IPad Pro 12.9 256GB (2021): Review & Should You Buy?

by Alex Braham 54 views

Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into the iPad Pro 12.9-inch 256GB (2021). This isn't just another tablet; it's a powerhouse designed to blur the lines between a tablet and a laptop. We’re going to break down everything you need to know, from its stunning display and blazing-fast performance to its pros, cons, and ultimately, whether it’s the right device for you. So, grab a coffee, get comfortable, and let's get started!

What Makes the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021) Special?

When Apple launched the iPad Pro 12.9-inch 256GB (2021), it wasn't just a minor upgrade; it was a significant leap forward. The heart of this beast is the M1 chip, the same silicon that powers many of Apple's MacBooks. This means you're getting desktop-class performance in a tablet form factor. Forget about lag or stuttering, even with demanding tasks like video editing, graphic design, or running multiple apps simultaneously. The M1 chip handles it all with ease.

But it's not just about raw power. The 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display is a visual masterpiece. With its mini-LED technology, it delivers incredible brightness, contrast, and color accuracy. Whether you're watching movies, editing photos, or simply browsing the web, everything looks vibrant and lifelike. The ProMotion technology dynamically adjusts the refresh rate up to 120Hz, making scrolling and animations buttery smooth.

And let's not forget about the 256GB of storage. That's plenty of space for all your apps, files, photos, and videos. You won't have to worry about constantly deleting things to make room. Plus, with iPadOS, you get a user-friendly and intuitive operating system that's optimized for touch and Apple Pencil input. Multitasking is a breeze with features like Slide Over and Split View, allowing you to work on multiple apps at the same time.

The iPad Pro also boasts Thunderbolt / USB 4 support, enabling blazing-fast data transfer speeds and connectivity to external displays and other peripherals. This makes it a versatile tool for creative professionals and anyone who needs to move large files quickly. The advanced camera system, including a 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage, ensures you look your best during video calls. Center Stage automatically pans and zooms to keep you in the frame, even as you move around.

Diving Deeper: Display, Performance, and More

Alright, let's break down some of the key features of the iPad Pro 12.9-inch 256GB (2021) in more detail:

The Stunning Liquid Retina XDR Display

The display is, without a doubt, one of the standout features of this iPad Pro. The Liquid Retina XDR display uses mini-LED technology, which packs thousands of tiny LEDs behind the LCD panel. This allows for much greater control over brightness and contrast, resulting in deeper blacks, brighter highlights, and a wider dynamic range.

  • Brightness: It can reach a peak brightness of 1600 nits in HDR mode, making it ideal for watching HDR content or working in bright environments. Even in SDR mode, it's plenty bright enough for comfortable viewing.
  • Contrast: The high contrast ratio (1,000,000:1) makes images and videos pop with detail and realism. You'll notice subtle nuances in shadows and highlights that you might have missed on other displays.
  • Color Accuracy: The display covers the P3 wide color gamut, ensuring accurate and vibrant colors. This is crucial for creative professionals who need to ensure their work looks its best.
  • ProMotion Technology: The adaptive refresh rate (up to 120Hz) makes everything feel incredibly smooth and responsive. Whether you're scrolling through web pages, playing games, or using the Apple Pencil, the experience is noticeably more fluid.

M1 Chip: A Performance Beast

The M1 chip is a game-changer for the iPad Pro. It delivers a massive leap in performance compared to previous generations. You'll notice the difference in everything you do, from launching apps to editing videos to playing graphics-intensive games.

  • CPU Performance: The 8-core CPU provides up to 50% faster performance than the previous generation iPad Pro. This means you can handle demanding tasks like video editing and 3D rendering with ease.
  • GPU Performance: The 8-core GPU delivers up to 40% faster graphics performance. Games look stunning and run smoothly, and you can even edit multiple streams of 4K video without breaking a sweat.
  • Neural Engine: The 16-core Neural Engine accelerates machine learning tasks, such as image recognition and natural language processing. This enables features like Live Text, which lets you copy text from images.
  • Unified Memory: The M1 chip features unified memory, which means the CPU and GPU can access the same pool of memory. This improves efficiency and performance, especially when working with large files or multitasking.

Other Notable Features

  • Thunderbolt / USB 4: This port offers blazing-fast data transfer speeds and connectivity to external displays, docks, and other peripherals. It supports Thunderbolt 3 and USB 4, so you can connect to a wide range of devices.
  • Camera System: The iPad Pro features a 12MP Wide camera and a 10MP Ultra Wide camera on the back, as well as a 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage. The cameras are capable of recording 4K video at up to 60fps.
  • Audio: The four-speaker audio system delivers immersive sound, making it great for watching movies, listening to music, or playing games. The five studio-quality microphones capture clear audio for video calls and recordings.
  • 5G Connectivity: The iPad Pro supports 5G cellular connectivity, so you can stay connected even when you're on the go (cellular models only).

Pros and Cons: Weighing Your Options

Okay, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. Here's a quick rundown of the pros and cons of the iPad Pro 12.9-inch 256GB (2021):

Pros:

  • Incredible Performance: The M1 chip delivers desktop-class performance in a tablet form factor.
  • Stunning Display: The Liquid Retina XDR display is bright, vibrant, and incredibly detailed.
  • Ample Storage: 256GB of storage is plenty of space for most users.
  • Versatile Connectivity: Thunderbolt / USB 4 port offers blazing-fast data transfer speeds and connectivity to external devices.
  • Excellent Camera System: The cameras are great for video calls, photos, and videos.
  • Immersive Audio: The four-speaker audio system delivers rich and clear sound.
  • iPadOS: User-friendly and intuitive operating system optimized for touch and Apple Pencil input.

Cons:

  • Price: The iPad Pro is expensive, especially when you factor in accessories like the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard.
  • Accessories Required: To get the most out of the iPad Pro, you'll likely want to purchase the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard, which add to the cost.
  • Software Limitations: While iPadOS has come a long way, it still has some limitations compared to macOS or Windows. Some professional apps may not be fully optimized for iPadOS.
  • No Headphone Jack: The iPad Pro doesn't have a headphone jack, so you'll need to use wireless headphones or a USB-C adapter.

Who is the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021) For?

The iPad Pro 12.9-inch 256GB (2021) is ideal for:

  • Creative Professionals: Photographers, video editors, graphic designers, and musicians will appreciate the iPad Pro's powerful performance, stunning display, and versatile connectivity.
  • Students: The iPad Pro is a great tool for taking notes, reading textbooks, and working on assignments. The Apple Pencil makes it easy to annotate documents and create digital art.
  • Business Users: The iPad Pro can be used for presentations, email, and other productivity tasks. The Magic Keyboard transforms it into a laptop-like device.
  • Anyone Who Wants a Premium Tablet Experience: If you're looking for the best possible tablet experience, the iPad Pro is hard to beat. It's fast, beautiful, and packed with features.

Is It Worth the Investment?

So, the big question: Is the iPad Pro 12.9-inch 256GB (2021) worth the investment? The answer depends on your needs and budget.

If you're a creative professional who needs a powerful and versatile tool for your work, the iPad Pro is definitely worth considering. The M1 chip, Liquid Retina XDR display, and Thunderbolt / USB 4 port make it a great choice for demanding tasks like video editing, graphic design, and music production.

If you're a student or business user who wants a premium tablet experience, the iPad Pro is also a good option. It's great for taking notes, reading textbooks, working on assignments, and giving presentations. The Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard can enhance your productivity.

However, if you're on a tight budget or don't need the iPad Pro's advanced features, there are other tablets that may be a better fit for you. The iPad Air is a great alternative that offers a good balance of performance and price.

Final Verdict

The iPad Pro 12.9-inch 256GB (2021) is a fantastic tablet that offers incredible performance, a stunning display, and a wide range of features. It's a great choice for creative professionals, students, business users, and anyone who wants a premium tablet experience.

However, it's also an expensive device, and you'll likely want to purchase accessories like the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard to get the most out of it. If you're on a tight budget or don't need the iPad Pro's advanced features, there are other tablets that may be a better fit for you.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to buy the iPad Pro comes down to your individual needs and preferences. But if you're looking for the best possible tablet experience, the iPad Pro is definitely worth considering.

Thanks for reading, guys! I hope this review has been helpful. Let me know if you have any questions in the comments below!