IPad Pro 2018 (12.9) Review: Still Worth It?
So, you're wondering if the iPad Pro 2018 (12.9-inch) is still a good buy in today's tech landscape? Well, let's dive deep into whether this once-revolutionary tablet holds up against newer models and the ever-evolving competition. We'll explore its performance, display, features, and overall value proposition to help you make an informed decision. Is it a relic of the past, or a hidden gem that still shines? Let's find out, guys.
Design and Build Quality
The iPad Pro 2018 (12.9-inch) immediately made a statement with its reimagined design. Gone were the rounded edges of previous generations, replaced by a sleek, industrial-chic aesthetic featuring flat edges and squared-off corners. This design language not only looked modern but also provided a more comfortable grip, especially when holding the tablet in landscape mode. The all-screen design, enabled by the removal of the home button, further enhanced the immersive experience. Apple managed to pack a massive 12.9-inch display into a chassis that was significantly smaller than its predecessor, thanks to the reduced bezels. The precision-milled aluminum unibody felt incredibly premium and sturdy, reassuring users of its durability. Despite its large size, the iPad Pro remained surprisingly thin and light, making it relatively easy to carry around. The introduction of USB-C was a welcome change, offering faster data transfer speeds and compatibility with a wider range of accessories. The Smart Connector on the back allowed for seamless connection with the Smart Keyboard Folio, transforming the iPad Pro into a capable laptop replacement. Overall, the iPad Pro 2018's design was a masterclass in engineering and aesthetics, setting a new standard for tablet design at the time. The attention to detail was evident in every aspect of the device, from the perfectly aligned antenna lines to the precisely chamfered edges. Even years after its release, the iPad Pro 2018's design remains visually appealing and functional, demonstrating Apple's commitment to creating timeless products. The build quality is exceptional, with no creaks or flexes, inspiring confidence in its long-term reliability. This design paved the way for future iPad Pro models, solidifying its position as a leader in the tablet market. The smooth, matte finish of the aluminum back is resistant to fingerprints and smudges, maintaining its pristine appearance even with regular use. The seamless integration of the display and the chassis creates a cohesive and premium feel, making it a joy to use and hold. The iPad Pro 2018's design is not just about aesthetics; it's also about functionality, ergonomics, and durability, making it a well-rounded and compelling device.
Display Performance
When it comes to display, the iPad Pro 2018 (12.9-inch) truly shines. The Liquid Retina display boasts a stunning resolution of 2732 x 2048 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 264 pixels per inch (ppi). This high resolution ensures that text and images appear incredibly sharp and detailed, making it a pleasure to read, browse, and watch videos. The display supports ProMotion technology, which dynamically adjusts the refresh rate up to 120Hz, resulting in incredibly smooth scrolling, animations, and overall responsiveness. This feature makes the iPad Pro feel incredibly fluid and natural to use, especially when using the Apple Pencil. The display also features wide color (P3) support, allowing it to reproduce a wider range of colors than standard displays. This makes photos and videos appear more vibrant and lifelike, enhancing the overall viewing experience. Apple's True Tone technology automatically adjusts the color temperature of the display to match the ambient lighting conditions, reducing eye strain and making the display more comfortable to view in different environments. The display is also incredibly bright, with a maximum brightness of 600 nits, making it easily viewable even in direct sunlight. The anti-reflective coating further enhances visibility by reducing glare and reflections. The iPad Pro 2018's display is not just about technical specifications; it's about the overall viewing experience. The combination of high resolution, ProMotion technology, wide color support, True Tone technology, and anti-reflective coating creates a display that is both visually stunning and incredibly comfortable to use. Whether you're watching movies, editing photos, or simply browsing the web, the iPad Pro's display will impress you with its clarity, vibrancy, and smoothness. The edge-to-edge design further enhances the immersive experience, making it feel like you're holding a window into another world. The display is also incredibly accurate, making it ideal for creative professionals who require precise color reproduction. The iPad Pro 2018's display is a true masterpiece, setting a new standard for tablet displays at the time of its release. It remains one of the best tablet displays on the market, even years later.
Performance and Speed
Under the hood, the iPad Pro 2018 (12.9-inch) is powered by Apple's A12X Bionic chip. This chip is an absolute beast, featuring an 8-core CPU and a 7-core GPU. It delivers incredible performance that rivals many laptops. The A12X Bionic chip is capable of handling demanding tasks such as video editing, 3D modeling, and gaming with ease. The iPad Pro also features a Neural Engine, which accelerates machine learning tasks, enabling features such as Face ID and augmented reality. The combination of the A12X Bionic chip and the Neural Engine makes the iPad Pro incredibly fast and responsive, even when running multiple apps simultaneously. The iPad Pro 2018 comes with either 4GB or 6GB of RAM, depending on the storage configuration. The 6GB of RAM provides even better multitasking performance, allowing you to switch between apps without any lag. The iPad Pro is also incredibly power-efficient, thanks to the A12X Bionic chip's advanced architecture. It can easily last for a full day of use on a single charge. The iPad Pro 2018's performance is not just about raw speed; it's about the overall user experience. The combination of the A12X Bionic chip, Neural Engine, and ample RAM makes the iPad Pro incredibly smooth and responsive, whether you're browsing the web, editing photos, or playing games. The iPad Pro is also incredibly versatile, capable of handling a wide range of tasks, from basic productivity to demanding creative workflows. The A12X Bionic chip's exceptional performance allows the iPad Pro to compete with many laptops in terms of processing power. The iPad Pro 2018 remains a powerful and capable device, even years after its release. It can still handle most tasks with ease, making it a great option for users who need a portable and versatile device. The iPad Pro 2018's performance is a testament to Apple's engineering prowess, demonstrating their ability to create chips that are both powerful and efficient. This performance allows the iPad Pro to deliver a seamless and enjoyable user experience, making it a joy to use for both work and play.
Software and Features
The iPad Pro 2018 (12.9-inch) originally launched with iOS 12, but it has since been updated to iPadOS, Apple's dedicated operating system for iPads. iPadOS is designed to take full advantage of the iPad Pro's large display and powerful hardware. It features a redesigned home screen with widgets, improved multitasking capabilities, and a more desktop-like browsing experience. One of the key features of iPadOS is Slide Over and Split View, which allows you to run multiple apps simultaneously. Slide Over lets you quickly access a second app in a floating window, while Split View allows you to run two apps side-by-side. iPadOS also supports drag and drop, making it easy to move files and content between apps. The iPad Pro also supports the Apple Pencil, which is a must-have accessory for creative professionals. The Apple Pencil allows you to draw, sketch, and take notes with incredible precision and responsiveness. iPadOS features a variety of Apple Pencil-specific features, such as Markup, which allows you to annotate screenshots and documents, and Quick Note, which allows you to quickly create a note from anywhere in the system. The iPad Pro 2018 also features Face ID, Apple's facial recognition system. Face ID allows you to unlock your iPad Pro, authenticate purchases, and sign in to apps with just a glance. The iPad Pro also features a USB-C port, which allows you to connect a wide range of accessories, such as external storage devices, displays, and cameras. iPadOS is regularly updated with new features and improvements, ensuring that the iPad Pro remains up-to-date and secure. The iPad Pro 2018's software and features are designed to enhance productivity and creativity. iPadOS provides a seamless and intuitive user experience, while the Apple Pencil and other accessories allow you to unlock the iPad Pro's full potential. The iPad Pro 2018 remains a highly capable and versatile device, thanks to its powerful hardware and sophisticated software. The regular software updates ensure that the iPad Pro continues to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of users. The combination of iPadOS and the iPad Pro's hardware creates a compelling and enjoyable user experience, making it a great option for both work and play.
Is it Still Worth Buying?
So, the million-dollar question: is the iPad Pro 2018 (12.9-inch) still worth buying in [current year]? The answer is a qualified yes. While newer iPad Pro models offer incremental improvements in performance and features, the iPad Pro 2018 remains a highly capable device that can handle most tasks with ease. Its A12X Bionic chip is still plenty powerful for most users, and its stunning Liquid Retina display remains one of the best on the market. The iPad Pro 2018 also benefits from iPadOS, which provides a seamless and intuitive user experience. If you're on a tight budget and don't need the absolute latest and greatest features, the iPad Pro 2018 is a great value. You can often find it at a significantly lower price than newer models, making it an attractive option for students, creative professionals, and anyone who wants a powerful and versatile tablet. However, if you need the absolute best performance, or if you want features like the M1 chip or the mini-LED display, then you should consider a newer iPad Pro model. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to buy the iPad Pro 2018 depends on your individual needs and budget. But if you're looking for a powerful and affordable tablet, the iPad Pro 2018 is definitely worth considering. It offers a great balance of performance, features, and value, making it a smart choice for many users. The availability of accessories and the robust app ecosystem further enhance its appeal. Keep an eye out for deals and discounts, and you might just snag yourself a fantastic tablet at a great price! Just remember to weigh your needs and compare it to newer models before making a final decision. Happy shopping, guys! You should be set with this info. It can help you do what you need to do. It should put you on the right path.