IPad Pro 12.9 (2021): A Deep Dive Review

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iPad Pro 12.9 (2021): A Deep Dive Review

Hey everyone! Let's dive deep into the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021). This isn't just another tablet; it's a powerhouse that's blurring the lines between a tablet and a laptop. We're talking about a stunning display, desktop-class performance, and features that make it a top contender for creative professionals and anyone who wants the best of the best. So, buckle up as we explore every nook and cranny of this amazing device.

Stunning Display and Design

Let's kick things off with the display – because, wow, it's a showstopper! The Liquid Retina XDR display on the 12.9-inch iPad Pro (2021) is genuinely something you have to see to believe. The mini-LED technology delivers incredible brightness, reaching up to 1000 nits for full-screen brightness and 1600 nits peak brightness for HDR content. What does this mean for you? Vibrant colors, exceptional contrast, and an immersive viewing experience whether you're editing photos, watching movies, or just browsing the web. The ProMotion technology, with its adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz, makes everything feel incredibly smooth and responsive. Scrolling is buttery smooth, Apple Pencil input feels more natural, and even simple tasks like opening apps feel snappier. The anti-reflective coating is another huge plus, especially if you're using the iPad Pro in bright environments. It significantly reduces glare, making the display much more usable outdoors or under harsh lighting. The design of the iPad Pro (2021) is classic Apple: clean lines, an edge-to-edge display, and a premium feel. It's made from recycled aluminum, which is a nice touch for the eco-conscious. The slim bezels around the display contribute to the immersive experience, and the overall build quality is top-notch. It feels solid and well-built in your hands, giving you confidence that it can handle everyday use. One thing to keep in mind is that the 12.9-inch model is larger and heavier than the 11-inch version, so it might not be as comfortable to hold for extended periods. However, the extra screen real estate is well worth it for many users, especially those who use the iPad Pro for creative tasks or multitasking.

M1 Chip: Performance Beast

Under the hood, the M1 chip is the real game-changer. This is the same chip that powers some of Apple's Mac computers, and it brings a whole new level of performance to the iPad Pro. We're talking about blazing-fast speeds, seamless multitasking, and the ability to handle even the most demanding tasks with ease. Whether you're editing 4K video, creating complex 3D models, or playing graphics-intensive games, the M1 chip delivers a smooth and responsive experience. Compared to the previous generation iPad Pro, the M1 chip offers a significant performance boost. Apps launch instantly, rendering times are dramatically reduced, and the overall system feels much more responsive. This makes the iPad Pro (2021) a viable alternative to a laptop for many users, especially those who value portability and ease of use. The M1 chip also brings significant improvements to machine learning tasks. The Neural Engine can handle complex machine learning algorithms much faster, which benefits apps that use features like object recognition, image analysis, and natural language processing. This opens up new possibilities for developers to create innovative and intelligent apps for the iPad Pro. One of the most impressive aspects of the M1 chip is its power efficiency. Despite its incredible performance, the iPad Pro (2021) still offers excellent battery life. You can easily get through a full day of use on a single charge, even with demanding tasks like video editing and gaming. This is a huge advantage over many laptops, which often struggle to provide all-day battery life. The combination of performance and battery life makes the iPad Pro (2021) a truly versatile device that can handle anything you throw at it.

Camera and Audio

The camera system on the iPad Pro 12.9 (2021) is impressive, to say the least. The front-facing 12MP Ultra Wide camera with Center Stage is a game-changer for video calls. It automatically keeps you in the frame as you move around, making it perfect for presentations, online classes, and catching up with family and friends. The rear camera setup includes a 12MP Wide camera and a 10MP Ultra Wide camera, which deliver stunning photos and videos in a variety of lighting conditions. The LiDAR Scanner is another standout feature, enhancing augmented reality (AR) experiences and improving the accuracy of the camera's autofocus in low-light situations. Whether you're scanning objects for 3D modeling or playing AR games, the LiDAR Scanner adds a new dimension to the iPad Pro's capabilities. The audio quality on the iPad Pro (2021) is equally impressive. The four-speaker audio system delivers rich, immersive sound that fills the room. Whether you're watching movies, listening to music, or playing games, the audio quality enhances the overall experience. The microphones are also top-notch, ensuring clear and crisp audio during video calls and recordings. The combination of excellent cameras and audio makes the iPad Pro (2021) a great device for content creation and consumption.

iPadOS and Features

iPadOS has come a long way, and on the iPad Pro 12.9 (2021), it truly shines. The multitasking capabilities are robust, allowing you to work with multiple apps simultaneously. Slide Over and Split View make it easy to juggle different tasks, and the App Library helps you keep your home screen organized. The Files app provides a central location for all your documents, making it easy to access and manage your files. The Apple Pencil support is another key feature, especially for creative professionals. The Apple Pencil (2nd generation) attaches magnetically to the side of the iPad Pro and charges wirelessly. It offers incredibly precise and responsive input, making it perfect for drawing, sketching, and taking notes. The iPad Pro (2021) also supports the Magic Keyboard, which transforms the tablet into a laptop-like device. The Magic Keyboard features a comfortable keyboard, a built-in trackpad, and a floating design that allows you to adjust the viewing angle. While it's an expensive accessory, it significantly enhances the iPad Pro's productivity capabilities. Other notable features include Thunderbolt / USB 4 support, which allows you to connect to a wide range of accessories, including external displays, storage devices, and cameras. Wi-Fi 6 provides fast and reliable wireless connectivity, and optional 5G cellular connectivity lets you stay connected on the go. Overall, iPadOS on the iPad Pro (2021) is a powerful and versatile operating system that's constantly evolving. With each update, Apple adds new features and improvements that make the iPad Pro an even more compelling device.

Pros and Cons

Alright, let's break down the pros and cons to give you the full picture.

Pros:

  • Stunning Liquid Retina XDR display: The mini-LED technology delivers incredible brightness, contrast, and color accuracy.
  • Powerful M1 chip: Blazing-fast performance for demanding tasks.
  • Excellent battery life: Get through a full day of use on a single charge.
  • Impressive camera system: Front-facing camera with Center Stage, rear cameras with LiDAR Scanner.
  • High-quality audio: Four-speaker audio system for immersive sound.
  • Versatile iPadOS: Robust multitasking capabilities and Apple Pencil support.

Cons:

  • Pricey: The iPad Pro 12.9 (2021) is a premium device with a premium price tag.
  • Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil are sold separately: These accessories are essential for many users, but they add to the overall cost.
  • iPadOS limitations: While iPadOS has improved, it still lacks some features found on macOS and Windows.
  • Size and weight: The 12.9-inch model can be bulky and heavy for some users.

Who is This For?

The iPad Pro 12.9 (2021) isn't for everyone. It's a premium device with a price tag to match. However, if you're a creative professional, a student, or anyone who wants the best of the best, it's definitely worth considering. Here's a breakdown of who this iPad is perfect for:

  • Creative Professionals: Photographers, video editors, graphic designers, and artists will appreciate the stunning display, powerful performance, and Apple Pencil support.
  • Students: The iPad Pro is a great tool for taking notes, reading textbooks, and doing research. The Magic Keyboard makes it easy to write papers, and the long battery life ensures you can get through a full day of classes.
  • Business Users: The iPad Pro can be used for presentations, video conferencing, and productivity tasks. The Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil make it easy to create documents and presentations on the go.
  • Tech Enthusiasts: If you're someone who always wants the latest and greatest technology, the iPad Pro (2021) is a must-have device.

Alternatives to Consider

If the iPad Pro 12.9 (2021) isn't quite right for you, here are a few alternatives to consider:

  • iPad Pro 11-inch (2021): This model offers the same features as the 12.9-inch version but in a smaller and more portable form factor.
  • iPad Air (5th generation): This is a great mid-range option that offers a balance of performance and affordability.
  • Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra: This Android tablet features a large display, powerful performance, and S Pen support.
  • Microsoft Surface Pro 8: This 2-in-1 device runs Windows and offers a laptop-like experience with a detachable keyboard.

Final Verdict

In conclusion, the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021) is an exceptional device that sets a new standard for tablets. The stunning display, powerful performance, and versatile features make it a top contender for creative professionals and anyone who wants the best of the best. While it's not the cheapest option, the iPad Pro (2021) offers a unique combination of portability, performance, and versatility that's hard to beat. If you're looking for a device that can handle anything you throw at it, the iPad Pro 12.9 (2021) is definitely worth considering. So, what do you guys think? Is the iPad Pro 12.9 (2021) worth the investment? Let me know in the comments below!