All iPads iPad 7 10.2" + iPad Pro 10.5" with Apple Smart Keyboards side by side (Pic!)

[EugW]

Can you tell which is which? You can tell just from the pic, but even side-by-side they look awfully similar.
One is an iPad 10.2" LTE model with 128 GB, and the other is an iPad Pro 10.5" WiFi model with 64 GB.

Weight and size: I don't know if the actually notice a weight difference, but the iPad 7 definitely feels thicker. It's quite noticeable, and much more so than I expected.

CPU: A10 feels a tad slower. The iPad 7 is more than adequate for most people for basic usage, but the Pro feels faster, esp. when compared next to it.

RAM: For basic usage they feel pretty much the same. iPad 7 is 3 GB and iPad Pro is 4 GB. I think 3 GB is the sweet spot for the average user.

Speakers: Worse quality on the iPad 7, and in landscape mode the sound only come out from the right side, which is really annoying. Sound is much better on the iPad Pro. Totally different league.

Laminated screen: Typing on the iPad 7 screen gives this sort of hollow feel to it. No such feel on the iPad Pro, and it feels closer to the finger. It's a noticeable difference.

WCG TrueTone screen: Missing on the iPad 7. I really like these features on the iPad Pro.

ProMotion: I don't miss it on the iPad 7. The much smoother scrolling the iPad Pro is quite nice, but I can easily live without it. It's not as if I try to read Safari pages while they're scrolling.

Cameras: Haven't tested them yet, but I suspect they kinda suck on the iPad 7, judging by its era. The camera in the iPad Pro 10.5" is quite decent, same as iPhone 7. OTOH, there is a big camera bump on the iPad Pro. Mind you the camera bump doesn't matter to me for the iPad Pro since I have a back case on it, so I don't notice the camera bump when I lay it on the table.

 

[rui no onna]

Is that 10.2 for the kids? Given the Pro 10.5 was white, the bezels were a dead giveaway.

My dad's getting the iPad 10.2 128GB LTE ($460) + case + screen protector. I had been considering the Pro 10.5 or Air 3 64GB LTE ($530) but he can be a bit careless so in his case I figured the chunkier the better. Thinner iPads just feel a touch more delicate.

On iPads with non-laminated display, I noticed adding a tempered glass screen protector has helped soften the hollow tapping noise. No keyboard. He prefers using the iPad as a tablet/slate.

Should be more than sufficient for iCloud Photos, FaceTime, Facebook, YouTube and forums.

 

[EugW]

10.2” is for the wife. We have tons of data for tethering but she never does it. So I capitulated and got her an LTE iPad. Fortunately, the cost is relatively low.

The kids have our hand me down iPad Air 2s.

BTW, in terms of screen width (landscape mode) I usually don’t notice the difference when surfing. However, I notice the difference between the 10.5” and 9.7”.

 

[rui no onna]

Yeah, non-techies are better off getting the LTE built-in. Tried teaching my parents how to tether their iPads to their iPhones but it just never took. They probably found it to be too much hassle.

I'm sure your wife will enjoy her new iPad.

 

[Richard8655]

Yeah, non-techies are better off getting the LTE built-in. Tried teaching my parents how to tether their iPads to their iPhones but it just never took. They probably found it to be too much hassle.

I'm sure your wife will enjoy her new iPad.

Ya think so? I've never had a cellular iPad and never missed it, while considering myself somewhat of a techie. To me, WiFi is all I need even when travelling. My iPhone takes care of my calling needs. I find enough free hotspots in the city for data needs when travelling.

I've also never really missed owning any of the laminated Pro models, as I felt the added cost never justified the display differences, at least not significantly to me.

 

[rui no onna]

Ya think so? I've never had a cellular iPad and never missed it, while considering myself somewhat of a techie. To me, WiFi is all I need even when travelling. My iPhone takes care of my calling needs. I find enough free hotspots in the city for data needs when travelling.

Built-in always-on internet is easier for non-techies. Just unlock the iPad and it's good to go.

Having to connect to a wifi hotspot and maybe go through a captive portal adds extra friction. To be honest, I think my parents have forgotten how to even go to wifi settings. Need to teach them again so they can connect to hotel wifi for their upcoming trip (Philippines and last time I visited, free wifi is very spotty and unreliable).

 

[Populus]

Yeah but with iOS 13, supposedly, it should be even smoother, easier, to seamlessly share the cellular connection, right? Unless that has any bugs as well 😅

I ask because I haven’t updated my iPhone to iOS 13, so I usually share the connection manually (even that way is pretty easy), but I read on the iOS 13 specs that sharing via hot spot connection your data connection to your devices would be automatic on iOS 13 / Catalina.

I always buy WiFi versions, and then, if I need to share the connection of my iPhone to my MacBook or my iPad (outside my house), I do it.

 

[EugW]

Yeah but with iOS 13, supposedly, it should be even smoother, easier, to seamlessly share the cellular connection, right? Unless that has any bugs as well 😅

I ask because I haven’t updated my iPhone to iOS 13, so I usually share the connection manually (even that way is pretty easy), but I read on the iOS 13 specs that sharing via hot spot connection your data connection to your devices would be automatic on iOS 13 / Catalina.

I always buy WiFi versions, and then, if I need to share the connection of my iPhone to my MacBook or my iPad, I do it.

Unfortunately, automatic hotspot and persistent hotspot still don’t work as advertised. You still have to manually connect most of the time.

In fact, in 13.0 hotspot was flaky, even when manually connected. Didn’t consistently connect. In 13.3 it now connects consistently manually, but automatic connection usually doesn’t work. It’s too bad, since this was one of my most desired features in iOS 13, but on this front, Apple so far has simply failed to deliver. I don’t know why either. I would have guessed this wouldn’t be that hard to implement but I guess I am mistaken.

BTW, if they finally do get this to work consistently, I’ll probably cancel my wife’s data plan, and when I upgrade my iPad Pro, I’d just get the WiFi model. Otherwise if automatic hotspot still doesn’t work by the new iPad Pros arrive, I’d consider the 5G 2020 iPad Pro model for convenience.

The other practical issue is that tethering off the iPhone really kills the iPhone battery.

 

[rui no onna]

Yeah but with iOS 13, supposedly, it should be even smoother, easier, to seamlessly share the cellular connection, right? Unless that has any bugs as well 😅

I ask because I haven’t updated my iPhone to iOS 13, so I usually share the connection manually (even that way is pretty easy), but I read on the iOS 13 specs that sharing via hot spot connection your data connection to your devices would be automatic on iOS 13 / Catalina.

That's bound to be at the expense of battery life. Mom has a 3-yr old iPhone SE. Dad has a 3-yr old iPhone 7. They don't exactly have battery life to spare. 😅

 

[Richard8655]

Built-in always-on internet is easier for non-techies. Just unlock the iPad and it's good to go.

Having to connect to a wifi hotspot and maybe go through a captive portal adds extra friction. To be honest, I think my parents have forgotten how to even go to wifi settings. Need to teach them again so they can connect to hotel wifi for their upcoming trip (Philippines and last time I visited, free wifi is very spotty and unreliable).

Yeah, I think I meant for either techie or non-techie. But I don't think it's all that hard to connect to a hot spot. But if someone is really uncomfortable with any aspect of settings and how they work, then I see your point. Also agree about many countries with remote regions such as Philippines, unless in major cities like Manila.

 

[rui no onna]

Yeah, I think I meant for either techie or non-techie. But I don't think it's all that hard to connect to a hot spot. But if someone is really uncomfortable with any aspect of settings and how they work, then I see your point. Also agree about many countries with remote regions such as Philippines, unless in major cities like Manila.

Even in Manila, wifi's not all that ubiquitous and oftentimes can be painfully slow. 😅

Plus there's the security concern and I don't think your average non-techie uses VPNs.

 

[AutomaticApple]

Cameras: Haven't tested them yet, but I suspect they kinda suck on the iPad 7, judging by its era. The camera in the iPad Pro 10.5" is quite decent, same as iPhone 7.

I think the 2nd generation iPad Pro has the same camera that's on the iPhone 6S, not the iPhone 7.

 

[EugW]

I think the 2nd generation iPad Pro has the same camera that's on the iPhone 6S, not the iPhone 7.

The 2nd gen iPad Pro has the same 12 Megapixel camera as the iPhone 7, with optical image stabilization too.

Fun fact, the 3rd generation iPad Pro loses OIS. Only the 2nd gen has it.

 

[AutomaticApple]

Fun fact, the 3rd generation iPad Pro loses OIS. Only the 2nd gen has it.

Wait, what? It doesn't have the same camera that's on the iPhone XR? Only the 2nd generation iPad Pro has optical image stabilization? Why?

 

[rui no onna]

In fact, in 13.0 hotspot was flaky, even when manually connected. Didn’t consistently connect. In 13.3 it now connects consistently manually, but automatic connection usually doesn’t work. It’s too bad, since this was one of my most desired features in iOS 13, but on this front, Apple so far has simply failed to deliver. I don’t know why either. I would have guessed this wouldn’t be that hard to implement but I guess I am mistaken.

Argh. Just tried using the 2nd gen Pro 12.9 iPadOS 13.2.3 as wifi hotspot for my Windows laptop and the wifi hotspot keeps turning itself off. Thankfully, my phone is still on iOS 12 so the laptop could connect to that. Would just need to keep the phone plugged in the entire day. *sigh*

 

[Richard8655]

Even in Manila, wifi's not all that ubiquitous and oftentimes can be painfully slow. 😅

Plus there's the security concern and I don't think your average non-techie uses VPNs.

I'd just add that aside from underdeveloped countries and regions, most larger cities in developed countries have plenty of hotspots to connect Wifi-only devices. This availability trend is growing more and more, and it's pretty easy to understand how to connect.

But I agree if someone needs constant data connection without bothering with finding hotspots, and if the cost is not an issue, they yes it may be worth an LTE version. But the point is that it's not an absolute requirement if you want to save some money on an iPad purchase.

 

[EugW]

It's too bad that the new iPad didn't include A11. As much as I was impressed with the decent performance of the A10 in the iPad 7, it's still at the point now where the slower performance can be noticed. Again, it's probably not going to be an issue for my wife for quite some time to come, but still...

BTW, I just ordered a new old iPhone for a family member who has a limited budget. I struggled between getting her the iPhone 7 - $0 with CAD$200 bill credit, or iPhone 8 - $120 with CAD$200 bill credit. In the end I chose the iPhone 8 because of the faster SoC and because it has wireless charging, but I wonder if I might have been better off just going with the iPhone 7. It really pained me to get the iPhone 8 though with its 2 GB RAM. Unfortunately, the Plus models were not available, and the XR, XS, 11, and 11 Pro were far out of her budget.

 

[AutomaticApple]

It's too bad that the new iPad didn't include A11. As much as I was impressed with the decent performance of the A10 in the iPad 7, it's still at the point now where the slower performance can be noticed. Again, it's probably not going to be an issue for my wife for quite some time to come, but still...

BTW, I just ordered a new old iPhone for a family member who has a limited budget. I struggled between getting her the iPhone 7 - $0 with CAD$200 bill credit, or iPhone 8 - $120 with CAD$200 bill credit. In the end I chose the iPhone 8 because of the faster SoC and because it has wireless charging, but I wonder if I might have been better off just going with the iPhone 7. It really pained me to get the iPhone 8 though with its 2 GB RAM. Unfortunately, the Plus models were not available, and the XR, XS, 11, and 11 Pro were far out of her budget.

You could've given her your iPhone 7 Plus and kept the iPhone 8.

 

[EugW]

You could've given her your iPhone 7 Plus and kept the iPhone 8.

? Why would I trade my 7 Plus for an 8 non-Plus? That's quite the downgrade in so many ways.

It's not my immediate family BTW. It's an in-law that lives in another city.

 

[AutomaticApple]

? Why would I trade my 7 Plus for an 8 non-Plus? That's quite the downgrade in so many ways.

It's not my immediate family BTW. It's an in-law that lives in another city.

It's all a matter of perspective.

Frolic intensifies...

 

[Mainsail]

I think it really depends on what you want to do with your iPad. I just got the base iPad 7th gen on sale at BB for $250. I use it without any accessories besides a cheap tri-fold case. This is a secondary device, since I have a 2019 MBA as my primary computer for working on documents and the like.

So far, I think it is great. I wanted something simple and inexpensive to take on vacation, use on the couch, or take to the coffee shop. I can actually be productive with it as well.....reviewing documents, answering emails, etc.. Finally, I really like having a device for reading books when traveling.

As for the A10 processor, it isn’t an issue for me. For years, the iPad processors have considerably outdistanced the software. I think it was more important that Apple increased the RAM on this base iPad from 2 to 3 GB. I think this makes multitasking a smoother and better experience.

 

[EugW]

I posted part of this in the hotspot thread, but it applies here so I’ll mention it here too.

I was taking the train to visit family, and I was using my iPad Pro 10.5” tethered to my iPhone. Honestly, I think I’d prefer the LTE iPad 7 over iPad Pro 10.5” tethered on the train, but I prefer the iPad Pro overall of course, so my next purchase might just have to be a 5G iPad Pro. The main problem is that tethering isn’t automatic like it’s supposed to be. On the iPad Pro if I leave it long enough, I will lose the connection and have to manually connect. The other problem is that it is really hard on the iPhone’s battery life.

However, as mentioned, the iPad Pro is noticeably more snappy than the iPad 7. I’ve had more time to use the various machines side-by-side over the holidays and again, the iPad 7 is no slouch, and is more than sufficient for surfing in terms of performance, but the iPad Pro simply feels more responsive. A good analogy for surfing performance is that the iPad 7 feels like my 2017 Core m3-7Y32 MacBook (16 GB RAM). Not super fast, but more than usable, and I have no intention of upgrading my MacBook anytime soon. However, a recent MacBook Pro does feel faster than the MacBook. BTW, I felt the 2015 m3 equivalent MacBook was sometimes sluggish, more so than the iPad 7, but the 2017 m3 MacBook is decent, and interestingly, all this seems to follow the Geekbench scores:

Geekbench 4
5000: 2015 MacBook Core M 5Y31
7200: 2017 MacBook Core m3-7Y32
6000: iPad 7th generation
9500: iPad Pro 2nd generation

Geekbench 5
1160: 2015 MacBook Core M 5Y31
1650: 2017 MacBook Core m3-7Y32
1430: iPad 7th generation
2300: iPad Pro 2nd generation

In addition, after I upgraded my family member from an iPhone 6s to an iPhone 8 I decided to use the iPhone 6s for half a day, to compare against the A10 iPad 7 and my A10 iPhone 7 Plus. Honestly, the iPhone 6s with its A9 felt even speedier for surfing than the iPad 7 with A10, but that’s because the iPhone 6s was limited to mobile websites. It’s fast because it doesn’t need to do anywhere near as much. So, not really much of a comparison. It reinforced that the A11 iPhone 8 upgrade was probably unnecessary, and the cheaper A10 iPhone 7 would have sufficed in terms of performance. (She needed something since the 6s has a speaker issue.) The main advantage of the iPhone 8 over the iPhone 7 was the bigger base storage (although she probably wouldn’t need it) and the wireless charging (which she really likes).

 

[1BadManVan]

I posted part of this in the hotspot thread, but it applies here so I’ll mention it here too.

I was taking the train to visit family, and I was using my iPad Pro 10.5” tethered to my iPhone. Honestly, I think I’d prefer the LTE iPad 7 over iPad Pro 10.5” tethered on the train, but I prefer the iPad Pro overall of course, so my next purchase might just have to be a 5G iPad Pro. The main problem is that tethering isn’t automatic like it’s supposed to be. On the iPad Pro if I leave it long enough, I will lose the connection and have to manually connect. The other problem is that it is really hard on the iPhone’s battery life.

However, as mentioned, the iPad Pro is noticeably more snappy than the iPad 7. I’ve had more time to use the various machines side-by-side over the holidays and again, the iPad 7 is no slouch, and is more than sufficient for surfing in terms of performance, but the iPad Pro simply feels more responsive. A good analogy for surfing performance is that the iPad 7 feels like my 2017 Core m3-7Y32 MacBook (16 GB RAM). Not super fast, but more than usable, and I have no intention of upgrading my MacBook anytime soon. However, a recent MacBook Pro does feel faster than the MacBook. BTW, I felt the 2015 m3 equivalent MacBook was sometimes sluggish, more so than the iPad 7, but the 2017 m3 MacBook is decent, and interestingly, all this seems to follow the Geekbench scores:

Geekbench 4
5000: 2015 MacBook Core M 5Y31
7200: 2017 MacBook Core m3-7Y32
6000: iPad 7th generation
9500: iPad Pro 2nd generation

Geekbench 5
1160: 2015 MacBook Core M 5Y31
1650: 2017 MacBook Core m3-7Y32
1430: iPad 7th generation
2300: iPad Pro 2nd generation

In addition, after I upgraded my family member from an iPhone 6s to an iPhone 8 I decided to use the iPhone 6s for half a day, to compare against the A10 iPad 7 and my A10 iPhone 7 Plus. Honestly, the iPhone 6s with its A9 felt even speedier for surfing than the iPad 7 with A10, but that’s because the iPhone 6s was limited to mobile websites. It’s fast because it doesn’t need to do anywhere near as much. So, not really much of a comparison. It reinforced that the A11 iPhone 8 upgrade was probably unnecessary, and the cheaper A10 iPhone 7 would have sufficed in terms of performance. (She needed something since the 6s has a speaker issue.) The main advantage of the iPhone 8 over the iPhone 7 was the bigger base storage (although she probably wouldn’t need it) and the wireless charging (which she really likes).

If it helps you feel better, the camera on the iPhone 8 is a decent upgrade, and the A11 processor is actually a fairly significant upgrade over the A10.
I know ram is a big factor as well but the soc will still help future proof it more.

In regards to the LTE iPad convenience, it’s huge, all iPads in my household are LTE models and it’s proven its worth many times on mine and my kids have already been able to take advantage of the benefits as well.

 

[EugW]

BTW, I brought the MacBook 29 W USB-C charger, and paired it with a USB-C to Lightning cable to charge my iDevices. It charges the iPad Pro 10.5 significantly faster. It makes no difference on my kid’s iPad Air 2 though. I have not tried the iPad 7 yet, but my guess is won’t benefit from the 29 W charger. Anyone try a higher capacity charger with the iPad 7 yet?

On another trip, I did the reverse. I brought a 12 Watt iPad USB-A charger with appropriate cables to charge both my iPad Pro and USB-C MacBook. It worked for both, but the MacBook took a long time to charge.

 

[rui no onna]

BTW, I bought the MacBook 29 W USB-C charger, and paired it with a USB-C to Lightning cable to charge my iDevices. It charges the iPad Pro 10.5 significantly faster. It makes no difference on my kid’s iPad Air 2 though. I have not tried the iPad 7 yet, but my guess is won’t benefit from the 29 W charger. Anyone try a higher capacity charger with the iPad 7 yet?

USB-C PD charges the iPad 7 at 15W instead of the normal 12W. As you can guess though, that has pretty negligible effect on charging time.
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In addition, after I upgraded my family member from an iPhone 6s to an iPhone 8 I decided to use the iPhone 6s for half a day, to compare against the A10 iPad 7 and my A10 iPhone 7 Plus. Honestly, the iPhone 6s with its A9 felt even speedier for surfing than the iPad 7 with A10, but that’s because the iPhone 6s was limited to mobile websites. It’s fast because it doesn’t need to do anywhere near as much. So, not really much of a comparison.

Interesting thing is I've found the A9/2GB iPad 5 faster than the A10/2GB iPad 6 sometimes while doing side by side comparison. I'm guessing the A10 may not be switching to the faster cores all the time and in those cases, A9 cores > A10 low power cores.

There's also the graphics to consider. Indeed, from iPad 3 to iPad Air, GPU appears to be a major bottleneck for UI responsiveness.

The iPhone 6s is merely 1334*750 (~1 million pixels).

The iPad 7 is 2160*1620 (~3.5 million pixels).