IPad Pro 2018 12-inch: Review, Specs, And More

Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into the iPad Pro 2018 12-inch, a device that still holds its own even in today's fast-paced tech world. If you're considering snagging one of these or just curious about what it offers, you're in the right place. We’ll cover everything from its design and display to performance, cameras, and what makes it a solid choice. So, let's get started!

Design and Display: A Visual Treat

The iPad Pro 2018 12-inch sports a stunning edge-to-edge Liquid Retina display. The reduced bezels give it a modern look, making it feel immersive whether you're watching videos, creating art, or just browsing the web. Apple ditched the Home button in favor of Face ID, which is incredibly convenient and secure. The sleek aluminum build feels premium and durable, although you might want to invest in a case to keep it pristine.

Speaking of the display, the 12.9-inch Liquid Retina display boasts a 2732 x 2048 resolution at 264 pixels per inch (ppi). What does this mean for you? Incredibly sharp and vibrant visuals. The ProMotion technology dynamically adjusts the refresh rate up to 120Hz, making scrolling, animations, and drawing feel incredibly smooth and responsive. Color accuracy is top-notch, covering the P3 wide color gamut, which is perfect for creative professionals who need accurate colors for their work. Whether you're editing photos, watching movies, or playing games, the display is an absolute joy to use.

But it's not just about looks; the display is also incredibly functional. It features an anti-reflective coating, which significantly reduces glare, making it easier to use in bright environments. True Tone technology adjusts the color temperature of the display to match the ambient lighting, reducing eye strain and making the screen more comfortable to look at for extended periods. These features combine to create a display that's not only beautiful but also practical for everyday use.

Performance: Still a Powerhouse?

Under the hood, the iPad Pro 2018 12-inch is powered by Apple's A12X Bionic chip. This chip is an absolute beast, offering performance that rivals many laptops. Whether you're multitasking, running demanding apps, or playing graphics-intensive games, the iPad Pro handles it all with ease. The A12X Bionic chip features an 8-core CPU and a 7-core GPU, delivering incredible processing power and graphics performance.

Compared to its predecessors, the A12X Bionic chip offers a significant performance boost. Apple claimed up to a 90% increase in multi-core CPU performance and a 2x increase in graphics performance compared to the previous generation iPad Pro. In real-world use, this translates to faster app launch times, smoother multitasking, and the ability to handle complex tasks like video editing and 3D rendering without breaking a sweat. Even by today's standards, the performance is impressive, making the iPad Pro 2018 a viable option for professionals and power users.

Moreover, the A12X Bionic chip also includes a Neural Engine, which accelerates machine learning tasks. This enables features like real-time photo and video analysis, enhanced augmented reality experiences, and improved Siri performance. The Neural Engine can process up to 5 trillion operations per second, allowing the iPad Pro to handle complex machine learning tasks on-device, without relying on cloud processing. This not only improves performance but also enhances privacy, as data is processed locally rather than being sent to Apple's servers. The combination of raw processing power and advanced machine learning capabilities makes the iPad Pro 2018 a versatile and powerful device for a wide range of tasks.

Camera: More Than Just a Tablet Camera

While tablets aren't typically known for their exceptional cameras, the iPad Pro 2018 12-inch holds its own. It features a 12MP rear camera that takes surprisingly good photos and videos. The Smart HDR feature helps balance highlights and shadows, resulting in well-exposed images even in challenging lighting conditions. The camera can also record 4K video at up to 60fps, making it a capable tool for content creators.

On the front, there's a 7MP TrueDepth camera that supports Face ID. The front camera is also used for Animoji and Memoji, adding a fun element to video calls and messaging. The image quality is decent for video conferencing and selfies, but it's not the standout feature of the device. However, the integration with Face ID is seamless and convenient, making it a worthwhile addition.

The camera system on the iPad Pro 2018 also supports augmented reality (AR) experiences. The advanced sensors and powerful processor enable accurate and immersive AR applications. Whether you're playing AR games, using AR apps for education, or exploring AR tools for design and visualization, the iPad Pro delivers a compelling AR experience. The large display and high performance make it an ideal device for AR, providing a window into a world where digital content blends seamlessly with the real world.

Audio: Immersive Sound Experience

The iPad Pro 2018 12-inch boasts a quad-speaker audio system that delivers impressive sound quality. The speakers are located at the top and bottom of the device, providing a balanced stereo soundstage. Whether you're watching movies, listening to music, or playing games, the audio is rich, clear, and surprisingly loud. The speakers are intelligently tuned to adjust the sound based on the orientation of the device, ensuring optimal audio performance in any position.

The audio quality is further enhanced by the wide stereo sound, which creates a more immersive listening experience. The iPad Pro 2018 can fill a room with sound, making it great for sharing music or watching videos with friends. The bass response is also surprisingly good for a tablet, adding depth and richness to the audio. Overall, the audio performance is one of the standout features of the iPad Pro 2018, making it a great device for multimedia consumption.

However, one notable omission is the headphone jack. Apple removed the headphone jack in favor of a USB-C port, which means you'll need to use either Bluetooth headphones or a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter to connect wired headphones. While this may be an inconvenience for some, the improved audio quality from the speakers helps to offset this limitation.

Accessories: Unleash the Potential

To truly unlock the potential of the iPad Pro 2018 12-inch, you'll want to consider some accessories. The second-generation Apple Pencil is a must-have for artists, designers, and anyone who enjoys handwritten notes. It attaches magnetically to the side of the iPad Pro and charges wirelessly, making it incredibly convenient to use. The pencil offers pixel-perfect precision and low latency, making it feel like you're writing or drawing on paper.

The Smart Keyboard Folio is another essential accessory for productivity. It provides a comfortable typing experience and doubles as a protective cover for the iPad Pro. The keyboard attaches magnetically and doesn't require any pairing or charging, making it easy to set up and use. With the Smart Keyboard Folio, the iPad Pro 2018 can function as a capable laptop replacement for many tasks.

Other accessories to consider include a USB-C hub, which allows you to connect multiple devices to the iPad Pro, such as external storage, displays, and peripherals. A screen protector can also help to protect the display from scratches and smudges. With the right accessories, the iPad Pro 2018 can be transformed into a versatile and powerful tool for creativity, productivity, and entertainment.

Is It Still Worth It in 2024?

So, is the iPad Pro 2018 12-inch still worth buying in 2024? The answer is a resounding yes, especially if you can find it at a good price. While it may not have the latest and greatest features of newer models, it still offers excellent performance, a stunning display, and a versatile set of features. The A12X Bionic chip is more than capable of handling most tasks, and the iPad Pro's design still feels modern and premium.

Of course, there are some trade-offs to consider. The battery life may not be as long as newer models, and it lacks features like 5G connectivity and the M-series chips found in the latest iPad Pros. However, if you don't need these features and are looking for a powerful and affordable tablet, the iPad Pro 2018 12-inch is an excellent choice. It's a great option for students, creatives, and anyone who wants a versatile device for work and play.

In conclusion, the iPad Pro 2018 12-inch remains a compelling device in 2024. Its combination of performance, display quality, and features make it a great value for the money. Whether you're using it for work, creativity, or entertainment, the iPad Pro 2018 is sure to impress. So, if you're in the market for a tablet, be sure to give it a look. You might be surprised at how well it holds up!