Apple IPad Pro 12.9 (2021): Full Review & Specs
Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2021), a tablet that really shook things up when it hit the market. We're going to explore everything about it, from its stunning display to its blazing-fast performance, and figure out if it's still worth considering in today's tech landscape. So, buckle up and let's get started!
Display: Liquid Retina XDR is a Game Changer
The Liquid Retina XDR display on the 2021 iPad Pro 12.9 is seriously impressive. It uses mini-LED technology, which allows for incredible brightness, contrast, and color accuracy. We're talking about a peak brightness of 1600 nits in HDR mode! This makes watching movies, editing photos, and even just browsing the web a visual treat.
The blacks are deeper, the colors are more vibrant, and everything just pops off the screen. Whether you're a creative professional who needs accurate color representation or just someone who enjoys consuming media, this display won't disappoint. Compared to previous iPad models, the difference is night and day. The increased brightness also makes it much easier to use outdoors, even in direct sunlight. Plus, the ProMotion technology with a 120Hz refresh rate ensures that everything feels incredibly smooth and responsive. Scrolling, gaming, and even just navigating the interface feel noticeably faster and more fluid. The adaptive refresh rate also helps to conserve battery life by adjusting the refresh rate based on what you're doing. For example, when you're reading static text, the refresh rate will lower to save power. This is a feature that you might not notice on a daily basis, but it contributes to the overall premium experience of using the iPad Pro.
Performance: M1 Chip Unleashes Power
Under the hood, the M1 chip is the real star of the show. This is the same chip that powers many of Apple's Mac computers, and it brings a massive boost in performance to the iPad Pro. Whether you're editing 4K videos, playing graphics-intensive games, or running complex simulations, the iPad Pro handles it all with ease. The M1 chip features an 8-core CPU and an 8-core GPU, which deliver up to 50% faster CPU performance and up to 40% faster GPU performance compared to the previous generation iPad Pro. This means that everything from launching apps to multitasking is noticeably faster and more responsive. The M1 chip also includes a 16-core Neural Engine, which accelerates machine learning tasks. This enables features like on-device Siri processing, real-time video analysis, and advanced image processing. The Neural Engine also helps to improve the performance of apps that use machine learning, such as photo and video editing apps.
And it's not just about raw power, the M1 chip is also incredibly efficient, which helps to extend battery life. Even with heavy use, you can easily get through a full day on a single charge. This is a significant improvement over previous iPad models, which often struggled to last through a full day of heavy use. The combination of power and efficiency makes the iPad Pro a truly versatile device that can handle anything you throw at it.
Design and Build Quality: Sleek and Premium
The design of the 2021 iPad Pro 12.9 is classic Apple: sleek, minimalist, and premium. The edge-to-edge display, the slim bezels, and the aluminum unibody construction give it a sophisticated look and feel. It feels incredibly solid and well-built in your hands. The flat edges and rounded corners are comfortable to hold, and the overall design is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The iPad Pro is available in two colors: Silver and Space Gray. Both colors look great, but the Space Gray model is particularly sleek and modern. The back of the iPad Pro features the Apple logo and a camera bump, which houses the dual-lens camera system and the LiDAR scanner. The camera bump is relatively small and doesn't detract from the overall design of the iPad Pro.
The build quality is top-notch, as you'd expect from Apple. Everything feels precisely engineered and perfectly assembled. There are no creaks or rattles, and the iPad Pro feels like it can withstand the rigors of daily use. The only potential downside is that the aluminum unibody construction can be prone to scratches and dents. If you're concerned about damaging your iPad Pro, you might want to consider using a case or a screen protector.
Cameras: More Than Just a Tablet Camera
The cameras on the 2021 iPad Pro 12.9 are surprisingly good. The rear camera system consists of a 12MP wide camera and a 10MP ultra-wide camera. These cameras are capable of capturing sharp, detailed photos and videos, even in low-light conditions. The ultra-wide camera is particularly useful for capturing landscapes and group photos. The iPad Pro also features a LiDAR scanner, which measures the distance to objects in the environment. This enables features like augmented reality (AR) experiences, improved autofocus in low-light conditions, and more accurate depth sensing for portrait mode photos. The LiDAR scanner also allows you to use the iPad Pro for professional applications such as 3D modeling and scanning.
On the front, there's a 12MP ultra-wide camera with Center Stage. This feature automatically adjusts the frame during video calls to keep you in the center of the picture, even if you move around. This is a great feature for video conferencing and online learning. The front-facing camera is also capable of capturing high-quality selfies and videos. Overall, the cameras on the 2021 iPad Pro 12.9 are more than capable for most users. Whether you're taking photos, recording videos, or video conferencing, the iPad Pro delivers excellent results.
Connectivity: Thunderbolt and 5G
The 2021 iPad Pro 12.9 features Thunderbolt connectivity, which allows you to connect to a wide range of accessories and peripherals. Thunderbolt offers much faster data transfer speeds than USB-C, which means you can quickly transfer large files to and from external storage devices. Thunderbolt also supports DisplayPort, which allows you to connect the iPad Pro to external displays with resolutions up to 6K. This makes the iPad Pro a great tool for creative professionals who need to work with large files and multiple displays. In addition to Thunderbolt, the iPad Pro also features Wi-Fi 6 and optional 5G connectivity. Wi-Fi 6 provides faster wireless speeds and improved network performance. 5G connectivity allows you to stay connected to the internet even when you're away from Wi-Fi. This is a great feature for users who need to stay connected on the go.
Accessories: Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard
To really get the most out of the 2021 iPad Pro 12.9, you'll want to consider getting the Apple Pencil and the Magic Keyboard. The Apple Pencil (2nd generation) is a fantastic tool for artists, designers, and anyone who likes to take handwritten notes. It attaches magnetically to the side of the iPad Pro and charges wirelessly. The Apple Pencil is incredibly precise and responsive, and it feels just like writing on paper. The Magic Keyboard is a full-size keyboard with a built-in trackpad. It attaches magnetically to the iPad Pro and provides a comfortable typing experience. The Magic Keyboard also features a floating cantilever design, which allows you to adjust the viewing angle of the iPad Pro. Together, the Apple Pencil and the Magic Keyboard transform the iPad Pro into a powerful productivity tool.
Software: iPadOS Enhancements
The 2021 iPad Pro 12.9 runs on iPadOS, which is Apple's operating system for iPads. iPadOS is designed to take advantage of the iPad's large display and powerful hardware. It features a multitasking interface that allows you to run multiple apps side-by-side. iPadOS also includes features like Slide Over and Split View, which make it easy to switch between apps and work on multiple projects at the same time. With iPadOS 15 and later, there are even more enhancements that really start to blur the line between tablet and computer. Features like Quick Note and better multitasking definitely improved productivity.
Battery Life: All-Day Power
The battery life on the 2021 iPad Pro 12.9 is excellent. You can easily get through a full day of use on a single charge. Even with heavy use, such as watching videos, playing games, and editing photos, the iPad Pro will last for several hours. The M1 chip is incredibly efficient, which helps to extend battery life. The iPad Pro also supports fast charging, so you can quickly recharge the battery when needed. Overall, the battery life on the 2021 iPad Pro 12.9 is more than sufficient for most users.
Is it Still Worth it in 2024?
So, is the 2021 iPad Pro 12.9 still worth buying in 2024? Well, that depends on your needs and budget. If you're looking for a powerful tablet with a stunning display and excellent performance, the 2021 iPad Pro 12.9 is still a great option. However, there are newer iPad models available, such as the iPad Pro (2022), which feature even more powerful hardware and advanced features. If you're on a tight budget, you might want to consider the iPad Air, which offers a good balance of performance and price. Ultimately, the best iPad for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Pros and Cons
Hereâs a quick rundown of the pros and cons to help you make a decision:
Pros:
- Stunning Liquid Retina XDR display
- Blazing-fast M1 chip
- Excellent battery life
- Thunderbolt connectivity
- Great cameras
- Premium design and build quality
Cons:
- Expensive
- Accessories can be pricey
- iPadOS can feel limiting compared to macOS
Final Verdict
The Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2021) remains a fantastic tablet. Its incredible display, powerful M1 chip, and premium design make it a top contender, even in 2024. If you need a high-performance tablet for creative work, entertainment, or productivity, it's definitely worth considering. Just weigh the cost against newer models and your specific requirements.
Hope this helped you guys out! Let me know if you have any questions in the comments below!