IPad Pro 12.9 (2021): Review, Specs, And Best Deals

by Jhon Lennon 52 views

Hey everyone! Today, let's dive deep into the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021), a device that has truly redefined what we expect from tablets. This isn't just a bigger iPad; it's a mobile workstation, an entertainment hub, and a creative canvas all rolled into one sleek package. We will explore everything from its stunning display and processing power to its camera capabilities and accessories, and everything in between, giving you a comprehensive overview to help you decide if this is the right tablet for you.

Stunning Display: The Liquid Retina XDR Experience

The star of the show is undoubtedly the Liquid Retina XDR display. This screen is a game-changer, bringing mini-LED technology to the iPad for the first time. What does this mean for you? Imagine deeper blacks, brighter highlights, and an overall dynamic range that makes everything pop off the screen. Whether you're watching movies, editing photos, or simply browsing the web, the visual experience is unparalleled.

  • Mini-LED Technology: The display uses over 10,000 mini-LEDs, allowing for precise control over local dimming. This results in incredible contrast ratios and a picture that's closer to reality than ever before.
  • ProMotion Technology: With an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz, the display feels incredibly smooth and responsive. Scrolling is fluid, animations are seamless, and the overall user experience is just more enjoyable.
  • True Tone and P3 Wide Color: True Tone automatically adjusts the display's color temperature to match your ambient lighting, reducing eye strain. P3 wide color ensures that colors are accurate and vibrant, making your photos and videos look their best.
  • Brightness: Peak brightness hits an incredible 1600 nits for HDR content, so even in bright environments, the screen remains visible and vibrant. For everyday use, it typically hovers around 600 nits, which is still plenty bright.

M1 Chip: Power and Performance Unleashed

Under the hood, the iPad Pro 12.9 (2021) is powered by Apple's M1 chip. This is the same silicon that you'll find in the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Mac mini, which means this tablet packs a serious punch. Whether you're editing 4K video, playing graphics-intensive games, or multitasking between multiple apps, the M1 chip handles it all with ease. The performance is so good; it blurs the line between tablet and laptop. The M1 chip truly transforms the device into a mobile workstation capable of handling demanding tasks with remarkable efficiency. It's not just about raw power; the M1's architecture is optimized for both performance and power efficiency, allowing the iPad Pro to deliver impressive battery life even under heavy use. This is a crucial factor for professionals and creatives who rely on their devices for extended periods without access to a power outlet.

  • 8-Core CPU and 8-Core GPU: The M1 chip features an 8-core CPU and an 8-core GPU, delivering up to 50% faster CPU performance and 40% faster GPU performance compared to the previous generation iPad Pro. This means apps launch faster, games run smoother, and complex tasks are completed in a fraction of the time.
  • 16-Core Neural Engine: The M1 chip also includes a 16-core Neural Engine, which accelerates machine learning tasks. This enables features like Smart HDR 3, Center Stage, and advanced image processing, enhancing the overall user experience.
  • Unified Memory Architecture: The M1 chip uses a unified memory architecture, which means the CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine all have access to the same pool of memory. This results in faster data transfer and improved performance, especially when working with large files or complex projects.

Camera Capabilities: More Than Just a Tablet Camera

The iPad Pro 12.9 (2021) boasts a powerful camera system that goes beyond what you might expect from a tablet. The rear camera setup 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 addition of the LiDAR Scanner further enhances the camera's capabilities, enabling advanced augmented reality experiences and improved low-light performance. These features combine to make the iPad Pro's camera system a versatile tool for both creative professionals and everyday users. The image signal processor in the M1 chip also plays a crucial role in enhancing image quality, providing features like Smart HDR 3, which optimizes photos for highlights, shadows, and skin tones. The LiDAR Scanner not only improves AR experiences but also helps with focusing in low-light conditions, resulting in sharper and more detailed photos and videos.

  • Center Stage: One of the standout features is Center Stage, which uses the Ultra Wide front camera and machine learning to automatically keep you in the frame during video calls. As you move around, the camera intelligently adjusts to keep you centered, making video conferencing more engaging and natural.
  • 4K Video Recording: The iPad Pro can record video in up to 4K resolution at 60fps, allowing you to capture high-quality footage for editing or sharing. The extended dynamic range for video recording up to 30 fps ensures that your videos look vibrant and detailed.
  • LiDAR Scanner: The LiDAR Scanner measures the distance to objects in the surrounding environment, creating a depth map that enhances AR experiences. It also improves autofocus in low-light conditions, resulting in sharper and more detailed photos and videos.

Accessories: Unleash the Full Potential

To truly unlock the potential of the iPad Pro 12.9 (2021), you'll want to consider investing in some accessories. The Apple Pencil (2nd generation) and the Magic Keyboard are two must-have accessories that can transform your iPad Pro into a versatile workstation. These accessories are designed to seamlessly integrate with the iPad Pro, providing a natural and intuitive user experience. Whether you're a creative professional, a student, or simply someone who wants to get more out of their iPad, these accessories can significantly enhance your productivity and creativity.

  • Apple Pencil (2nd Generation): The Apple Pencil is an essential tool for artists, designers, and anyone who enjoys taking handwritten notes. It attaches magnetically to the side of the iPad Pro for charging and storage and offers incredibly precise input with virtually no lag. It's perfect for sketching, drawing, annotating documents, and more.
  • Magic Keyboard: The Magic Keyboard provides a comfortable typing experience and includes a built-in trackpad, allowing you to navigate the iPad Pro with ease. It attaches magnetically to the iPad Pro and features a floating cantilever design that lets you adjust the viewing angle to your liking. It also includes a USB-C port for pass-through charging.

Pros and Cons: Is the iPad Pro 12.9 (2021) Right for You?

Before you make a decision, let's weigh the pros and cons of the iPad Pro 12.9 (2021).

Pros:

  • Stunning Liquid Retina XDR Display: The mini-LED display is a visual masterpiece, offering incredible contrast, brightness, and color accuracy.
  • Powerful M1 Chip: The M1 chip delivers desktop-class performance, making the iPad Pro capable of handling even the most demanding tasks.
  • Excellent Camera System: The rear cameras and LiDAR Scanner provide versatile photography and augmented reality capabilities.
  • Long Battery Life: Despite its powerful performance, the iPad Pro offers all-day battery life.
  • Accessory Ecosystem: The Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard enhance the iPad Pro's functionality and versatility.

Cons:

  • Price: The iPad Pro 12.9 (2021) is a premium device with a premium price tag.
  • Software Limitations: While iPadOS has come a long way, it still has some limitations compared to macOS or Windows.
  • Accessory Costs: The Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard are sold separately and can add a significant cost to the overall package.

Who is the iPad Pro 12.9 (2021) For?

The iPad Pro 12.9 (2021) is ideal for:

  • Creative Professionals: Artists, designers, photographers, and video editors who need a powerful and portable device for their work.
  • Students: Students who want a versatile device for note-taking, research, and entertainment.
  • Business Professionals: Business professionals who need a portable device for presentations, meetings, and on-the-go productivity.
  • Anyone who wants the best tablet experience: If you're looking for the best tablet on the market, the iPad Pro 12.9 (2021) is hard to beat.

Conclusion: The Ultimate Tablet Experience

The iPad Pro 12.9 (2021) is a remarkable device that pushes the boundaries of what a tablet can do. With its stunning display, powerful M1 chip, and versatile camera system, it's a true powerhouse that can handle anything you throw at it. While it's not a replacement for a traditional computer for everyone, it's an excellent tool for creative professionals, students, and anyone who wants a premium tablet experience. If you're willing to invest in the iPad Pro and its accessories, you'll be rewarded with a device that's both powerful and incredibly versatile.

So, what do you guys think? Is the iPad Pro 12.9 (2021) the right tablet for you? Let me know in the comments below!