configuration.
• Storage Options: The iPad (2021) is available with 64GB or 256GB of internal storage. The iPad Pro (2024) offers a wider range of storage capacities, starting from 256GB and going up to 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB, catering to users with extensive storage needs for large files and applications.

The visual experience on these two tablets presents a clear distinction, primarily due to advancements in display technology.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The iPad (2021) features a 10.2-inch Retina IPS LCD, which provides good color reproduction and clarity for general viewing. The iPad Pro (2024) boasts an Ultra Retina XDR display, which utilizes Tandem OLED technology. This results in superior contrast, true blacks, and more vibrant colors, offering a significantly enhanced visual experience, particularly for HDR content.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: The iPad (2021) offers a peak brightness of 500 nits and a standard 60Hz refresh rate. In contrast, the iPad Pro (2024) achieves up to 1000 nits of full-screen brightness (and 1600 nits peak for HDR content) and incorporates ProMotion technology, providing an adaptive refresh rate from 10Hz to 120Hz. This higher and adaptive refresh rate contributes to smoother scrolling, more fluid animations, and a more responsive feel, especially when interacting with the display using a stylus.
• Screen Size and Features: The iPad (2021) comes in a single 10.2-inch size. The iPad Pro (2024) is available in 11-inch and 13-inch options, both featuring True Tone technology for automatic color temperature adjustment and wide color (P3) support for more accurate and richer colors. The iPad (2021) also includes True Tone, but its display is not fully laminated, which can create a slight air gap between the glass and the display panel.

While tablets are not typically primary photography devices, both models offer capable camera systems for various uses, with the iPad Pro (2024) featuring more advanced capabilities.

• Rear Camera System: The iPad (2021) includes an 8MP Wide rear camera, suitable for casual photos and document scanning. The iPad Pro (2024) features a 12MP Wide rear camera with an improved sensor and more sophisticated image processing, thanks to its advanced processor. It also includes a LiDAR Scanner, which enhances augmented reality experiences and improves depth sensing for photography. Notably, the iPad Pro (2024) does not include an ultrawide rear camera, a feature present in some previous Pro models.
• Front Camera and Video Conferencing: Both iPads feature a 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage, which automatically keeps the user in the frame during video calls. A key difference is the placement: the iPad Pro (2024)'s front camera is now strategically positioned on the landscape edge, optimizing it for video calls when the tablet is used with a keyboard or in landscape orientation.
• Video Recording Quality: The iPad (2021) supports 1080p HD video recording. The iPad Pro (2024) offers more advanced video capabilities, including 4K video recording at up to 60 frames per second and support for ProRes video, catering to users with professional video production needs.

Beyond core performance and display, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience of these two tablets.

• Connectivity: The iPad (2021) supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 4.2, with an optional LTE cellular model. The iPad Pro (2024) features more modern connectivity standards, including Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, along with an optional 5G cellular model, offering faster and more reliable wireless connections.
• Ports and Accessories: The iPad (2021) utilizes a Lightning port for charging and accessories and supports the first-generation Apple Pencil. The iPad Pro (2024) has a versatile USB-C port with Thunderbolt/USB 4 capabilities, allowing for faster data transfer and connection to a wider range of peripherals. It also supports the more advanced Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C).
• Design and Biometrics: The iPad (2021) retains a classic design with a home button featuring Touch ID for authentication. The iPad Pro (2024) showcases a significantly thinner and lighter design, with Face ID for secure authentication and a more modern, edge-to-edge display aesthetic.