IPad Pro 12.9 (3rd Gen): Review, Specs, & More

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iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd Gen) Review: A Deep Dive

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd Generation), released in 2018. This powerhouse of a tablet was a game-changer when it hit the market, and it still holds up incredibly well, even by today's standards. We're going to explore everything from its stunning display and processing power to its design and overall usability. Whether you're a creative professional, a student, or just someone who loves tech, this in-depth review will give you all the details you need to know about the 3rd generation iPad Pro 12.9. So, buckle up, and let's get started!

Design and Display: A Visual Feast

Let's kick things off with the design and display, because, let's be honest, that's one of the first things you notice about any device. The iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd Gen) boasts a stunning edge-to-edge Liquid Retina display. The reduced bezels compared to previous generations make a huge difference, giving you more screen real estate in a footprint that feels surprisingly manageable. The display isn't just big; it's also incredibly vibrant and sharp, with a resolution of 2732 x 2048 pixels. This means everything from photos and videos to text looks crisp and detailed.

But the tech doesn't stop there. The display also features ProMotion technology, which dynamically adjusts the refresh rate up to 120Hz. What does that mean for you? Silky smooth scrolling, incredibly responsive Apple Pencil input, and an overall more fluid user experience. Seriously, once you've experienced ProMotion, it's hard to go back. The color accuracy is also top-notch, covering the P3 wide color gamut, making it ideal for creative professionals who need accurate color representation for their work, such as photographers, graphic designers, and video editors.

The design of the iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd Gen) is also worth noting. It features a sleek, minimalist aesthetic with flat edges, which, in retrospect, was a precursor to the design language we see in later iPads and iPhones. It feels premium and solid in hand, thanks to its aluminum unibody construction. While the size might be a bit intimidating for some, especially for one-handed use, the immersive display and powerful performance more than makeup for it. Overall, the design and display of the iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd Gen) are a winning combination, making it a joy to use for everything from watching movies to creating digital art. The slim bezels contribute to a modern look that still feels relevant today, and the high-quality materials ensure that this tablet feels like a premium device. Whether you're consuming content or creating it, the display is a standout feature that enhances the entire user experience. The anti-reflective coating is another great addition, reducing glare and making it easier to use in bright environments. All these factors combine to make the display a major selling point, even several years after its initial release.

Performance: Still a Powerhouse

Now, let's talk about what's under the hood. The iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd Gen) is powered by Apple's A12X Bionic chip, and guys, this thing is a beast. Even in 2024, it still handles demanding tasks with ease. We're talking seamless multitasking, smooth 4K video editing, and lag-free gaming. The A12X Bionic chip isn't just fast; it's also incredibly efficient, which contributes to the iPad Pro's impressive battery life. You can easily get through a full day of work or school without needing to reach for a charger.

The A12X Bionic chip has an 8-core CPU and a 7-core GPU. This combination delivers desktop-class performance in a tablet form factor. The neural engine also enables advanced machine learning capabilities, enhancing features like Face ID and augmented reality experiences. The iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd Gen) comes with either 4GB or 6GB of RAM, depending on the storage configuration. This is more than enough to handle most tasks, allowing you to run multiple apps simultaneously without any noticeable slowdown. The iPad Pro also excels in professional workflows. Whether you're editing photos in Adobe Lightroom, creating illustrations in Procreate, or producing music in GarageBand, the iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd Gen) can handle it all. The A12X Bionic chip provides enough processing power to keep up with even the most demanding creative tasks. The iPad Pro is also great for gaming. The powerful GPU delivers smooth frame rates and stunning visuals in even the most graphically intensive games. Whether you're playing action games, racing games, or strategy games, the iPad Pro offers an immersive gaming experience. The combination of the A12X Bionic chip, the high refresh rate display, and the excellent speakers makes the iPad Pro a fantastic gaming device. Overall, the performance of the iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd Gen) is still impressive. The A12X Bionic chip delivers plenty of power for most tasks, and the iPad Pro remains a fast and responsive device. Whether you're a creative professional, a student, or just someone who wants a tablet that can handle anything you throw at it, the iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd Gen) is a great option.

Accessories and Features: Enhancing the Experience

The iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd Gen) really shines when you start adding accessories. The second-generation Apple Pencil is a must-have for creatives, offering unparalleled precision and responsiveness. It magnetically attaches to the side of the iPad Pro for charging and storage, which is a huge improvement over the first-generation Pencil. The Smart Keyboard Folio is another great accessory, transforming the iPad Pro into a capable laptop replacement. It provides a comfortable typing experience and also doubles as a protective cover. Beyond the Apple-branded accessories, the iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd Gen) includes a USB-C port, which is a welcome addition for connecting external storage, displays, and other peripherals. It also features Face ID for secure authentication, which is fast and reliable. The iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd Gen) also has a four-speaker audio system, which delivers rich and immersive sound. Whether you're watching movies, listening to music, or playing games, the iPad Pro's speakers provide an excellent audio experience. The iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd Gen) supports multitasking features like Slide Over and Split View, which allow you to run multiple apps simultaneously. These features are especially useful for productivity tasks, allowing you to work on multiple documents or apps at the same time. The iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd Gen) also supports Apple's ecosystem of apps and services, including iCloud, Apple Music, and Apple TV+. This integration makes it easy to access your files, music, and videos across all your Apple devices. The iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd Gen) also gets regular software updates from Apple, which means it will continue to get new features and security updates for years to come. This long-term support is a major advantage over other tablets, which may not get updates after a certain period. Overall, the accessories and features of the iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd Gen) enhance the user experience and make it a versatile device for both productivity and entertainment.

Is It Still Worth It in 2024?

So, the million-dollar question: is the iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd Gen) still worth buying in 2024? The answer, in my opinion, is a resounding yes – with a few caveats. If you're on a tight budget and need a powerful tablet for creative work, productivity, or entertainment, the 3rd generation iPad Pro is an excellent choice. It offers a fantastic display, plenty of processing power, and a wide range of accessories. However, if you need the latest and greatest features, such as 5G connectivity or the absolute fastest performance, you might want to consider a newer iPad Pro model. Keep in mind that the price of the iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd Gen) has come down significantly since its release, making it an even more attractive option. You can often find it at a fraction of the cost of the latest iPad Pro, while still getting a very capable device. Another factor to consider is the availability of software updates. Apple typically supports its devices for many years, so you can expect the iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd Gen) to continue to receive software updates for the foreseeable future. This means you'll get access to new features, security updates, and bug fixes, which will help keep your iPad Pro running smoothly and securely. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to buy the iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd Gen) depends on your individual needs and budget. However, if you're looking for a powerful and versatile tablet that won't break the bank, it's definitely worth considering. Just weigh the pros and cons and see if it aligns with what you're looking for in a tablet. You might be surprised at just how much value this older model still offers!

Pros and Cons

To summarize, let's break down the pros and cons of the iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd Gen):

Pros:

  • Stunning Liquid Retina display with ProMotion
  • Powerful A12X Bionic chip
  • Support for Apple Pencil (2nd generation)
  • USB-C port
  • Face ID
  • Excellent battery life
  • Four-speaker audio
  • Still receives software updates

Cons:

  • No 5G connectivity
  • Not the absolute fastest performance compared to newer models
  • Can be a bit bulky for some users

Conclusion

In conclusion, the iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd Gen) remains a fantastic tablet that offers a compelling combination of performance, features, and value. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of the latest iPad Pro models, it's still a very capable device that can handle most tasks with ease. Whether you're a creative professional, a student, or just someone who wants a great tablet for entertainment, the iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd Gen) is definitely worth considering. So, there you have it – a deep dive into the iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd Gen). I hope this review has been helpful, and until next time, happy teching!