iPad vs iPad Pro – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

iPad & iPad Pro share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the iPad Pro rather than the iPad. 

Why Do I Recommend The iPad Pro

  • The iPad Pro has an advanced M4 chip for faster performance, efficient multitasking, and pro-level creative workflows, compared to the iPad 10’s A14 chip.
  • iPad Pro features a Tandem OLED Ultra Retina display for richer colors, deeper blacks, smoother 120Hz refresh rate, and HDR/XDR support, compared to the iPad 10’s standard LCD screen.
  • It supports up to 16GB of RAM for improved app switching, advanced multitasking, and better performance with large files, compared to the iPad 10’s 4GB RAM.
  • The iPad Pro includes Face ID for faster and more secure unlocking and authentication, compared to the iPad 10’s Touch ID.
  • iPad Pro uses a 4-speaker audio system for spatial, immersive sound quality in any orientation, compared to the iPad 10’s dual-speaker system.
  • It supports the new Apple Pencil Pro for enhanced creative control with features like barrel roll and squeeze gestures, compared to basic Apple Pencil (USB-C) support on the iPad 10.
  • The iPad Pro includes Thunderbolt / USB 4 support for faster data transfer and compatibility with high-performance accessories, compared to the iPad 10’s standard USB-C port.
  • iPad Pro features a LiDAR Scanner for advanced AR capabilities and improved depth sensing, which the iPad 10 lacks entirely.

Maybe the iPad price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the iPad Pro. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

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Side By Side Comparison

FeatureiPad ProiPad
ChipsetApple M4 chipApple A14 Bionic chip
GPU10-core GPU4-core GPU
RAM8GB, 16GB4GB
Storage Options256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB64GB, 256GB
Display TypeUltra Retina Tandem OLEDLiquid Retina IPS LCD
Display Refresh Rate120Hz ProMotion60Hz standard
HDR SupportHDR10, Dolby Vision, XDRNo HDR support
Display Brightness1000 nits (SDR), 1600 nits (HDR)500 nits
Display Sizes11-inch, 13-inch10.9-inch
Contrast Ratio2,000,000:11,400:1 (typical LCD)
Face IDYesNo
Front Camera PlacementLandscape 12MP Ultra WideLandscape 12MP Ultra Wide
Rear Camera12MP Wide + LiDAR Scanner12MP Wide
Rear FlashAdaptive True Tone flashStandard LED flash
AR SupportEnhancedBasic
Video FeaturesProRes, Extended Dynamic RangeNo ProRes or XDR
Audio System4-speaker audio system2-speaker landscape system
MicrophonesStudio-quality 5-mic arrayDual mics
USB-C TypeUSB-C with Thunderbolt / USB 4USB-C only
Apple Pencil CompatibilityApple Pencil Pro, Apple Pencil (USB-C)Apple Pencil (USB-C only)
Keyboard SupportMagic KeyboardMagic Keyboard Folio
Operating SystemiPadOS 17iPadOS 16+
Material100% recycled aluminum with nano-texture optionRecycled aluminum
Thickness5.3mm (11”), 5.1mm (13”)7.0mm
Weight444g (11”), 579g (13”)477g
Wi-Fi VersionWi‑Fi 6EWi‑Fi 6
PriceCheck iPad Pro PriceCheck iPad Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Operating System (iPadOS): Both iPads run iPadOS, enabling multitasking, Split View, Stage Manager (on supported models), Apple Pencil support, and access to the App Store’s wide tablet-optimized ecosystem.
  • Front Camera: Both feature a 12MP Ultra Wide front camera placed on the landscape edge, making video calls more natural in horizontal orientation — great for FaceTime and Zoom.
  • Rear Camera: Each model includes a 12MP rear wide camera capable of taking sharp photos and recording 4K videos, suitable for casual photography and document scanning.
  • Video Recording (4K 60fps): Both iPads can record video in 4K at 60fps, offering high-quality content creation regardless of the model.
  • Apple Pencil USB-C Support: Both support the USB-C Apple Pencil, enabling note-taking, sketching, and markup features in compatible apps.
  • Wi-Fi Connectivity: Both support high-speed wireless connections (Wi‑Fi 6 or newer), ensuring fast downloads, streaming, and browsing.
  • 5G Cellular Option: Both offer optional 5G models for high-speed mobile connectivity, ideal for on-the-go professionals or students.
  • USB-C Port: Each model uses a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, ensuring broad accessory compatibility and future-proof design.
  • Battery Life: Despite performance differences, both devices offer up to 10 hours of Wi-Fi-based web browsing or video playback — ideal for all-day use.
  • Fast Charging Support: Both support USB-C fast charging when used with a compatible 20W+ power adapter, reducing downtime.
  • Bluetooth: Both models feature Bluetooth 5.x for seamless connections with wireless keyboards, headphones, and accessories.
  • Landscape Camera Orientation: The front cameras are placed on the longer side of the tablet for better positioning during landscape video calls.
  • iCloud & Apple Services Support: Both support Apple’s full ecosystem, including iCloud, Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, and Family Sharing.
  • Touchscreen: Both have multi-touch capacitive touchscreens with gesture support for fluid and intuitive navigation.
  • Siri Integration: Both iPads offer full Siri functionality for hands-free assistance, smart commands, and dictation features.

Common Features

FeatureiPad ProiPad
Operating SystemiPadOSiPadOS
Front Camera12MP Ultra Wide12MP Ultra Wide
Rear Camera12MP Wide12MP Wide
Video Recording4K at 60fps4K at 60fps
Apple Pencil (USB-C)SupportedSupported
Wi-Fi ConnectivityWi‑Fi 6EWi‑Fi 6
5G OptionAvailableAvailable
USB-C PortYesYes
Battery LifeUp to 10 hours Wi-Fi/web usageUp to 10 hours Wi-Fi/web usage
Fast Charging SupportYesYes
BluetoothBluetooth 5.xBluetooth 5.x
Landscape CameraYesYes
iCloud & Apple ServicesSupportedSupported
TouchscreenMulti-touch capacitiveMulti-touch capacitive
Siri IntegrationYesYes
Price Check iPad Pro Price Check iPad Price

FAQ

Does the iPad Pro have a better processor than the iPad 10?
Yes, the iPad Pro features Apple’s latest M4 chip, offering significantly faster performance and better efficiency compared to the older A14 Bionic chip in the iPad 10.

Can both iPad Pro and iPad 10 use the Apple Pencil?
Yes, both models support the Apple Pencil with USB-C. However, only the iPad Pro supports the new Apple Pencil Pro with advanced features like squeeze gestures and barrel roll.

Is there a difference in screen quality between the two models?
Yes, the iPad Pro uses a Tandem OLED display with higher brightness, contrast, and refresh rate (120Hz ProMotion), while the iPad 10 has a basic 60Hz LCD screen without HDR support.

Do both iPads support 5G connectivity?
Yes, both the iPad Pro and iPad 10 offer optional 5G cellular models for fast mobile data access.

Which iPad is better for video editing and creative work?
The iPad Pro is better suited for video editing and creative tasks due to its M4 chip, higher RAM, ProRes video support, and superior display quality.

Do they both have the same rear camera?
Both have a 12MP wide rear camera, but the iPad Pro also includes a LiDAR scanner for depth sensing and enhanced AR experiences.

What’s the difference in audio quality between the two models?
The iPad Pro has a 4-speaker audio system for richer sound, while the iPad 10 has a 2-speaker system designed for landscape orientation.

Can I use the same accessories with both iPads?
Some accessories like USB-C chargers and the USB-C Apple Pencil are compatible with both. However, Magic Keyboards differ; the iPad Pro uses the newer Magic Keyboard, while the iPad 10 supports the Magic Keyboard Folio.

Do both models have landscape-oriented front cameras?
Yes, both iPads feature a 12MP Ultra Wide front camera placed on the landscape edge for improved video calling.

Which iPad is lighter and thinner?
The iPad Pro is both thinner and lighter, especially the 11-inch model, making it more portable despite having more powerful hardware.

Do both support fast charging?
Yes, both iPads support fast charging through the USB-C port when using a compatible 20W or higher power adapter.

Can I play the same games and apps on both iPads?
Yes, both models run iPadOS and support the same App Store apps and games, though the iPad Pro will run more demanding apps more smoothly.

Is there any difference in Face ID or Touch ID?
The iPad Pro uses Face ID for secure authentication, while the iPad 10 uses Touch ID integrated into the power button.

Which one is better for students or casual users?
The iPad 10 is better suited for students and casual users due to its lower price and sufficient performance for daily tasks like browsing, note-taking, and streaming.

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