IPad Pro 2018: A Comprehensive Review
Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into the iPad Pro 2018, a tablet that shook the tech world when it first hit the scene. Even though it's a few years old now, it still holds up remarkably well. We're going to break down everything from its stunning design and powerful performance to its amazing display and overall value. So, if you're considering picking one up or just curious about this iconic device, stick around!
Design and Build Quality
The design of the iPad Pro 2018 was a significant departure from previous models, and it instantly set a new standard for tablet aesthetics. Apple ditched the curved edges for a sleek, flat-edged design reminiscent of the iPhone 5. This change wasn't just cosmetic; it made the iPad Pro feel more modern and professional. The aluminum unibody construction provides a premium feel that's both sturdy and lightweight. Holding it in your hands, you immediately notice the attention to detail and the quality of materials used.
One of the most noticeable changes was the reduction in bezel size around the display. This allowed Apple to pack a larger screen into a relatively similar footprint compared to older models. The smaller bezels also contribute to a more immersive viewing experience, making everything from watching movies to browsing the web more enjoyable. The iPad Pro 2018 comes in two sizes: 11-inch and 12.9-inch. The 11-inch model is perfect for those who prioritize portability, while the 12.9-inch version offers a more expansive canvas for creative work and multitasking.
The removal of the home button was another significant design change. Apple replaced it with Face ID, their facial recognition system, which works seamlessly and securely. Face ID on the iPad Pro is incredibly convenient, allowing you to unlock your device, authenticate purchases, and log into apps with just a glance. The elimination of the home button also contributes to the clean, minimalist aesthetic of the device.
Another notable design element is the inclusion of USB-C port instead of the Lightning port. This was a welcome change for many users, as it allows for faster data transfer speeds and compatibility with a wider range of accessories. You can connect the iPad Pro to external displays, cameras, and other devices without needing adapters. The Smart Connector on the back of the iPad Pro allows you to attach the Smart Keyboard Folio or other compatible accessories. The magnetic connection is strong and reliable, making it easy to transform the iPad Pro into a productivity powerhouse.
Display
The display on the iPad Pro 2018 is simply gorgeous. It features Apple's Liquid Retina technology, which delivers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent brightness. Whether you're watching videos, editing photos, or just browsing the web, the display is a joy to look at. The high resolution ensures that everything looks sharp and detailed, and the wide color gamut support means that colors are accurate and true to life.
One of the standout features of the display is ProMotion technology. This dynamically adjusts the refresh rate of the display up to 120Hz, making scrolling, animations, and gaming incredibly smooth and responsive. ProMotion not only enhances the user experience but also reduces eye strain, as the display is able to keep up with your movements more effectively. When you're not doing anything that requires a high refresh rate, the display automatically lowers it to conserve battery life.
The display is also laminated, which means that there's no air gap between the glass and the display panel. This reduces reflections and makes the screen look like it's painted directly onto the glass. The anti-reflective coating further minimizes glare, making the iPad Pro usable in a variety of lighting conditions. Whether you're using it indoors or outdoors, the display remains clear and legible.
The iPad Pro 2018 also supports the second-generation Apple Pencil. The Apple Pencil attaches magnetically to the side of the iPad Pro and charges wirelessly. It's incredibly precise and responsive, making it perfect for drawing, sketching, and taking notes. The display is optimized for use with the Apple Pencil, offering low latency and accurate tracking. The combination of the Liquid Retina display and the Apple Pencil makes the iPad Pro a powerful tool for creative professionals and students alike.
Performance
Under the hood, the iPad Pro 2018 is powered by Apple's A12X Bionic chip. This chip is an absolute beast, delivering incredible performance that rivals some laptops. Whether you're editing 4K video, playing graphics-intensive games, or multitasking between multiple apps, the iPad Pro handles it all with ease. The A12X Bionic chip is also incredibly efficient, allowing the iPad Pro to deliver excellent battery life despite its powerful performance.
The A12X Bionic chip features an 8-core CPU and a 7-core GPU. The CPU is capable of handling demanding tasks such as video editing and 3D modeling, while the GPU delivers stunning graphics performance. The iPad Pro 2018 also has a Neural Engine, which accelerates machine learning tasks. This allows the iPad Pro to perform tasks such as facial recognition and image processing more efficiently.
The iPad Pro comes with up to 1TB of storage, so you'll have plenty of space for all your files, apps, and media. It also has 4GB or 6GB of RAM, depending on the storage configuration. The combination of fast storage and ample RAM ensures that the iPad Pro is able to handle even the most demanding workloads.
In benchmarks, the iPad Pro 2018 consistently outperforms other tablets and even some laptops. It's one of the fastest mobile devices ever made, and it's capable of handling tasks that were previously only possible on a desktop computer. Whether you're a creative professional, a student, or just someone who wants a powerful and versatile tablet, the iPad Pro is an excellent choice.
Software and Features
The iPad Pro 2018 originally launched with iOS 12, but it has since been updated to iPadOS, Apple's operating system designed specifically for the iPad. iPadOS includes features such as multitasking, drag and drop, and Files app, which make the iPad Pro more productive and versatile. The software is intuitive and easy to use, and it's packed with features that enhance the user experience.
Multitasking on the iPad Pro is incredibly powerful. You can run two apps side by side in Split View, or you can use Slide Over to float an app on top of another. Drag and drop allows you to easily move files, text, and images between apps. The Files app provides access to your files stored on iCloud Drive, Dropbox, and other cloud storage services.
The iPad Pro 2018 also supports Apple Pencil, which opens up a whole new world of possibilities. You can use the Apple Pencil to take notes, draw, sketch, and annotate documents. The Apple Pencil is incredibly precise and responsive, making it a joy to use. With iPadOS, Apple has added even more features for the Apple Pencil, such as Scribble, which allows you to handwrite text in any text field.
Another great feature of iPadOS is support for external storage. You can connect a USB drive or SD card reader to the iPad Pro and access your files directly. This is incredibly useful for photographers and videographers who need to transfer files from their cameras to their iPad Pro.
Camera
The iPad Pro 2018 features a 12MP rear camera that takes great photos and videos. It also has a 7MP front-facing camera that's perfect for selfies and video calls. The cameras on the iPad Pro are not the best on the market, but they're certainly good enough for most users. The rear camera can record 4K video at up to 60fps, and the front-facing camera supports 1080p video recording.
The cameras also support features such as Smart HDR, which improves the dynamic range of your photos. The front-facing camera also supports Face ID, which allows you to unlock your iPad Pro with just a glance. While you might not be using your iPad Pro as your primary camera, it's nice to know that it's capable of taking good photos and videos when you need it.
Battery Life
The iPad Pro 2018 delivers excellent battery life. Apple claims that it can last up to 10 hours on a single charge, and in our testing, we found that to be pretty accurate. Even with heavy use, such as video editing and gaming, you can easily get through a full day on a single charge. The iPad Pro also supports fast charging, so you can quickly top it up when you're running low on battery.
The battery life of the iPad Pro is one of its strongest points. You can take it with you on the go without having to worry about it running out of juice. Whether you're traveling, working, or just relaxing at home, the iPad Pro has enough battery life to keep you going.
Value
Even though the iPad Pro 2018 is a few years old now, it still offers excellent value for the money. You can often find it at discounted prices, making it an even more attractive option. It's a powerful and versatile tablet that's capable of handling a wide range of tasks. Whether you're a creative professional, a student, or just someone who wants a great tablet, the iPad Pro is an excellent choice.
Compared to newer models, the iPad Pro 2018 holds its own in terms of performance and features. While it may not have the latest and greatest technology, it's still a very capable device that can handle most tasks with ease. If you're looking for a high-end tablet without breaking the bank, the iPad Pro is definitely worth considering.
Conclusion
The iPad Pro 2018 is a fantastic tablet that still impresses years after its release. Its stunning design, powerful performance, amazing display, and excellent battery life make it a top contender in the tablet market. While newer models have since been released, the iPad Pro 2018 remains a compelling option for those looking for a high-end tablet at a more affordable price. Whether you're a creative professional, a student, or just someone who loves technology, the iPad Pro 2018 is definitely worth considering.