IPad Pro 12.9 (2021): Review, Specs, And More
Hey everyone! Let's dive deep into the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021). This isn't just another tablet; it's a powerhouse designed to blur the lines between a tablet and a laptop. We're going to explore everything that makes this device tick, from its stunning display to its blazing-fast performance and everything in between. Whether you're a creative professional, a student, or someone who just loves having the best tech, this in-depth look will give you all the info you need.
Unboxing and First Impressions
Alright, so you finally got your hands on the 2021 iPad Pro 12.9-inch. What’s the first thing you notice? For me, it’s always that gorgeous display. The Liquid Retina XDR display is seriously a game-changer. The colors pop, the blacks are incredibly deep, and the brightness is insane. It’s perfect for watching movies, editing photos, or just browsing the web. The unboxing experience itself is pretty standard Apple – clean, minimalist, and satisfying.
Beyond the display, the build quality is top-notch. The aluminum casing feels premium and solid in your hands. The squared-off edges give it a modern look that sets it apart from previous generations. Of course, you'll also find the usual suspects: the USB-C port, the volume buttons, and the power button with Touch ID. Setting it up is a breeze, especially if you’re already in the Apple ecosystem. Just sign in with your Apple ID, and you’re good to go!
Display: Liquid Retina XDR – A Visual Feast
Let's really get into this Liquid Retina XDR display because it’s the star of the show, guys. This mini-LED display technology is what sets this iPad Pro apart. It boasts over 10,000 mini-LEDs, which allow for incredible contrast and brightness. We're talking about a peak brightness of 1600 nits for HDR content! This means that HDR videos and photos look absolutely stunning, with incredible detail and vibrant colors. Even in bright sunlight, the screen remains perfectly viewable. For creative professionals who need accurate color reproduction, the display supports P3 wide color gamut and has excellent color accuracy.
Whether you're editing 4K videos, working on graphic design projects, or just kicking back with a movie, the display elevates the entire experience. The ProMotion technology, which dynamically adjusts the refresh rate up to 120Hz, makes everything feel incredibly smooth and responsive. Scrolling through web pages, swiping between apps, and even just drawing with the Apple Pencil feel more fluid and natural. Once you've used a display like this, it's hard to go back to anything else.
Performance: M1 Chip – A Powerhouse Unleashed
Under the hood, the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021) is powered by Apple's M1 chip. This is the same chip that you'll find in the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Mac mini, which is absolutely insane. It brings a level of performance to the iPad that was previously unheard of. Everything feels incredibly fast and responsive, from launching apps to multitasking between demanding tasks. The M1 chip features an 8-core CPU and an 8-core GPU, delivering up to 50% faster CPU performance and 40% faster GPU performance compared to the previous generation iPad Pro. This translates to smoother gameplay, faster video editing, and snappier overall performance.
For creative professionals, the M1 chip enables workflows that were previously impossible on an iPad. You can edit multiple streams of 4K video in Final Cut Pro, render complex 3D models in Shapr3D, and run demanding augmented reality apps without breaking a sweat. The M1 chip also features a 16-core Neural Engine, which accelerates machine learning tasks. This means that apps can perform tasks like object recognition, image analysis, and natural language processing much faster and more efficiently. The M1 chip truly transforms the iPad Pro into a professional-grade tool.
Camera and Audio: Enhancements All Around
The camera system on the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021) is also impressive. It features a 12MP Wide camera and a 10MP Ultra Wide camera, allowing you to capture stunning photos and videos. The cameras also support Smart HDR 3, which enhances the dynamic range and color accuracy of your photos. One of the standout features is the Center Stage, which uses the Ultra Wide camera and machine learning to keep you in the frame during video calls, even as you move around.
As for audio, the iPad Pro has a four-speaker audio system that delivers immersive sound. The speakers are well-balanced and provide excellent clarity, making them perfect for watching movies, listening to music, or playing games. The iPad Pro also has five studio-quality microphones, which ensure clear audio during video calls and recordings.
iPadOS: The Software Experience
The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021) runs on iPadOS, which is designed to take full advantage of the iPad's hardware. iPadOS offers a range of features that enhance productivity, creativity, and entertainment. The Files app allows you to easily manage your files and access cloud storage services like iCloud Drive, Dropbox, and Google Drive. The multitasking features, such as Slide Over and Split View, allow you to work on multiple apps simultaneously.
With iPadOS 15 and later, Apple introduced even more features that enhance the iPad experience. Quick Note lets you jot down notes from anywhere on the system. The updated widgets provide more information at a glance. Focus modes help you minimize distractions and stay focused on the task at hand. The software is really geared towards productivity and creativity.
Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard: Accessories That Enhance the Experience
To truly unlock the full potential of the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021), you'll want to consider pairing it with the Apple Pencil and the Magic Keyboard. The Apple Pencil is an essential tool for creative professionals, allowing you to draw, sketch, and paint with incredible precision. It supports tilt and pressure sensitivity, and it attaches magnetically to the side of the iPad Pro for charging and storage.
The Magic Keyboard transforms the iPad Pro into a laptop-like device. It features a full-size keyboard with backlit keys and a trackpad, allowing you to type and navigate with ease. The Magic Keyboard also has a floating cantilever design that allows you to adjust the viewing angle of the iPad Pro. While these accessories are sold separately and can be quite expensive, they significantly enhance the overall iPad Pro experience.
Battery Life: All-Day Power
The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021) offers excellent battery life. Apple claims that it can last for up to 10 hours of web browsing or video playback on Wi-Fi. In real-world use, I found that I could easily get through a full day of work without needing to recharge. Even with demanding tasks like video editing and gaming, the iPad Pro can easily last for several hours. The included 20W USB-C power adapter allows for fast charging, so you can quickly top up the battery when needed.
Who is this iPad For?
The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021) is a powerhouse device, but who is it really for? It's perfect for creative professionals who need a portable device for tasks like photo and video editing, graphic design, and 3D modeling. The M1 chip and the Liquid Retina XDR display provide the performance and visual fidelity that these professionals demand. It’s also great for students and anyone who wants a versatile device for productivity and entertainment. The Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard make it a capable laptop replacement, while the stunning display and powerful speakers make it perfect for watching movies and playing games. However, it's not for everyone.
If you primarily use your tablet for basic tasks like browsing the web and checking email, the iPad Pro might be overkill. There are more affordable iPads that can handle these tasks just fine. But, if you need the best possible performance and features, the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021) is the way to go.
Final Thoughts
The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021) is a remarkable device that pushes the boundaries of what a tablet can do. The M1 chip delivers incredible performance, the Liquid Retina XDR display is stunning, and the camera and audio systems are top-notch. When paired with the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard, it becomes a truly versatile tool for productivity and creativity. While it's not the cheapest tablet on the market, it offers a premium experience that is unmatched. If you're looking for the best of the best, the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021) is definitely worth considering.