Difference between the iPad Pro 4 (2020) vs iPad Pro 5 (2021)

The 2021 iPad Pro 5 features significant upgrades, including the M1 chip and a new Liquid Retina XDR display. We'll help you decide whether to buy the 2021 model or stick with the 2020 iPad Pro 4.
 

Display and Design

The design of the 2021 iPad Pro remains largely unchanged from the 2020 model, maintaining the industrial look with slim bezels. Existing accessories, such as the Magic Keyboard, are still compatible. However, the 12.9-inch iPad Pro 5 (2021) is slightly thicker, which may cause a tighter fit with the Magic Keyboard. The screen quality is similar between the two models, with the 12.9-inch iPad Pro (2021) offering a major upgrade with the Liquid Retina XDR display, providing a 120Hz refresh rate, 1600 nit peak brightness, and a 1 million to 1 contrast ratio.

Processor

The 2021 iPad Pro models feature the powerful M1 chip, making them faster and more power-efficient than the 2020 models. While the iPadOS 14 currently underutilises the processing power of the 2020 iPad Pro, the M1 chip offers a significant speed boost for heavy tasks like editing RAW images or 4K video. The Thunderbolt 3 port on the 2021 models also provides faster data transfer speeds.
 

Camera and Connectivity

The camera setup on the 2021 iPad Pro 5 remains similar to the 2020 model, with a 12 MP wide camera, 10 MP ultra-wide camera, and a LiDAR sensor. The front-facing camera on the 2021 model features a 12 MP sensor with an ultra-wide-angle lens, allowing for a wider field of view. The new Center Stage feature uses the wider FOV to track users during video calls, creating a smooth and natural experience. The 2021 iPad Pro also offers 5G connectivity for cellular models, while the 2020 models do not. However, the addition of 5G comes with a higher price tag.
 

Verdict

Whether to upgrade to the iPad Pro 5 or not depends on individual needs and budget. While the 2020 iPad Pro 4 still offers excellent performance, the 2021 model's M1 chip and Liquid Retina XDR display provide significant upgrades, especially for professionals working with resource-intensive tasks. If you don't need the more recent display and connectivity enhancements offered in the iPad Pro 5, then you can still get a great device and save money with the iPad Pro 4.