When comparing the performance of the iPad Pro's internal SSD with an external SSD, several key differences emerge:
Internal SSD Performance
- Speed: Internal SSDs in the iPad Pro, especially in higher storage models like the 512GB and 1TB versions, offer significantly faster read and write speeds. For example, the iPad Pro M2 with a 512GB SSD can achieve sequential read speeds of up to 3261 MB/s and write speeds of up to 3690 MB/s[1]. Similarly, the iPad Pro M4 models show impressive speeds, with the 512GB version reaching read speeds of about 2893 MB/s and write speeds of around 2844 MB/s[7].- Consistency: Internal SSDs generally provide consistent performance because they are directly connected to the device's motherboard, minimizing bottlenecks in data transfer.
External SSD Performance
- Speed: External SSDs, while faster than traditional hard drives, typically offer slower speeds compared to internal SSDs due to interface limitations. For instance, the OWC Envoy Pro FX external SSD can reach speeds up to 2800 MB/s, but actual performance may vary based on the connection interface used (e.g., USB-C, Thunderbolt)[8].- Mobility and Flexibility: External SSDs are ideal for additional storage needs and offer the flexibility to be used across multiple devices, making them suitable for users who require portable storage solutions.
Real-World Impact
In real-world scenarios, the difference in performance between internal and external SSDs is most noticeable in tasks that heavily rely on storage speed, such as video editing or large file transfers. However, for general use like browsing, email, and office work, the difference may not be as pronounced.Conclusion
While internal SSDs in the iPad Pro offer superior performance due to their direct connection and optimized design, external SSDs provide flexibility and additional storage capacity at a generally lower cost per GB. The choice between using an internal SSD or an external SSD depends on specific needsâperformance for demanding tasks or mobility and extra storage for general use.Citations:
[1] https://www.reddit.com/r/iPadPro/comments/yocwpl/ipad_pro_m2_128gb_vs_256gb_ssd_speeds_like_macbook/
[2] https://support.apple.com/en-us/119892
[3] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-z4aORwTrRs
[4] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXNvfZe1COs
[5] https://apple.techable.com/specs/a2229-ipad-pro-my2j2ll-a-12-9-inch-4th-generation-wifi-only/
[6] https://www.kingspec.com/news/how-does-an-external-ssd-and-an-internal-ssd-differ.html
[7] https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/ipad-pro-m4-ssd-speeds-surprising-results.2428537/
[8] https://everymac.com/systems/apple/ipad/ipad-pro-faq/best-ipad-pro-external-storage-lightning-usb-c-default-ipad-pro-storage.html
[9] https://discussions.apple.com/thread/252698867