Apple 2021 IPad Pro 12.9-inch: Specs & Review
Hey guys! Let's dive into the awesome Apple 2021 iPad Pro 12.9-inch. This tablet is a powerhouse, packed with features that make it a top contender in the tablet market. We’re going to break down everything from its stunning display to its blazing-fast performance, so you know exactly what you’re getting. If you are looking for a tablet that can handle anything from creative tasks to everyday browsing, the 2021 iPad Pro might just be your perfect match.
Display
The Liquid Retina XDR display is the star of the show. It’s a 12.9-inch mini-LED backlit Multi-Touch display with IPS technology. Translation? It looks absolutely gorgeous. With a resolution of 2732 by 2048 pixels at 264 pixels per inch (ppi), everything appears incredibly sharp and detailed. The ProMotion technology, featuring adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz, makes scrolling and animations buttery smooth. This is especially noticeable when you’re gaming or working on detailed graphics.
One of the standout features is the extreme dynamic range (XDR), offering 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio. This means you get deep blacks and brilliant highlights, making HDR content pop like never before. The display also boasts 1000 nits max brightness for full-screen and 1600 nits peak brightness for HDR content. Whether you're watching movies, editing photos, or just browsing the web, the screen is vibrant and easy to see, even in bright environments. Add to that the P3 wide color gamut, and you get incredibly accurate and lifelike colors. It's perfect for creative professionals who need precise color representation in their work.
To top it off, the display has an anti-reflective coating, reducing glare and making it comfortable to use in various lighting conditions. It also supports the second-generation Apple Pencil, offering precise input and a natural writing experience. The combination of all these features makes the display an absolute joy to use for both work and play. Whether you’re a creative professional, a student, or just someone who enjoys high-quality visuals, the 2021 iPad Pro's display won’t disappoint.
Performance
Under the hood, the M1 chip is the real game-changer. This chip brings a massive leap in performance compared to previous iPad models. It features an 8-core CPU and an 8-core GPU, delivering up to 50% faster CPU performance and up to 40% faster graphics performance. What does this mean for you? Snappy performance in everything you do, from launching apps to running demanding software like Adobe Photoshop and Procreate.
The M1 chip also includes a 16-core Neural Engine, which accelerates machine learning tasks. This enhances features like facial recognition, image processing, and augmented reality experiences. With the M1, the iPad Pro can handle complex tasks with ease, making it a true mobile workstation. Multitasking is a breeze, and you can run multiple apps simultaneously without any noticeable slowdown. This is a huge advantage for professionals who need to juggle several tasks at once.
The 2021 iPad Pro comes with either 8GB or 16GB of RAM, depending on the storage configuration. Models with 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB of storage come with 8GB of RAM, while models with 1TB or 2TB of storage come with 16GB of RAM. This ensures that even the most demanding users have enough memory to run their applications smoothly. The increased RAM is particularly beneficial for tasks like video editing and 3D modeling.
With the M1 chip, the 2021 iPad Pro offers desktop-class performance in a tablet form factor. It's powerful enough to handle virtually any task you throw at it, making it a versatile tool for both creative professionals and everyday users. Whether you're editing 4K videos, playing graphics-intensive games, or working on complex design projects, the iPad Pro delivers exceptional performance.
Camera
The camera system on the 2021 iPad Pro is impressive. It features a 12MP Wide camera and a 10MP Ultra Wide camera on the rear, along with a LiDAR Scanner. The Wide camera has an ƒ/1.8 aperture, while the Ultra Wide camera has an ƒ/2.4 aperture and a 125° field of view. Together, they offer excellent image quality and versatility.
The LiDAR Scanner is a standout feature, enhancing augmented reality (AR) experiences by accurately measuring the distance to objects in the environment. This allows for more realistic and immersive AR applications. It also improves autofocus in low-light conditions, resulting in sharper and more detailed photos and videos. The camera system supports 2x optical zoom out and up to 5x digital zoom, giving you more flexibility when capturing images.
On the front, there's a 12MP Ultra Wide camera with a 122° field of view. This camera supports Center Stage, a feature that automatically keeps you in the frame during video calls, even as you move around. It's perfect for staying connected with friends and family, as well as for professional video conferencing. The front camera also supports features like Animoji and Memoji, adding a fun and personalized touch to your video chats.
The 2021 iPad Pro can record 4K video at 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps, or 60 fps. It also supports 1080p HD video recording at 25 fps, 30 fps, or 60 fps, and 720p HD video recording at 30 fps. With extended dynamic range for video up to 30 fps, your videos will look vibrant and detailed. The cinematic video stabilization feature ensures smooth and steady footage, even when you're on the move. Overall, the camera system on the 2021 iPad Pro is versatile and high-performing, making it a great tool for both photography and videography.
Design and Build Quality
The design of the 2021 iPad Pro is sleek and modern. It features a thin and light aluminum unibody design, making it both durable and portable. The build quality is excellent, with tight tolerances and a premium feel. The iPad Pro is available in two colors: Silver and Space Gray, both of which look sophisticated and professional.
The 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display dominates the front of the device, with slim bezels that maximize the screen real estate. The absence of a physical home button contributes to the clean and minimalist aesthetic. Instead, the iPad Pro relies on Face ID for secure authentication. The edges of the device are flat, giving it a contemporary look that is both stylish and functional.
Despite its large display, the 2021 iPad Pro is surprisingly easy to handle. It measures 11.04 inches in height, 8.46 inches in width, and just 0.25 inches in thickness. The Wi-Fi model weighs 1.5 pounds, while the Wi-Fi + Cellular model weighs 1.51 pounds. This makes it easy to carry around in a bag or backpack, making it a great option for people who are always on the go.
The iPad Pro also features a Thunderbolt / USB 4 port, which allows for fast data transfer and connectivity to external displays and accessories. The Smart Connector on the back of the device is used to connect the Smart Keyboard Folio and the Magic Keyboard. These accessories enhance the functionality of the iPad Pro, making it a true laptop replacement. Overall, the design and build quality of the 2021 iPad Pro are top-notch, reflecting Apple's commitment to excellence.
Battery Life
The battery life on the 2021 iPad Pro is impressive, thanks to the efficiency of the M1 chip. Apple claims that the iPad Pro can provide up to 10 hours of surfing the web on Wi-Fi or watching video. If you're using cellular data, you can expect up to 9 hours of battery life. In real-world usage, these claims hold up well. You can easily get through a full day of work or school without needing to recharge.
The iPad Pro comes with a 20W USB-C Power Adapter, which allows for fast charging. You can also charge the iPad Pro using a USB-C cable connected to your computer. The actual charging time will depend on the power source and the level of battery depletion, but you can expect a full charge in a few hours.
While the battery life is excellent, it can vary depending on your usage patterns. Demanding tasks like video editing and gaming will drain the battery faster than simple tasks like browsing the web or reading emails. However, even with heavy usage, the iPad Pro provides enough battery life to keep you productive throughout the day. The combination of long battery life and fast charging makes the 2021 iPad Pro a reliable device for both work and play. Whether you're traveling, working remotely, or just relaxing at home, you can count on the iPad Pro to keep up with your needs.
Connectivity
The connectivity options on the 2021 iPad Pro are comprehensive, ensuring that you can stay connected wherever you go. It supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), which offers fast and reliable wireless connectivity. The iPad Pro also supports Bluetooth 5.0, allowing you to connect to wireless headphones, speakers, and other accessories.
One of the standout features is the Thunderbolt / USB 4 port. This port supports Thunderbolt 3, USB 4, DisplayPort, and USB 3.1 Gen 2. It allows for fast data transfer speeds of up to 40Gbps, making it easy to transfer large files quickly. The Thunderbolt / USB 4 port also supports external displays with up to 6K resolution at 60Hz, allowing you to connect the iPad Pro to a professional monitor.
For users who need to stay connected on the go, the iPad Pro is available in a Wi-Fi + Cellular model. This model supports 5G cellular connectivity, providing fast and reliable internet access wherever you have cellular coverage. The iPad Pro also supports eSIM, allowing you to easily switch between different cellular plans.
The iPad Pro also features a Smart Connector, which is used to connect the Smart Keyboard Folio and the Magic Keyboard. These accessories enhance the functionality of the iPad Pro, making it a true laptop replacement. The Smart Connector provides power and data connectivity, allowing you to type comfortably and efficiently.
Overall, the connectivity options on the 2021 iPad Pro are excellent, providing you with everything you need to stay connected and productive. Whether you're at home, in the office, or on the go, the iPad Pro has you covered.
Conclusion
So, what’s the final verdict on the 2021 Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch? This tablet is a powerhouse, offering a stunning display, blazing-fast performance, and a versatile camera system. The M1 chip delivers desktop-class performance in a portable form factor, making it a great tool for both creative professionals and everyday users. The long battery life and comprehensive connectivity options ensure that you can stay productive wherever you go. While it comes with a premium price tag, the 2021 iPad Pro is worth the investment if you're looking for the best tablet on the market. Whether you're editing photos, creating videos, or just browsing the web, the iPad Pro delivers an exceptional experience. It’s a top-tier tablet that earns its “Pro” moniker.