As an Amazon Associate, I Earn from Qualifying Purchases. Read Disclaimer
Stuck between choosing an iPad? You’re not alone! The iPad landscape can be confusing, especially when comparing older models to newer ones. Today, we’re diving deep into a head-to-head battle: the iPad Pro 9.7 vs iPad 6th gen.
Both tablets offer compelling features, but they cater to slightly different needs and budgets. The iPad Pro 9.7, once a flagship, boasts some high-end specs, while the iPad 6th generation provides a more affordable entry point into the Apple ecosystem.
This comparison will break down the key differences between these two iPads, covering performance, display quality, features, and, of course, the all-important price. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which iPad is the perfect fit for you.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | iPad Pro 9.7 | iPad 6th Gen |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 9.7-inch | 9.7-inch |
| Processor | Apple A9X | Apple A10 Fusion |
| RAM | 2GB | 2GB |
| Storage Options | 32GB, 128GB, 256GB | 32GB, 128GB |
| Rear Camera | 12MP | 8MP |
| Front Camera | 5MP | 1.2MP |
| Apple Pencil Support | Yes (1st Gen) | Yes (1st Gen) |
| Smart Keyboard Support | Yes | No |
| Audio | Four Speaker Audio | Stereo Speakers |
| Weight | 437g (Wi-Fi), 444g (Cellular) | 469g (Wi-Fi), 478g (Cellular) |
| Display Technology | True Tone, Fully Laminated | Retina |
| Operating System | iPadOS (Upgradable) | iPadOS (Upgradable) |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- iPad Pro 9.7: Features a 9.7-inch Retina display with True Tone technology, which dynamically adjusts the display’s color temperature to match the ambient light. This results in a more natural and comfortable viewing experience. The display also boasts a wider color gamut and anti-reflective coating.
- iPad 6th Gen: Equipped with a 9.7-inch Retina display, but without True Tone technology. It offers a sharp and vibrant image, suitable for most tasks, but lacks the advanced color accuracy and adaptability of the Pro model.
- Winner: ipad pro 9.7
Processor
- iPad Pro 9.7: Powered by the A9X chip, offering significant performance improvements over older iPad models. This translates to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance.
- iPad 6th Gen: Utilizes the A10 Fusion chip, a capable processor that provides a smooth and responsive experience for everyday tasks, including web browsing, video streaming, and casual gaming.
- Winner: ipad pro 9.7
Apple Pencil Support
- iPad Pro 9.7: Supports the first-generation Apple Pencil, providing pressure sensitivity and tilt detection for precise drawing, note-taking, and other creative tasks.
- iPad 6th Gen: Also supports the first-generation Apple Pencil, enabling users to enjoy similar functionality for drawing, writing, and other creative endeavors.
- Winner: Tie
Audio
- iPad Pro 9.7: Features four-speaker audio, delivering immersive stereo sound, making it great for watching movies or listening to music.
- iPad 6th Gen: Has stereo speakers, but not the quad-speaker setup of the Pro, resulting in a less immersive audio experience.
- Winner: ipad pro 9.7
Camera
- iPad Pro 9.7: Boasts a 12MP rear camera with 4K video recording capabilities, offering high-quality photos and videos. The front-facing camera is also improved.
- iPad 6th Gen: Features an 8MP rear camera capable of 1080p video recording. It’s adequate for casual photography and video calls, but not as advanced as the Pro model.
- Winner: ipad pro 9.7
Storage Options
- iPad Pro 9.7: Offered in various storage configurations, providing options for users with different storage needs, including higher capacity options.
- iPad 6th Gen: Offers fewer storage options compared to the Pro, which may limit users who require a lot of storage for apps, media, and files.
- Winner: ipad pro 9.7
Keyboard Compatibility
- iPad Pro 9.7: Compatible with the Smart Keyboard, which offers a laptop-like typing experience and doubles as a protective cover.
- iPad 6th Gen: Supports third-party Bluetooth keyboards, providing a typing solution, but not integrated with the device as the Smart Keyboard is.
- Winner: ipad pro 9.7
Price
- iPad Pro 9.7: Generally more expensive due to its advanced features, premium build, and superior performance.
- iPad 6th Gen: More affordable, making it a budget-friendly option for users who don’t need all the advanced features of the Pro.
- Winner: ipad 6th gen
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display Quality | iPad Pro 9.7 |
| Processor | iPad Pro 9.7 |
| Smart Keyboard Support | iPad Pro 9.7 |
| Audio Quality | iPad Pro 9.7 |
| Value | iPad 6th Gen |
| Rear Camera | iPad Pro 9.7 |
What They Have in Common
- Display Size: Both iPads feature a 9.7-inch Retina display, offering a similar viewing experience in terms of screen real estate. This makes them suitable for media consumption and general productivity tasks.
- Apple Pencil Support: Both the iPad Pro 9.7 and the iPad 6th generation support the first-generation Apple Pencil, allowing for note-taking, drawing, and creative tasks.
- Ipados Compatibility: Both devices are compatible with the latest versions of iPadOS, ensuring access to the newest features, security updates, and app compatibility.
- Wi-Fi and Cellular Options: Both models offer Wi-Fi only and Wi-Fi + Cellular versions, providing flexibility in how you connect to the internet.
- Portability: Both iPads share a similar form factor, making them easy to carry around for work, school, or entertainment.
iPad Pro 9.7 vs iPad 6th Gen Buying Guide
Performance and Processing Power
The iPad Pro 9.7 boasts a superior A9X chip, offering significantly faster processing speeds and graphics performance compared to the iPad 6th Gen’s A10 Fusion chip. This difference is noticeable in demanding tasks like video editing, gaming, and running multiple applications simultaneously. The Pro also features more RAM, allowing for smoother multitasking and a more responsive user experience. While the 6th Gen is capable, the Pro handles intensive workloads with greater ease and efficiency, making it ideal for professionals and power users.
Display Quality and Features
The iPad Pro 9.7 shines with its advanced display technology. It features a True Tone display, which adjusts the screen’s color temperature to match the ambient lighting, providing a more comfortable viewing experience. The Pro also offers a wider color gamut, resulting in richer and more vibrant colors. The 6th Gen’s display is still good, but lacks these advanced features. The Pro’s display is brighter and offers better anti-reflective coating, making it more usable outdoors.
Accessory Support and Functionality
The iPad Pro 9.7 supports the Apple Pencil (1st generation), opening up creative possibilities for drawing, note-taking, and graphic design. The 6th Gen also supports the Apple Pencil, but the Pro’s display is optimized for it. The Pro also supports the Smart Keyboard, transforming it into a more versatile productivity device. While both devices support essential accessories, the Pro’s ecosystem is slightly more refined. The Smart Keyboard compatibility is a distinct advantage for productivity.
Audio and Speaker Quality
The iPad Pro 9.7 features four speakers, providing a richer and more immersive audio experience. The speakers are located at each corner, creating a stereo soundstage. The iPad 6th Gen has only two speakers, which deliver a decent audio experience but lack the spatial audio feel of the Pro. For users who value audio quality, especially for watching movies or listening to music, the Pro offers a clear advantage in sound quality and immersion. This is particularly important for users who do not often use headphones.
Camera Capabilities
The iPad Pro 9.7 has a more advanced camera system than the iPad 6th Gen. It includes a 12MP rear camera capable of capturing 4K video, along with a better front-facing camera for FaceTime calls and selfies. The 6th Gen’s camera is adequate for casual use, but the Pro’s camera delivers higher-quality photos and videos, especially in low-light conditions. The Pro’s camera is a more significant upgrade, providing a better overall photography experience. Users who take pictures and videos frequently will find the Pro much more suitable.
Price and Value
The iPad 6th Gen is generally more affordable than the iPad Pro 9.7, making it a better value for budget-conscious buyers. However, the Pro’s superior performance, display, and features justify its higher price for users who demand more from their tablet. Consider your needs and budget. The 6th Gen offers a solid tablet experience at a lower price point, while the Pro provides a premium experience with increased capabilities. Evaluate your usage and choose accordingly.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy iPad Pro 9.7 If…
- You want a better display with True Tone technology for more accurate color representation.
- You need a faster processor for demanding tasks and smoother multitasking.
- You value the Smart Keyboard support for enhanced productivity.
- You desire a superior audio experience with four-speaker audio.
Buy iPad 6th Gen If…
- You’re on a budget and want a capable iPad for everyday use.
- You primarily use your iPad for basic tasks like browsing, email, and media consumption.
- You prioritize value and don’t need the advanced features of the Pro model.
- You want a newer processor than the older iPad Pro.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which iPad is better for drawing and note-taking?
Both iPads support the Apple Pencil (1st generation), but the iPad Pro 9.7’s display is optimized for the stylus, offering a more responsive and accurate drawing experience. The Pro’s display technology and processing power contribute to a smoother and more natural feel, making it the preferred choice for creative professionals and artists. The 6th Gen is functional, but the Pro is superior.
Does the iPad Pro 9.7 have a better screen?
Yes, the iPad Pro 9.7 boasts a superior display featuring True Tone technology, which adjusts the screen’s color temperature to match ambient lighting. It also offers a wider color gamut and a brighter screen, resulting in a more comfortable and visually appealing viewing experience. The Pro’s anti-reflective coating also enhances outdoor usability. The 6th gen’s screen is good but inferior.
Which iPad is faster for everyday tasks?
The iPad Pro 9.7, with its A9X chip and more RAM, is significantly faster for everyday tasks, including web browsing, app loading, and multitasking. The A10 Fusion chip in the 6th Gen is still capable, but the Pro handles demanding workloads with greater ease and efficiency. The Pro offers a smoother and more responsive user experience across the board. The difference is noticeable.
Does the iPad Pro 9.7 have better speakers?
Yes, the iPad Pro 9.7 features four speakers, providing a richer and more immersive audio experience. The speakers are located at each corner, creating a stereo soundstage. The iPad 6th Gen has two speakers. The Pro’s audio is significantly better, especially for media consumption, providing a more balanced and dynamic sound profile. This benefits movie watching and music listening.
Which iPad is better for gaming?
The iPad Pro 9.7 generally offers a better gaming experience due to its more powerful processor and graphics capabilities. Games load faster, and graphics are smoother and more detailed. While the iPad 6th Gen is capable, the Pro provides a more responsive and immersive gaming experience, particularly for graphically intensive titles. The Pro handles higher frame rates.
Is the iPad 6th Gen a good value?
Yes, the iPad 6th Gen offers excellent value for its price. It provides a solid tablet experience with a capable processor, support for the Apple Pencil, and a good display, making it a great option for everyday use and budget-conscious consumers. Its lower price makes it attractive. It is a good choice for those who are not power users.
Which iPad has a better camera?
The iPad Pro 9.7 has a more advanced camera system, including a 12MP rear camera capable of capturing 4K video and a better front-facing camera. The 6th Gen’s camera is adequate for casual use, but the Pro’s camera delivers higher-quality photos and videos, especially in low-light conditions. The Pro’s camera is superior. The Pro is better for photography.
Final Verdict
The iPad Pro 9.7 emerges as the superior tablet, offering significantly better performance, display quality, and features compared to the iPad 6th Gen. While the 6th Gen is a more affordable option and a good value, the Pro’s advanced capabilities cater to power users and those seeking a premium experience. The Pro’s True Tone display and superior audio make it ideal for media consumption and creative tasks.
Winner: iPad Pro 9.7