IPad Pro 2017 Vs. IPad Pro 2015: Which Tablet Reigns Supreme?

Hey guys! Ever found yourself staring at two shiny iPads, wondering which one deserves a spot in your life? Well, if you're torn between the iPad Pro 2017 and the iPad Pro 2015, you've landed in the right place. We're diving deep into a comparison, breaking down the specs, features, and overall experience to help you make the perfect choice. Let's get this tech battle started!

Design and Build Quality: A Tale of Two iPads

When we talk about design, both the iPad Pro 2017 and the iPad Pro 2015 share that familiar Apple aesthetic – sleek, minimalist, and undeniably premium. But there are subtle differences, like any good sequel. The 2017 model kept the same overall design language as its predecessor, which isn't a bad thing. Both tablets boast an aluminum unibody construction, providing a solid and durable feel. The edges are beautifully chamfered, and the overall fit and finish are top-notch, as you'd expect from an Apple product. You won't find any flex or creaks, which speaks volumes about the build quality. So, in terms of pure design, both are winners, offering that premium look and feel that Apple is known for. The 2015 model set a high bar, and the 2017 model built upon that foundation, refining the details rather than reinventing the wheel.

However, it's worth noting some subtle differences in dimensions and weight. While the changes are minimal, they can impact the feel in hand, especially if you're using your iPad for extended periods. The iPad Pro 2017 is ever-so-slightly thicker and heavier than its older sibling, which might be noticeable for some users. The weight difference is a matter of a few grams, but every little bit counts when you're holding a tablet for hours. The placement of the speakers is another design element to consider. Both models feature stereo speakers, but the 2017 boasts four speakers compared to the 2015's two. This improvement significantly enhances the audio experience, offering a more immersive soundstage. Think about it: watching movies or listening to music on the 2017 is a richer experience due to this upgrade. The overall design philosophy remains consistent: these are tablets designed for both work and play, emphasizing a premium aesthetic that seamlessly integrates into your daily life. They are built to last, showcasing the brand's commitment to quality. Whether you prefer the subtle refinements of the newer model or the classic feel of the older one, both iPads offer a design that you'll be proud to carry around. So, in this category, both shine, with the 2017 model adding those small enhancements that refine the overall experience.

Key Design Takeaways:

• Build Quality: Both are top-notch with aluminum unibody construction.
• Dimensions: Minor differences in thickness and weight, with the 2017 being slightly heavier.
• Speakers: The 2017 has a four-speaker setup, improving audio quality.
• Aesthetics: Consistent premium Apple design language across both models.

Display: Visual Brilliance Unleashed

Let's talk about the displays, guys, because this is where the iPad Pro shines. Both the 2017 and 2015 models feature stunning Retina displays, offering vibrant colors, excellent contrast, and impressive viewing angles. But there are some crucial differences that set them apart. The iPad Pro 2017 takes things up a notch with its ProMotion technology, which is a game-changer. ProMotion dynamically adjusts the refresh rate of the display, going up to 120Hz. What does that mean for you? It means smoother scrolling, more responsive touch interactions, and a generally more fluid and enjoyable user experience. Everything feels snappier, from swiping through your home screen to playing graphics-intensive games. The 2015 model, while still sporting a beautiful display, is limited to a standard 60Hz refresh rate. While that's perfectly fine for everyday use, you'll notice the difference when you switch between the two side by side. The responsiveness of the 2017 is simply unparalleled. ProMotion isn't just about smoothness; it also contributes to battery efficiency. When the content on the screen isn't changing, the refresh rate drops to conserve power, extending your battery life. This is a subtle yet significant advantage of the 2017 model. The overall brightness and color accuracy are excellent on both devices. Both displays are perfectly capable of handling anything you throw at them, from browsing the web to editing photos. However, the 2017's ProMotion technology provides a significant edge in terms of responsiveness and visual smoothness. This technology makes a noticeable difference, especially when you're using the Apple Pencil for drawing or note-taking. The reduced latency and increased responsiveness make the experience feel incredibly natural. Both tablets offer a fantastic viewing experience, with bright and vivid displays. The iPad Pro 2017 has a clear advantage with its ProMotion technology. This is especially true if you are a creative professional or if you simply appreciate a smoother and more responsive interface.

Key Display Features:

• Retina Display: Both have vibrant displays with excellent color and contrast.
• ProMotion (2017): 120Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and interactions.
• Responsiveness: ProMotion significantly improves overall responsiveness.
• Brightness and Accuracy: Both models offer excellent brightness and color accuracy.

Performance: Power Under the Hood

Now, let's get into what really matters: performance. Both the iPad Pro 2017 and the iPad Pro 2015 are powerhouses, but they use different processors. The 2015 is powered by the A9X chip, while the 2017 rocks the A10X Fusion chip. The A10X is a noticeable upgrade, offering significant gains in both CPU and GPU performance. What does that mean in the real world? It means faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a better experience when playing graphically demanding games or editing large videos. You'll notice the difference if you use your iPad for professional tasks or if you're a heavy gamer. Even everyday tasks feel snappier on the 2017 due to the improved performance. The A10X Fusion chip is a beast, designed to handle the most demanding applications with ease. The iPad Pro 2015, with its A9X chip, is still no slouch. It’s more than capable of handling most tasks you throw at it, and it will still deliver a fluid and responsive experience. But, the 2017 simply raises the bar. When it comes to raw processing power, the 2017 is the clear winner. The A10X chip provides a significant performance boost across the board, making it the better choice for power users and anyone who wants the absolute best performance from their iPad. For casual users, the 2015 is still a solid performer. However, the difference in performance will be noticeable for those who are into gaming, video editing, or other intensive tasks. The 2017 simply gives you more headroom and future-proofs your device for years to come. In terms of memory, both models come with ample RAM to handle multitasking. The storage options are also similar, so you can choose the amount that fits your needs. Overall, when it comes to performance, the iPad Pro 2017 wins, thanks to its more powerful A10X Fusion chip. This translates into a snappier, smoother, and more future-proof experience.

Key Performance Highlights:

• Processor: A9X (2015) vs. A10X Fusion (2017).
• App Loading: Faster on the 2017.
• Gaming & Editing: Better performance on the 2017.
• Multitasking: Both have enough RAM for efficient multitasking.

Camera: Capturing Memories

Let’s talk cameras. The iPad Pro 2017 and 2015 both feature decent cameras for taking photos and videos, but the 2017 offers some improvements. While you're not likely to use your iPad as your primary camera, the quality is good enough for video calls, scanning documents, and occasional snapshots. The iPad Pro 2017 features a 12MP rear camera with optical image stabilization, which improves image quality in low-light conditions. The 2015 has an 8MP rear camera. The difference isn't huge, but the 2017 captures slightly more detail and produces better-looking photos. The front-facing camera has also been improved on the 2017, offering higher resolution for better video calls and selfies. This is a subtle but welcome enhancement, especially if you use your iPad for video conferencing or FaceTime calls. The overall camera experience is good on both devices, but the 2017 has a slight edge due to its improved rear camera and front-facing camera. If you frequently take photos or videos with your iPad, the 2017 is the better choice. In terms of video recording, both models can shoot in 4K, providing excellent quality for capturing your memories. However, the 2017 does a better job with stabilization, resulting in smoother and more professional-looking videos. The camera isn't the primary selling point of either of these iPads, but the 2017 offers a slightly better overall experience. The difference might not be significant for casual users, but if you prioritize camera quality, the 2017 is the way to go. The improvements in both the rear and front-facing cameras make the 2017 a better option. From the perspective of usability, the improvements provide a better overall experience. The 2017 model simply offers a slightly more advanced and capable camera system, which enhances the versatility of the device.

Camera Features Summary:

• Rear Camera: 12MP (2017) vs. 8MP (2015).
• Image Stabilization: Optical image stabilization on the 2017.
• Front Camera: Improved on the 2017.
• Video Recording: Both support 4K video recording.

Battery Life: Powering Through Your Day

Alright, let’s get down to battery life, which is a major concern. Both the iPad Pro 2017 and the iPad Pro 2015 offer excellent battery life, typically lasting a full day of mixed use. You can expect to get around 10 hours of web browsing, video playback, or general use on a single charge. Apple has always been good at optimizing its devices for battery efficiency, and both these iPads are no exception. The real-world battery life may vary depending on your usage. If you're constantly playing graphic-intensive games or using the iPad for heavy video editing, the battery will drain faster. However, even with demanding tasks, you should still get several hours of use. The 2017 model, with its slightly more efficient A10X Fusion chip and ProMotion technology, may offer a slight edge in battery life, but the difference is minimal. In typical usage scenarios, both iPads perform exceptionally well. You don’t need to worry about being tethered to a charger all day. Both models give you the freedom to work, play, and create on the go. Both devices are designed to last throughout your day without needing to be constantly plugged in. This is a crucial factor for a tablet, making it useful for both productivity and entertainment. The ability to use your tablet for extended periods without having to worry about battery life is a significant benefit. In most practical applications, both the iPad Pro 2017 and the iPad Pro 2015 provide similar battery life. While the 2017 might have a minor advantage due to its technology, the difference is unlikely to be significant enough to be a deciding factor.

Key Battery Performance Points:

• Typical Usage: Both last a full day.
• Battery Efficiency: Well-optimized by Apple.
• Real-world: Depends on your usage patterns.
• ProMotion (2017): Can help conserve battery life.

Accessories and Ecosystem: The Apple Advantage

Let's talk about accessories because this is where the iPad Pro truly shines! Both the iPad Pro 2017 and the iPad Pro 2015 are compatible with the Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard. These accessories transform the iPad from a tablet into a versatile productivity machine. The Apple Pencil is a must-have for creatives, allowing for precise drawing, note-taking, and annotation. The Smart Keyboard turns your iPad into a laptop replacement, making it easy to type and get work done on the go. The iPad Pro 2017 is compatible with the Apple Pencil (1st generation), and the Smart Keyboard. The iPad Pro 2015 is also compatible with the Apple Pencil (1st generation), and the Smart Keyboard. Both iPads integrate seamlessly with the broader Apple ecosystem. That means easy access to your other Apple devices, seamless file sharing, and a robust app store filled with apps optimized for the iPad. The ecosystem is an important part of the experience. The available accessories extend the functionality of the iPad, making it useful for almost any task. Whether you are a student, a professional, or a casual user, you will find something useful. The iPad Pro offers a unified ecosystem, providing convenience and versatility. Using the iPad with these accessories opens up a world of possibilities, from creating artwork to writing essays. This is especially true for creative professionals. The accessories enhance the user experience and make the iPad Pro an even more valuable tool. Both iPads offer the same basic compatibility, and the same ecosystem benefits, which means that you can take advantage of the same accessories and apps. If you already own other Apple devices, the integration will feel natural and seamless. The accessories and the ecosystem are a major selling point. The iPad Pro transforms from a tablet into a versatile tool, enabling a level of productivity and creativity unmatched by many other tablets. They help to make these devices so essential for many people. If you plan on using accessories like the Apple Pencil or Smart Keyboard, you won’t notice much of a difference between these two devices. The benefits of the Apple ecosystem remain consistent across both models.

Accessory and Ecosystem Rundown:

• Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard: Compatible with both models.
• Apple Ecosystem: Seamless integration and file sharing.
• App Store: Wide selection of iPad-optimized apps.
• Productivity: Transforms the iPad into a productivity tool.

Conclusion: Which iPad Pro Should You Choose?

So, guys, which iPad Pro comes out on top? The iPad Pro 2017 is the winner overall. It improves upon the solid foundation of the 2015 model with its more powerful processor, the stunning ProMotion display, and slightly better camera. These upgrades make it the better choice for most users, especially those who value performance, responsiveness, and a more immersive experience. The iPad Pro 2015 is still an excellent tablet. It’s still powerful, beautiful, and capable of handling most tasks. It’s a great option if you can find it at a discounted price or if your budget is a primary concern. The 2015 is still a reliable device for anyone who needs a tablet for work or play. Here’s a quick summary to help you decide:

• Choose the iPad Pro 2017 if: You want the best performance, smoother scrolling, and a slightly better camera. You want the latest features and are willing to pay a little extra. You’re a power user, gamer, or creative professional.
• Choose the iPad Pro 2015 if: You're on a budget and want a great tablet experience at a lower price. You primarily use your tablet for basic tasks like browsing the web, watching videos, and checking email. You don’t need the latest and greatest features.

Ultimately, the best iPad Pro for you depends on your individual needs and budget. Both are excellent tablets, but the iPad Pro 2017 simply offers a more refined and feature-rich experience. Whether you choose the 2017 or the 2015, you’re getting a premium tablet experience that will serve you well. It depends on you! Consider your budget, the features you need, and your intended use. Happy shopping, and enjoy your new iPad!