IPad Pro 12.9 (2021): Review, Specs, And More
Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the magnificent world of the 2021 iPad Pro 12.9-inch. This isn't just another tablet; it's a powerhouse of performance and a visual masterpiece. If you're considering upgrading or just curious about what makes this iPad so special, you're in the right place.
What Makes the 2021 iPad Pro 12.9 Stand Out?
The 2021 iPad Pro 12.9" stands out primarily because of its groundbreaking M1 chip. This is the same silicon that powers many of Apple's MacBooks, bringing a level of performance to the iPad that was previously unheard of. This means faster processing speeds, smoother multitasking, and the ability to handle demanding tasks like video editing and graphic design with ease. The Liquid Retina XDR display, with its mini-LED technology, is another key highlight, offering incredible brightness, contrast, and color accuracy. For professionals and creatives, this display is a game-changer, providing a stunning canvas for their work. Beyond these headline features, the 2021 iPad Pro 12.9 also boasts enhanced connectivity with Thunderbolt/USB 4, offering faster data transfer speeds and support for a wider range of accessories. It also includes a superior camera system with features like Center Stage, which keeps you in frame during video calls, making it an excellent tool for both work and play. The combination of power, display quality, and advanced features makes the 2021 iPad Pro 12.9 a top-tier tablet that caters to a wide range of users, from creative professionals to everyday consumers who demand the best.
Display: Liquid Retina XDR
Let's talk about that Liquid Retina XDR display. Seriously, it's a showstopper. The mini-LED technology allows for incredible brightness and contrast, making everything from photos and videos to games and documents look absolutely stunning. Colors are vibrant and accurate, and the detail is just mind-blowing. Whether you're a photographer editing your latest shoot or just binge-watching your favorite shows, this display will blow you away. The peak brightness hits a staggering 1600 nits in HDR mode, ensuring that HDR content looks incredibly realistic and dynamic. This level of brightness also makes the display highly usable in bright outdoor conditions. The display's ProMotion technology, which offers an adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz, further enhances the viewing experience by making scrolling and animations incredibly smooth and responsive. This is especially noticeable when using the Apple Pencil, as it provides a more natural and fluid writing and drawing experience. The anti-reflective coating on the display also helps to minimize glare, making it easier to use in various lighting conditions. All these features combined make the Liquid Retina XDR display on the 2021 iPad Pro 12.9 not just a screen, but a portal to immersive and visually stunning experiences. This makes it an ideal choice for professionals who require accurate color representation and high image quality, as well as for anyone who simply appreciates a beautiful display.
Performance: M1 Chip
Under the hood, the M1 chip is the real MVP. This isn't your average tablet processor; it's the same chip that powers many of Apple's MacBook laptops. That means you're getting desktop-class performance in a tablet form factor. Multitasking is a breeze, demanding apps run smoothly, and even gaming is a joy. Forget about lag or slowdowns β this iPad can handle anything you throw at it. The M1 chip features an 8-core CPU and an 8-core GPU, delivering up to 50% faster CPU performance and up to 40% faster GPU performance compared to the previous generation iPad Pro. This significant boost in performance allows for more complex and demanding tasks to be performed on the iPad, such as editing 4K video, creating intricate 3D models, and running professional-grade applications. The M1 chip also includes a 16-core Neural Engine, which accelerates machine learning tasks, enabling features like advanced image processing, voice recognition, and augmented reality experiences. This makes the iPad Pro not only powerful but also intelligent, capable of learning and adapting to your usage patterns. The combination of the M1 chip and iPadOS results in a seamless and responsive user experience, with apps launching instantly and multitasking being fluid and effortless. Whether you're a creative professional, a student, or simply someone who demands the best performance from their devices, the M1-powered iPad Pro delivers an unparalleled level of power and efficiency.
Camera and Features
The camera on the 2021 iPad Pro 12.9 is surprisingly impressive. The Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage is a game-changer for video calls, keeping you in the frame even as you move around. On the back, you've got a dual-camera system with a LiDAR scanner, which enhances AR experiences and improves low-light photography. Plus, features like Face ID make unlocking your iPad and authenticating purchases a breeze. The Center Stage feature is particularly noteworthy, as it automatically adjusts the frame during video calls to keep you in view, even if you move around the room. This is especially useful for presentations, online classes, and video conferencing. The dual-camera system on the back includes a 12MP Wide camera and a 10MP Ultra Wide camera, allowing you to capture a variety of shots with ease. The LiDAR scanner, which measures the distance to surrounding objects, enhances the accuracy and realism of augmented reality experiences, making them more immersive and interactive. It also improves the speed and accuracy of autofocus in low-light conditions, resulting in sharper and more detailed photos and videos. The iPad Pro also supports Smart HDR 3, which optimizes the dynamic range of your photos to bring out more detail in both the highlights and shadows. With features like these, the 2021 iPad Pro 12.9 is not just a tablet but also a capable tool for photography, videography, and augmented reality applications. It offers a comprehensive set of features that cater to both creative professionals and everyday users.
Connectivity and Accessories
When it comes to connectivity, the 2021 iPad Pro 12.9 doesn't disappoint. It features Thunderbolt / USB 4, offering blazing-fast data transfer speeds and support for a wide range of accessories. Wi-Fi 6 ensures a fast and stable wireless connection, and optional 5G cellular connectivity lets you stay connected on the go. And of course, it's compatible with the Apple Pencil (2nd generation) and the Magic Keyboard, transforming it into a versatile workstation. The Thunderbolt / USB 4 port on the iPad Pro supports data transfer speeds of up to 40Gbps, allowing you to quickly transfer large files, connect to external displays, and use high-performance accessories like external SSDs. Wi-Fi 6 offers faster and more reliable wireless connectivity, especially in crowded environments. The optional 5G cellular connectivity allows you to stay connected to the internet even when you're away from Wi-Fi, making it ideal for travelers and remote workers. The Apple Pencil (2nd generation) is a must-have accessory for creative professionals, allowing you to draw, sketch, and take notes with precision and ease. It attaches magnetically to the side of the iPad Pro and charges wirelessly, making it convenient to use and store. The Magic Keyboard transforms the iPad Pro into a laptop-like device, with a full-size keyboard, a trackpad, and a floating design that allows you to adjust the viewing angle. With these connectivity options and accessories, the 2021 iPad Pro 12.9 is a versatile and powerful device that can adapt to a wide range of tasks and workflows. It offers the flexibility and convenience of a tablet with the performance and functionality of a laptop.
Battery Life
Battery life is always a key consideration, and the 2021 iPad Pro 12.9 delivers solid performance in this area. You can expect around 10 hours of usage on a single charge, which should be enough to get you through a full day of work or play. Of course, battery life will vary depending on your usage patterns, but overall, it's a reliable performer. The iPad Pro is designed to efficiently manage power consumption, optimizing performance while minimizing battery drain. Factors that can affect battery life include screen brightness, the types of apps you're using, and the intensity of the tasks you're performing. For example, streaming video or playing graphics-intensive games will typically consume more battery power than browsing the web or writing emails. However, even with demanding tasks, the iPad Pro should provide sufficient battery life to get you through several hours of use. When the battery does run low, the iPad Pro supports fast charging, allowing you to quickly replenish the battery and get back to work or play. The included USB-C power adapter can charge the iPad Pro to 50% in about 30 minutes, which is a significant improvement over previous generations. Overall, the battery life of the 2021 iPad Pro 12.9 is commendable, providing enough power for a full day of use and supporting fast charging for quick replenishment. This makes it a reliable device for both productivity and entertainment, whether you're at home, at work, or on the go.
Is the 2021 iPad Pro 12.9 Worth It?
So, is the 2021 iPad Pro 12.9 worth the investment? If you're a creative professional, a power user, or someone who simply wants the best of the best, then the answer is a resounding yes. The M1 chip, the Liquid Retina XDR display, and the advanced features make it a powerhouse of a tablet. However, if you're on a tight budget or only need a tablet for basic tasks, then you might want to consider other options. The iPad Pro 12.9 is a premium device with a premium price tag, but it delivers an unparalleled experience that justifies the cost for many users. It offers a combination of power, performance, and features that is unmatched by any other tablet on the market. Whether you're a graphic designer, a video editor, a photographer, or simply someone who enjoys consuming content on a high-quality display, the iPad Pro 12.9 will exceed your expectations. It's a device that can adapt to a wide range of tasks and workflows, from creating stunning visuals to managing complex projects. While it may not be the right choice for everyone, for those who demand the best, the 2021 iPad Pro 12.9 is an investment that will pay off in the long run. It's a device that will not only enhance your productivity and creativity but also provide you with countless hours of enjoyment.
Final Thoughts
The 2021 iPad Pro 12.9 is a remarkable device that pushes the boundaries of what a tablet can do. It's powerful, beautiful, and packed with features that make it a joy to use. Whether you're a creative professional or just someone who appreciates high-end technology, this iPad is sure to impress. Just be prepared to shell out some serious cash! But hey, you get what you pay for, right? π