Released as part of Apple’s high-end tablet line, the Apple iPad Pro 12.9 is marketed as the ultimate device for creators, professionals, and power users. Equipped with Apple’s powerful M2 chip, ProMotion display, and top-tier storage and memory options, this tablet promises to deliver an unmatched experience for tasks ranging from graphic design to video editing and productivity. This review will assess the iPad Pro 12.9 in detail to help you decide if it’s a worthy investment.
Overview
The iPad Pro 12.9, one of the most advanced tablets Apple has produced, combines robust processing power, a stunning 12.9-inch display, and a streamlined design. Powered by the Apple M2 chip, the tablet offers a laptop-like performance in a sleek form factor. But it’s not all about raw power; the iPad Pro aims to revolutionize the user experience with tools like ProMotion technology for smoother scrolling, the Liquid Retina XDR display, and a series of professional-grade accessories like the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard.
Key Details of the iPad Pro 12.9:
- Display: 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR
- Processor: M2 chip with 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU
- Storage Options: Up to 2TB
- Operating System: iPadOS 16, compatible with iPadOS 17
- Accessories: Apple Pencil (2nd gen), Magic Keyboard
Key Features
- M2 Chip: Upgraded CPU and GPU for faster processing and graphics rendering.
- Liquid Retina XDR Display: Brighter and more detailed, ideal for HDR content.
- ProMotion Technology: Adaptive 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and responsiveness.
- Camera Setup: 12MP Wide and 10MP Ultra-Wide cameras plus a LiDAR scanner.
- Apple Pencil Compatibility: Ideal for precision drawing and note-taking.
- Storage Flexibility: Available from 128GB to 2TB, accommodating various user needs.
iPad Pro 12.9 Pros and Cons
Considering the iPad Pro 12.9’s premium build and specs, here’s a quick look at its advantages and disadvantages:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Incredible Display Quality: The 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR offers stunning visuals, ideal for professionals. | High Price Point: Premium features come with a premium price. |
| Powerful M2 Chip: Excellent processing speeds that handle heavy applications. | Limited Software Flexibility: Despite iPadOS advancements, still falls short of macOS. |
| Extensive Storage Options: Choices range from 128GB up to 2TB. | Accessories Sold Separately: Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard add to the cost. |
In-Depth Analysis of iPad Pro 12.9
Design
Apple has maintained its signature minimalist design with the this, offering a sleek, durable aluminum frame. With rounded edges and a minimal bezel around the display, the tablet remains lightweight and easy to handle despite its large size. Compared to previous models, there’s an emphasis on stability with even weight distribution, ensuring comfort during extended usage sessions.
Display
The 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display is one of the standout features, especially for users in need of precise color accuracy. With a peak brightness of 1600 nits, HDR content appears more vibrant, with deeper blacks and better contrast, making it ideal for creatives and media professionals who rely on high-quality visuals.
Performance
With the M2 chip at its core, the iPad Pro offers an 8-core CPU and a 10-core GPU that take processing and graphics rendering to new heights. Tasks like 3D rendering, video editing, and multitasking are handled smoothly, providing laptop-level performance in a portable form factor. This makes the iPad Pro an efficient device for professionals needing robust performance on the go.
Usability
The iPadOS environment is easy to navigate, featuring a variety of productivity apps optimized for multitasking. However, some professionals may find it limited, as it lacks some advanced functionalities of a macOS system. That said, compatibility with the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard enhances usability for tasks like drawing and typing, making it a versatile tool for various professional workflows.
Battery Life
Apple promises up to 10 hours of battery life, which generally holds up under moderate usage. Heavy tasks like video rendering or gaming can reduce battery life, though the device typically manages a full workday without needing a charge.
Camera
While most tablet users may not focus on the camera, this includes a 12MP Wide camera, a 10MP Ultra-Wide camera, and a LiDAR scanner. This setup is excellent for those who use AR applications or require high-resolution images, although it may be unnecessary for casual users.
RAM and Storage
The tablet comes with RAM configurations optimized for the M2’s efficiency, starting from 8GB in lower storage models and going up to 16GB for 1TB and 2TB variants. This ensures a lag-free experience, even when running memory-intensive applications, making it ideal for professionals who work with large files or complex projects.
iPad Pro 12.9 Comparison
When comparing the iPad Pro 12.9 to other high-end tablets like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra and Microsoft’s Surface Pro 9, several distinctions emerge. The iPad Pro stands out for its Liquid Retina XDR display and M2 chip, giving it an edge in graphics rendering and display quality. In contrast, the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra boasts a more flexible Android environment and a slightly larger screen, appealing to users who prioritize software customization. Meanwhile, the Surface Pro 9 offers the Windows 11 environment, which supports a broader range of professional software, making it a closer substitute for a laptop.
| Feature | iPad Pro 12.9 | Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra | Surface Pro 9 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating System | iPadOS 16 | Android 12 | Windows 11 |
| Display | 12.9″ Liquid Retina XDR | 14.6″ Super AMOLED | 13″ PixelSense |
| Processor | M2 Chip | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Intel Core i5/i7 |
| Storage Options | Up to 2TB | Up to 512GB | Up to 1TB |
Conclusion
Overall, the Apple iPad Pro 12.9 lives up to its reputation as a high-performance tablet designed for creative professionals. With its powerful M2 processor, unparalleled display, and expansive accessory ecosystem, it’s an ideal choice for those in need of a versatile, portable workstation. Although the price and lack of macOS compatibility may be a drawback, the device’s advantages in design, usability, and performance make it one of the most compelling options on the market for tablet users.
iPad Pro 12.9 Rating
The iPad Pro 12.9 earns a 4.5 out of 5 stars based on its premium features, usability, and impressive performance. A nearly perfect tablet for creative professionals.
Should You Buy the iPad Pro 12.9?
For professionals in fields such as graphic design, photography, or media production, the iPad Pro 12.9 offers a tool that blends power and portability. The investment is justified if you need a high-quality display, robust processing capabilities, and a lightweight alternative to a traditional laptop. However, if macOS compatibility is crucial, you may consider alternatives.
FAQ
Is the iPad Pro 12.9 suitable for professionals?
Yes, the iPad Pro 12.9’s M2 chip and XDR display make it a top choice for creative professionals needing high performance and precise visuals.
Does the iPad Pro 12.9 support Apple Pencil?
Yes, the Apple iPad Pro 12.9 is compatible with the second-generation Apple Pencil, ideal for drawing and note-taking.
How does the iPad Pro 12.9 compare to a laptop?
The iPad Pro 12.9 offers excellent performance but runs on iPadOS, which has some limitations compared to a full laptop OS like macOS or Windows.
Resources
- GSMArena. Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2022)
- Apple Support. Set up and use Apple Pencil with iPad Pro
- YouTube. Apple iPad Pro 12.9 Review – Is it Worth It?
- Mark Ellis Reviews. Is the 12.9” M2 iPad Pro Worth Buying?
- PCMag. Apple iPad Pro 12.9-Inch (2022) Review
- X (formerly Twitter). Federico Viticci’s Thoughts on iPad Pro
Brijesh Gohil is the founder of Tech Brij, A popular Tech Blog which is focused on Tech tips & Buying Guides. You can follow him on Facebook, Twitter, Google + & LinkedIn.