2021 iPad Pro 12.9 vs 2020 MacBook Pro 13: Which to Choose

2021 iPad Pro 12.9 vs 2020 MacBook Pro 13

 

Is the iPad Pro M1 already a replacement for the MacBook, or is it still a toy. Apple announced last summer that it is switching to Apple’s Silicon chips and will ditch Intel processors altogether within two years.

The main surprise of the April event is the iPad Pro with the M1 system-on-a-chip. The same chip was found in the iMac and other Apple computers. So a logical question arises: is it possible to run serious programs on tablets and completely abandon laptops? Still no.

The main problem with the iPad as a work device is the limited iPadOS. For example, the maximum of simultaneously open applications is three, of which you can fully work with only one.

Most often, the software on a laptop does not change over the years. Instead, as you start using something, you download it to every new laptop. As a result, the programs are much more interesting, and you are constantly searching. iPad encourages you to look for exciting software to replace or supplement the programs you are already using.

Pros and Cons

2021 iPad Pro2020 MacBook Pro
Gorgeous Mini LED screenBrilliant Retina display
Upgraded front-facing cameraBetter sound and video quality
Fantastic FaceTime featuresLong battery life
iPadOS still limitedTerrible webcam
Heavier than earlier modelsOnly two USB-C ports

Key Specification

2021 iPad Pro2020 MacBook Pro
$CHECK PRICECHECK PRICE
Release Date2021, April 202020, May 20
ChipsetApple M1Apple M1 chip
Display12.9 inch13.3 inch
Camera12 MP, f/2.4, 122˚ (ultrawide)720p FaceTime HD camera

For all the good things iPads and their operating systems have, Macs are much better suited to work. The choice of serious software for macOS is richer. In macOS, the user has incomparably more freedom. The user has complete control over almost the entire macOS file system, except its most sensitive areas.

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At the same time, the Mac does not use a touch interface, and for many, this can be a disadvantage. Apple refused to release two-in-one devices in which the computer cover with the display could be detached from the device and used as a tablet. iPad Pro with Magic Keyboard (keyboard and trackpad) is an Apple-style two-in-one.

Moreover, the Apple tablet is self-sufficient and more than successful in itself. That iPad Pro 2021. The keyboard with a trackpad in this complex is nothing more than a peripheral device. The keyboard is comparable in quality to other laptop keyboards, but Apple’s trackpads are second to none.

Design

2021 iPad Pro2020 MacBook Pro
Dimensions280.6 x 214.9 x 6.4 mm6.10 x 304.70 x 212.40 mm
Weight682 g (Wi-Fi), 685 g (5G)
Resolution2048 x 2732 pixels2560×1600 pixels
TechnologyLiquid Retina XDR mini-LED LCD
ColorsSilver, Space Gray

iPad Pro 2020 Magickeyboard

MacBook Pro 16

Performance

2021 iPad Pro2020 MacBook Pro
ProcessorApple M1 Octa-coreApple M1 chip
GPUApple GPU (8-core graphics)8-core GPU
RAM8GB RAM, 16GB RAM8GB RAM, 16GB RAM
Internal storage128 GB/256GB/512 GB
1TB/ 2TB
128 GB/256GB/512 GB
1TB/ 2TB
Storage expansionNoNo
OSiPadOS 14.5.1,
upgradable to iPadOS 14.6
Mac OS

The iPad was much faster than any Mac in existence, but everything has changed with the arrival of the M1. The MacBook is fast, responsive, the way it should always be. We have not seen freezes, lags, or crashes for months using the most basic MacBook Pro 13 “M1. Even unoptimized software works better than on computers with Intel. Therefore, here is parity, although a year ago, the iPad would have pulled out ahead.

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With a laptop, it is convenient everywhere. It is a one-piece device that you can put on your knees and start working. iPad, whichever keyboard you choose in addition, is not so convenient.

The most you can do with your tablet in a taxi is to read text or watch a video by disconnecting the keyboard. Therefore, if you are looking for a versatile device to work here and there, just a laptop. Keep in mind that the Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro also weighs in at a decent size.

There is nothing to say M1 chip. That the laptop, that the tablet will pull everything. The only thing such a powerful chip is redundant for a tablet is that there is no serious software. There are programs for working with graphics and video, but due to optimization, they work great on older devices, not to mention the previous generation. Therefore, the plus sign leaves the MacBook.

Camera

2021 iPad Pro2020 MacBook Pro
Rear12 MP
Front12 MP Face detection, HDR, panorama720p FaceTime HD camera
Video recording1080p@25/30/60fps, gyro-EIS

MacBook Pro 13 “has one front camera with terrible quality. IPad has two and all great. End.

In fact, the iPad really wins by a huge margin in terms of cameras. In the new generation, the angle has become even wider (we are talking about the front camera), which made it possible to add the “User Tracking” function – you will always be in the frame.

The main camera in the iPad with a LiDAR sensor is not about photography; rather, although it is suitable for this too, more about augmented reality and games.

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Multimedia

2021 iPad Pro2020 MacBook Pro
Headphone jackNo3.5mm headphone jack
LoudspeakerYesYes
Audio Feture4 Stereo speakersStereo speakers

Battery Life

2021 iPad Pro2020 MacBook Pro
Battery TypeLi-Po (40.88 Wh)Li-Po
Fast Charging18 W58.2 W
User ReplaceableNoNo

Connectivity

2021 iPad Pro2020 MacBook Pro
SIMNano-SIM, eSIM
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE, EDRBluetooth 5.0
Wi-FiWi-Fi 802.11Wi-Fi 802.11
USBUSB Type-C 4 (Thunderbolt 4)2 x Thunderbolt 3 (Type C)
SensorsFace ID, accelerometer, gyro, barometer

Conclusion!

iPad is the best in the world of media gadgets. It is convenient to read, watch movies and TV shows, play games and draw on it, which for many is work and not just entertainment. But if we are talking about work and serious tasks, it will not be enough for this, even with the most advanced Apple M1 chip. We really hope that iPadOS 15 will bring the ability to install apps from macOS to iPad.

The MacBook is a classic. Working classics that you get in a cafe and work because there are no problems with sudden updates, dead battery, and dropped performance due to lack of power. You take it out and work. Everything.

But the MacBook hasn’t been an innovative product for a long time. He’s good, but nothing more. If you want to “play,” then you definitely need the iPad Pro. Just be prepared that not all of your tasks will be solved. The ideal scenario is when the iPad replaces a laptop if you have a stationary computer. Then – super, you can try. If you do not want to tempt fate – take a MacBook Pro or Air, but only on the M1 chip, and you will be happy.