IPad Pro 2021 M1: 12.9-inch, 256GB, & 5G Review

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iPad Pro 2021 M1 12.9-inch 256GB 5G: A Deep Dive Review

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the iPad Pro 2021 M1, specifically the 12.9-inch model with 256GB of storage and 5G connectivity. This isn't just another tablet; it's a powerhouse designed to blur the lines between a tablet and a laptop. We’ll explore everything from its stunning display and blazing-fast performance to its 5G capabilities and overall user experience. If you're considering upgrading your current tablet or making the switch from a laptop, this review is for you. So, grab your favorite beverage, sit back, and let's get started!

Unboxing and First Impressions

Right out of the box, the iPad Pro 2021 screams premium. The sleek design, the weight of the device, and the overall build quality give you that unmistakable Apple feel. Inside the box, you'll find the iPad Pro itself, a USB-C charging cable, and a power adapter. Apple keeps it minimal, focusing on the device itself. The 12.9-inch display is absolutely gorgeous. The Liquid Retina XDR display with its mini-LED technology is a game-changer, offering incredible brightness, contrast, and color accuracy.

The initial setup is a breeze, especially if you're already in the Apple ecosystem. You can quickly transfer your data from an existing iPad or iPhone, and within minutes, you're ready to go. The responsiveness of the screen is immediately noticeable, thanks to the ProMotion technology with its adaptive 120Hz refresh rate. Navigating through the interface feels incredibly smooth and fluid. The M1 chip promises desktop-class performance, and the initial impressions certainly suggest that it lives up to the hype. The combination of the stunning display and the powerful M1 chip makes this iPad Pro feel like a significant upgrade over previous generations.

Display: Liquid Retina XDR – A Visual Feast

The display is arguably the star of the show. The Liquid Retina XDR display on the 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2021 is a visual masterpiece. It uses mini-LED technology, which allows for significantly better brightness and contrast compared to traditional LCD displays. This results in vibrant colors, deep blacks, and an incredible dynamic range. Whether you're watching movies, editing photos, or simply browsing the web, the display is a joy to behold.

The peak brightness of 1600 nits in HDR mode is impressive, making it perfect for viewing HDR content. The ProMotion technology, with its adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz, ensures that everything feels incredibly smooth and responsive. The display dynamically adjusts the refresh rate based on what you're doing, saving battery life when high refresh rates aren't needed. The anti-reflective coating is also effective, reducing glare and making the display easier to see in bright environments. The color accuracy is top-notch, making it ideal for creative professionals who need to work with accurate colors. The combination of all these features makes the Liquid Retina XDR display the best display on any tablet currently available. It truly elevates the viewing experience and makes everything look more immersive and engaging.

Performance: M1 Chip – A Powerhouse Unleashed

Under the hood, the M1 chip is the real game-changer. This is the same chip that powers Apple's MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Mac mini, and it brings desktop-class performance to the iPad Pro. The M1 chip is significantly faster than the A12Z Bionic chip in the previous generation iPad Pro, offering a massive leap in both CPU and GPU performance. Apps launch instantly, multitasking is seamless, and even the most demanding tasks are handled with ease.

Gaming on the iPad Pro is a fantastic experience. Games load quickly, run smoothly, and look stunning on the Liquid Retina XDR display. The M1 chip's powerful GPU ensures that you can play even the most graphically intensive games without any lag or stuttering. Video editing is also a breeze. You can edit 4K video footage directly on the iPad Pro without any performance issues. The M1 chip also enables new features like Center Stage, which uses machine learning to automatically adjust the camera during video calls to keep you in the frame. The iPad Pro 2021 with the M1 chip is a true powerhouse, capable of handling anything you throw at it. It's a significant upgrade over previous generations and makes the iPad Pro a viable alternative to a laptop for many users.

5G Connectivity: Blazing Fast Speeds on the Go

The addition of 5G connectivity is a welcome upgrade for those who need to stay connected on the go. With 5G, you can download files, stream videos, and participate in video calls at blazing-fast speeds, wherever you are. The iPad Pro 2021 supports a wide range of 5G bands, ensuring compatibility with most carriers around the world. Of course, 5G speeds will vary depending on your location and carrier, but in areas with good 5G coverage, you can expect significantly faster speeds compared to 4G LTE.

Having 5G on the iPad Pro is especially useful for professionals who need to work remotely. You can quickly access and share large files, participate in video conferences without any lag, and stay connected even when you're away from Wi-Fi. The 5G connectivity also makes the iPad Pro a great device for entertainment on the go. You can stream movies and TV shows in high resolution without any buffering. The combination of the stunning display, powerful M1 chip, and 5G connectivity makes the iPad Pro the ultimate mobile device. It allows you to stay productive and entertained wherever you are.

Storage: 256GB – Enough for Most Users

The 256GB of storage on this iPad Pro 2021 model should be sufficient for most users. It provides ample space for storing apps, photos, videos, and other files. However, if you plan to store a lot of high-resolution videos or large files, you might want to consider a model with more storage. Apple offers the iPad Pro with up to 2TB of storage, so you have plenty of options to choose from.

Keep in mind that the storage on the iPad Pro is not expandable, so you can't add more storage later on. It's important to choose the right storage capacity when you purchase the device. For most users, 256GB should be a good balance between price and storage space. It's enough to store a decent amount of content without breaking the bank. However, if you're a professional who works with large files, you might want to consider a model with 512GB or 1TB of storage.

iPadOS: Enhancing the User Experience

iPadOS has come a long way in recent years, and it's now a mature and capable operating system that's well-suited for the iPad Pro. The operating system is designed to take full advantage of the iPad's large display and powerful hardware. It offers a range of features that enhance productivity, such as multitasking, Split View, and Slide Over. The Files app provides a central location for accessing and managing your files, and the Scribble feature allows you to handwrite text in any text field.

iPadOS also supports external keyboards and mice, making the iPad Pro a viable alternative to a laptop for many users. The operating system is constantly being updated with new features and improvements, ensuring that the iPad Pro stays up-to-date and competitive. With each new version of iPadOS, Apple continues to blur the lines between a tablet and a laptop, making the iPad Pro an increasingly versatile device. The combination of the powerful hardware and the sophisticated software makes the iPad Pro a joy to use.

Pros and Cons

To summarize, let's break down the pros and cons of the iPad Pro 2021 M1:

Pros:

  • Stunning Liquid Retina XDR display
  • Blazing-fast M1 chip
  • 5G connectivity
  • Ample storage (256GB)
  • Excellent battery life
  • Mature and capable iPadOS

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • No expandable storage
  • Accessories (Apple Pencil, Magic Keyboard) sold separately

Final Verdict

The iPad Pro 2021 M1 12.9-inch 256GB 5G is an incredible device that offers a compelling combination of performance, features, and portability. It's a true powerhouse that can handle anything you throw at it, from demanding creative tasks to everyday productivity tasks. The stunning display, blazing-fast M1 chip, and 5G connectivity make it the ultimate mobile device. While it's expensive, the iPad Pro is well worth the investment for those who need the best of the best. If you're looking for a tablet that can replace your laptop, the iPad Pro 2021 is definitely worth considering. It’s a top-tier device that continues to redefine what a tablet can be. So, is it worth the hype? Absolutely! Just be prepared to open your wallet a bit wider. You won't regret it!