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iPad Pro Anyone used both Ipad Pro 12.9" 2018 and 2020?

O

Osamede

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Anyone used both Ipad Pro 12.9" 2018 and 2020?

Am looking at picking up one, but I see a display model of the 2018 on sale for about 10% cheaper. Has anyone experienced using both of these and if so, is it worth spending more on the newer model?
 
The main difference is RAM, the 2020 has more ram, unless you go with the 1TB model. Then there are some other, more minor differences, that could be important to some, like better mikes and lidar. Of course assuming storage is the same for both model...
 
For most purposes the 2018 iPad Pro is going to be virtually indistinguishable from the new model, especially if you rarely use the rear camera module (which I know I never do). I have been using the 2018 model for almost two years and after using the 2020 a little bit I couldn't tell the difference, at least in my usage.
 
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Ram is the only difference

I have the 2020 version but if I still had the 2018 at the time I would have not upgraded.
 
I went for the 2018, turned out to be an unopened return on clearance - with warranty same as new. In the end got it for almost half the price of a new 2020. Hard to turn that down.

Probably good timing. I’m sure they are clearing the decks for release of a step change version of the 12.9” this spring. So not a good time to spend big on the 2020.
 
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Ive used both. I bought the 2018 back when it came out. I got a 2020 version through work. The only differences I noticed were battery life of the 2020 was better. The magic keyboard drained My 2018 much faster when compared to the 2020, but that may have just been because its an older battery with reduced capacity. I do find the LIDAR useful in the 2020 for work in taking measurements over long distances (40+ ft). But to be honest, if I had to choose from scratch again, I wold still pick up the 2018 for cost savings alone. I haven’t noticed any performance differences between the two regarding practical use.
 
If you're looking for a cheap 12.9, check swappa. They got people constantly selling ipads there. I got a mint 2020 11" 256G cellular for $800 2 weeks ago.
 
I have a question, I can upgrade my 2015 gen 12.9.
I use my iPad for gaming and work. But my biggest pet peeve
is the lag when I play Madden Mobile 2021.
I know it’s the device because the brief time I had the Air4th Gen no lag.
Couldnt adjust to the smaller screen.
So my question is this; has anyone played Madden Mobile 2021 on a
Pro 12.9” 2018? If yes was there any lag?
Dont want to start a new thread if it’s not necessary thanks.
 
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I had a 2018 12.9" 1TB and sold it last summer because the storage was something I would never ever fill. I replaced it with a 2020 12.9"256GB in October. I could not tell the difference between the two. I sold the 1TB for $1,000 in July.
 
After much research and what I have read here. I’m going with the 2018 12.9” with 256 storage
for 199.00
 
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If I hadn’t dropped my 2018 12.9” in the parking lot after work, I doubt I would’ve upgraded. The screen became completely detached on the old one, but it still worked for a year…until the ribbon cable broke off. I’ve been thinking, if I get a usc to hdmi cable and a magic keyboard, I wonder if I could still use it…
 
Soba1 said:
After much research and what I have read here. I’m going with the 2018 12.9” with 256 storage
for 199.00
Click to expand...
Is this an April's fool, or some strange currency? Anything below $700 is an amazing deal if in good conditions... Under $500 it's either damaged or a scam...
 
I was able to purchase a 2018 11in iPad Pro 256gb for $460, off of OfferUp. Came with box, cable, charging brick and all the paperwork. And bought a 2020 12.9 iPad Pro 1tb cellular model last year for $900 on OfferUp with 10 months left on warranty. There are deals out there. Be careful of scammers. Last but not least, I got a 1tb 2018 iPad Pro 12.9 - cellular model for $680 at a pawn store after haggling...lol.
 
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Killbynumbers said:
I had a 2018 12.9" 1TB and sold it last summer because the storage was something I would never ever fill. I replaced it with a 2020 12.9"256GB in October. I could not tell the difference between the two. I sold the 1TB for $1,000 in July.
Click to expand...

Did you at least get some money out of it?
 
I forgot to add that my screen cracked on my old one so it’s an insurance replacement. I was going to wait til the 2021 came out but with all of the delay in the announce of the new one I decided to just replace it.
‘After using it this this is awesome, and they say graphics wise the Air4 no comparison to this.
remember running Madden Mobile 21 on the Air4 setting the graphics to ultra it didn’t work. I could run it at ultra on my phone but not on the Air4. The Pro 12.9” 18 I can run it al ultra almost as smooth on the phone. An Apple employee said it couldn’t be done on an IPad because of the refresh rate or whatever well they were wrong. .
I returned the Air4 because of the screen size and I didn’t like the keyboard. Constantly having to shift to numeric.
From the reviews I have seen on YouTube the 18 is slightly better. If you decide not to wait and go for the 20. It’s no slouch either.
I always have to have the newest the latest and greatest, this time I’m glad I didn’t follow protocol.
thanks for all of your input
 
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If you can get a 2018 model for a good price then I would go with that. There really isn't enough difference to warrant the higher price of the 2020 model unless you need liar and the wide angle camera on an iPad.
 
Shanghaichica said:
If you can get a 2018 model for a good price then I would go with that. There really isn't enough difference to warrant the higher price of the 2020 model unless you need liar and the wide angle camera on an iPad.
Click to expand...
I have last years Mac book pro 16inch iPhone 11pro max now this I’m good for a while. They 2021 better blow the 2018 performance wise out of the water. This thing is none too shabby.
 
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