IPad Pro 2021: 12-inch, 256GB, & Cellular - Review
Hey everyone! Today, we’re diving deep into the iPad Pro 2021, specifically the 12-inch model with 256GB of storage and cellular connectivity. If you're considering upgrading or just curious about what this powerhouse tablet can do, you're in the right place. Let's break down everything that makes this iPad Pro a top contender in the tablet market. We'll cover the design, display, performance, and all the features that make it a worthwhile investment. So, grab your favorite beverage, sit back, and let's get started!
Design and Build Quality
The iPad Pro 2021 maintains the sleek, modern design that Apple is known for. The 12-inch model is impressively thin and light, making it surprisingly portable for its size. Holding it, you immediately feel the premium build quality. The aluminum unibody construction feels robust and durable, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of daily use. The flat edges give it a contemporary look, reminiscent of the iPhone 12 and later models, which many users find comfortable to hold, whether you're working on the go or relaxing at home. The slim bezels around the display contribute to a more immersive viewing experience, maximizing the screen real estate without making the device unwieldy. Available in Silver and Space Gray, the iPad Pro offers a sophisticated aesthetic that fits seamlessly into any professional or personal setting. Attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the design, from the precisely machined speaker grilles to the seamlessly integrated camera module. The placement of the USB-C port and the magnetic connector for the Apple Pencil are thoughtfully designed, enhancing the overall user experience. With its blend of form and function, the iPad Pro 2021 sets a high standard for tablet design.
Stunning Display
One of the standout features of the iPad Pro 2021 is its breathtaking display. The 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display is a visual masterpiece, boasting incredible brightness, vibrant colors, and stunning contrast. Thanks to its Mini-LED technology, the display delivers exceptional HDR performance, making movies, photos, and games come to life with incredible realism. The ProMotion technology, with its adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz, ensures buttery-smooth scrolling and responsiveness, whether you're browsing the web or sketching with the Apple Pencil. The high resolution of 2732 x 2048 pixels results in sharp, crisp images with remarkable detail. Whether you're editing photos, watching videos, or creating digital art, the display provides an unparalleled visual experience. The wide color gamut (P3) ensures accurate and vibrant color reproduction, while the anti-reflective coating minimizes glare, making it comfortable to use in various lighting conditions. The True Tone technology automatically adjusts the display's color temperature to match the ambient lighting, reducing eye strain and enhancing viewing comfort. With its combination of cutting-edge technologies and meticulous calibration, the display on the iPad Pro 2021 is a true standout feature.
Performance: M1 Chip
Under the hood, the iPad Pro 2021 is powered by Apple's revolutionary M1 chip, the same silicon that powers some of their most advanced Mac computers. This chip delivers a monumental leap in performance compared to previous iPad models. Whether you're multitasking, running demanding apps, or playing graphics-intensive games, the iPad Pro handles everything with ease. The 8-core CPU and 8-core GPU provide lightning-fast performance and exceptional responsiveness. The 16-core Neural Engine accelerates machine learning tasks, enabling features like enhanced photo processing and real-time language translation. The M1 chip also brings significant improvements to power efficiency, allowing the iPad Pro to deliver all-day battery life despite its powerful performance. With 8GB or 16GB of RAM, depending on the storage configuration, the iPad Pro can handle even the most complex workflows with ease. Whether you're editing 4K video, creating 3D models, or running complex simulations, the M1 chip ensures smooth and seamless performance. The unified memory architecture allows the CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine to access data quickly and efficiently, further enhancing performance. The iPad Pro 2021 with the M1 chip is a true powerhouse, capable of handling anything you throw at it.
Storage and Cellular Connectivity
The iPad Pro 2021 we're reviewing comes with 256GB of storage, which should be ample space for most users. Whether you're storing photos, videos, documents, or apps, you'll have plenty of room to spare. For those with more demanding storage needs, the iPad Pro is also available in larger storage capacities, up to 2TB. The inclusion of cellular connectivity is another significant advantage, allowing you to stay connected to the internet even when you're away from Wi-Fi. The 5G support enables lightning-fast download and upload speeds, making it easy to stream videos, download files, and video conference on the go. The iPad Pro supports a wide range of cellular bands, ensuring compatibility with networks around the world. The eSIM functionality allows you to easily activate a cellular plan without the need for a physical SIM card. Whether you're traveling, working remotely, or simply want to stay connected on the go, the cellular connectivity of the iPad Pro 2021 provides unparalleled flexibility. With its ample storage and versatile connectivity options, the iPad Pro is a true mobile workstation.
Camera and Audio
The iPad Pro 2021 features a sophisticated camera system that delivers impressive image quality and versatility. The 12MP Wide camera captures sharp, detailed photos and videos, while the 10MP Ultra Wide camera allows you to capture expansive landscapes and group shots. The LiDAR scanner enhances augmented reality experiences and improves low-light performance. The TrueDepth camera system on the front enables Face ID for secure authentication and supports features like Animoji and Memoji. The iPad Pro can record video in up to 4K resolution at 60fps, delivering stunning video quality. The extended dynamic range for video ensures that highlights and shadows are captured with excellent detail. The cinematic video stabilization helps to keep your videos smooth and steady, even when you're on the move. The iPad Pro also features a four-speaker audio system that delivers immersive, high-quality sound. The speakers are strategically placed to provide a wide stereo soundstage, making movies, music, and games sound incredibly realistic. The studio-quality microphones ensure clear and accurate audio recording, making it ideal for video conferencing and voice recording. Whether you're capturing memories, creating content, or simply enjoying media, the camera and audio capabilities of the iPad Pro 2021 are sure to impress.
iPadOS and Features
The iPad Pro 2021 runs on iPadOS, Apple's dedicated operating system for iPads. iPadOS is designed to take full advantage of the iPad Pro's powerful hardware and large display. The multitasking features allow you to run multiple apps side-by-side, making it easy to work on multiple projects at the same time. The Slide Over and Split View modes provide flexible ways to manage your apps and workflows. The Files app provides easy access to your files stored on the device, in iCloud Drive, or on external storage devices. The Apple Pencil support is seamless and responsive, making it a joy to use for drawing, note-taking, and annotation. The Smart Keyboard Folio and Magic Keyboard provide comfortable and efficient typing experiences. iPadOS also includes a wide range of accessibility features, making it easy for users with disabilities to use the iPad Pro. The Siri voice assistant allows you to control your device with your voice, while the Translate app enables real-time language translation. With its intuitive interface, powerful features, and seamless integration with Apple's ecosystem, iPadOS enhances the overall user experience of the iPad Pro 2021.
Accessories and Ecosystem
The iPad Pro 2021 is compatible with a wide range of accessories that enhance its functionality and versatility. The Apple Pencil (2nd generation) is a must-have for creatives and note-takers, providing precise and responsive input. The Smart Keyboard Folio and Magic Keyboard transform the iPad Pro into a powerful productivity tool, offering comfortable typing and a built-in trackpad. The USB-C to HDMI adapter allows you to connect the iPad Pro to an external display, making it ideal for presentations and extending your workspace. The USB-C to SD Card Reader makes it easy to transfer photos and videos from your camera to your iPad Pro. The iPad Pro also integrates seamlessly with Apple's ecosystem, allowing you to easily share files and data between your iPhone, iPad, and Mac. The Handoff feature allows you to start a task on one device and continue it on another. The AirDrop feature makes it easy to share files with nearby Apple devices. With its wide range of accessories and seamless integration with Apple's ecosystem, the iPad Pro 2021 is a versatile and powerful device that can adapt to any workflow.
Final Verdict
The iPad Pro 2021 (12-inch, 256GB, Cellular) is undoubtedly one of the best tablets on the market. Its powerful M1 chip, stunning display, ample storage, and versatile connectivity make it a top choice for professionals, creatives, and anyone who wants a premium tablet experience. While it comes with a premium price tag, the iPad Pro's performance, features, and build quality justify the investment. Whether you're using it for work, creativity, or entertainment, the iPad Pro 2021 delivers an unparalleled experience. If you're looking for the best of the best in the tablet world, the iPad Pro 2021 is definitely worth considering. It's a powerhouse that combines performance, portability, and versatility in a sleek and elegant package. So there you have it, guys! Hope this review helped you in making an informed decision!