IPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021): Review & Should You Buy?

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iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021): Is It Still Worth It in [Current Year]?

Hey everyone! Let's dive into the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021). Is it still a powerhouse, or has time caught up? We will explore its features, performance, and whether it’s a good buy in today's tech landscape. If you are pondering whether to invest in this tablet, stick around, and let’s figure it out together!

Overview of the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021)

The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021) was a game-changer when it launched, and for good reason. This model brought some serious heat with its Mini-LED display, known as the Liquid Retina XDR display, making visuals pop like never before. With incredible brightness and contrast, everything from movies to simple photos looked stunning. Under the hood, it packed the M1 chip, the same silicon found in the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, offering a massive leap in performance compared to previous iPads. This meant smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and the ability to handle demanding tasks like video editing and graphic design without breaking a sweat. Plus, it came with features like Thunderbolt connectivity, making it super versatile for connecting to external displays and other peripherals.

The design remained sleek and familiar, keeping the premium aesthetic we've come to expect from Apple. It also supported the 2nd generation Apple Pencil and the Magic Keyboard, turning it into a legit laptop replacement for many users. But the big question remains: in a world of rapidly advancing tech, does the 2021 iPad Pro still hold its own? Let's get into the details and see how it stacks up!

Key Features and Specifications

Let's get into the nitty-gritty, breaking down what makes the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021) tick. At the heart of this beast is the Apple M1 chip. This isn't just any chip; it's the same silicon that powered many of Apple's laptops, bringing desktop-class performance to a tablet. The 8-core CPU and 8-core GPU deliver stunning speed and responsiveness, making everything from gaming to video editing feel incredibly smooth. You will notice the difference, especially if you're upgrading from an older iPad. The M1 chip handles complex tasks with ease, making it a reliable workhorse for creative professionals and power users.

The display is another major highlight. The 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display uses Mini-LED technology, offering incredible brightness, contrast, and color accuracy. With a peak brightness of up to 1600 nits in HDR mode, visuals are vibrant and lifelike. The ProMotion technology, with a 120Hz refresh rate, ensures that scrolling and animations are buttery smooth. Whether you're watching movies, editing photos, or just browsing the web, the display makes everything look fantastic. This really sets it apart from many other tablets on the market.

Other notable specs include up to 16GB of RAM and storage options ranging from 128GB to 2TB, providing plenty of space for all your files and apps. It also supports Thunderbolt/USB 4, enabling fast data transfer and connectivity to external displays and accessories. The iPad Pro also features a 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage, which keeps you in frame during video calls, a handy feature in today's world. All these features combine to make the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021) a powerhouse of performance and versatility.

Performance and User Experience

When it comes to performance, the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021) truly shines. Thanks to the M1 chip, this tablet can handle just about anything you throw at it. Multitasking is a breeze; you can have multiple apps open and switch between them seamlessly without any lag. Demanding tasks like video editing in LumaFusion or graphic design in Procreate are handled with remarkable speed and efficiency. Even graphically intensive games run smoothly at high settings, making it a fantastic device for both work and play. The M1 chip's power efficiency also means that the battery life is impressive, easily lasting through a full day of moderate to heavy use.

The user experience is enhanced by the smooth 120Hz ProMotion display. Scrolling through web pages, navigating apps, and even drawing with the Apple Pencil feel incredibly responsive. The low latency of the Apple Pencil makes it feel like you're writing on paper, a crucial feature for artists and note-takers. The iPadOS is well-optimized for the hardware, offering features like Split View and Slide Over to enhance multitasking. While iPadOS may not be a full desktop OS, it’s continually improving, adding more features that make the iPad Pro a viable laptop replacement for many users.

One of the standout features is the Thunderbolt port, which allows you to connect to external displays, storage devices, and other peripherals. This significantly expands the iPad Pro's capabilities, making it a versatile tool for creative professionals. Whether you're editing 4K video, creating digital art, or just need a larger screen for multitasking, the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021) delivers a premium and seamless experience.

Camera and Display Quality

The camera and display quality on the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021) are top-notch, making it a standout device for visual experiences. The Liquid Retina XDR display is the star of the show, utilizing Mini-LED technology to deliver incredible brightness, contrast, and color accuracy. With a peak brightness of 1600 nits in HDR mode, the display brings content to life with vibrant colors and deep blacks. Whether you're watching HDR movies, editing photos, or just browsing the web, the visuals are stunning.

The 120Hz ProMotion technology ensures that everything feels smooth and responsive. The adaptive refresh rate adjusts dynamically based on the content on the screen, optimizing battery life while maintaining a fluid visual experience. This is especially noticeable when scrolling through web pages or playing fast-paced games. The display also supports the P3 wide color gamut, ensuring accurate color reproduction for creative tasks.

As for the cameras, the iPad Pro features a 12MP Wide camera and a 10MP Ultra Wide camera on the rear, delivering excellent image quality for a tablet. The LiDAR scanner enhances augmented reality experiences and improves autofocus in low-light conditions. On the front, the 12MP Ultra Wide camera with Center Stage is perfect for video calls, keeping you in the frame as you move around. The combination of high-quality cameras and the stunning display makes the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021) a fantastic device for content creation and consumption.

Pros and Cons

Alright, let's break down the good and the not-so-good about the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021). Knowing the pros and cons helps you make an informed decision.

Pros:

  • M1 Chip Performance: The M1 chip provides blazing-fast performance, handling demanding tasks with ease. It's a powerhouse for creative professionals and power users.
  • Liquid Retina XDR Display: The Mini-LED display offers incredible brightness, contrast, and color accuracy, making visuals stunning.
  • 120Hz ProMotion: The smooth refresh rate enhances the user experience, making scrolling and animations buttery smooth.
  • Thunderbolt Connectivity: The Thunderbolt port allows for fast data transfer and connectivity to external displays and accessories.
  • Excellent Cameras: High-quality cameras with features like Center Stage and LiDAR enhance video calls and augmented reality experiences.

Cons:

  • Price: The iPad Pro is expensive, especially when you factor in accessories like the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard.
  • iPadOS Limitations: While iPadOS has improved, it still has limitations compared to a full desktop OS, which may hinder some workflows.
  • Size and Weight: The 12.9-inch model is large and can be heavy for some users, making it less portable than smaller tablets.
  • No Headphone Jack: The absence of a 3.5mm headphone jack can be inconvenient for those who prefer wired headphones.
  • Accessory Costs: The Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard are expensive add-ons, increasing the overall cost of the device.

Who Is This iPad For?

The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021) isn't for everyone, but it's perfect for certain users. Let’s figure out if you are one of them.

  • Creative Professionals: If you're a graphic designer, video editor, photographer, or digital artist, the iPad Pro is an excellent tool. The powerful M1 chip and stunning display make it ideal for creative tasks.
  • Power Users: If you need a device that can handle demanding tasks like multitasking, running complex apps, and managing large files, the iPad Pro won't disappoint.
  • Students: Students who need a versatile device for note-taking, research, and creative projects will find the iPad Pro a great fit, especially with the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard.
  • Business Professionals: Professionals who need a portable device for presentations, document editing, and video conferencing will appreciate the iPad Pro's power and versatility.
  • Tech Enthusiasts: If you love having the latest technology and want a device that offers a premium experience, the iPad Pro is a solid choice.

However, if you primarily need a tablet for basic tasks like browsing the web, watching videos, and checking email, the iPad Pro might be overkill. There are more affordable options that can handle these tasks just fine.

Alternatives to the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021)

If the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021) isn't quite the right fit, there are several alternatives worth considering. Here are a few options that offer different strengths and price points:

  • iPad Pro 11-inch (M1 or M2): The 11-inch iPad Pro offers similar performance to the 12.9-inch model but in a more compact and portable form factor. It's a great option if you want the power of the M1 or M2 chip but prefer a smaller size.
  • iPad Air (5th Generation): The iPad Air is a fantastic mid-range option that offers excellent performance thanks to its M1 chip. It's more affordable than the iPad Pro and still delivers a premium experience.
  • Samsung Galaxy Tab S8/S8+: The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 and S8+ are excellent Android tablets that offer comparable performance to the iPad Pro. They feature high-quality displays, the S Pen stylus, and a range of features that make them great alternatives.
  • Microsoft Surface Pro 8/9: The Microsoft Surface Pro is a versatile 2-in-1 device that runs Windows, offering a full desktop experience. It's a great option if you need to run Windows-specific software or prefer a traditional computer interface.
  • iPad (9th/10th Generation): The standard iPad is a budget-friendly option that's perfect for basic tasks like browsing the web, watching videos, and checking email. While it doesn't have the power of the iPad Pro, it's a great value for the price.

Final Verdict: Is It Worth Buying in [Current Year]?

So, the big question: Is the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021) still worth buying in [Current Year]? The answer is a resounding yes, especially if you can find it at a discounted price. The M1 chip still delivers excellent performance, and the Liquid Retina XDR display remains one of the best on the market. While newer models have been released, the 2021 iPad Pro holds its own and offers a premium experience.

If you're a creative professional, power user, or student who needs a versatile and powerful tablet, the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021) is an excellent choice. The combination of performance, display quality, and features like Thunderbolt connectivity make it a valuable tool for a wide range of tasks. However, if you only need a tablet for basic tasks, there are more affordable options available.

Ultimately, the decision depends on your needs and budget. If you can snag the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021) at a good price, it's a fantastic investment that will serve you well for years to come. Just weigh the pros and cons and consider your specific use case to make the best decision for you. Happy shopping!