IPad Pro 2020 12.9-inch: Still Worth It?

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iPad Pro 2020 12.9-inch: Still Worth It?

Hey tech enthusiasts! Let's dive deep into a review of the iPad Pro 2020 12.9-inch. Released in a time when tablets were making a significant comeback, this particular model aimed to redefine what a tablet could do. It's been a few years, so the big question is: does this powerhouse of a tablet still hold its own? Is it still a viable option in today’s tech landscape? I'm here to break it all down for you, covering everything from its gorgeous display and powerful performance to the practicality of its features in 2024. Grab your coffee (or your favorite beverage), and let’s get started. We'll explore whether the iPad Pro 2020 is still a champion or if it's been overshadowed by newer models.

Design and Build Quality

First impressions are crucial, and the iPad Pro 2020 12.9-inch doesn't disappoint in terms of design. Right out of the box, you're greeted with a sleek, minimalist aesthetic. The aluminum unibody feels premium, exuding a sense of quality that's expected from Apple. It's available in the classic Space Gray and Silver finishes, both of which look absolutely stunning. The edges are flat, a design choice that Apple has carried over to subsequent iPad models. This gives it a modern, sophisticated look, and it feels great in hand, though the large size does make it a bit cumbersome to use one-handed.

One of the standout features is the impressive build quality. The tablet feels incredibly solid, with no flex or creaks, even when you apply pressure. The design also incorporates slim bezels around the display, maximizing screen real estate and giving you more room to work and play. The placement of the buttons and ports is also well-considered. The power button is on the top, and the volume buttons are on the right side, all easily accessible. The USB-C port is a welcome addition, offering versatility for charging, connecting peripherals, and transferring data. Plus, the iPad Pro 2020 supports the second-generation Apple Pencil, which magnetically attaches to the side for charging and storage. Overall, the design is timeless and functional, and the build quality ensures that the tablet can withstand everyday wear and tear. Even after a few years, the iPad Pro 2020 12.9-inch doesn't feel outdated in terms of its design. The design is great and well built and it does a good job overall!

Display: The Jewel in the Crown

The display is arguably the most captivating feature of the iPad Pro 2020 12.9-inch. It sports a 12.9-inch Liquid Retina display, a name that Apple uses to signify its high-quality displays. This is not just any display; it's a visual treat. The screen offers vibrant colors, excellent contrast, and incredible clarity. The resolution is high enough to make text appear incredibly sharp, and images and videos pop with impressive detail. This makes it perfect for creative tasks, media consumption, and everyday use.

One of the standout features is ProMotion technology, which dynamically adjusts the refresh rate up to 120Hz. What does this mean for you? It means incredibly smooth scrolling, fluid animations, and a responsive experience that makes everything feel faster and more intuitive. The ProMotion technology is particularly noticeable when using the Apple Pencil; the responsiveness is superb, making drawing and writing feel natural and precise. The display also supports True Tone technology, which adjusts the color temperature of the screen to match the ambient lighting. This reduces eye strain and makes the display more comfortable to view in different environments. The brightness levels are also excellent, making the display easily viewable, even outdoors in direct sunlight. This is a crucial feature for anyone who uses their tablet on the go. Overall, the display on the iPad Pro 2020 12.9-inch is truly exceptional, and it is still one of its most attractive features.

Comparing to Modern Displays

While the iPad Pro 2020's display is excellent, how does it stack up against newer models? The later iPad Pro models often boast even better peak brightness and potentially more advanced technologies like mini-LED backlighting in some cases. However, the core experience remains very similar. The 120Hz ProMotion, vibrant colors, and sharp resolution are still competitive. The difference is more in the nuances, like slight improvements in brightness or contrast. So, the iPad Pro 2020 holds its own and still provides a top-tier viewing experience.

Performance and Power: Still a Beast?

Under the hood, the iPad Pro 2020 12.9-inch is powered by the A12Z Bionic chip. Now, while it's not the latest chip, it's still a powerhouse. This chip, coupled with ample RAM, ensures that the tablet handles demanding tasks with ease. Whether you're editing high-resolution videos, playing graphics-intensive games, or multitasking between multiple apps, the iPad Pro 2020 excels. Apps launch quickly, and switching between them is seamless. There’s barely any lag or slowdown, which is a testament to the chip’s efficiency and optimization.

The A12Z Bionic chip is particularly well-suited for creative professionals. If you're a graphic designer, video editor, or digital artist, you'll appreciate the tablet's ability to handle complex projects without a hitch. The chip also supports the Apple Pencil, which enhances the creative workflow, making it perfect for sketching, drawing, and note-taking. Even after a few years, the performance is still impressive, and it's more than capable of handling the latest apps and games. You can throw pretty much anything at this tablet, and it will handle it without breaking a sweat. It is more than capable of keeping up with daily tasks. For many users, this performance level remains more than adequate, making the iPad Pro 2020 a compelling option for those who don’t need the absolute bleeding edge of processing power.

Real-World Performance

In real-world use, the iPad Pro 2020 performs brilliantly. I've tested it with various apps, including Adobe Premiere Rush for video editing, Procreate for digital art, and various productivity apps like Microsoft Office. In all cases, the tablet has delivered a smooth and responsive experience. The large screen size also makes multitasking a breeze. You can easily have multiple apps open side by side without feeling cramped. The performance is consistent, and the tablet rarely stutters, even when dealing with resource-intensive tasks. This is a testament to the power of the A12Z Bionic chip, which has aged gracefully.

Camera Capabilities

The iPad Pro 2020 12.9-inch features a dual-camera system on the back, comprising a 12MP wide-angle lens and a 10MP ultra-wide-angle lens. This setup allows you to capture detailed photos and videos in various situations. The quality is quite good, and the photos are sharp and vibrant, especially in good lighting conditions. The ultra-wide-angle lens is perfect for capturing expansive landscapes or group photos, adding versatility to your photography.

On the front, you'll find a 7MP TrueDepth camera, which is excellent for video calls and selfies. The TrueDepth camera enables features like Face ID, which works flawlessly and makes unlocking your iPad secure and convenient. The camera quality is also great for video calls, ensuring that you look your best when connecting with friends, family, or colleagues. The iPad Pro 2020 also supports 4K video recording, allowing you to capture high-quality videos that are perfect for sharing on social media or editing on the tablet itself. While the camera system is not the primary focus of the iPad Pro, it is still capable and versatile, making it useful for a variety of tasks.

Camera Comparison

Compared to newer iPad models, the camera system of the iPad Pro 2020 is decent. Later models often offer improved image processing and features like Center Stage, which keeps you in the frame during video calls. While the iPad Pro 2020 may not have the most advanced camera system on the market, it still delivers good results, making it suitable for everyday photography and video calls.

Audio Quality: Hear the Difference

The audio experience on the iPad Pro 2020 12.9-inch is truly immersive. It has four speakers strategically placed around the device, providing a rich, balanced sound. The sound quality is excellent, with clear highs, well-defined mids, and surprisingly robust bass. Whether you're listening to music, watching movies, or playing games, the audio experience enhances your overall enjoyment. The speakers are loud enough to fill a room, and the sound remains clear even at high volumes.

The audio setup also supports stereo sound when you hold the tablet in landscape mode, creating a more immersive experience. The speakers automatically adjust the audio channels to match the orientation of the tablet, which is a nice touch. The audio quality is a significant upgrade from many other tablets and laptops, and it makes the iPad Pro 2020 a fantastic device for entertainment. The audio experience significantly adds to the overall experience, making it a great tablet for media consumption and gaming.

Battery Life: Keeping You Going

Battery life is a crucial factor for any tablet, and the iPad Pro 2020 12.9-inch doesn't disappoint. Apple claims up to 10 hours of battery life for general use, and in my experience, this holds up pretty well. You can expect to get a full day of use from a single charge, depending on your usage. If you're mainly using the tablet for web browsing, email, and light productivity tasks, you can easily get a full day of use. If you're doing more intensive tasks like video editing or gaming, the battery life will be shorter, but you'll still get a decent amount of time before needing to recharge.

The battery life is sufficient for most users, making the tablet a reliable companion for on-the-go use. The charging speed is also decent, using the included USB-C charger. You can quickly top up the battery when needed, which is a definite plus. Compared to some of the latest tablets, the battery life might be slightly lower, but it’s still more than enough for everyday use. With moderate use, the iPad Pro 2020 12.9-inch can comfortably last a full day, making it a reliable choice for work and play.

Software and Ecosystem

The iPad Pro 2020 12.9-inch runs on iPadOS, Apple's dedicated operating system for iPads. iPadOS is built on top of iOS but offers specific features designed to optimize the tablet experience. The software is intuitive, easy to use, and packed with features that enhance productivity and creativity. The interface is optimized for touch, making it easy to navigate through apps and menus.

One of the biggest advantages of iPadOS is its ecosystem of apps. The App Store offers a vast selection of apps optimized for the iPad, including productivity tools, creative apps, games, and more. Apple continues to update iPadOS with new features and improvements, ensuring that the software remains fresh and up-to-date. The iPad Pro also seamlessly integrates with other Apple devices, allowing you to easily share files, sync data, and use features like AirDrop and Handoff. The software is optimized for touch and offers a smooth, responsive experience. The tight integration within the Apple ecosystem is a significant advantage, making it a great choice for users who already own other Apple products.

Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard Support

The iPad Pro 2020 12.9-inch supports the second-generation Apple Pencil and the Magic Keyboard. These accessories significantly enhance the tablet's functionality and transform it into a powerful productivity and creative tool. The Apple Pencil attaches magnetically to the side of the iPad for charging and storage, and it offers precise and responsive performance. It's perfect for drawing, sketching, taking notes, and annotating documents. The Magic Keyboard adds a physical keyboard and trackpad, turning the iPad into a laptop replacement. It offers a comfortable typing experience, a trackpad for precise cursor control, and a sleek design that complements the iPad.

With these accessories, the iPad Pro 2020 12.9-inch becomes an incredibly versatile device, capable of handling a wide range of tasks. The Apple Pencil is ideal for creative professionals, students, and anyone who enjoys taking notes or sketching. The Magic Keyboard is a game-changer for those who need to type extensively or work on productivity tasks. The support of these accessories really enhances the overall experience and makes the iPad Pro 2020 even more appealing. These accessories are optional, but they significantly expand the tablet's capabilities, transforming it into a complete productivity and creative powerhouse.

Is the iPad Pro 2020 12.9-inch Worth Buying in 2024?

So, is the iPad Pro 2020 12.9-inch still a worthwhile purchase in 2024? The answer is a resounding yes, but with some considerations. If you're looking for a top-of-the-line tablet with the latest features and the absolute best performance, you might want to consider the newer iPad Pro models. However, the iPad Pro 2020 12.9-inch still offers a compelling package. It has a beautiful display, powerful performance, a great audio experience, and good battery life. The design is still modern, and the build quality is excellent.

It also supports essential accessories like the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard, which greatly expand its functionality. The A12Z Bionic chip is still capable of handling most tasks with ease, and the software experience with iPadOS is excellent. The camera system is decent, and the audio quality is superb. The only real trade-off is that it does not have the latest and greatest features found in the newest models. However, considering its price, which is often lower than the newest models, the iPad Pro 2020 12.9-inch offers excellent value. It's an excellent choice for anyone looking for a powerful and versatile tablet. If you can find it at a good price, it's definitely worth considering. It’s still a fantastic tablet that can handle all your needs!

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Stunning Display: The 12.9-inch Liquid Retina display with ProMotion technology is still a standout feature, offering smooth and vibrant visuals.
  • Powerful Performance: The A12Z Bionic chip handles most tasks with ease.
  • Excellent Build Quality: The aluminum unibody design feels premium and durable.
  • Great Audio: The four-speaker system provides a rich and immersive audio experience.
  • Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard Support: Enhances productivity and creativity.
  • Good Battery Life: Offers a full day of use with moderate usage.
  • iPadOS: Intuitive and feature-rich operating system with a vast app ecosystem.

Cons:

  • Older Chip: While still powerful, it's not the latest.
  • No Center Stage: Compared to newer models, the front-facing camera lacks the Center Stage feature.
  • May be Expensive: Price might be on the higher side compared to other tablets.

Conclusion: A Great Choice

In conclusion, the iPad Pro 2020 12.9-inch remains an excellent choice in 2024. Its stunning display, powerful performance, and premium build quality still make it a top contender. If you’re in the market for a high-end tablet, and can find it at a good price, you can't go wrong with the iPad Pro 2020 12.9-inch. The ecosystem, battery life, and overall user experience make it a great option. It’s still a fantastic tablet, and it will continue to serve you well for years to come. I hope this in-depth review has helped you make an informed decision!