IPad Pro 12.9 (2018): Worth It Still?
Hey guys! Let's dive into whether the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2018) still holds up in today's tech landscape. This tablet was a game-changer when it was released, boasting impressive power and a stunning display. But, is it still a viable option, or have newer models completely overshadowed it? We're going to break down its features, performance, and overall value to help you make an informed decision.
Display and Design
Let's kick things off with the display. The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2018) features a gorgeous Liquid Retina display with ProMotion technology. This means you get vibrant colors, incredible sharpness, and a buttery-smooth 120Hz refresh rate. Whether you're watching movies, editing photos, or just browsing the web, the display is an absolute treat for the eyes. The ProMotion technology dynamically adjusts the refresh rate based on what you’re doing, which not only enhances the viewing experience but also helps conserve battery life. Seriously, scrolling through documents or playing fast-paced games feels incredibly fluid.
Design-wise, the 2018 iPad Pro sports a sleek, modern look with slim bezels and squared-off edges. It’s a significant departure from previous iPad designs and gives it a premium, sophisticated feel. The build quality is top-notch, as you'd expect from Apple, with a solid aluminum unibody construction that feels both sturdy and lightweight. The slim bezels allow for a more immersive viewing experience, making it great for consuming content and working on creative projects. Plus, the overall design makes it quite portable for a 12.9-inch device, which is a huge win if you plan on taking it with you on the go. The squared-off edges also provide a comfortable grip, whether you're holding it in portrait or landscape mode. The attention to detail in the design is evident, making it a pleasure to use and look at. The thin profile also contributes to its portability, making it easy to slip into a bag or backpack. This iPad Pro really set a new standard for tablet design when it was released, and it still looks remarkably modern today.
Performance and Specs
Under the hood, the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2018) is powered by Apple's A12X Bionic chip. This chip is an absolute beast, delivering desktop-class performance in a tablet form factor. Whether you're multitasking, running demanding apps, or playing graphics-intensive games, the A12X Bionic handles everything with ease. It's significantly faster than previous iPad models and even rivals some laptops in terms of processing power. The A12X Bionic chip features an 8-core CPU and a 7-core GPU, providing incredible performance for both CPU-intensive tasks and graphics rendering. This means you can seamlessly switch between multiple apps, edit high-resolution photos and videos, and play the latest games without any lag or slowdown. The neural engine also enhances machine learning tasks, making the iPad Pro smarter and more efficient. This chip was truly ahead of its time, and it still holds its own against many modern tablets. The performance is so smooth and responsive that it makes using the iPad Pro a joy, whether you're working on a complex project or just browsing the web. The A12X Bionic chip really set a new benchmark for tablet performance and solidified the iPad Pro as a serious tool for professionals and creatives.
In terms of storage, you can find the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2018) in various configurations, ranging from 64GB to a whopping 1TB. If you plan on storing a lot of files, photos, and videos, opting for a higher storage capacity is definitely recommended. The ample storage options ensure that you won't run out of space anytime soon, allowing you to keep all your important documents and media files right on your device. The 1TB option is especially great for professionals who work with large files, such as video editors and photographers. Having all your files readily available on your iPad Pro can significantly improve your workflow and productivity. Keep in mind that the storage is not expandable, so choose wisely based on your needs. The wide range of storage options makes the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2018) a versatile device that can cater to different user requirements.
Camera and Audio
For photography, the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2018) features a 12MP rear camera that captures detailed and vibrant photos. It also supports 4K video recording, so you can shoot high-quality videos on the go. While it may not replace your dedicated camera, it's more than capable for casual photography and video recording. The camera also includes features like autofocus, HDR, and panorama, allowing you to capture a variety of shots with ease. The front-facing 7MP TrueDepth camera is excellent for video calls and selfies, and it also enables Face ID for secure authentication. The image quality is impressive, and it performs well even in low-light conditions. The camera system on the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2018) is a solid performer, making it a versatile tool for both content creation and communication.
As for audio, the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2018) boasts a quad-speaker setup that delivers immersive and rich sound. Whether you're watching movies, listening to music, or playing games, the audio quality is impressive. The speakers are well-balanced, providing clear highs, detailed mids, and deep bass. The spatial audio feature further enhances the listening experience, creating a more immersive soundstage. The quad-speaker setup makes the iPad Pro a great device for entertainment, allowing you to enjoy your favorite content with high-quality sound. The audio performance is definitely a standout feature, making it a joy to use for media consumption. The speakers are loud enough to fill a room, and they don't distort at high volumes. The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2018) truly excels in audio performance, making it a great device for both entertainment and productivity.
Software and Features
The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2018) originally shipped with iOS 12, but it has since been updated to the latest version of iPadOS. iPadOS is designed specifically for iPads, offering features like multitasking, drag and drop, and Apple Pencil support. The software experience is smooth and intuitive, making it easy to navigate and use. iPadOS also includes a variety of productivity features, such as Files app, which allows you to manage your files and documents easily. The Apple Pencil support is excellent, making it a great tool for note-taking, drawing, and creative work. The software is constantly updated with new features and improvements, ensuring that your iPad Pro stays up-to-date and secure. The user interface is clean and easy to use, making it accessible to both beginners and advanced users. The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2018) benefits from the constant updates and improvements to iPadOS, making it a versatile and powerful device.
One of the standout features of the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2018) is its USB-C port. This allows you to connect a wide range of accessories, such as external displays, storage devices, and cameras. The USB-C port makes the iPad Pro more versatile and allows you to use it in a variety of different ways. The support for external displays is particularly useful for productivity, allowing you to extend your screen and work on multiple tasks simultaneously. The ability to connect external storage devices is also great for transferring files and backing up your data. The USB-C port is a welcome addition and makes the iPad Pro a more powerful and flexible device. It opens up a world of possibilities and allows you to customize your setup to suit your needs. The USB-C port is a key feature that sets the iPad Pro apart from other tablets and makes it a more viable alternative to a laptop.
Battery Life
The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2018) offers excellent battery life, typically lasting around 10 hours on a single charge. This means you can use it for a full day of work or school without needing to plug it in. The battery life will vary depending on your usage, but overall, it's quite impressive. Whether you're browsing the web, watching videos, or working on documents, you can expect to get a full day of use out of it. The efficient A12X Bionic chip and optimized software contribute to the excellent battery life. The fast charging support also allows you to quickly top up the battery when needed. The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2018) is a reliable device that won't leave you stranded with a dead battery in the middle of the day. The long battery life is a major selling point and makes it a great choice for users who need a device that can keep up with their busy lifestyles.
Is It Still Worth It?
So, is the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2018) still worth it in [current year]? The answer is a resounding yes, especially if you can find it at a good price. While it may not have the latest and greatest features, it still offers excellent performance, a stunning display, and a premium design. It's a great option for students, creatives, and anyone who wants a powerful and versatile tablet. The A12X Bionic chip is still incredibly capable, and the iPadOS software is constantly updated with new features and improvements. The support for Apple Pencil and USB-C accessories further enhances its versatility. If you're looking for a high-end tablet that won't break the bank, the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2018) is definitely worth considering.
However, if you need the absolute latest and greatest features, such as the M1 chip or 5G connectivity, you may want to consider a newer model. But for most users, the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2018) still offers an exceptional experience at a more affordable price point. The value proposition is excellent, making it a smart choice for those who want a premium tablet without paying top dollar. The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2018) remains a relevant and capable device that can handle a wide range of tasks with ease.