IPad Pro 2018 (12.9) Review: Still Worth It?

Hey guys! Let's dive into the iPad Pro 2018 (12.9-inch), a tablet that, even years after its release, continues to turn heads and spark conversations. Is it still a relevant choice in a market flooded with newer models? Absolutely! In this in-depth review, we'll break down everything from its stunning display and processing power to its design and overall value in 2024. We will explore every nook and cranny of the iPad Pro 2018 (12.9-inch). Whether you're a creative professional, a student, or simply someone looking for a premium tablet experience, this review is designed to provide all the insights you need to make an informed decision. By the end, you'll know exactly where the iPad Pro 2018 (12.9-inch) stands in today's tech landscape and whether it's the right fit for your needs. So, grab a coffee, settle in, and let's get started! We'll be covering everything from the device's performance and display quality to its design, battery life, and software capabilities. Plus, we'll take a look at how it stacks up against more recent iPads, helping you determine if the 2018 model still offers enough to justify a purchase. Stick around, because we're about to uncover all the details that make this iPad a true standout, even in 2024.

Design and Display

The design of the iPad Pro 2018 (12.9-inch) is a masterclass in minimalist elegance. Apple ditched the curved edges for a sleek, industrial look with flat sides and precisely chamfered edges. This design not only looks stunning but also makes the iPad Pro easier to hold, especially when paired with accessories like the Apple Pencil. The build quality is top-notch, with a sturdy aluminum unibody that feels incredibly premium in hand. It's thin and light enough to carry around, yet robust enough to withstand the rigors of daily use. The bezels are significantly reduced compared to previous iPad models, giving you more screen real estate without making the device unwieldy. The overall aesthetic is clean, modern, and unmistakably Apple. Now, let's talk about the display. The 12.9-inch Liquid Retina display is simply breathtaking. With a resolution of 2732 x 2048 pixels, it delivers incredibly sharp and detailed images. Colors are vibrant and accurate, thanks to the P3 wide color gamut. The display also features ProMotion technology, which automatically adjusts the refresh rate up to 120Hz for incredibly smooth scrolling and responsiveness. Whether you're watching movies, editing photos, or playing games, the display is a treat for the eyes. The brightness is excellent, making it easy to use outdoors, and the anti-reflective coating does a great job of minimizing glare. Overall, the design and display of the iPad Pro 2018 (12.9-inch) are still among the best in the tablet market.

Performance and Software

When it comes to performance, the iPad Pro 2018 is powered by Apple's A12X Bionic chip, a powerhouse that delivers desktop-class performance. This chip features an 8-core CPU and a 7-core GPU, making it incredibly fast and efficient. Whether you're multitasking, running demanding apps, or playing graphics-intensive games, the iPad Pro handles everything with ease. The A12X Bionic chip also includes a Neural Engine, which accelerates machine learning tasks, enhancing features like Face ID and augmented reality experiences. In benchmarks, the iPad Pro 2018 consistently outperforms many laptops, making it a true mobile workstation. It can handle video editing, 3D modeling, and complex calculations without breaking a sweat. The iPad Pro 2018 comes with either 64GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB of internal storage, so you have plenty of space for all your files and apps. Now, let's talk about the software. The iPad Pro 2018 originally launched with iOS 12, but it has since been updated to the latest version of iPadOS. iPadOS is designed specifically for iPads, with features like a redesigned Home screen, improved multitasking, and enhanced Apple Pencil support. Split View and Slide Over make it easy to work with multiple apps simultaneously, and the Files app provides a centralized location for all your documents and media. iPadOS also supports features like drag and drop, allowing you to easily move files and images between apps. Overall, the performance and software of the iPad Pro 2018 are still top-notch, providing a smooth and powerful user experience. The combination of the A12X Bionic chip and iPadOS makes this iPad a true productivity powerhouse.

Audio and Camera

Let's talk about the audio capabilities of the iPad Pro 2018 (12.9-inch), which are truly impressive. It features a quad-speaker system, with each speaker individually amplified to deliver rich, immersive sound. Whether you're watching movies, listening to music, or playing games, the audio quality is exceptional. The speakers are well-balanced, with clear highs, detailed mids, and surprisingly deep bass. The soundstage is wide and spacious, creating a truly immersive listening experience. The iPad Pro 2018 also has a built-in microphone array, which captures clear and accurate audio for video calls and recordings. The microphones do a great job of reducing background noise, ensuring that your voice comes through loud and clear. Now, let's move on to the camera. The iPad Pro 2018 has a 12-megapixel rear camera that captures detailed and vibrant photos. The camera also supports 4K video recording at up to 60 frames per second. The image quality is excellent, with accurate colors and good dynamic range. The iPad Pro 2018 also has a 7-megapixel front-facing camera, which is perfect for FaceTime calls and selfies. The front camera also supports Portrait mode, which blurs the background to create a professional-looking photo. Overall, the audio and camera capabilities of the iPad Pro 2018 are excellent. The quad-speaker system delivers immersive sound, and the cameras capture high-quality photos and videos. Whether you're using it for entertainment, communication, or content creation, the iPad Pro 2018 delivers a great audio and visual experience.

Battery Life and Accessories

Regarding battery life, the iPad Pro 2018 (12.9-inch) offers excellent performance. Apple claims up to 10 hours of battery life for web browsing, video playback, or music listening, and in real-world use, this holds up pretty well. You can easily get through a full day of work or school without needing to recharge. The iPad Pro 2018 also supports fast charging, so you can quickly top up the battery when needed. It charges via USB-C, which is a welcome change from Apple's Lightning port. The USB-C port also allows you to connect to external displays, cameras, and other accessories. Now, let's talk about the accessories. The iPad Pro 2018 is compatible with the second-generation Apple Pencil, which attaches magnetically to the side of the iPad and charges wirelessly. The Apple Pencil is a fantastic tool for artists, designers, and anyone who likes to take handwritten notes. It offers precise and responsive input, with tilt and pressure sensitivity. The iPad Pro 2018 is also compatible with the Smart Keyboard Folio, which provides a comfortable typing experience and protects the screen. The Smart Keyboard Folio attaches magnetically to the iPad and doesn't require any batteries or pairing. Overall, the battery life and accessories of the iPad Pro 2018 are excellent. The battery life is long enough to get you through a full day, and the accessories enhance the iPad's functionality and versatility. Whether you're using it for work or play, the iPad Pro 2018 has you covered. The long-lasting battery ensures you can stay productive or entertained on the go, while the wide range of accessories allows you to customize your experience and get the most out of your iPad.

Is It Still Worth It?

So, is the iPad Pro 2018 (12.9-inch) still worth it in 2024? The answer is a resounding yes, especially if you can find it at a good price. While it may not have all the latest features of the newer iPad Pro models, it still offers excellent performance, a stunning display, and a premium design. The A12X Bionic chip is still incredibly powerful, and the 12.9-inch Liquid Retina display is a joy to use. The iPad Pro 2018 also supports the second-generation Apple Pencil and the Smart Keyboard Folio, making it a versatile tool for work and play. Of course, there are some things to consider. The iPad Pro 2018 doesn't have 5G connectivity, and its cameras aren't as advanced as those on the newer models. However, if you don't need those features, the iPad Pro 2018 is still a great choice. It's perfect for students, creative professionals, and anyone who wants a premium tablet experience without breaking the bank. Plus, with iPadOS continuing to receive updates, the iPad Pro 2018 will continue to get better over time. In conclusion, the iPad Pro 2018 (12.9-inch) remains a top-tier tablet that offers excellent value for money. Its powerful performance, stunning display, and premium design make it a worthwhile investment, even in 2024. If you're looking for a high-end tablet that can handle anything you throw at it, the iPad Pro 2018 is definitely worth considering. Its blend of power, beauty, and versatility ensures it remains a relevant and desirable device for years to come.