IPad Pro 3rd Gen Vs. 4th Gen: Which Should You Choose?
Hey guys! So, you're trying to figure out which iPad Pro to get, the 3rd generation or the 4th? Awesome choice! Both are absolute powerhouses, but there are some key differences that might sway your decision. Let's dive deep and break down everything you need to know about the iPad Pro 3rd Gen vs. 4th Gen so you can pick the perfect one for your needs. We'll look at the specs, the features, the design, and of course, the price. By the end of this, you'll be an iPad Pro expert! Get ready to make an informed decision and grab that perfect tablet.
iPad Pro 3rd Gen: A Solid Foundation
Alright, let's kick things off with the iPad Pro 3rd Gen. Released in 2018, this iPad Pro was a major leap forward, introducing a whole new design and some serious upgrades. It was a game-changer back then, and honestly, it still holds its own today. This generation brought us the sleek, all-screen design we know and love, ditching the home button for Face ID. The display is gorgeous, the performance is snappy, and it supports the Apple Pencil (2nd generation), which is a huge plus for artists and note-takers. You'll find it with either an 11-inch or 12.9-inch Liquid Retina display. It's powered by the A12X Bionic chip, which, even by today's standards, is a beast. You can throw pretty much any task at it, from video editing to gaming, and it'll handle it with ease. The A12X Bionic chip offered a significant performance jump over previous iPad models, making the 3rd Gen feel incredibly responsive. This iPad also offered improved speakers, delivering a richer audio experience, especially great for watching movies or listening to music. The camera system was also improved, offering better image quality and video recording capabilities. Overall, the iPad Pro 3rd Gen was a huge step up and set the stage for future iPad Pro models. It's a fantastic tablet, and if you can find one at a good price, it's definitely worth considering. It's also worth noting the storage options available, which affects the price. You could find them in 64GB, 256GB, 512GB, and even 1TB configurations, making sure there is a model perfect for your storage needs.
Key Features of the iPad Pro 3rd Gen:
- Design: All-screen design with Face ID.
- Display: Liquid Retina display (11-inch or 12.9-inch).
- Processor: A12X Bionic chip.
- Apple Pencil Support: 2nd generation.
- Audio: Improved speakers.
- Storage Options: Up to 1TB
iPad Pro 4th Gen: Taking it to the Next Level
Now, let's move on to the iPad Pro 4th Gen, released in 2020. This model built upon the already excellent foundation of the 3rd Gen, adding some impressive upgrades. While the design remained largely the same, Apple made some significant improvements under the hood. The biggest change was the introduction of the A12Z Bionic chip, which, while similar to the A12X, offered some performance enhancements, particularly in graphics. This meant even smoother gameplay and better performance in demanding apps. The iPad Pro 4th Gen also introduced a new camera system, including an ultra-wide lens, which expanded your creative possibilities. This also enables the use of the new LiDAR scanner, adding augmented reality (AR) capabilities. The LiDAR scanner measures the distance to surrounding objects and creates a 3D map of the environment, which improved AR experiences, and has applications in measuring and scanning objects. You will also find that the 4th generation iPad Pro has a slightly improved display compared to the 3rd, with the promotion technology being very smooth. The 4th generation added support for Wi-Fi 6, which offers faster wireless internet speeds. If you're a heavy user of wireless internet, this could be a deciding factor for you. The storage options remained similar to the 3rd gen. The addition of the LiDAR scanner and the upgraded processor, while not a massive jump, did improve the overall experience. The improvements in the camera system are also worth noting, especially if you're into photography or video recording. The iPad Pro 4th Gen is a refinement of an already excellent product, building on the success of the 3rd Gen. Again, available in 11-inch and 12.9-inch sizes, the iPad Pro 4th Gen remains a powerful device. The upgrades make this a more future-proof tablet. Overall, the iPad Pro 4th Gen builds on the foundation of the 3rd Gen with some nice additions.
Key Features of the iPad Pro 4th Gen:
- Design: Similar to 3rd Gen, all-screen design with Face ID.
- Display: Liquid Retina display (11-inch or 12.9-inch) with ProMotion technology.
- Processor: A12Z Bionic chip.
- Cameras: Upgraded camera system with an ultra-wide lens and LiDAR scanner.
- Apple Pencil Support: 2nd generation.
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 support.
iPad Pro 3rd Gen vs. 4th Gen: Head-to-Head Comparison
Okay, let's break down the key differences between the iPad Pro 3rd Gen vs. 4th Gen in a side-by-side comparison to make this super easy to understand. We'll cover performance, display, cameras, and, of course, the price. This comparison will help you quickly see which model best fits your needs and budget. Let's get started, shall we?
| Feature | iPad Pro 3rd Gen | iPad Pro 4th Gen | Difference | Impact | Who Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | A12X Bionic | A12Z Bionic | Slightly improved performance, especially in graphics | The A12Z offers a minor performance boost. It may not be noticeable in most everyday tasks, but it helps with more demanding applications, and graphics-intensive games and workflows. | Power users, gamers, and those running demanding applications. |
| Display | Liquid Retina | Liquid Retina with ProMotion | Similar, but potentially with slightly improved color accuracy and smoother scrolling. | The displays are very similar, with only minor differences in color accuracy and smoothness. | Most users will likely not notice a significant difference. |
| Cameras | Single-lens | Upgraded camera system with an ultra-wide lens and LiDAR scanner | Significant upgrade in camera capabilities, adding an ultra-wide lens and LiDAR scanner. | The ultra-wide lens allows for more creative shots, and the LiDAR scanner improves augmented reality experiences, which have many uses. | Photographers, videographers, users interested in AR applications. |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Faster wireless internet speeds | Wi-Fi 6 provides faster and more reliable wireless internet, especially beneficial in environments with many connected devices. | Users who rely heavily on Wi-Fi, especially for streaming and downloading large files. |
| Design | Same design | Same design | Virtually identical design. | No significant difference in design. | No impact. |
| Price | Typically more affordable now. | Generally more expensive, especially new or refurbished. | The 3rd Gen is usually cheaper on the used market. | This is a major factor. The 3rd gen can be a good value option, especially if the new features of the 4th gen are not important to you. | Budget-conscious users, users looking for a great value. |
| Storage | Up to 1TB | Up to 1TB | No difference | No significant differences. | No impact. |
Performance: Which iPad Pro is Faster?
When it comes to performance, both the iPad Pro 3rd Gen and the iPad Pro 4th Gen are incredibly powerful. You won't be disappointed with either one. The A12X Bionic chip in the 3rd Gen is still a beast, handling most tasks with ease. However, the A12Z Bionic chip in the 4th Gen offers a slight performance edge, particularly in graphics-intensive tasks. This means the 4th Gen might feel a bit smoother when gaming or editing videos. For most everyday tasks like browsing the web, checking email, and using social media, you probably won't notice much difference. But if you're a power user who frequently edits videos, plays graphics-intensive games, or uses demanding creative apps, the 4th Gen might be the better choice. The difference isn't massive, but it's there. The 4th generation provides more headroom for the future due to its slightly enhanced capabilities. For a smooth and responsive experience, both of these iPads are excellent choices, but for the edge in performance, the iPad Pro 4th Gen comes out on top. Keep in mind that software updates and optimization can also play a role, so even the 3rd Gen remains capable, and it offers great value. Overall, the iPad Pro 4th Gen has a slight edge in raw performance due to its slightly improved chip.
Display: Visual Experience
Both the iPad Pro 3rd Gen and the iPad Pro 4th Gen boast stunning Liquid Retina displays. They offer vibrant colors, excellent contrast, and support for technologies like True Tone, which adjusts the display's color temperature to match your environment. You'll be hard-pressed to spot a significant difference between the two displays. However, the iPad Pro 4th Gen has ProMotion technology, which enables a 120Hz refresh rate. This means the screen refreshes 120 times per second, resulting in smoother scrolling, animations, and a more responsive feel. This is really noticeable, especially when you're scrolling through web pages or your social media feed. While the 3rd Gen still looks great, the 4th Gen’s ProMotion display is a noticeable improvement, making the overall experience feel more fluid. If you are a designer, or just enjoy a smooth display, then the iPad Pro 4th Gen's display is another selling point. Both displays are great, but the iPad Pro 4th Gen’s ProMotion technology gives it the edge.
Cameras: Photography and Videography
This is where the iPad Pro 4th Gen really shines. While the iPad Pro 3rd Gen has a capable single-lens camera, the 4th Gen takes things to the next level. The 4th Gen features an upgraded camera system, including an ultra-wide lens, which opens up new creative possibilities. You can capture more of the scene in a single shot and experiment with different perspectives. The 4th Gen also has a LiDAR scanner, which uses light to measure distances and create a 3D map of the environment. This greatly improves augmented reality (AR) experiences. AR apps and games will feel more realistic and responsive, and you can also use the LiDAR scanner for tasks like measuring objects or creating 3D models. If photography or videography is important to you, or you are at all interested in AR, the iPad Pro 4th Gen is the clear winner. The added versatility of the ultra-wide lens and the advanced capabilities of the LiDAR scanner make the iPad Pro 4th Gen a much more powerful tool.
Connectivity: Staying Connected
Both iPads support Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. However, the iPad Pro 4th Gen supports Wi-Fi 6, also known as 802.11ax. This means you’ll get faster wireless internet speeds, especially in environments with many connected devices. If you stream a lot of videos, download large files, or work in an area with a lot of Wi-Fi congestion, the iPad Pro 4th Gen will offer a better experience. Wi-Fi 6 offers improvements over Wi-Fi 5, and it can make a real difference in terms of speed and reliability. If you prioritize fast Wi-Fi speeds, the iPad Pro 4th Gen has you covered.
Design and Build Quality
When it comes to design, both iPads are almost identical. They both sport the sleek, all-screen design with slim bezels and Face ID. The build quality is excellent on both, with a premium feel. You won't find significant differences here. The design of the iPad Pro, with its thin bezels and aluminum unibody, remains modern and attractive even years after its initial release. Both the iPad Pro 3rd Gen and the iPad Pro 4th Gen feel great in your hands. There is no major difference to take into account.
Price and Value: The Best Bang for Your Buck
Now, let’s talk about the important stuff: the price! This is where the iPad Pro 3rd Gen really shines, especially if you are on a budget. You can often find used or refurbished 3rd Gen models at a significantly lower price than the iPad Pro 4th Gen. Because it's an older model, the 3rd Gen is typically more affordable. This can make it an excellent value proposition, especially considering its impressive performance and features. The 4th Gen, being a newer model, will generally cost more, particularly if you are buying new. While the 4th Gen offers some improvements, the 3rd Gen provides excellent value for your money. If you are looking for the best bang for your buck, the iPad Pro 3rd Gen is a great option. It’s still a powerful tablet that can handle most tasks with ease. The price difference between the two can be significant. Assess your needs, and then decide how important the newer features are to you. If you're on a budget, the iPad Pro 3rd Gen offers incredible value.
Final Verdict: Which iPad Pro is Right for You?
So, which iPad Pro should you choose? It really depends on your needs and budget. The iPad Pro 3rd Gen is a fantastic tablet, and if you are on a budget or don't need the latest features, it's an excellent choice. It offers excellent performance, a stunning display, and all the essential features you need. On the other hand, the iPad Pro 4th Gen builds upon the 3rd Gen with some nice additions. It offers a slight performance boost, a smoother display thanks to ProMotion, and an upgraded camera system with an ultra-wide lens and LiDAR scanner. If you want the best possible experience and you are willing to spend a bit more, the iPad Pro 4th Gen is the way to go. Consider your priorities: If you want to save money, the iPad Pro 3rd Gen is a great option. If you want the absolute best and can afford it, go for the iPad Pro 4th Gen. You really can’t go wrong with either of these amazing tablets. Both are powerful and offer a fantastic experience.
Here's a quick summary to help you decide:
- Choose the iPad Pro 3rd Gen if:
- You are on a budget.
- You don't need the absolute latest features.
- You primarily use your iPad for basic tasks like browsing, email, and streaming.
- Choose the iPad Pro 4th Gen if:
- You want the best possible performance.
- You're into photography, videography, or augmented reality.
- You want a smoother display with ProMotion technology.
- You want the latest features and future-proofing.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on what you value most. Hopefully, this comparison helped you make a more informed decision! Enjoy your new iPad Pro. You will love it!
