Apple, the tech giant, continues to offer more choices by enhancing the newer iPad Pro models. Despite sharing the same screen size, their appearances at different times bring forth new elements. Let's compare the two product lines iPad Pro 9.7 2017 and iPad Pro 9.7 2018 to find the answers!
Design and Display of iPad Pro 9.7 in 2017 and 2018
Not particularly fresh after each launch. The 2018 iPad still retains the same old design, a metal block similar to its 2017 predecessor. Both feature a Retina display with a 9.7-inch size, boasting a resolution of 2048 x 1536 pixels with a pixel density of 264 ppi. This ensures a sharp and lifelike display, offering a highly enjoyable experience for technology users.

Processing Chip and RAM
As you may know, since its release, the iPad 9.7 2018 comes with the A10 Fusion processor and has 2GB of RAM. Whereas the iPad Pro 9.7 2017 carries the A10X chip and has up to 4GB of RAM.
In Geekbench's test, the iPad Pro 9.7 2017 achieved impressive results with a single-core score of 3904. While the similar figure for the iPad 2018 is 3254. In multi-core testing, the iPad Pro 2017 scored 9292 points. Far surpassing the 5857 score of the iPad 2018. Clearly, the processing chip's strength helps iPad Pro 9.7 2017 outperform the iPad 2018.
Camera
When comparing photo shooting capabilities, the iPad Pro 2017 'outpaces' the iPad 2018. As this product line features a camera cluster equivalent to the iPhone 7. With a resolution of 12MP, F/1.8 aperture, integrated IOS, and True Tone flash. Meanwhile, the iPad 2018 has a main camera of 8MP, F/2.4 aperture. This helps the iPad Pro 9.7 2017 capture sharper images. Especially in low-light environments.
Furthermore, the iPad Pro 9.7 2017 records better videos than iPad Pro 9.7 2018. Allowing for 4K video recording at 30FPS and Full HD recording at 120FPS. While the iPad 2018 can only record Full HD video at 30FPS.
Touch ID

Memory and External Speaker System
iPad Pro 9.7 2017 boasts four stereo speakers allowing you to experience excellent sound quality. No matter which direction you rotate your iPad. Whereas the 2018 iPad only has two stereo speakers at the bottom of the device. This greatly affects the gaming and movie-watching experience.
Regarding storage capacity, the 2018 iPad is available with two internal storage options: 32GB and 128GB. While the iPad Pro 2017 currently allows users to choose between 32GB, 128GB, and 256GB options.

Should you buy iPad 9.7 2018 or iPad Pro 9.7 2017
iPad Pro 9.7 regardless of the generation, remains remarkably excellent and outstanding. Bringing users closer to a more convenient world of technology.
From the article, you can see that despite being similarly priced, the iPad Pro 2017 proves superior to the iPad 2018 in every aspect. The 2018 iPad is a very excellent tablet compared to current tablet models. But for anyone needing professional-level features like faster Apple Pencil responsiveness, GPU, CPU,... Or faster LTE connectivity, better quality screen, then iPad Pro 9.7 2017 would be the ideal choice.