IPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021): Review, Specs, And More
Hey guys! Let's dive into everything you need to know about the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021). This powerhouse of a tablet really shook things up when it was released, and it's still a relevant piece of tech today. We’re going to cover its key features, performance, display quality, and whether it’s still worth considering in today's market. So, buckle up and let’s get started!
Design and Build Quality
The design of the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021) is sleek and premium, maintaining the familiar aesthetic that Apple is known for. The chassis is made from recycled aluminum, which not only gives it a robust feel but also showcases Apple's commitment to environmental responsibility. The flat edges and slim bezels contribute to a modern look, making it visually appealing. Holding it in your hands, you immediately notice the quality and attention to detail. The device feels solid, with no flex or creaking, assuring you of its durability. Despite its large size, the tablet remains relatively easy to handle, though one-handed use might be a stretch for some. The rear of the iPad Pro houses the camera module, which protrudes slightly but is protected by a sapphire crystal lens cover. This ensures that the camera remains scratch-free and continues to deliver high-quality images. The overall build quality of the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021) is top-notch, reflecting Apple's reputation for creating devices that are both beautiful and durable. The attention to detail in the design ensures that it not only looks great but also feels great to use, making it a premium device that stands out in the tablet market. The sleekness and robustness are perfectly balanced, making it a joy to hold and use for extended periods.
Display: Liquid Retina XDR
Alright, let's talk about that gorgeous display. The Liquid Retina XDR display on the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021) is truly something to behold. It uses mini-LED technology, which allows for incredible brightness, contrast, and color accuracy. This means you get vibrant colors, deep blacks, and stunning HDR performance. Whether you're watching movies, editing photos, or just browsing the web, everything looks absolutely amazing. The 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate also makes scrolling and animations feel incredibly smooth and responsive, further enhancing the user experience. This high refresh rate reduces motion blur and makes everything appear more fluid, which is especially noticeable when using the Apple Pencil or playing fast-paced games. The display also supports a wide color gamut (P3), ensuring that colors are accurate and lifelike. This is particularly important for professionals who rely on color accuracy for tasks like photo and video editing. The anti-reflective coating further enhances the viewing experience by reducing glare and reflections, making it easier to use the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021) in bright environments. The combination of mini-LED technology, ProMotion refresh rate, and anti-reflective coating makes this display one of the best on the market, offering an unparalleled visual experience that is sure to impress even the most discerning users. The Liquid Retina XDR display truly sets the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021) apart, making it a standout device for anyone who values visual quality.
Performance: M1 Chip
Under the hood, the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021) is powered by Apple's M1 chip, the same chip found in some of their MacBooks. This is a huge deal because it brings desktop-class performance to a tablet. The M1 chip features an 8-core CPU and an 8-core GPU, which means it can handle pretty much anything you throw at it. From demanding creative tasks like video editing and 3D rendering to gaming and multitasking, the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021) breezes through it all with ease. The chip's advanced architecture ensures that apps launch quickly, animations are smooth, and overall performance is incredibly responsive. The M1 chip also includes a 16-core Neural Engine, which accelerates machine learning tasks. This enhances features like image recognition, natural language processing, and augmented reality experiences. The improved performance is not just about raw power; it's also about efficiency. The M1 chip is designed to deliver high performance while consuming minimal power, which translates to longer battery life. This means you can work or play for hours without worrying about running out of juice. The combination of power and efficiency makes the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021) a versatile device that can handle a wide range of tasks, from everyday productivity to demanding creative workflows. The M1 chip truly transforms the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021) into a powerhouse, making it a top choice for professionals and power users alike.
Camera and Audio
For those of you who love taking photos and videos, the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021) doesn't disappoint. It features a dual-camera system on the rear, consisting of a 12MP wide lens and a 10MP ultrawide lens. The image quality is excellent, with sharp details, accurate colors, and good dynamic range. The ultrawide lens is great for capturing landscapes or group shots, while the wide lens excels in everyday photography. The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021) also supports features like Smart HDR 3, which enhances the overall image quality by optimizing highlights and shadows. The front-facing 12MP TrueDepth camera is equally impressive, offering excellent image quality for selfies and video calls. It also supports Center Stage, a feature that automatically keeps you in the frame during video calls, even if you move around. This is particularly useful for video conferencing and online classes. As for audio, the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021) has a four-speaker system that delivers rich, immersive sound. The speakers are well-balanced and provide a wide soundstage, making it great for watching movies, listening to music, and playing games. The audio quality is clear and detailed, with good bass response. The combination of high-quality cameras and excellent audio makes the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021) a versatile device for content creation and consumption. Whether you're capturing memories, attending virtual meetings, or enjoying your favorite media, the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021) delivers a premium experience.
Software and Features
The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021) runs on iPadOS, which is designed to take full advantage of the tablet's hardware. iPadOS offers a range of features that enhance productivity and creativity, such as multitasking, Slide Over, and Split View. These features allow you to run multiple apps simultaneously, making it easier to switch between tasks and stay productive. The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021) also supports the Apple Pencil (2nd generation), which is a fantastic tool for note-taking, drawing, and sketching. The Apple Pencil offers precise input and low latency, making it feel like you're writing on paper. It also supports features like tilt and pressure sensitivity, allowing you to vary the thickness and opacity of your strokes. Another notable feature of the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021) is its support for Thunderbolt / USB 4. This allows you to connect to external displays, storage devices, and other peripherals with high-speed data transfer rates. The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021) also supports 5G connectivity, allowing you to stay connected on the go. This is particularly useful for professionals who need to access files and collaborate with colleagues while traveling. The software experience on the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021) is smooth and intuitive, thanks to the powerful M1 chip and optimized iPadOS. The combination of hardware and software makes the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021) a versatile and capable device for a wide range of tasks, from productivity to creativity. The seamless integration of features like Apple Pencil support, Thunderbolt connectivity, and 5G connectivity further enhances its appeal, making it a top choice for professionals and power users.
Battery Life
Battery life is always a crucial consideration, and the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021) delivers solid performance in this area. Apple claims that it offers up to 10 hours of web surfing on Wi-Fi or watching video, and in real-world usage, this holds up pretty well. With moderate use, including browsing, email, and some light gaming, you can easily get through a full day on a single charge. Even with more demanding tasks like video editing or heavy multitasking, the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021) still offers respectable battery life. The efficient M1 chip plays a significant role in conserving power, allowing the device to deliver impressive performance without sacrificing battery life. The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021) charges via USB-C, and it supports fast charging, which means you can quickly top up the battery when needed. This is particularly useful for those who are always on the go. Overall, the battery life of the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021) is more than adequate for most users, providing enough power to get through a full day of work or play. The combination of efficient hardware and optimized software ensures that the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021) delivers a balanced performance, making it a reliable device for everyday use.
Is It Still Worth It?
So, the big question: is the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021) still worth buying? The answer is a resounding yes, especially if you can find it at a good price. While newer models have been released, the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021) still offers incredible performance, a stunning display, and a premium design. The M1 chip is still incredibly powerful, and it can handle pretty much any task you throw at it. The Liquid Retina XDR display is still one of the best on the market, offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent HDR performance. The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021) is a great choice if you're a creative professional, student, or anyone who wants a powerful and versatile tablet. It's perfect for tasks like video editing, graphic design, note-taking, and gaming. Even though newer models have been released, the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021) remains a top contender in the tablet market, offering a compelling combination of performance, display quality, and features. If you're looking for a premium tablet that can handle demanding tasks and provide an immersive user experience, the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021) is definitely worth considering. Just be sure to shop around for the best deals and compare prices to ensure you're getting the most value for your money. Ultimately, the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021) is a fantastic device that continues to impress, even in today's rapidly evolving tech landscape.