IPad Pro 2021: 12-inch, 256GB, Cellular - Review
Let's dive deep into the iPad Pro 2021, specifically the 12-inch model with 256GB of storage and cellular connectivity. Guys, if you're considering upgrading your tablet or jumping into the iPad ecosystem, this review is for you. We'll break down everything from the stunning display to the blazing-fast performance, and whether it's worth your hard-earned cash.
Display: A Visual Feast
The iPad Pro 2021's display is a major highlight. The 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display is not just big; it's beautiful. Featuring Mini-LED technology, the screen delivers incredible brightness, reaching up to 1000 nits of full-screen brightness and 1600 nits at peak. This means you get vibrant colors, excellent contrast, and exceptional dynamic range. Watching movies, editing photos, or even just browsing the web becomes a visual feast.
The ProMotion technology, with its adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz, ensures that everything feels incredibly smooth and responsive. Scrolling is fluid, animations are seamless, and the Apple Pencil experience is more natural than ever. Whether you're an artist, designer, or just someone who appreciates a great screen, the iPad Pro's display will not disappoint. The color accuracy is also top-notch, covering the P3 wide color gamut, making it ideal for color-sensitive work. Plus, with features like True Tone, the display adapts to the ambient lighting, reducing eye strain and making it comfortable to use in any environment. This level of detail and technology makes the iPad Pro 2021's display truly stand out from the competition.
Performance: M1 Unleashed
Under the hood, the iPad Pro 2021 is powered by Apple's M1 chip, the same silicon found in their MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Mac mini. This is a game-changer for tablet performance. The M1 chip delivers a massive leap in CPU and GPU performance compared to previous iPad Pro models. Apps launch instantly, multitasking is a breeze, and even the most demanding tasks like video editing and 3D rendering are handled with ease. Gaming is also a joy, with smooth frame rates and stunning graphics.
The 8-core CPU and 8-core GPU of the M1 chip provide desktop-class performance in a tablet form factor. The 16-core Neural Engine accelerates machine learning tasks, enhancing features like image processing and augmented reality experiences. With 256GB of storage, you'll have plenty of space for all your apps, files, and media. The M1 chip also brings improved power efficiency, allowing the iPad Pro to deliver all-day battery life, even with heavy usage. This combination of power and efficiency makes the iPad Pro 2021 a true powerhouse for creative professionals and power users alike. The performance is so good, you might even forget you're using a tablet! The M1 chip truly unleashes the iPad Pro's potential, making it a versatile tool for work and play. Whether you're editing 4K videos, creating complex illustrations, or just browsing the web, the iPad Pro 2021 handles it all with aplomb.
Cellular Connectivity: Stay Connected Anywhere
The inclusion of cellular connectivity in this iPad Pro 2021 model adds another layer of versatility. With cellular, you're not limited to Wi-Fi networks; you can stay connected to the internet virtually anywhere there's a cellular signal. This is incredibly useful for people who are always on the go, whether you're traveling for work, working remotely, or just need to stay connected while you're out and about. The iPad Pro supports 5G, so you can enjoy blazing-fast download and streaming speeds when connected to a 5G network.
The cellular connectivity also makes the iPad Pro a great option for field work. Whether you're a photographer uploading photos from a remote location, a construction worker accessing blueprints on a job site, or a journalist filing reports from the field, the iPad Pro with cellular keeps you connected and productive. Setting up cellular service is easy; you can either insert a physical SIM card or activate an eSIM. Apple also offers a variety of data plans to choose from, so you can find one that fits your needs and budget. The added convenience of cellular connectivity makes the iPad Pro 2021 an even more compelling choice for those who need to stay connected wherever they are.
Design and Build Quality
The iPad Pro 2021 maintains Apple's signature design aesthetic, with its sleek aluminum enclosure, slim bezels, and edge-to-edge display. The build quality is excellent, as you would expect from an Apple product. The tablet feels solid and premium in hand. The flat edges give it a modern look, and the rounded corners make it comfortable to hold. The buttons are well-placed and responsive, and the overall fit and finish are impeccable. Despite its large size, the iPad Pro is surprisingly thin and light, making it easy to carry around.
The front of the iPad Pro is dominated by the stunning Liquid Retina XDR display, while the back features the Apple logo and the camera module. The four speakers, located on the top and bottom edges, deliver rich and immersive audio. The Thunderbolt/USB 4 port provides fast data transfer speeds and supports a wide range of accessories. The Smart Connector allows you to easily connect the Smart Keyboard Folio or the Magic Keyboard. Overall, the design of the iPad Pro 2021 is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. It's a tablet that looks and feels like a premium product, and it's sure to impress anyone who sees it. Apple has once again raised the bar for tablet design with the iPad Pro 2021.
Camera and Audio
The iPad Pro 2021 features a pro-level camera system that's surprisingly capable for a tablet. The dual-camera setup on the rear includes a 12MP wide camera and a 10MP ultra-wide camera, allowing you to capture stunning photos and videos in a variety of situations. The image quality is excellent, with accurate colors, good dynamic range, and plenty of detail. The ultra-wide camera is great for capturing landscapes or group photos, and the LiDAR Scanner enhances augmented reality experiences. The front-facing 12MP Ultra Wide camera with Center Stage is perfect for video calls, automatically keeping you in the frame as you move around.
The audio quality on the iPad Pro 2021 is also impressive. The four speakers deliver rich, immersive sound with plenty of volume. Whether you're watching movies, listening to music, or playing games, the audio experience is top-notch. The microphones are also excellent, capturing clear and natural-sounding audio for video calls and recordings. The combination of excellent cameras and audio makes the iPad Pro 2021 a great tool for content creation and consumption. Whether you're a photographer, videographer, or just someone who enjoys taking photos and videos, the iPad Pro won't disappoint. And with the Center Stage feature, video calls are more engaging and natural than ever.
Software and Features
The iPad Pro 2021 runs on iPadOS, Apple's tablet-specific operating system. iPadOS is designed to take full advantage of the iPad's large display and powerful hardware. It features a multitasking interface that allows you to run multiple apps side-by-side, as well as a variety of productivity tools like Slide Over and Split View. The Files app provides easy access to your files, and the App Store offers a vast selection of apps optimized for the iPad. iPadOS also supports the Apple Pencil, making the iPad Pro a great tool for artists, designers, and note-takers.
One of the standout features of iPadOS is its support for external displays. You can connect the iPad Pro to an external monitor to extend your workspace, or mirror your display for presentations. The Thunderbolt/USB 4 port allows you to connect a wide range of accessories, including keyboards, mice, and external storage devices. Apple also offers a variety of software features designed to enhance productivity, such as Quick Note, which allows you to quickly jot down notes from anywhere on the screen. Overall, iPadOS is a powerful and versatile operating system that makes the iPad Pro a great tool for work and play. It's constantly being updated with new features and improvements, ensuring that the iPad Pro remains at the forefront of tablet technology.
Battery Life
The iPad Pro 2021 delivers excellent battery life, thanks to the power efficiency of the M1 chip. Apple claims that the iPad Pro can last up to 10 hours of web browsing on Wi-Fi or watching video. In real-world use, I found that I could easily get through a full day of work or school without needing to recharge. Even with heavy usage, such as video editing or gaming, the iPad Pro still provides impressive battery life. The cellular model may experience slightly shorter battery life when using cellular data, but it's still more than adequate for most users.
The iPad Pro charges via USB-C, and it supports fast charging, so you can quickly top up the battery when needed. The included power adapter is a 20W USB-C power adapter, which is sufficient for most users. Overall, the battery life on the iPad Pro 2021 is excellent, and it's one of the key reasons why this tablet is so great for productivity and entertainment. You can confidently use the iPad Pro throughout the day without worrying about running out of power, making it a great choice for students, professionals, and anyone who needs a reliable tablet.
Conclusion: Is It Worth It?
So, is the iPad Pro 2021 (12-inch, 256GB, Cellular) worth the investment? Absolutely. If you're looking for a powerful, versatile tablet with a stunning display, blazing-fast performance, and excellent battery life, the iPad Pro 2021 is the best option on the market. The M1 chip delivers desktop-class performance, the Liquid Retina XDR display is a visual masterpiece, and the cellular connectivity keeps you connected wherever you go. While it's certainly not the cheapest tablet, the iPad Pro 2021 is a worthwhile investment for creative professionals, power users, and anyone who wants the best tablet experience possible.
However, if you're on a tight budget or don't need the extra power and features, there are other more affordable tablets that may be a better fit for your needs. But if you're willing to spend the money, the iPad Pro 2021 will not disappoint. It's a true powerhouse that can handle anything you throw at it, and it's sure to enhance your productivity and creativity. The iPad Pro 2021 is not just a tablet; it's a mobile workstation, a creative canvas, and an entertainment hub all in one. Guys, this device is a game-changer!