IPad Pro 11-inch (M1, 2021): Review, Specs & More

The iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation), powered by the revolutionary M1 chip, was a game-changer when it launched in 2021. Guys, this wasn't just another tablet; it was a portable powerhouse designed to blur the lines between tablet and laptop. If you're considering picking one up, or you're just curious about what made it so special, let's dive deep into what this iPad Pro offered.

Design and Display: A Feast for the Eyes

Let's talk design. The iPad Pro 11-inch (M1, 2021) keeps that sleek, modern aesthetic that Apple is known for. It's got those slim bezels, an edge-to-edge screen, and a premium feel in your hands. The aluminum unibody construction not only looks fantastic but also makes it feel super durable. You know, the kind of device you can confidently take anywhere. The vibrant 11-inch Liquid Retina display is the real star here. With ProMotion technology, the display dynamically adjusts the refresh rate up to 120Hz, making scrolling, gaming, and video playback incredibly smooth. The P3 wide color gamut ensures colors are accurate and vivid, while True Tone technology automatically adjusts the display's color temperature to match the ambient lighting, reducing eye strain. Whether you're watching movies, editing photos, or just browsing the web, this display is a joy to use. Plus, it's laminated, which means the glass is directly bonded to the display, minimizing reflections and making the image appear as if it's right on the surface. The anti-reflective coating further enhances visibility in bright environments. For creative pros, the display's accuracy and responsiveness are crucial. The iPad Pro supports the second-generation Apple Pencil, allowing for precise drawing, sketching, and note-taking. The low latency ensures that the Pencil feels incredibly natural, almost like writing on paper. The combination of the high refresh rate display and the responsive Apple Pencil makes this iPad Pro a fantastic tool for artists and designers. The display also gets incredibly bright, making it easy to see even when you're using it outdoors. The brightness, combined with the anti-reflective coating, makes it one of the best displays you can find on a tablet. It's not just about the specs, though; it's about the overall experience. The display draws you in and makes everything you do on the iPad Pro more enjoyable.

M1 Performance: A Quantum Leap

Okay, let's get to the heart of the matter: the M1 chip. The M1 chip was a massive leap forward for the iPad Pro. This isn't just a tablet processor; it's the same chip that powers some of Apple's Mac computers. That means you're getting desktop-class performance in a tablet form factor. The 8-core CPU and 8-core GPU deliver blazing-fast performance, whether you're editing 4K videos, playing graphics-intensive games, or multitasking between demanding apps. Compared to the previous generation iPad Pro, the M1 chip offers up to 50% faster CPU performance and up to 40% faster GPU performance. This translates to a noticeably snappier and more responsive experience. Apps launch instantly, complex tasks are handled with ease, and everything just feels smoother. The M1 chip also brings significant improvements to machine learning tasks. The 16-core Neural Engine accelerates machine learning workflows, making tasks like object recognition, image processing, and natural language processing much faster. This is particularly beneficial for creative professionals who rely on AI-powered tools. One of the most impressive aspects of the M1 chip is its power efficiency. Despite the significant performance gains, the iPad Pro still offers all-day battery life. You can easily get through a full day of work or school without needing to recharge. This is a huge advantage for those who are constantly on the go. The M1 chip also allows the iPad Pro to support more advanced features, such as ProRes video recording. This professional-grade video format offers higher quality and greater flexibility in post-production. The chip also enables features like Smart HDR 3, which enhances the dynamic range of photos and videos. The M1 chip truly transforms the iPad Pro into a versatile and powerful device that can handle virtually anything you throw at it. It's not just about raw power; it's about the integration of hardware and software that makes the iPad Pro such a compelling device.

Camera and Audio: Capturing and Immersing

The camera system on the iPad Pro 11-inch (M1, 2021) is seriously impressive. It's not just about taking quick snapshots; it's about capturing high-quality photos and videos. The 12MP Wide camera and 10MP Ultra Wide camera on the rear offer great versatility. The Ultra Wide camera is particularly useful for capturing landscapes or group photos. The True Tone flash ensures that your photos look natural, even in low-light conditions. But the real star of the show is the LiDAR Scanner. This technology uses light detection and ranging to measure the distance to objects in the environment. This enables more accurate augmented reality experiences, faster autofocus in low light, and improved portrait mode photos with beautiful background blur. The front-facing 12MP Ultra Wide camera is also a significant upgrade. It features Center Stage, a technology that automatically keeps you in the frame during video calls, even if you move around. This is incredibly useful for video conferencing, online classes, and creating content for social media. The video recording capabilities are also top-notch. The iPad Pro can record 4K video at up to 60 frames per second, and it supports features like cinematic video stabilization and extended dynamic range for video. The audio system on the iPad Pro is equally impressive. The four-speaker audio delivers a wide, immersive soundstage. The speakers are strategically placed to provide balanced audio, whether you're holding the iPad in portrait or landscape orientation. The sound quality is clear, detailed, and surprisingly loud for a tablet. The five studio-quality microphones ensure that your voice is heard clearly during video calls and recordings. The microphones are designed to minimize background noise, so you can be confident that your voice will come through loud and clear. Whether you're watching movies, listening to music, or participating in video calls, the camera and audio system on the iPad Pro deliver a premium experience. The combination of high-quality cameras, advanced audio technology, and intelligent software features makes this iPad Pro a versatile tool for content creation and communication.

Connectivity and Features: Staying Connected and Productive

Connectivity is key in today's world, and the iPad Pro 11-inch (M1, 2021) doesn't disappoint. It supports the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard, which offers faster wireless speeds and improved network performance. This means you can download files, stream videos, and collaborate online without any lag or interruptions. The optional 5G cellular connectivity allows you to stay connected even when you're away from Wi-Fi. This is particularly useful for those who work on the go or travel frequently. The iPad Pro also features a Thunderbolt / USB 4 port, which offers incredibly fast data transfer speeds. You can connect external storage devices, displays, and other peripherals with ease. The Thunderbolt port also supports DisplayPort, allowing you to connect to high-resolution external displays. The Smart Keyboard Folio and Magic Keyboard (sold separately) transform the iPad Pro into a powerful productivity tool. The Magic Keyboard features a full-size keyboard, a trackpad, and a floating design that makes typing comfortable and efficient. The Smart Keyboard Folio provides a more affordable option for those who primarily need a keyboard for typing. The second-generation Apple Pencil is another must-have accessory for creative professionals and students. It attaches magnetically to the iPad Pro and charges wirelessly. The Apple Pencil offers incredibly precise drawing, sketching, and note-taking capabilities. The iPadOS operating system is designed to take full advantage of the iPad Pro's hardware. It features a user-friendly interface, multitasking capabilities, and a wide range of apps optimized for the iPad. The Files app allows you to access and manage files from iCloud Drive, Dropbox, and other cloud storage services. The Safari web browser offers a desktop-class browsing experience, with support for extensions and advanced web technologies. The iPad Pro also supports features like Face ID, which allows you to securely unlock your device and authenticate purchases. The accessibility features are also excellent, with options for users with visual, auditory, motor, and cognitive disabilities. The combination of advanced connectivity options, versatile accessories, and a powerful operating system makes the iPad Pro a highly productive and enjoyable device to use.

Is the iPad Pro 11-inch (M1, 2021) Still Worth It?

So, is the iPad Pro 11-inch (M1, 2021) still a good buy? Absolutely! Even with newer models available, the M1 chip provides plenty of power for most users. The display is stunning, the camera system is excellent, and the overall design is top-notch. If you can find it at a good price, it's a fantastic value. Of course, the newer models have their advantages, such as the M2 chip and the Mini-LED display on the 12.9-inch model. But for many people, the M1 iPad Pro offers the perfect balance of performance, features, and affordability.

Ultimately, the best iPad for you depends on your individual needs and budget. But if you're looking for a powerful and versatile tablet that can handle virtually anything you throw at it, the iPad Pro 11-inch (M1, 2021) is definitely worth considering. You know, it's still a relevant product, so don't discard it if you can find a good deal.