IPad Pro 2018 (12-inch): A Comprehensive Review

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iPad Pro 2018 (12-inch): A Comprehensive Review

Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into the iPad Pro 2018 (12-inch), a tablet that still holds its own even in today's fast-paced tech world. Whether you're a creative professional, a student, or just someone who loves having a powerful device on the go, this iPad Pro might just be what you're looking for. Let's get started!

Design and Display

The iPad Pro 2018 (12-inch) boasts a stunning edge-to-edge Liquid Retina display. This isn't just marketing fluff, guys; the display is genuinely gorgeous. With a resolution of 2732 x 2048 pixels, everything looks incredibly sharp and vibrant. The colors are accurate, making it perfect for tasks like photo editing and watching movies.

Apple's ProMotion technology is another standout feature. It automatically adjusts the refresh rate up to 120Hz, resulting in incredibly smooth scrolling and responsiveness. Once you've used a device with ProMotion, it's hard to go back! The absence of a physical home button, replaced by Face ID, gives it a modern and sleek look. Speaking of Face ID, it’s fast and reliable, making unlocking your iPad a breeze.

The build quality is top-notch, as you'd expect from Apple. The aluminum unibody design feels premium and solid in hand. Despite its large size, the iPad Pro is surprisingly thin and light, making it portable enough to carry around in a backpack or tote bag. However, the thinness does mean it can be a bit prone to bending if you're not careful, so a case is definitely recommended.

One notable change from previous models is the switch to USB-C. This opens up a world of possibilities, allowing you to connect to external displays, cameras, and other accessories without the need for dongles (though you might still need some!). The magnetic connector on the back is designed for the second-generation Apple Pencil, which we'll talk about later.

Performance

Under the hood, the iPad Pro 2018 is powered by Apple's A12X Bionic chip. This chip is an absolute beast, capable of handling demanding tasks with ease. Whether you're editing 4K video, playing graphics-intensive games, or multitasking between multiple apps, the iPad Pro doesn't break a sweat. The A12X Bionic chip features an 8-core CPU and a 7-core GPU, delivering desktop-class performance in a tablet form factor.

In terms of benchmarks, the iPad Pro 2018 consistently outperforms many laptops in its class. It's not just about raw power, though; Apple's software optimization plays a crucial role in delivering a smooth and responsive user experience. Apps launch quickly, animations are fluid, and everything just feels incredibly polished.

For creative professionals, the performance of the iPad Pro is a game-changer. You can run apps like Adobe Photoshop, Procreate, and LumaFusion without any noticeable lag or slowdown. The ability to work on high-resolution files on the go is a huge advantage for photographers, videographers, and graphic designers.

Gamers will also appreciate the iPad Pro's capabilities. Games like Fortnite, PUBG Mobile, and Asphalt 9 run at maximum settings with smooth frame rates. The large display and powerful speakers make for an immersive gaming experience.

Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard Folio

The Apple Pencil (2nd generation) is an essential accessory for the iPad Pro 2018. It attaches magnetically to the side of the iPad and charges wirelessly, which is a huge improvement over the first-generation Pencil. The latency is incredibly low, making it feel like you're writing or drawing on paper. The Apple Pencil is pressure-sensitive and tilt-sensitive, allowing for a wide range of artistic effects.

Double-tapping the Apple Pencil allows you to quickly switch between tools, such as the pen and eraser, without having to navigate through menus. This feature is customizable, so you can set it to perform other actions as well. The Apple Pencil is a must-have for artists, designers, and anyone who likes to take handwritten notes.

The Smart Keyboard Folio is another useful accessory for the iPad Pro 2018. It attaches magnetically to the iPad and provides a comfortable typing experience. The keys have a decent amount of travel, and the layout is spacious enough to type accurately. The Smart Keyboard Folio also serves as a protective cover for the iPad's screen.

While the Smart Keyboard Folio is convenient, it's not without its drawbacks. It only offers one viewing angle, which may not be ideal for everyone. It's also relatively expensive compared to other iPad keyboards. However, if you do a lot of typing on your iPad, the Smart Keyboard Folio is worth considering.

Software and Features

The iPad Pro 2018 originally shipped with iOS 12, but it has since been updated to iPadOS. iPadOS is a version of iOS designed specifically for iPads, with features like multitasking, drag-and-drop, and improved file management. These features make the iPad Pro a more productive device for work and school.

Multitasking on the iPad Pro is a breeze. You can run two apps side-by-side in Split View, or float a third app in Slide Over. Drag-and-drop allows you to easily move text, images, and files between apps. The Files app provides a centralized location for accessing files stored on your iPad, iCloud Drive, and other cloud storage services.

Another useful feature is Screen Time, which allows you to track how much time you're spending on your iPad and set limits for app usage. This can be helpful for managing your digital habits and reducing distractions. The iPad Pro 2018 also supports features like Siri, Apple Pay, and iCloud. The USB-C port allows for connecting to external monitors, cameras, and other accessories.

Camera and Audio

The iPad Pro 2018 features a 12MP rear camera that takes surprisingly good photos and videos. While it's not going to replace your iPhone or dedicated camera, it's more than capable for casual snapshots and video calls. The camera also supports 4K video recording at 30fps or 60fps.

The front-facing 7MP TrueDepth camera is excellent for FaceTime calls and selfies. It also enables Face ID, which is a fast and secure way to unlock your iPad Pro. The camera's placement on the shorter bezel may be awkward for some when the iPad is in landscape mode.

The iPad Pro 2018 has four speakers, two on the top and two on the bottom, which deliver impressive stereo sound. The sound is loud, clear, and balanced, making it great for watching movies, listening to music, and playing games. The speakers automatically adjust the stereo output based on the orientation of the iPad.

Battery Life

The iPad Pro 2018 offers excellent battery life. Apple claims up to 10 hours of web browsing, video playback, or music listening, and in my testing, I found that to be pretty accurate. Depending on your usage, you can easily get through a full day of work or school on a single charge.

Charging is done via USB-C, and the included power adapter charges the iPad relatively quickly. The iPad Pro 2018 also supports fast charging, so you can get a quick boost of power when you need it. Battery life, of course, will vary depending on what you’re doing. Heavy gaming and video editing will drain the battery faster than web browsing or reading ebooks.

Pros and Cons

To sum it all up, let's look at the pros and cons of the iPad Pro 2018 (12-inch):

Pros:

  • Stunning Liquid Retina display with ProMotion
  • Powerful A12X Bionic chip
  • Excellent battery life
  • Face ID
  • USB-C port
  • Support for Apple Pencil (2nd generation) and Smart Keyboard Folio
  • Impressive speakers

Cons:

  • Relatively expensive
  • Can be prone to bending
  • Smart Keyboard Folio only offers one viewing angle
  • No headphone jack

Conclusion

So, is the iPad Pro 2018 (12-inch) still worth buying? Absolutely! Despite being a few years old, it remains a powerful and versatile device that can handle just about anything you throw at it. The combination of the stunning display, the blazing-fast performance, and the support for the Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard Folio make it a great choice for creative professionals, students, and anyone who wants a premium tablet experience. While it may not have all the latest features of the newer iPad Pro models, it still offers excellent value for the money. If you can find it at a good price, don't hesitate to pick one up!