Apple IPad Pro 12.9 LTE (2021): Review & Specs

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the Apple iPad Pro 12.9" LTE (2021). This isn't just any tablet; it's a powerhouse designed for professionals and creatives who need top-tier performance on the go. We’re going to break down everything from its stunning display and blazing-fast performance to its connectivity and overall value. So, buckle up and let's get started!

Design and Build Quality

The design of the iPad Pro 12.9" LTE (2021) screams premium. Apple has consistently delivered sleek and robust devices, and this one is no exception. The tablet features a minimalist aesthetic with flat edges and a clean, unibody aluminum enclosure. This design not only looks fantastic but also provides a solid and durable feel. Holding it, you immediately sense the quality craftsmanship that Apple is known for.

The build quality is top-notch. The aluminum casing provides excellent rigidity, minimizing flex and ensuring the device can withstand the rigors of daily use. The buttons are tactile and responsive, and the overall finish is smooth and fingerprint-resistant. Despite its large size, the iPad Pro feels surprisingly manageable, thanks to its balanced weight distribution.

One of the standout design elements is the slim bezels surrounding the display. These thin borders maximize the screen real estate, providing an immersive viewing experience. The front-facing camera is neatly integrated into the bezel, avoiding any intrusive notches or cutouts. On the rear, the camera module is relatively flush with the body, preventing the tablet from wobbling when placed on a flat surface.

Apple's attention to detail extends to the placement of ports and speakers. The USB-C port is conveniently located for easy charging and accessory connectivity. The four-speaker audio system, strategically positioned around the device, delivers rich and immersive sound. Whether you're watching videos, listening to music, or video conferencing, the audio quality is exceptional.

The inclusion of LTE connectivity is a major plus for professionals who need to stay connected while on the move. The SIM card slot is discreetly placed, allowing for seamless integration with cellular networks. This feature ensures that you can access the internet, stream content, and collaborate with colleagues, regardless of your location.

Display: Liquid Retina XDR

Let’s talk about that display, because wow! The Liquid Retina XDR display on the iPad Pro 12.9" LTE (2021) is a game-changer. It uses mini-LED technology, which means you get incredible brightness, contrast, and color accuracy. We're talking about up to 1,600 nits of peak brightness and a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio. This isn't just a screen; it's a visual masterpiece.

The mini-LED technology allows for precise control over backlighting, resulting in deeper blacks and brighter whites. This is especially noticeable when viewing HDR content, where the dynamic range is significantly enhanced. Colors are vibrant and true to life, making photos, videos, and games look absolutely stunning.

The 12.9-inch size is perfect for multitasking and creative work. Whether you're editing photos, designing graphics, or working on spreadsheets, the large screen provides ample space to spread out and get things done. The high resolution ensures that everything looks sharp and detailed, even when zoomed in.

ProMotion technology is another key feature of the display. This adaptive refresh rate dynamically adjusts the screen's refresh rate up to 120Hz, depending on the content being displayed. This results in incredibly smooth scrolling, responsive touch input, and reduced motion blur. Whether you're gaming or simply navigating the interface, the ProMotion technology enhances the overall experience.

For creative professionals, the display's color accuracy is crucial. The iPad Pro 12.9" LTE (2021) supports the P3 wide color gamut, ensuring that colors are reproduced accurately and consistently. This is essential for tasks such as photo editing, video grading, and graphic design, where color fidelity is paramount.

The display also features an anti-reflective coating, which minimizes glare and reflections. This makes it easier to use the iPad Pro in bright environments, such as outdoors or in well-lit offices. The coating is effective at reducing distractions, allowing you to focus on your work or entertainment.

Performance: M1 Chip

Under the hood, the iPad Pro 12.9" LTE (2021) is powered by Apple's M1 chip. This is the same silicon that you find in their MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Mac mini. What does this mean for you? Blazing-fast performance, incredible efficiency, and the ability to handle even the most demanding tasks with ease. The M1 chip is a true game-changer for tablet performance.

The M1 chip features an 8-core CPU and an 8-core GPU, delivering a significant performance boost compared to previous iPad Pro models. Whether you're editing 4K videos, rendering complex 3D models, or playing graphics-intensive games, the iPad Pro can handle it all without breaking a sweat. The M1 chip also includes a 16-core Neural Engine, which accelerates machine learning tasks and enhances features such as image processing and voice recognition.

In real-world use, the performance is nothing short of impressive. Apps launch instantly, multitasking is seamless, and everything feels incredibly responsive. Even when running multiple demanding apps simultaneously, the iPad Pro maintains its smooth and fluid performance. This is a testament to the M1 chip's power and efficiency.

The M1 chip's advanced thermal design ensures that the iPad Pro remains cool even under heavy load. This prevents performance throttling and allows you to push the device to its limits without worrying about overheating. The efficient thermal management also contributes to longer battery life.

The M1 chip also enables features such as Center Stage, which uses machine learning to automatically adjust the front-facing camera during video calls. This keeps you in the frame even as you move around, making video conferencing more engaging and natural. The M1 chip's Neural Engine also enhances the performance of features such as Live Text, which allows you to extract text from images and use it in other apps.

Connectivity and LTE

Having LTE on the iPad Pro 12.9" (2021) is a huge deal. It means you're not just tethered to Wi-Fi. You can stay connected virtually anywhere, making it perfect for those who work on the go. Whether you're at a coffee shop, traveling, or on a job site, you'll always have access to the internet.

The LTE connectivity is fast and reliable, allowing you to stream videos, download files, and browse the web without any lag. The iPad Pro supports a wide range of LTE bands, ensuring compatibility with networks around the world. This is especially useful for frequent travelers who need to stay connected in different countries.

In addition to LTE, the iPad Pro also features Wi-Fi 6, the latest generation of wireless technology. Wi-Fi 6 offers faster speeds, lower latency, and improved security compared to previous Wi-Fi standards. This ensures that you can take full advantage of your home or office network.

The iPad Pro also includes Bluetooth 5.0, which allows you to connect to a wide range of wireless accessories, such as headphones, keyboards, and mice. Bluetooth 5.0 offers faster speeds, longer range, and improved reliability compared to previous Bluetooth versions.

The USB-C port on the iPad Pro supports Thunderbolt / USB 4, which enables blazing-fast data transfer speeds and connectivity to external displays and accessories. You can connect to a 6K external display, transfer large files in seconds, and even charge other devices using the iPad Pro's battery.

The iPad Pro also supports Apple Pencil (2nd generation), which magnetically attaches to the side of the device for charging and storage. The Apple Pencil offers precise and responsive input, making it ideal for tasks such as drawing, sketching, and note-taking.

Camera and Audio

The camera system on the iPad Pro 12.9" LTE (2021) is surprisingly good for a tablet. It features a 12MP Wide camera and a 10MP Ultra Wide camera, allowing you to capture stunning photos and videos. The cameras also support features such as Smart HDR 3, which enhances the dynamic range and detail in your photos.

The Ultra Wide camera enables features such as Center Stage, which automatically adjusts the frame during video calls to keep you in the picture. This is especially useful for group calls or when you're moving around during a call.

The iPad Pro also features a LiDAR scanner, which measures the distance to objects in the environment. This enables augmented reality (AR) experiences and improves the accuracy of features such as Measure and RoomPlan.

The audio quality on the iPad Pro is exceptional, thanks to its four-speaker audio system. The speakers are strategically positioned around the device to deliver rich and immersive sound. Whether you're watching movies, listening to music, or playing games, the audio quality is top-notch.

The iPad Pro also features studio-quality microphones, which capture clear and crisp audio for recordings and video calls. The microphones are designed to minimize background noise and focus on your voice, ensuring that you're heard loud and clear.

Battery Life

Battery life on the iPad Pro 12.9" LTE (2021) is impressive. You can easily get through a full day of work or play on a single charge. Apple claims up to 10 hours of web browsing or video playback on Wi-Fi, and our testing confirms that this is accurate. With LTE usage, battery life is slightly reduced, but still more than adequate for most users.

The M1 chip's efficiency plays a significant role in the iPad Pro's long battery life. The chip is designed to minimize power consumption while delivering top-tier performance. This allows you to get more done without constantly worrying about running out of battery.

The iPad Pro supports fast charging via USB-C, allowing you to quickly replenish the battery when needed. The included 20W power adapter can charge the iPad Pro from 0% to 50% in about 30 minutes.

Software and Features

The iPad Pro 12.9" LTE (2021) runs on iPadOS, which is designed specifically for the iPad. iPadOS offers a range of features and capabilities that enhance the tablet experience, such as multitasking, Slide Over, and Split View.

Multitasking on the iPad Pro is seamless and intuitive. You can easily switch between apps, run multiple apps simultaneously, and drag and drop content between apps. This makes it easy to get things done quickly and efficiently.

Slide Over allows you to quickly access apps without leaving your current app. You can swipe in from the side of the screen to reveal a list of apps, and then drag an app onto the screen to open it in a floating window.

Split View allows you to run two apps side-by-side on the screen. This is especially useful for tasks such as writing a document while researching online or editing photos while watching a tutorial.

Conclusion

So, is the Apple iPad Pro 12.9" LTE (2021) worth it? Absolutely! If you're looking for a tablet that offers incredible performance, a stunning display, and the convenience of LTE connectivity, this is it. It's perfect for professionals, creatives, and anyone who wants the best of the best. Yes, it's an investment, but the value you get in terms of performance and features makes it worthwhile. You're getting a powerhouse that can handle anything you throw at it, all in a sleek and portable package.