How does the speed of an external SSD compare to the iPad Pro's internal storage

iPad Pro Internal Storage Speeds

The iPad Pro, particularly the M2 model, offers varying internal storage speeds based on the capacity. For instance, the 128GB version is slower due to using a single NAND chip, with read speeds around 1570 MB/s and write speeds about 953 MB/s[1]. In contrast, the 256GB model is significantly faster, with read speeds up to 3240 MB/s and write speeds around 2124 MB/s, thanks to using multiple chips that share the load[1]. The 512GB model is even faster, with sequential read speeds reaching over 3261 MB/s and write speeds exceeding 2994 MB/s[1].

External SSD Speeds

External SSDs can offer high speeds, but these are often limited by the connection type. For example, using a Thunderbolt connection can provide speeds up to 2.5 GB/s or more, depending on the specific drive and setup[2]. However, if connected via USB-A, speeds are typically much lower due to the limitations of the USB-A interface[6].

Comparison

In general, the internal SSD of an iPad Pro, especially higher-capacity models, can offer faster speeds than many external SSDs, especially those connected via slower interfaces like USB-A. However, Thunderbolt-connected external SSDs can approach or match the speeds of internal storage in some cases[2][6].

Real-World Impact

While internal SSDs generally provide faster speeds, the real-world difference between internal and external storage may not be as noticeable for most users. Tasks like data transfer and media editing might show some delay with external storage, but for many applications, the difference is minimal[4].

Data Transfer Example

For example, transferring 1 GB of data from an external hard drive to an M1 iPad Pro's internal storage took about 13 seconds, indicating relatively fast transfer speeds even with external devices[3]. However, this speed can vary significantly depending on the type of external drive and connection used.