IPad Pro 2021 (12.9-inch): Review, Specs & Price

by Team 49 views
iPad Pro 2021 (12.9-inch): A Deep Dive

Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into the magnificent world of the iPad Pro 2021 (12.9-inch). This isn't just another tablet; it's a powerhouse of performance and a visual marvel, all wrapped up in that sleek, iconic Apple design. If you're on the fence about whether to take the plunge, or just curious about what makes this iPad Pro tick, you're in the right place. We're going to break down everything from its stunning display to its blazing-fast processor, and even touch on whether it’s really worth the hefty price tag. So, grab your favorite beverage, get comfortable, and let’s get started!

Unboxing the Beast: First Impressions

Let's kick things off with the initial experience. Unboxing the iPad Pro 2021 (12.9-inch) is, as with most Apple products, a premium affair. The minimalist packaging houses the tablet itself, a USB-C charging cable, and a power adapter. The first thing you'll notice is the sheer size of that Liquid Retina XDR display. It's absolutely breathtaking. The thin bezels give you an immersive viewing experience, making everything from watching movies to editing photos a joy. The build quality is top-notch, as expected from Apple. The aluminum chassis feels solid and premium in hand, and the device has a reassuring heft to it without being overly heavy. It’s clear from the moment you hold it that this is a device designed for serious work and play.

Setting up the iPad Pro is a breeze, especially if you're already in the Apple ecosystem. The seamless integration with iCloud makes transferring your data and settings a snap. And once you're up and running, you'll immediately appreciate the responsiveness of the display and the smoothness of the user interface. Whether you're scrolling through web pages, launching apps, or multitasking between different tasks, the iPad Pro handles everything with ease. First impressions matter, and the iPad Pro 2021 (12.9-inch) definitely makes a strong one.

The Showstopper: Liquid Retina XDR Display

The Liquid Retina XDR display is undoubtedly the star of the show. This isn't just an incremental upgrade; it's a massive leap forward in display technology for tablets. The use of mini-LED backlighting allows for incredible brightness, contrast, and color accuracy. With a peak brightness of 1600 nits, the display is easily viewable even in bright outdoor conditions. And the 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio delivers deep blacks and vibrant colors that pop off the screen.

But the real magic lies in the local dimming zones. The display is divided into thousands of individually controlled zones, allowing for precise control over brightness and contrast. This means that you can have incredibly bright highlights and deep, inky blacks on the screen at the same time, creating a truly dynamic and immersive viewing experience. Whether you're watching HDR movies, editing photos and videos, or playing graphics-intensive games, the Liquid Retina XDR display delivers stunning visuals that will blow you away. It's a game-changer for content creators and consumers alike.

Beyond the technical specs, the real-world impact of this display is undeniable. Colors are richer and more accurate, details are sharper, and the overall viewing experience is simply more engaging. It's a display that you have to see to believe, and it's one of the main reasons why the iPad Pro 2021 (12.9-inch) stands out from the competition. If you're serious about visual quality, this is the tablet to get.

Power Under the Hood: M1 Chip Performance

Underneath that gorgeous display lies the heart of the beast: the Apple M1 chip. This is the same chip that powers Apple's latest MacBooks and iMacs, and it brings a whole new level of performance to the iPad Pro. The M1 chip is an 8-core CPU and an 8-core GPU, delivering blazing-fast performance and incredible power efficiency. Whether you're running demanding apps, editing 4K video, or playing graphics-intensive games, the iPad Pro handles everything with ease.

The M1 chip also features a 16-core Neural Engine, which accelerates machine learning tasks. This enables features like on-device Siri processing, real-time language translation, and advanced image processing. The combination of the M1 chip and the iPadOS operating system creates a seamless and responsive user experience. Apps launch instantly, multitasking is smooth, and everything just feels incredibly fast and fluid.

Compared to previous generations of iPad Pro, the M1 chip offers a significant performance boost. Apple claims up to 50% faster CPU performance and up to 40% faster GPU performance. In real-world use, this translates to faster rendering times, smoother animations, and improved overall responsiveness. The M1 chip truly unlocks the full potential of the iPad Pro, making it a powerhouse for creative professionals and power users alike. It's a testament to Apple's silicon engineering prowess and a major selling point for the iPad Pro 2021 (12.9-inch).

iPadOS: Software and Ecosystem

The hardware is only half the story; the software is equally important. The iPad Pro 2021 (12.9-inch) runs on iPadOS, Apple's tablet-optimized operating system. iPadOS has come a long way in recent years, adding features like multitasking, widgets, and improved file management. It's designed to take full advantage of the iPad Pro's hardware, providing a seamless and intuitive user experience.

One of the key features of iPadOS is its support for multitasking. You can run multiple apps side-by-side in Split View, or use Slide Over to quickly access apps without leaving your current task. The App Switcher makes it easy to switch between apps, and the Dock provides quick access to your favorite apps. iPadOS also supports external keyboards and mice, turning the iPad Pro into a capable laptop replacement.

Apple's ecosystem is another major strength. The iPad Pro seamlessly integrates with other Apple devices, allowing you to easily share files and data between your iPhone, Mac, and Apple Watch. iCloud provides a secure and reliable way to store your data in the cloud, and the App Store offers a vast selection of apps optimized for the iPad Pro. The combination of iPadOS and Apple's ecosystem makes the iPad Pro a powerful and versatile tool for both work and play.

Accessories: Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard

No discussion of the iPad Pro would be complete without mentioning the Apple Pencil and the Magic Keyboard. These accessories elevate the iPad Pro from a tablet to a true productivity powerhouse.

The Apple Pencil (2nd generation) is a must-have for creative professionals and anyone who enjoys handwriting or drawing. It attaches magnetically to the side of the iPad Pro and charges wirelessly. The Apple Pencil is incredibly precise and responsive, with virtually no lag. It supports pressure sensitivity and tilt recognition, allowing you to create a wide range of effects. Whether you're sketching, painting, taking notes, or marking up documents, the Apple Pencil is a joy to use.

The Magic Keyboard is another essential accessory for many iPad Pro users. It features a full-size keyboard with backlit keys and a built-in trackpad. The Magic Keyboard attaches magnetically to the iPad Pro and provides a comfortable and ergonomic typing experience. The trackpad allows you to navigate the iPadOS interface with ease, and the keyboard also includes a USB-C port for charging. The Magic Keyboard transforms the iPad Pro into a capable laptop replacement, making it ideal for writing, editing, and other productivity tasks.

Is It Worth the Price? The Verdict

So, the big question: Is the iPad Pro 2021 (12.9-inch) worth the hefty price tag? The answer, as always, depends on your needs and budget.

If you're a creative professional who needs a powerful and portable device for tasks like photo and video editing, graphic design, or digital art, the iPad Pro is an excellent choice. The Liquid Retina XDR display is stunning, the M1 chip provides blazing-fast performance, and the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard enhance your productivity.

If you're a power user who wants a versatile device for work and play, the iPad Pro is also a great option. It can handle demanding apps, run multiple tasks simultaneously, and serve as a capable laptop replacement. The iPadOS operating system is intuitive and user-friendly, and the Apple ecosystem provides seamless integration with other Apple devices.

However, if you're a casual user who primarily uses a tablet for browsing the web, watching videos, and checking email, the iPad Pro may be overkill. There are many other tablets on the market that offer similar functionality at a lower price. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to buy the iPad Pro depends on your individual needs and priorities. But if you're looking for the best tablet on the market, the iPad Pro 2021 (12.9-inch) is hard to beat. It's a true powerhouse that delivers exceptional performance and a stunning visual experience.

Specs

Here is a summary of the iPad Pro 2021 (12.9-inch) Specifications:

  • Display: 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display
  • Processor: Apple M1 chip
  • Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB
  • RAM: 8GB (128GB, 256GB, 512GB models), 16GB (1TB, 2TB models)
  • Cameras: 12MP Wide and 10MP Ultra Wide rear cameras, 12MP Ultra Wide front camera
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, Thunderbolt / USB 4
  • Operating System: iPadOS
  • Dimensions: 11.04 x 8.46 x 0.25 inches
  • Weight: 1.5 pounds

Pricing

Here is a summary of the iPad Pro 2021 (12.9-inch) Pricing:

  • 128GB: $1,099
  • 256GB: $1,199
  • 512GB: $1,399
  • 1TB: $1,799
  • 2TB: $2,199

Conclusion

The iPad Pro 2021 (12.9-inch) is a remarkable device that pushes the boundaries of what a tablet can do. With its stunning Liquid Retina XDR display, blazing-fast M1 chip, and versatile iPadOS operating system, it's a powerhouse for creative professionals and power users alike. While it may not be for everyone due to its high price tag, those who can afford it will be rewarded with a premium experience that is second to none. So, if you're in the market for the best tablet on the market, the iPad Pro 2021 (12.9-inch) is definitely worth considering. It's a true game-changer that sets a new standard for tablet performance and design.