Skip to main content

5 ways the iPad Pro is still better than a MacBook

Apple is blurring the line between the iPad and the Mac. With the company’s messaging around higher-end iPad models referring to them as laptop replacements and the new iPad actually including the same chip as new Macs, there’s no denying that it’s harder than ever to decide which one to go for.

Despite the similar processing power, Macs are still generally more capable than iPads, thanks largely to the desktop-class operating system — MacOS. But they’re not better for everything. In fact, there are plenty of things that the iPad Pro is better at than the Mac.

Video chatting

Apple seems to regularly forget about the video-chatting camera experience on the Mac lineup, but it regularly pushes updates to iOS and iPadOS devices — like the AR-powered Eye Contact feature that it launched in 2019 and the new Center Stage feature that’s available in the new iPad Pro. Center Stage actually works really well, leveraging the wide view of the front-facing ultrawide camera to zoom in on your face and pan around as you move.

Of course, the iPad Pro’s video-chatting experience isn’t perfect. The main drawback is that, in landscape orientation, the camera sensor is on the side, which can look a little awkward. But you’ll look awkward in much better quality than on a Mac.

An incredible display

The display quality on the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro is solid, but it’s not amazing. It is amazing on the iPad Pro, though — especially the 12.9-inch model. The 2021 12.9-inch iPad Pro offers Apple’s Liquid Retina XDR display, which leverages mini-LED technology to display deeper black levels and excellent brightness, especially when viewing HDR content. There’s a clear difference between the 12.9-inch iPad Pro and other iPad models, and that can really help for those who want something for graphic design or even just watching movies. And that’s not to mention the fact that all recent iPad Pro models offer a 120Hz refresh rate, making for smooth animations and an incredibly responsive feel.

Better security

Recent MacBook models have Touch ID, which, to be fair, is pretty convenient. But what’s more convenient than having to reach out and place your finger on a sensor? Simply having the right face. The iPad Pro has Face ID, meaning that all you have to do is look at your iPad to unlock it, autofill passwords, and so on.

Again, the Face ID experience on the iPad Pro isn’t perfect. The main downside is that it can be pretty easy to accidentally cover up the Face ID sensor when you’re holding the iPad horizontally. But you’ll get used to not doing so eventually.

Touch

Digital Trends

At the risk of beating a dead horse, one reason the iPad Pro is better than a MacBook is that it supports touch. That helps make the device a whole lot more interactive and natural-feeling. We’re not really expecting Apple to release a touch-capable Mac any time soon, but as the line between the iPad and the Mac blurs, iPads may start feeling more like Mac computers anyway.

Versatility

Perhaps the single best reason to buy an iPad Pro over a MacBook is its versatility. Now, the different devices are more versatile in different ways. Obviously, MacOS, which is a full-fledged desktop operating system, is more versatile than iPadOS. But the iPad is still a more versatile device all around. You can use it simply as a touch device, or you can use it with a keyboard and mouse to get some work done. At this point, with the right accessories, it’s essentially a detachable 2-in-1.

Editors' Recommendations

Christian de Looper
Christian’s interest in technology began as a child in Australia, when he stumbled upon a computer at a garage sale that he…
Own an iPhone, iPad, or MacBook? Install this critical update right now
IOS 16.4.1 UPDATE.

Apple has released software updates for iPhones and iPads that are light on features, but they are critically important from a security perspective. The updates — iOS 16.4.1 and iPadOS 16.4.1 — started rolling out on Friday, but you should install them on your iPhone and iPad as soon as possible to protect your devices from attacks.

In its official release note, Apple says the updates patch two security flaws that “may have been actively exploited.” Now, Apple doesn’t disclose security issues before conducting thorough research, both in-house and in collaboration with cybersecurity experts. In a nutshell, when Apple publicly announces a security flaw, and it comes with a “Critical Vulnerability” badge, you should grab the fix as soon as Apple makes them available.

Read more
Samsung’s $450 phone does one thing way better than the iPhone 14
The back of the purple Galaxy A54.

When Apple introduced the iPhone 5C, it was the first time that the company added fun colors to the iPhone lineup — despite the iPhone 5C being mostly a flop. It stopped with the colors for a few years until the iPhone XR came around, which brought back fun shades for the iPhone. Ever since then, Apple made the standard iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 13, and iPhone 14 come in a slate of more visually-interesting colors while leaving the iPhone Pro devices in more “professional” hues.

Even though Apple just recently released a yellow iPhone 14, which may appeal to some (I’m honestly not a fan of yellow), it historically has a track record of just not being great with iPhone colors. And the purple iPhone 14 is proof of it.
How is that iPhone 14 even considered purple?

Read more
Surprise Apple sale brings big discounts on iPad and Apple Watch
Data from a workout showing on the screen of the Apple Watch Series 8.

There are plenty of great discounts on Apple devices over at Amazon right now. That means substantial price cuts on the latest Apple Watch range as well as plenty of iPads too. If you're keen to learn more, we're here to help. We've picked out some of our favorite Apple deals going on right now. Check them out below to see how you can save big on highly sought-after devices.
Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) -- $220, was $249

The Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) is a marvel at this price. Easily one of the best smartwatch deals, it covers everything you could need. You gain comprehensive yet easy-to-use fitness tracking thanks to Apple's Activity Rings system and steady stream of challenges and rewards. It's fast too thanks to having the latest processor. Despite that, you still get to enjoy a two-day battery life with the watch easily comfortable to wear all day long. It lacks the ECG and blood oxygen sensors of the Series 8 along with the always-on display, but that won't be an issue for everyone. The key thing is you get an excellent smartwatch at a great price.

Read more