Apple IPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021): Review & Specs
Hey guys! Let's dive deep into the Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021). This powerhouse tablet has been making waves, and for good reason. Whether you're a creative professional, a student, or just someone who loves tech, this iPad Pro packs a serious punch. We’re going to break down everything from its stunning display to its blazing-fast performance, and see if it truly lives up to the hype.
Display: XDR Display
The Liquid Retina XDR display on the 12.9-inch iPad Pro is, simply put, gorgeous. Seriously, it's one of the best displays you can find on any tablet, period. The mini-LED technology allows for incredible brightness, reaching up to 1600 nits peak brightness for HDR content. This means when you're watching movies or editing photos, the colors pop, and the contrast is phenomenal. Blacks are deeper, and highlights are brighter, making everything look incredibly lifelike.
But it's not just about brightness; the color accuracy is superb too. It covers the P3 wide color gamut, so you can be confident that what you see on the screen is what you'll get in your final product, whether you're a photographer, video editor, or graphic designer. And with ProMotion technology, the display dynamically adjusts the refresh rate up to 120Hz, making scrolling and animations buttery smooth. This adaptive refresh rate also helps to conserve battery life, which is a nice bonus.
Whether you're sketching with the Apple Pencil, watching your favorite shows, or working on detailed design projects, the display on the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021) is a visual treat. It's sharp, vibrant, and incredibly responsive, making it a joy to use for any task. Seriously, once you've seen this display, it's hard to go back to anything else. For creative professionals, this is a game-changer.
Performance: M1 Chip
Under the hood, the M1 chip is the real star of the show. This is the same chip that powers some of Apple's MacBooks, and bringing it to the iPad Pro was a stroke of genius. The performance gains compared to previous generations are significant. We're talking about up to 50% faster CPU performance and 40% faster GPU performance. What does this mean in the real world?
It means that everything feels incredibly snappy and responsive. Apps launch instantly, multitasking is a breeze, and even the most demanding tasks like video editing and 3D rendering are handled with ease. Games run smoothly with stunning graphics, and you can even connect an external display to create a more desktop-like experience. The M1 chip also brings improved machine learning capabilities, which enhances features like object recognition in photos and real-time language translation.
Compared to previous iPad Pro models, the M1 chip is a massive leap forward. It's not just about raw power; it's also about efficiency. The M1 chip is incredibly power-efficient, which means you can get all-day battery life even when pushing the iPad Pro to its limits. Whether you're a professional who needs to run demanding software, a student who needs to multitask between research and note-taking, or a gamer who wants to enjoy the latest titles, the M1 chip delivers exceptional performance across the board. It truly transforms the iPad Pro into a mobile powerhouse.
Design and Build Quality
The design of the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021) is classic Apple: sleek, minimalist, and premium. The enclosure is made from recycled aluminum, which not only looks great but also feels incredibly durable. The flat edges give it a modern aesthetic, and the thin bezels around the display maximize the screen real estate. It's available in two colors: Silver and Space Gray, both of which look sophisticated and professional.
Despite its large display, the iPad Pro is surprisingly thin and light. It measures just 6.4mm thick and weighs around 1.5 pounds, making it easy to carry around in a bag or backpack. The build quality is top-notch, with no creaks or flex in the chassis. It feels solid and well-constructed, which is what you'd expect from a premium device like this.
The iPad Pro also features a Thunderbolt / USB 4 port, which allows for fast data transfer and connectivity to external displays and other accessories. The Smart Connector on the back allows you to attach the Magic Keyboard or Smart Keyboard Folio, transforming the iPad Pro into a laptop-like device. And of course, it supports the Apple Pencil (2nd generation), which magnetically attaches to the side of the iPad for charging and storage. Overall, the design and build quality of the iPad Pro are excellent. It's a beautiful device that feels great in the hand and is built to last. Whether you're using it at home, in the office, or on the go, the iPad Pro is sure to turn heads.
Camera and Audio
The camera system on the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021) is surprisingly capable. It features a dual-camera setup on the rear, with a 12MP Wide camera and a 10MP Ultra Wide camera. The image quality is excellent, with sharp details, accurate colors, and good dynamic range. It also supports Smart HDR 3, which helps to optimize the exposure and contrast in your photos.
But the real standout feature is the Center Stage technology on the front-facing 12MP Ultra Wide camera. This feature automatically adjusts the frame to keep you in view during video calls, even if you move around. It's incredibly useful for video conferencing, online classes, or just staying connected with friends and family. The camera also supports Face ID, which allows you to securely unlock your iPad Pro with just a glance.
The audio quality on the iPad Pro is also impressive. It features four speakers that deliver a wide stereo soundstage with clear highs and deep bass. Whether you're watching movies, listening to music, or playing games, the audio is immersive and engaging. The iPad Pro also has five studio-quality microphones, which ensure clear and crisp audio for video calls and recordings. Overall, the camera and audio capabilities of the iPad Pro are excellent. They're perfect for staying connected, creating content, and enjoying multimedia entertainment.
Software and Features
The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021) runs on iPadOS, which is specifically designed for the iPad. It offers a range of features that enhance the tablet experience, such as multitasking, Split View, Slide Over, and the Files app. iPadOS also supports widgets, which allow you to quickly access information from your favorite apps on the home screen.
One of the standout features of iPadOS is its support for the Apple Pencil. The Apple Pencil (2nd generation) seamlessly integrates with the iPad Pro, allowing you to take notes, sketch, and annotate documents with precision and ease. The latency is incredibly low, making it feel like you're writing on paper. iPadOS also includes features like Scribble, which automatically converts your handwriting into text.
Another great feature of iPadOS is its support for external storage. You can connect external hard drives, SSDs, and USB drives to the iPad Pro using the Thunderbolt / USB 4 port, allowing you to easily transfer files and expand your storage capacity. The Files app provides a centralized location for accessing all of your files, whether they're stored on the iPad, in iCloud Drive, or on an external drive.
iPadOS also includes a range of accessibility features, such as VoiceOver, Switch Control, and AssistiveTouch, which make the iPad Pro accessible to users with disabilities. Overall, the software and features of the iPad Pro are excellent. iPadOS is a powerful and intuitive operating system that enhances the tablet experience and makes the iPad Pro a versatile device for work, creativity, and entertainment.
Battery Life
Battery life is always a crucial factor when considering a new device, and the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021) doesn't disappoint. Apple claims that it can last up to 10 hours of web surfing on Wi-Fi or watching video. In real-world testing, this holds up pretty well. You can easily get through a full day of mixed usage, including browsing the web, checking email, watching videos, and working on documents, without needing to recharge.
Even when performing more demanding tasks, such as video editing or gaming, the iPad Pro still offers respectable battery life. The power efficiency of the M1 chip plays a significant role in this. It allows the iPad Pro to deliver excellent performance without draining the battery too quickly. When you do need to recharge, the iPad Pro supports fast charging, which means you can quickly replenish the battery using the included USB-C power adapter.
Of course, battery life can vary depending on your usage patterns and settings. If you're constantly using the display at maximum brightness or running resource-intensive apps, you'll likely see shorter battery life. However, for most users, the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021) offers excellent battery life that will easily get them through a full day of use.
Who is this For?
The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021) is ideal for a wide range of users. It's a perfect choice for creative professionals who need a powerful and portable device for tasks like photo editing, video editing, graphic design, and illustration. The M1 chip provides the performance needed to run demanding software, and the Liquid Retina XDR display offers exceptional color accuracy and detail.
It's also a great option for students and educators who need a versatile device for note-taking, research, and online learning. The Apple Pencil integration makes it easy to take handwritten notes, and the Smart Keyboard Folio transforms the iPad Pro into a laptop-like device for writing essays and reports. The long battery life ensures that you can get through a full day of classes without needing to recharge.
And of course, the iPad Pro is also a great choice for anyone who wants a premium tablet for entertainment and productivity. The stunning display, powerful speakers, and long battery life make it perfect for watching movies, listening to music, and playing games. The iPadOS operating system offers a range of features that enhance the tablet experience, and the App Store provides access to millions of apps for every imaginable purpose.
Conclusion
So, is the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021) worth it? In my opinion, absolutely. It's a fantastic tablet that offers a winning combination of power, performance, and features. The M1 chip delivers desktop-class performance, the Liquid Retina XDR display is stunning, and the iPadOS operating system is both intuitive and powerful. Whether you're a creative professional, a student, or just someone who loves tech, the iPad Pro is sure to impress.
Of course, it's not cheap. The iPad Pro is a premium device with a premium price tag. But if you're willing to invest in the best, you won't be disappointed. It's a device that can handle anything you throw at it, and it's sure to provide years of enjoyment and productivity. So, if you're in the market for a new tablet, be sure to give the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021) a serious look. You might just fall in love.