Performance is improved even further by the new iPad Pro with the M2 chip, but what else has changed from the iPad Pro’s predecessor? As you compare the M2 iPad Pro and M1 iPad Pro, keep reading for a detailed analysis of what is the same and what is new to help you make the right decision.
The strong M1 CPU, Thunderbolt connectivity, 5G for cellular variants, new camera features like Center Stage, and more were all included in the arrival of the 11 and 12.9′′ iPad Pro in 2021.
Although the 2022 M2 iPad Pro lineup includes a number of improvements, many of them are small, which may cause some customers to choose the M1 iPad Pro or perhaps the iPad Air.
iPad Pro M2 compared. iPad Pro M1
Performance
The switch from an M1 to an M2 chip is the primary distinction between the new and old iPad Pro models.
This results in up to a 35% faster GPU (10 cores vs. 8 cores), an 18% faster CPU, and a 2x increase in memory capacity from 50GB/s to 100GB/s.
All other specifications, including storage, RAM, Thunderbolt connectivity, and 5G, are same between the new and old iPad Pro versions save from a small improvement in CPU and GPU speed.
Display
The M2 12.9-inch iPad Pro is the only model with a Liquid Retina XDR display with miniLED illumination, just like the M1 12.9-inch iPad Pro.
Up to 120Hz ProMotion, P3 wide colour, fully laminated displays, anti-reflective coating, and True Tone are display features that are present in all professional versions.
The new Apple Pencil Hover feature appears to be the only change between the new M2 11 and 12.9′′ iPad Pro display and the M1 models.
Accessories and connectivity
The same Apple accessories that work with the older iPad Pro models also function with the new iPad Pro devices. This includes the Smart Keyboard Folio, Magic Keyboard, and Apple Pencil 2nd Gen.
Bluetooth 5.3 and WiFi 6E are two minor advancements with the M2 iPad Pro.
Interestingly, unlike the iPad 10, the new iPad Pro models did not come with a Magic Keyboard Folio.
Battery Power
The M2 chip-equipped 2022 iPad Pro models have the same battery life as their forerunners:
- 10 hours of WiFi-enabled web or video use
- 9 hours of mobile web usage
Price and storage
Between the old and new iPad Pro models, storage is unchanged. Additionally, the original MSRP pricing remains the same. However, with the updated versions now available, keep a watch out for M1 iPad Pro bargains.
Video, Audio, and Cameras
You have a 12MP wide lens, a 10MP ultra wide lens, a LiDAR scanner, and a True Tone light with the iPad Pro’s rear camera system.
A 12MP super wide lens with Center Stage capability is available on the back.
Currently, the only differences between the M2 and M1 iPad Pros are the ability to capture ProRes video at up to 4K at 30 frames per second and Smart HDR 4 vs. Smart HDR 3 images (1080p at 30 fps for 128GB models).
Additionally supported by the iPad Pro front camera are Portrait mode, Portrait Lighting, and Animoji/Memoji.
Strangely, the iPad Pro still has the front camera on the top (short side) bezel, unlike the iPad 10, which has a useful Landscape ultra wide front camera.
Size, weight, and colours
According to Apple, the M2 iPad Pro and M1 iPad Pro are the same size and weight.
- 11.5″ iPad Pro M2 and M1: 1.03 pounds, 9.74″ (247.6 mm) high, 7.02″ (178.5 mm) broad, and 0.23″ (5.9 mm) thick
- A 1.5 pound, 11.04 inch (280.6 mm) high, 8.46 inch (214.9 mm) broad, and 0.25 inch (6.4 mm) thick M2 and M1 12.9-inch iPad Pro is available.
- Silver and space grey are still available in the same range of colours.
Some Minor Variations
You’ll notice these two more minor variations with the M2 iPad Pro:
Instead of a plastic cable, there is a braided USB-C cable in the package.
On earlier iPad Pro devices, the wordmark “iPad Pro” appeared on the back instead of “iPad.”
The antenna line for cellular models is less prominent on the M2 iPad Pro space grey finish, which may be a little lighter than the M1 iPad Pro space grey finish.
Conclusion for the M2 iPad Pro compared M1 iPad Pro
Why buy an M2 iPad Pro?
Picking one up at a discount will certainly be a popular decision since you can access the overwhelming bulk of the M2 iPad Pro feature set with the M1 iPad Pro and the processor difference isn’t a problem for most people.
Don’t forget that the iPad Air offers a strong package at an even lower cost than the iPad Pro from last generation. If you don’t mind the 11-inch size, that is. When comparing the M2 iPad Pro to the M1, you’ll probably only want to buy the new model if you’re a pro with workflows that will benefit from the M2 chip’s support for ProRes or you’re just willing to spend the money on Apple’s newest and best products.
Apple, Amazon, Best Buy, BH Photo, and other retailers all carry the M2 iPad Pro, and all of the stock is in fantastic condition.
Why buy the M1 iPad Pro?
Picking one up at a discount will certainly be a popular decision since you can access the overwhelming bulk of the M2 iPad Pro feature set with the M1 iPad Pro and the processor difference isn’t a problem for most people.
Don’t forget that the iPad Air offers a strong package at an even lower cost than the iPad Pro from last generation. If you don’t mind the 11-inch size, that is.
