IPad Pro 12.9-inch (2020) Review: Still A Beast?

by Admin 49 views
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2020) Review: Still a Beast?

Hey tech enthusiasts! Let's dive into a deep dive review of the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2020). This big boy was a powerhouse when it dropped, and we're going to see if it still holds up in today's tech world. Is it worth considering in 2024? Can it handle your creative workflows, or is it just a fancy oversized tablet? We're breaking it all down, from the performance to the display and the overall user experience.

Design and Build Quality

Alright, let's kick things off with the design and build. The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2020) maintains the sleek, minimalist aesthetic that Apple is known for. The design language is consistent with other iPad Pro models, featuring flat edges and rounded corners. The build quality is top-notch; you're getting a solid aluminum unibody that feels premium in your hands. This thing is built to last, guys. It's sturdy, and the materials feel incredibly high-quality, giving it a very luxurious feel. It comes in the classic Space Gray and Silver colors, which both look clean and professional.

Now, the size is, well, sizeable. The 12.9-inch display is the star of the show, but it does mean this iPad is not exactly the most portable device. It's great for media consumption and creative tasks but might be a bit cumbersome for everyday use if you're constantly on the move. But hey, it's a trade-off: you get a massive display for that immersive experience! The bezels are relatively thin, maximizing screen real estate while still providing enough room for your thumbs to grip the device comfortably. The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2020) is a beautiful piece of hardware, a testament to Apple's design prowess. It feels great to hold, and the build quality ensures it can withstand the rigors of daily use. While it may not be the most portable tablet, the immersive experience makes it a compelling choice for those prioritizing screen size and performance. The design is timeless, the materials are premium, and it still manages to turn heads even after a few years on the market. If you are looking for a tablet that looks and feels like a premium device, the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2020) certainly fits the bill.

Display: The Star of the Show

Let's talk about the display – arguably the most important feature of this iPad. The 12.9-inch Liquid Retina display is simply stunning. It's bright, vibrant, and incredibly detailed. The colors pop, the blacks are deep, and the overall picture quality is fantastic. Whether you're watching movies, editing photos, or just browsing the web, the display is a joy to behold. The display is the key selling point of this iPad, and it doesn't disappoint. The large size is perfect for multitasking. This model doesn't have the mini-LED backlighting found in later models, but the display still holds its own. The screen's high refresh rate contributes to the smooth scrolling and responsiveness that makes using the iPad such a pleasure.

One of the standout features of this display is its accuracy. This is crucial for creative professionals who need to ensure that their work looks correct. The display is color-accurate, making it ideal for photo and video editing. The display also supports True Tone technology, which automatically adjusts the screen's color temperature to match the ambient lighting. This helps reduce eye strain and ensures that the image always looks natural. It’s designed to provide an immersive experience. The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2020)'s display is a standout feature, making it a joy to use for any task, from casual browsing to professional creative work. It's bright, vibrant, and accurate, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a premium tablet experience. The large size also contributes to a great experience when watching movies or playing games.

Performance and Specs

Alright, let's get into what's under the hood. The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2020) is powered by the A12Z Bionic chip. This chip is still pretty powerful, even by today's standards. It handles demanding tasks like video editing, gaming, and multitasking without breaking a sweat. It's not the latest and greatest chip from Apple, but it is certainly capable of handling pretty much anything you throw at it. The A12Z Bionic chip is paired with either 6GB of RAM. The performance is good, and it handles most tasks with ease. You'll experience smooth performance whether you are browsing the web, editing photos, or playing games. This tablet doesn’t slow down easily. The chip is efficient enough to provide great performance while maintaining good battery life. You should be able to get through a full day of use without needing to recharge. It may not be the fastest tablet on the market anymore, but it's more than capable of handling any task you throw its way. If you're looking for a tablet that can keep up with your busy life, this is a great option. For most users, the performance is still perfectly adequate. The performance is smooth and responsive. It will meet the needs of most users.

Features and Software

Let's discuss the features and software. The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2020) runs on iPadOS, which is optimized for tablet use. iPadOS is intuitive and user-friendly, with features like multitasking, split-screen view, and support for external accessories like keyboards and the Apple Pencil. The software experience is smooth and responsive, with regular updates from Apple. iPadOS is easy to use and provides a great experience. The Apple Pencil (2nd generation) is a fantastic accessory. It attaches magnetically to the side of the iPad and charges wirelessly. It is great for drawing, taking notes, and navigating the interface. The Smart Keyboard Folio is another great accessory that provides a comfortable typing experience. iPadOS has improved over the years, making the iPad Pro a very versatile device. The operating system is well-optimized for the hardware, leading to a smooth and responsive experience. The features like multitasking, split-screen view, and support for accessories like the Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard Folio make it a great device for productivity and creativity.

The integration of the Apple Pencil is seamless. It offers precise and responsive input, making it feel like you are writing or drawing on paper. The software is constantly improving, adding new features and improving the overall user experience. The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2020) also supports features like Face ID for secure authentication and a USB-C port for charging and connecting to external devices. The software is another strength of this device, adding to its appeal. The iPad Pro offers a great experience for both casual users and professionals.

Camera Quality

Let's not forget about the cameras. The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2020) has a dual-camera system on the back, including a 12MP wide-angle lens and a 10MP ultrawide lens. It also has a 7MP front-facing camera. The camera quality is pretty good for a tablet. The main camera takes detailed photos and videos in good lighting conditions. The ultrawide lens is great for capturing more of the scene. The front-facing camera is good for video calls and selfies. While the cameras aren't the primary focus of the iPad, they are still capable of taking good quality photos and videos. They are definitely useful for video calls, document scanning, and casual photography. You won’t get the same quality as a high-end smartphone, but the cameras are sufficient for most everyday needs. The cameras are a nice addition and add to the overall versatility of the device.

Battery Life

Battery life is a crucial factor. The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2020) typically offers a solid battery life, often providing a full day of use depending on your usage patterns. Apple claims up to 10 hours of web browsing or video playback. In real-world testing, the battery life is generally good. You can expect to get a full day of use with moderate use. If you're heavily using the iPad for gaming or video editing, you might need to recharge it before the end of the day. But for most users, the battery life is more than sufficient. The battery life is a definite plus. The battery life is generally very good, making it a reliable companion for a full day of work or play. The battery life is a strong point of the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2020), allowing for extended use without the need for constant charging.

Accessories

Accessories can extend the functionality. The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2020) is compatible with a range of accessories, including the Apple Pencil (2nd generation) and the Smart Keyboard Folio. The Apple Pencil is a great accessory for drawing, taking notes, and navigating the interface. The Smart Keyboard Folio provides a comfortable typing experience, turning the iPad into a portable workstation. These accessories significantly enhance the usability of the iPad. The wide range of accessories allows you to customize the iPad to fit your specific needs. The Apple Pencil (2nd generation) and Smart Keyboard Folio are essential. Accessories are a key part of the iPad experience. These add-ons significantly enhance the versatility and productivity of the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2020). The ability to use accessories expands the functionality of the device.

Pros and Cons

Let's break down the good and bad:

Pros:

  • Amazing display
  • Powerful performance
  • Excellent build quality
  • Great battery life
  • Supports Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard Folio
  • Good camera quality

Cons:

  • Large size can be cumbersome
  • Pricey, especially with accessories
  • A12Z Bionic chip is not the latest

Is the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2020) Worth It in 2024?

So, the million-dollar question: is the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2020) still worth it in 2024? The answer depends on your needs and budget. If you prioritize a large, stunning display, strong performance, and a premium experience, and you can find it at a reasonable price, then it's still a fantastic choice. However, if you're on a tight budget or need the absolute latest features and performance, you might consider newer models. The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2020) is still a strong contender for anyone looking for a premium tablet experience. Its great features and excellent performance, combined with its support for useful accessories, make it a great option. It’s a great device, and it is still a powerhouse, even after a few years. It's a solid choice for those who want a premium tablet experience, especially if you can get a good deal on it. If you're a creative professional, a student, or someone who simply enjoys consuming media on a large, high-quality display, this iPad Pro is still a great option to consider. It remains a fantastic device, and it can still satisfy the needs of many users in 2024. Ultimately, it boils down to your personal priorities and how much you're willing to spend. But overall, it's still a good device!