IPad Pro Gen 2 Vs. Gen 3: Which IPad Is Right For You?

Hey everyone, are you trying to decide between the iPad Pro Gen 2 and Gen 3? Choosing the right iPad can feel like a tough call, especially with all the tech specs and features floating around. But don't worry, I'm here to break it all down for you. We'll dive into the nitty-gritty of each model, comparing their performance, displays, cameras, and overall value. By the end of this guide, you'll have a clear picture of which iPad Pro best suits your needs, whether you're a creative professional, a student, or just a casual user. Let's get started!

Unveiling the iPad Pro Gen 2: A Deep Dive

Design and Display

Let's kick things off with the iPad Pro Gen 2. Released in 2017, this iPad still holds its own, guys. The design is sleek, with a focus on functionality and a premium feel. You've got the familiar aluminum unibody that Apple is known for, offering a solid and durable build. The bezels around the display are noticeable, but they don't detract from the overall experience. The iPad Pro Gen 2 is available in both 10.5-inch and 12.9-inch screen sizes, giving you options depending on your portability needs and how much screen real estate you desire. The 10.5-inch model is great for those who want a balance between portability and screen size, while the 12.9-inch is perfect for creative work and consuming media. The display technology is where things get interesting. Apple introduced its ProMotion technology with the iPad Pro Gen 2. ProMotion boosts the refresh rate up to 120Hz, making everything from scrolling through web pages to playing games incredibly smooth. This is a huge upgrade from the standard 60Hz displays found in older iPads, leading to a much more responsive feel. Colors pop, blacks are deep, and the display is incredibly bright, making it easy to see in various lighting conditions. The screen also supports True Tone technology, which automatically adjusts the white balance to match the ambient lighting of your environment. This means the display looks more natural and easier on your eyes, especially during extended use. The iPad Pro Gen 2 display provides a fantastic viewing experience, with its vibrant colors, high brightness, and incredibly smooth ProMotion refresh rate. The design is timeless, and the build quality is top-notch. It's a device that still feels premium and modern even years after its release.

Performance and Specifications

Alright, let's talk about what's under the hood of the iPad Pro Gen 2. This model is powered by the A10X Fusion chip, which was a powerhouse in its time. The A10X Fusion chip delivers impressive performance, handling everything from everyday tasks to more demanding applications with ease. You can effortlessly browse the web, stream videos, edit photos, and play games without experiencing any lag or slowdown. The chip is paired with ample RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking and allowing you to switch between apps seamlessly. Apple has always been known for optimizing its hardware and software to work together, and the iPad Pro Gen 2 is no exception. The performance is optimized to provide a fast and responsive user experience. The iPad Pro Gen 2 handles graphically intensive games and creative apps with remarkable grace. Whether you're sketching in Procreate, editing videos in iMovie, or playing the latest games, the iPad Pro Gen 2 can keep up. The performance is still strong enough to handle most tasks that users throw at it today. The storage options varied, giving you choices based on your needs. The iPad Pro Gen 2 came in different storage configurations, allowing you to choose the amount of space that best suited your requirements. This means you could opt for more storage if you needed to store a lot of photos, videos, or other files directly on your device. The iPad Pro Gen 2 provides a compelling blend of speed and efficiency. Its powerful processor and optimized software provide a smooth and responsive user experience. If you are looking for an iPad for everyday tasks and casual gaming, the iPad Pro Gen 2 offers excellent performance and value.

Camera and Audio

Let's get into the camera and audio capabilities of the iPad Pro Gen 2. Although the camera might not be the primary focus for most iPad users, it is still a significant feature for taking photos, videos, and participating in video calls. The rear camera of the iPad Pro Gen 2 boasts a 12-megapixel sensor, capable of capturing high-quality photos and videos. It performs well in various lighting conditions, offering sharp and detailed images. The camera also supports features like Live Photos, allowing you to capture a short video along with your still photos. On the front, you'll find a 7-megapixel FaceTime HD camera. This is perfect for video calls and taking selfies. The front-facing camera delivers clear and crisp images, making your video calls look great. For audio, the iPad Pro Gen 2 shines with its quad-speaker system. This system provides a rich and immersive audio experience, whether you're watching movies, listening to music, or playing games. The speakers are strategically placed to deliver balanced sound throughout the room, creating an engaging audio experience. The iPad Pro Gen 2 excels in both photo and video capture. The rear camera captures excellent images, and the front camera is great for video calls. The quad-speaker system is a standout feature, providing an immersive audio experience. If you enjoy capturing photos and videos or appreciate high-quality audio, the iPad Pro Gen 2 delivers.

Exploring the iPad Pro Gen 3

Design and Display

Now, let's turn our attention to the iPad Pro Gen 3. Released in 2018, this iPad marks a significant design overhaul from its predecessor. The most immediately noticeable change is the reduction of the bezels around the display. This allows for a more immersive viewing experience and gives the iPad a more modern look. The iPad Pro Gen 3 completely eliminates the Home button, and the TrueDepth camera system is incorporated into the top bezel. The design is sleek, with flat edges and a premium feel. The iPad Pro Gen 3 offers a larger screen area within a similar footprint to its predecessors. You can choose from both 11-inch and 12.9-inch models, catering to different preferences and needs. Both models have Liquid Retina displays, which feature vibrant colors, high brightness, and excellent viewing angles. The display technology is top-notch, with the 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate delivering incredibly smooth performance. This ensures everything from scrolling through web pages to playing graphics-intensive games feels fluid and responsive. The display also supports True Tone technology, adjusting the white balance to match the ambient lighting of your environment. This ensures the display is easy on your eyes in various lighting conditions. The iPad Pro Gen 3 boasts a stunning display that provides an immersive and visually appealing experience. The reduced bezels and flat-edge design make the iPad Pro Gen 3 appear more modern and sleek than earlier models. If you prioritize a sleek design and expansive screen, the iPad Pro Gen 3 is a fantastic choice.

Performance and Specifications

Let's dive into the performance of the iPad Pro Gen 3. It is powered by the A12X Bionic chip, which is a major leap forward from the A10X Fusion chip found in the iPad Pro Gen 2. The A12X Bionic chip delivers blazing-fast performance. It effortlessly handles any task you throw at it, from basic web browsing to complex video editing. The chip provides a smooth and responsive user experience, even when multitasking with demanding apps. The A12X Bionic chip is paired with more RAM than its predecessor, allowing you to switch between apps and handle complex tasks without lag. This ensures that the iPad Pro Gen 3 stays responsive, even when running multiple applications. The graphics performance of the iPad Pro Gen 3 is outstanding. It can run graphically demanding games and handle complex creative apps with ease. The graphics performance is noticeably better than the iPad Pro Gen 2, making it a great choice for gaming and creative professionals. The iPad Pro Gen 3 offers improved performance, making it ideal for creative professionals and power users. This means you can handle complex tasks with ease, whether you're editing photos, rendering videos, or playing the latest games. The iPad Pro Gen 3 is built to handle the most demanding tasks with ease. The A12X Bionic chip delivers incredible performance, and the enhanced graphics capabilities ensure a smooth and responsive experience. The iPad Pro Gen 3 is a powerhouse of performance. It offers a significant performance upgrade over the iPad Pro Gen 2, making it an excellent choice for anyone who needs a fast and responsive device.

Camera and Audio

Now, let's talk about the camera and audio capabilities of the iPad Pro Gen 3. The rear camera on the iPad Pro Gen 3 boasts a 12-megapixel sensor, similar to the iPad Pro Gen 2, but with some improvements. The camera captures high-quality photos and videos. It performs well in various lighting conditions, with improved dynamic range and better low-light performance. The front-facing camera on the iPad Pro Gen 3 has been upgraded to a 7-megapixel TrueDepth camera. This camera is primarily used for Face ID, but it also captures high-quality photos and supports features like Portrait mode. The TrueDepth camera enables Face ID for unlocking the iPad, making it more secure and convenient. The iPad Pro Gen 3 offers a rich audio experience with its quad-speaker system. This system delivers immersive sound, perfect for watching movies, listening to music, and playing games. The speakers provide balanced audio and create a truly engaging experience. The iPad Pro Gen 3 features improvements in both photo and video capture. The rear camera captures high-quality photos, and the TrueDepth front-facing camera adds extra functionality. The quad-speaker system ensures a rich audio experience. If you appreciate great photo and video quality and a premium audio experience, the iPad Pro Gen 3 is an excellent choice.

iPad Pro Gen 2 vs. Gen 3: Comparison

Which iPad Pro Should You Choose?

For the Budget-Conscious

If you're operating on a budget, the iPad Pro Gen 2 can offer fantastic value. You'll still get access to a powerful tablet experience with a fantastic display and smooth performance. It's a great choice if you primarily use your iPad for web browsing, streaming, and light productivity tasks. The iPad Pro Gen 2 is a cost-effective option, particularly if you find a refurbished model. You'll get access to a powerful tablet without breaking the bank. The iPad Pro Gen 2 is also perfect for students or casual users. If you don't need the latest and greatest features, the iPad Pro Gen 2 is a great choice.

For Performance and Features

If you want the best performance and the latest features, the iPad Pro Gen 3 is the clear winner. The A12X Bionic chip provides a significant performance boost, making it ideal for creative professionals, gamers, and power users. You get a more modern design, improved display quality, and enhanced features like Face ID. The iPad Pro Gen 3 offers the latest technology and the best overall experience. The improved performance means you can handle more demanding tasks with ease. The TrueDepth camera adds more functionality and convenience. If you want the best experience possible, go for the iPad Pro Gen 3.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: Which iPad has a better processor?
  • A: The iPad Pro Gen 3 has a better processor. It is equipped with the A12X Bionic chip, which is a major upgrade from the A10X Fusion chip found in the iPad Pro Gen 2.
• Q: Does the iPad Pro Gen 2 support the Apple Pencil?
  • A: Yes, the iPad Pro Gen 2 supports the first-generation Apple Pencil.
• Q: Does the iPad Pro Gen 3 support the Apple Pencil?
  • A: Yes, the iPad Pro Gen 3 supports the second-generation Apple Pencil.
• Q: Which iPad has a better display?
  • A: Both iPads have great displays with 120Hz ProMotion technology, but the iPad Pro Gen 3 has a more immersive display due to the reduced bezels and a more modern design.
• Q: Is the iPad Pro Gen 3 worth the upgrade?
  • A: If you need the best performance, the latest features, and a modern design, the iPad Pro Gen 3 is worth the upgrade. However, the iPad Pro Gen 2 still offers great value for casual users.

Conclusion

Choosing between the iPad Pro Gen 2 and Gen 3 depends on your specific needs and budget. The iPad Pro Gen 2 offers excellent value, with a powerful processor, a great display, and a premium design, while the iPad Pro Gen 3 is the top-of-the-line with a significant performance boost, a more modern design, and added features. I hope this comparison has helped you make an informed decision! Happy shopping, guys!