2021 M1 iPad Pro vs 2020 iPad Pro - Every Difference Compared

In our latest YouTube video, Dan goes hands-on with the new 12.9-inch 2021 M1 iPad Pro and compares it to the 2020 12.9-inch ‌iPad Pro‌ to answer the question "Is it worth upgrading?"

Compared to the 2020 ‌iPad Pro‌, the 2021 model features an upgraded ‌M1‌ chip that's faster, a new Center Stage option powered by an Ultra Wide front-facing camera, a much improved mini-LED display that has much better contrast and blacker blacks, and a Thunderbolt port that improves connectivity with peripherals.

0:00 Intro
0:53 Liquid Retina XDR Display
3:00 M1 Chip
4:56 Center Stage
5:54 5G Support
6:39 Thunderbolt 4
7:41 Final Thoughts
8:22 (Bonus) Magic Keyboard

[mtpugh]

I can save you a lot of time. Almost no one needs to upgrade from last year’s device to this year’s device, no matter what device we’re talking about. You might want to, but almost no one needs to.

[marcirussell]

Great review. I love my 2020 12.9. You testing the front camera was actually very amusing.

[RealStevenArias]

Thanks for being direct, Dan. I like it when reviewers aren’t ambivalent.

[IRVremy]

Great review, my 2018 12.9 iPad Pro told me that it's not going anywhere and that it was going to stay with me for at least another year and I agreed.

[bluechino]

I have actually been totally fine with not only keeping my 2020 12.9 model till at leasst next year, but I have also found myself very happy with my $20 generic bluetooth mobile keyboard and $99 smart-folio combo versus a magic keyboard. As an artist, I appreciate being able to position the keyboard relative to how I am painting in ProCreate and then just move it back when I want to be in "laptop" mode, and this keyboard actually has an escape button as well as the button to drop to the desktop. I have more and more Apple products, but I am still trying to be a realist when it comes to what I buy.

[ToriDanielle]

my 11in 2020 is perfect. I just finally caved and purchased the apple folio cover and love it. After going through so many Amazon ones. I am not upgrading until I upgrade my phone again since I got the 12 pro max in Dec. My goal is to update when body changes happen only so I am safe for a while

[davidgonzalo]

My family just gifted me the 12.9 iPad pro with the M1, coming from an iPad 2 that I had since the beginning, I'm just enjoying this huge evolution, crazy

[sayirasilverio]

I got the iPad Pro 2020 last year and I'm still really satisfied with my device. It's my first iPad. I think I'll hold off on upgrading for awhile.

[Streamlined]

Excellent review. The iPads have always been snappy and the A12X (even A10X) are still plenty strong. I have an 11” M1 iPad Pro and the only caveat I would add is that the battery life is much improved on the new iPad. I’m happy I upgraded but I had the 10.5” iPad Pro so the new form factor with TouchID and new Apple Pencil is mostly what I love.

[BinaryClay]

Thanks a lot for the comparison - now that we know that the 2022 M2 model is almost identical to the 2021 M1 model this video is still really usable when considering an upgrade from the 2020 model 😉

[thihal]

I love the Center Stage feature, but that’s about the only thing that, for me, it’s great about the new version. I have the older 2020 model

[lanamamba]

The way he moved around on center stage 😭🤣HAHAHAHA

[paulaus]

Around here you can get new 2020 on discount which is mighty tempting.

[lonewolfmg]

Just picked up the new M1 128gb at Best buy open box for $980 after tax! Awesome XDR screen IMO

[greenlion]

Still haven’t found a reason to upgrade from my 2018 iPad. Oh well.

[jordanking]

It's a shame that Apple ONLY put the XDR display into the 12.9" 2021 iPad Pro and NOT the 11" as well. I'm thinking of upgrading from an Apple Air 2, and saw the XDR display in person which just looks GORGEOUS. It's just a shame that one it's just too big for me, and also it only takes advantage of certain content. When I upgrade it will have to be the 11" model, but that's alright because I've heard I won't be missing out on much.

[AndyMillerPhotoUK]

Just bought the 2TB 12.9 WiFi+Cellular 2021 iPad Pro - Upgrading from the 1 TB 2020 version. Like others who own the top spec previous version I had my doubts - but went to see it in the store and so here we are.
WHY - T4 connectivity, Bigger SSD and XDR screen.
I shoot using Hasselblad and NIkon cameras - so being able to use the 12.9 screen and Phocus 2 is a big help in the field. Having a "brighter Screen" is a bonus.
The 2TB -vs- 1TB is another safety step - I copy selected shots and vids from my camera onto the iPadPro so the additional space is a huge help.
None of my devices have T4 - but many do have T3 so having T -vs- USB-C is a big help.
I have a pair of XDR pro screens and like the quality and brightness of their output -- here is hoping the 2021 iPadPro display is at least as good.
I will find out in 1-2 days when it is delivered and I can road test it -- assuming we actually have a bright sunny day anytime soon, rather than the dark, grey, rain....
The magic keyboard - typically useless for me. I place mine in a The Joy Factory MagConnect Universal Tablet Module, which sticks on the back, and I via various clamp solutions I fit it to the inside of a safari vehicle, on a vessel or to a tripod. When shooting in Africa the iPad lives in a protective case as well - keeps the dust out and reduces impacts.
I avoided the very miserly Apple trade in option for my 2020 iPad. I am sure to be able to get more than £620 if I sell my 2020 locally or gain Family credit if I pass it on. As I did the 2018 and other versions -- its too big !!! Or I can simply use it as a another display/touchscreen in my house.

I travel with both the iPadPro AND a MacBookPro - My 2019 16" i9 MBP with the 5600M GPU and 8TB SSD works great at home and on the road. I have doubts that the new 2021/22 version will be a big leap up -- but we will see.

[_Mr.Tuvok_]

I feel like the 2021 iPad Pro will get a longer life as far as software support, but that’s about it. I’ll stick with my 2020 12.9

[Precyze]

0:44 fucking killed me 😂 did anyone else laugh hahaha 🤣 💀

[cadenchurchill]

Went for the 11” M1 iPad Pro as it’s cheaper and I prefer the smaller size. Kinda wish it had the mini LED display, but the 120Hz 600 nit 11” display is already a solid leap over the 2019 iPad Air 3, and Apple just makes excellent LCDs.

At WWDC this year, while I’m already pretty happy with how iPadOS 14 runs, I do hope they at least add the ability to use all of the external display and to use it for extra screen space for more apps - opposed to just a blown up version of what is already showing on your iPad.