Every year, Apple releases a new generation of iPad Pros. And every year, those who own the previous generation are left wondering whether or not the new one is worth the upgrade. If you're on the fence about upgrading your iPad Pro from the 2021 to the 2022 model, this buyer's guide is for you. If you are one of the iPad Pro owners or anyone considering purchasing an iPad Pro, this comparism is for you.
We'll weigh the pros and cons of upgrading so you can make an informed decision.
New Features in the iPad Pro 2022
Let's start with what's new in the iPad Pro 2022. First and foremost, there's a new M1 chip powering the device. This chip is significantly faster than its predecessor and offers improved battery life to boot.
In addition, there are now 12GB and 16GB RAM options (up from 8GB and 16GB in the 2021 model). The camera has also been upgraded, with a new ultrawide sensor that promises better low-light performance.
Finally, there are three new storage options: 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB (up from 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB in the 2021 model). So what does all of this mean for you? Let's break it down.
M1 Chip
The M1 chip powering the iPad Pro 2022 is a definite game-changer. It offers significant speed improvements over its predecessor while using less battery power. If you're someone who relies heavily on their iPad Pro for work or school, these speed improvements could be invaluable.
The increased RAM options are also worth mentioning; if you frequently find yourself running out of RAM on your current iPad Pro, opting for one of the new models with more RAM could be a good idea.
Camera
The camera upgrades are less significant than the M1 chip, but they're still worth considering if you're a photography enthusiast or if you often use your iPad Pro to take pictures and videos. The new ultrawide sensor promises better low-light performance, which could be helpful if you frequently find yourself taking pictures in dimly lit environments.
Storage
The storage increase might not seem like much at first glance, but it's actually quite significant. If you frequently find yourself running out of storage space on your current iPad Pro—or if you simply want to future-proof your device—opting for one of the new models with more storage might be a good idea.
The increased storage options could also come in handy if you plan on using your iPad Pro for more memory-intensive tasks like video editing or gaming.
iPad Pro 2022 vs. iPad Pro 2021 Specs
| Apple iPad Pro (2022) | Apple iPad Pro (2021) | |
| Size | 11-inch: 247.6 x 178.5 x 5.9mm (9.75 x 7.03 x 0.23 inches)
12.9-inch: 280.6 x 214.9 x 6.4mm (11.05 x 8.46 x 0.25 inches) | 11-inch: 247.6 x 178.5 x 5.9mm (9.75 x 7.03 x 0.23 inches)
12.9-inch: 280.6 x 214.9 x 6.4mm (11.05 x 8.46 x 0.25 inches) |
| Weight | 11-inch: 466 grams (1.03 pounds)
12.9-inch: 682 grams (1.5 pounds) | 11-inch: 466 grams (1.03 pounds)
12.9-inch: 682 grams (1.5 pounds) |
| Screen | 11-inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD
12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED LCD | 11-inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD
12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED LCD |
| Screen resolution | 11-inch: 1688 x 2388 pixels (265 pixels per inch)
12.9-inch: 2048 x 2732 pixels (265 pixels per inch) | 11-inch: 1688 x 2388 pixels (265 pixels per inch)
12.9-inch: 2048 x 2732 pixels (265 pixels per inch) |
| Operating system | iPadOS 16 | iPadOS 16 |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB |
| MicroSD card slot | No | No |
| Processor | Apple M2 | Apple M1 |
| RAM | 8GB, 16GB | 8GB, 16GB |
| Camera | Dual 12-megapixel and 10MP ultrawide, LiDAR, 12MP ultrawide front | Dual 12MP and 10MP ultrawide, LiDAR, 12MP ultrawide front |
| Video | 4K at 60 fps, 1080p at 240 fps | 4K at 60 fps, 1080p at 240 fps |
| Bluetooth version | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Ports | USB-C | USB-C |
| Fingerprint sensor | No, Face ID | No, Face ID |
| Water resistance | No | No |
| Battery | 11-inch: 7,538mAh, fast charging (18W)
12.9-inch: 10,758mAh, fast charging (18W) | 11-inch: 7,538mAh, fast charging (18W)
12.9-inch: 10,758mAh, fast charging (18W) |
| App marketplace | Apple App Store | Apple App Store |
| Network support | AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon (Cellular models only) | AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon (Cellular models only) |
| Colors | Silver, Space Gray | Silver, Space Gray |
| Price | 11-inch: $800+
12.9-inch: $1,000+ | 11-inch: $800+
12.9-inch: $1,000+ |
Should You Upgrade to the iPad Pro 2022?
Now that we've gone over what's new in the iPad Pro 2022, let's talk about whether or not upgrading is worth it. If you're someone who relies heavily on their iPad Pro for work or school—or if you simply want the fastest and most powerful tablet on the market—then upgrading to the latest model is probably a good idea.
However, if you don't need the extra speed and power—or if you don't think you'll make use of the new features—then sticking with your current iPad Pro might be a better option. Ultimately, the decision comes down to how much you value speed and power vs. features like an improved camera or more storage space.
Thanks for reading! We hope this buyer's guide has helped you decide whether or not upgrading to the iPad Pro 2022 is right for you.
