Apple 2021 IPad Pro 12.9-inch (Wi-Fi Cellular, 1TB): Review

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Apple 2021 iPad Pro 12.9-inch (Wi-Fi Cellular, 1TB): A Comprehensive Review

Hey guys! Today, we’re diving deep into the 2021 Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch (Wi-Fi Cellular, 1TB). This isn't just any tablet; it's a powerhouse designed for professionals and creatives who need serious performance on the go. We'll explore everything from its stunning display and blazing-fast performance to its versatile connectivity and massive storage. Whether you're a graphic designer, video editor, or simply someone who loves top-tier tech, this review is for you. So, buckle up, and let’s get started!

Unboxing and First Impressions

Let's kick things off with the unboxing experience and my initial thoughts. As with all Apple products, the packaging is sleek and minimalist. Inside the box, you'll find the iPad Pro, a USB-C charging cable, and a power adapter. The first thing that strikes you is the sheer size of the 12.9-inch display. It's immersive and feels incredibly premium. The build quality is top-notch, with a solid aluminum chassis that feels both sturdy and elegant. The thin bezels around the screen give it a modern, edge-to-edge look. Holding this device, you immediately sense that you're dealing with a high-end piece of technology. The weight feels balanced, making it comfortable to hold for extended periods. The overall design screams premium, and it’s clear that Apple has paid attention to every detail. From the perfectly rounded corners to the seamless integration of the screen and body, this iPad Pro is a masterpiece of engineering and design. The initial setup is a breeze, especially if you're already in the Apple ecosystem. Just power it on, and you'll be guided through the setup process, which includes connecting to Wi-Fi, signing into your Apple ID, and setting up Face ID. The responsiveness of the touchscreen is immediately noticeable, and navigating through the interface feels smooth and intuitive. The 120Hz ProMotion display makes everything look incredibly fluid, adding to the overall premium feel. My first impression? This iPad Pro is a serious contender for the best tablet on the market.

Display: A Visual Masterpiece

The display is arguably the standout feature of the 2021 iPad Pro 12.9-inch. It boasts a Liquid Retina XDR display with mini-LED technology, and trust me, it's breathtaking. The colors are vibrant and accurate, the blacks are deep and inky, and the brightness is exceptional. This isn't just an upgrade; it's a game-changer for anyone who consumes or creates visual content. The mini-LED technology allows for localized dimming, which means the display can control the brightness in specific areas, resulting in incredible contrast and dynamic range. Watching HDR content on this iPad Pro is an absolute delight. The bright highlights pop, and the shadows are rich and detailed, creating a truly immersive viewing experience. The 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate makes everything feel incredibly smooth and responsive. Scrolling through web pages, swiping between apps, and even just navigating the interface feels buttery smooth. This is especially noticeable when using the Apple Pencil, where the latency is virtually non-existent, making it feel like you're writing on paper. The 12.9-inch size provides ample screen real estate for multitasking and creative work. You can comfortably have two apps open side-by-side without feeling cramped, and the large display makes it a joy to work on documents, edit photos, or create digital art. The anti-reflective coating does a fantastic job of minimizing glare, making it usable in a variety of lighting conditions. Whether you're working outdoors or in a brightly lit room, you'll be able to see the screen clearly. The combination of the stunning visuals, smooth performance, and ample screen size makes this display a true visual masterpiece, setting a new standard for tablet displays. For creative professionals, this display is a dream come true, offering the accuracy and performance needed for demanding tasks like photo and video editing.

Performance: M1 Chip Unleashed

Under the hood, the M1 chip is the engine that drives this beast, and it's a total game-changer. This chip brings desktop-level performance to a tablet, making the 2021 iPad Pro incredibly fast and responsive. Whether you're running demanding apps, multitasking, or playing graphics-intensive games, the M1 chip handles it all with ease. The 1TB of storage ensures you have plenty of space for all your files, apps, and media. The M1 chip’s 8-core CPU and 8-core GPU deliver a massive leap in performance compared to previous iPad Pro models. Apps launch instantly, and even the most demanding tasks, like editing 4K video or working with large Photoshop files, are handled without a hiccup. The 16GB of RAM (on the 1TB model) further enhances multitasking capabilities, allowing you to switch between apps seamlessly without any lag. Gaming on the iPad Pro is an absolute joy. The M1 chip's powerful GPU delivers stunning graphics and smooth frame rates, making even the most demanding games look and play incredibly well. The large display and high refresh rate further enhance the gaming experience, immersing you in the action. The iPad Pro’s performance isn't just about raw power; it's also about efficiency. The M1 chip is incredibly power-efficient, allowing the iPad Pro to deliver all-day battery life despite its impressive performance. You can easily get through a full day of work or play without needing to recharge. The combination of the M1 chip, ample RAM, and fast storage makes the 2021 iPad Pro a true powerhouse. It's capable of handling any task you throw at it, making it a versatile tool for both work and play. This level of performance opens up new possibilities for what you can do on a tablet, blurring the lines between tablets and laptops.

Connectivity and Features

The 2021 iPad Pro 12.9-inch (Wi-Fi Cellular, 1TB) is packed with features that make it incredibly versatile. The Wi-Fi 6 support ensures fast and reliable wireless connectivity, while the 5G cellular capability keeps you connected on the go. The Thunderbolt / USB 4 port offers blazing-fast data transfer speeds and supports a wide range of accessories, including external displays. The inclusion of 5G cellular connectivity is a huge plus for anyone who needs to stay connected while on the move. You can enjoy fast internet speeds even when you're away from Wi-Fi, making it ideal for remote work or travel. The Thunderbolt / USB 4 port is a game-changer for professionals. It allows you to connect to high-speed external storage devices, displays, and other accessories, expanding the iPad Pro's capabilities. You can even connect to a 6K external display, turning your iPad Pro into a powerful workstation. The iPad Pro also supports the Apple Pencil (2nd generation) and the Magic Keyboard, which further enhance its versatility. The Apple Pencil is a must-have for creative professionals, offering precise input and a natural writing experience. The Magic Keyboard transforms the iPad Pro into a laptop-like device, making it ideal for typing and productivity tasks. The cameras on the iPad Pro are also impressive. The 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage keeps you in the frame during video calls, while the 12MP Wide and 10MP Ultra Wide rear cameras capture stunning photos and videos. The LiDAR scanner enhances augmented reality (AR) experiences, making them more immersive and realistic. The audio quality is excellent, thanks to the four-speaker audio system. The sound is clear, balanced, and surprisingly loud, making it great for watching videos or listening to music. The combination of fast connectivity, versatile ports, and support for accessories like the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard makes the 2021 iPad Pro a true powerhouse. It's capable of handling a wide range of tasks, from creative work to productivity tasks, making it a valuable tool for both professionals and casual users.

Battery Life: All-Day Power

Battery life is crucial for any portable device, and the 2021 iPad Pro doesn't disappoint. Despite its powerful performance and stunning display, it delivers all-day battery life. You can easily get through a full day of work, creative tasks, or entertainment without needing to reach for a charger. Apple claims up to 10 hours of battery life for web browsing or watching videos on Wi-Fi, and in my testing, that claim holds up. Even with more demanding tasks, like editing photos or videos, the iPad Pro can easily last for 8-9 hours on a single charge. The power efficiency of the M1 chip is a major factor in the iPad Pro's impressive battery life. The chip is designed to deliver high performance while consuming minimal power, allowing the iPad Pro to run longer on a single charge. The 1TB model, with its 16GB of RAM, also benefits from optimized power management, further extending battery life. When it's time to recharge, the included USB-C power adapter quickly gets you back up and running. The iPad Pro also supports fast charging, so you can get a significant amount of charge in a short amount of time. The excellent battery life makes the 2021 iPad Pro a reliable companion for anyone who needs to work or play on the go. You can confidently take it with you without worrying about running out of power, making it ideal for travel, meetings, or working remotely. The combination of powerful performance and long battery life makes this iPad Pro a true winner.

Pros and Cons

Let's break down the pros and cons of the 2021 Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch (Wi-Fi Cellular, 1TB) to give you a clear picture of its strengths and weaknesses.

Pros:

  • Stunning Liquid Retina XDR display: The mini-LED display offers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and exceptional brightness, making it a joy to watch content on.
  • Blazing-fast M1 chip performance: The M1 chip delivers desktop-level performance, making the iPad Pro incredibly fast and responsive.
  • Ample storage: The 1TB of storage provides plenty of space for all your files, apps, and media.
  • 5G cellular connectivity: Stay connected on the go with fast 5G cellular speeds.
  • Thunderbolt / USB 4 port: The Thunderbolt / USB 4 port offers blazing-fast data transfer speeds and supports a wide range of accessories.
  • All-day battery life: The iPad Pro delivers excellent battery life, allowing you to get through a full day of work or play on a single charge.
  • Support for Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard: The Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard enhance the iPad Pro's versatility, making it a powerful tool for creative work and productivity.

Cons:

  • Price: The 2021 iPad Pro is expensive, especially the 1TB model with Wi-Fi Cellular.
  • Accessories are extra: The Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard are sold separately, adding to the overall cost.
  • iPadOS limitations: While iPadOS has improved, it still has some limitations compared to macOS or Windows, especially for professional workflows.

Final Verdict

So, what's the final verdict on the 2021 Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch (Wi-Fi Cellular, 1TB)? Guys, this is an exceptional tablet that sets a new standard for performance, display quality, and versatility. The combination of the stunning Liquid Retina XDR display, the blazing-fast M1 chip, and the ample storage makes it a powerhouse for creative professionals and anyone who demands the best. The 5G cellular connectivity and Thunderbolt / USB 4 port further enhance its capabilities, making it a true mobile workstation. While the price is undoubtedly a significant consideration, the performance and features justify the investment for those who need them. The iPad Pro is not just a tablet; it's a tool that can replace your laptop for many tasks, especially when paired with the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard. If you're looking for the best tablet on the market and you're willing to pay a premium, the 2021 iPad Pro is the one to get. It's a future-proof device that will serve you well for years to come. For creative professionals, this iPad Pro is a game-changer, offering the power and precision needed for demanding tasks like photo and video editing. For casual users, it's a luxurious device that delivers an unmatched experience. Overall, the 2021 iPad Pro is a winner, and it's earned its place as one of the best tablets ever made.