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How the M1-powered iPad Pro compares to other iPad models

How the M1-powered iPad Pro compares to other iPad models

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Let’s compare the specs between all current iPad models

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iPad Pro 2021
iPad Pro 2021
Image: Apple

Apple has announced the next generation of its iPad Pro line. But most of the biggest changes for Apple’s flagship tablet are largely on the inside. The latest iPad Pros feature a new eight-core M1 processor; the same chip featured in the most recent model refreshes for the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Mac Mini, and the newly announced iMac.

Like last year, the iPad Pro comes in two sizes: 11 inches and 12.9 inches. The 12.9-inch model this year also includes a new Mini-LED screen, which Apple is branding as a “Liquid Retina XDR” display. The iPad Pro 2021 refreshes also include support for Thunderbolt 3 and USB 4, in addition to 5G connectivity. Both iPad Pros also feature a new 12-megapixel ultrawide camera that can automatically track you during video calls.

Of course, specs don’t always tell how much has changed between model refreshes. And it can be easy to presume, at first glance, that not much has changed — especially if you own a 2020 iPad Pro. If you want to see how both iPad Pro models with the M1 chip compare to the other three iPads Apple currently sells, along with the 2020 Pro models, take a look at the chart below.

iPad comparison April 2021

Category12.9-inch iPad Pro (2021)11-inch iPad Pro (2021)12.9-inch iPad Pro (2020)11-inch iPad Pro (2020)iPad Air (2020)iPad (2020)iPad mini (2019)
Screen type12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display11-inch Liquid Retina display12.9‑inch Liquid Retina display11‑inch Liquid Retina display10.9‑inch Liquid Retina display10.2-inch Retina display7.9-inch Retina display
Resolution2732 x 20482388 x 16682732 x 20482388 x 16682360 x 16402160 x 1620 2048 x 1536
Front camera12 megapixels12 megapixels7 megapixels7 megapixels7 megapixels1.2 megapixels7 megapixels
Rear camera12 megapixels (10-megapixel ultrawide)12 megapixels (10-megapixel ultrawide)12 megapixels (10-megapixel ultrawide)12 megapixels (10-megapixel ultrawide)12 megapixels8 megapixels8 megapixels
Stylus supportApple Pencil (2nd-gen)Apple Pencil (2nd-gen)Apple Pencil (2nd-gen)Apple Pencil (2nd-gen)Apple Pencil (2nd-gen)Apple Pencil (1st-gen)Apple Pencil (1st-gen)
Keyboard supportMagic Keyboard, Smart Keyboard Folio, and Bluetooth keyboardsMagic Keyboard, Smart Keyboard Folio, and Bluetooth keyboardsMagic Keyboard, Smart Keyboard Folio, and Bluetooth keyboardsMagic Keyboard, Smart Keyboard Folio, and Bluetooth keyboardsMagic Keyboard, Smart Keyboard Folio, and Bluetooth keyboardsSmart Keyboard (non-folio) and Bluetooth keyboardsOnly Bluetooth keyboards
PortThunderbolt / USB 4Thunderbolt / USB 4USB-CUSB-CUSB-CLightningLightning
ProcessorApple M1 chipApple M1 chipA12Z BionicA12Z BionicA14 BionicA12 BionicA12 Bionic
Storage128 / 256 / 512GB / 1 / 2TB128 / 256 / 512GB / 1 / 2TB128 / 256 / 512GB / 1TB128 / 256 / 512GB / 1TB64 / 256GB32 / 128GB64 / 256GB
Weight1.5 pounds (Wi-Fi) / 1.51 pounds (Wi-Fi + Cellular)1.03 pounds (Wi-Fi) / 1.04 pounds (Wi-Fi + Cellular)1.41 pounds1.04 pounds1 pound1.08 pounds0.68 pound
Price (Wi-Fi)$1,099 / $1,199 / $1,399 / $1,799 / $2,199$799 / $899 / $1,099 / $1,499 / $1,899$999 / $1,099 / $1,299 / $1,499 $799 / $899 / $1,099 / $1,299 $599 / $749$329 / $429$399 / $549
Price (Wi-Fi + Cellular)$1,299 / $1,399 / $1,599 / $1,999 / $2,399$999 / $1,099 / $1,299 / $1,699 / $2,099$1,149 / $1,249 / $1,449 / $1,649 $949 / $1,049 / $1,249 / $1,449$729 / $879$459 / $559$529 / $679
AuthenticationFace IDFace IDFace IDFace IDTouch ID built into power buttonTouch ID built into home buttonTouch ID built into home button
Battery life10 hours10 hours10 hours10 hours10 hours10 hours10 hours
Misc.LIDAR, ProMotion, Wi-Fi 6, 5G millimeter-wave, four-speaker system, no headphone jack LIDAR, ProMotion, Wi-Fi 6, 5G millimeter-wave, four-speaker system, no headphone jack LIDAR, ProMotion, True Tone, Wi-Fi 6, four-speaker system, no headphone jackLIDAR, ProMotion, True Tone, Wi-Fi 6, four-speaker system, no headphone jackTrue Tone, Wi-Fi 6, two-speaker system, no headphone jackTwo-speaker system, headphone jackTrue Tone, two-speaker system, Headphone jack

Update April 21st, 2021 5:45PM ET: Clarified iPad models by year of release.