IPad Pro 12.9 (3rd Gen): A Comprehensive Review
Hey everyone! Today, let's dive deep into the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation), released in 2018. This powerhouse of a tablet isn't just a bigger iPad; it's a creative canvas, a productivity machine, and an entertainment hub all rolled into one sleek package. Even though newer models have hit the market, the 2018 iPad Pro 12.9 remains a significant contender, especially if you're looking for top-tier performance without breaking the bank. So, let’s explore what makes this iPad Pro so special and whether it still holds up in today's tech landscape.
Design and Display: A Visual Feast
Let’s kick things off with the design and display, because, let's face it, that’s the first thing you notice! The 2018 iPad Pro 12.9 underwent a major redesign compared to its predecessors. Apple ditched the rounded edges and home button in favor of a more modern, industrial look with flat edges and slim bezels. This design not only looks stunning but also maximizes the screen real estate. The fully laminated Liquid Retina display is where this iPad truly shines. With a resolution of 2732 x 2048 pixels, it delivers incredibly sharp and vibrant visuals. The ProMotion technology, which dynamically adjusts the refresh rate up to 120Hz, makes scrolling, animations, and even simple tasks like drawing feel incredibly smooth and responsive. This is especially noticeable when using the Apple Pencil.
The display also supports a wide color gamut (P3), meaning it can display a broader range of colors, resulting in more accurate and lifelike images. The anti-reflective coating is another welcome addition, reducing glare and making the iPad Pro usable even in bright environments. Whether you’re watching movies, editing photos, or creating digital art, the display on the 2018 iPad Pro 12.9 is an absolute joy to use. The slim bezels contribute to an immersive viewing experience, allowing you to get lost in your content. The flat edges also make the iPad Pro easier to hold, whether you're using it in portrait or landscape mode. Plus, the overall build quality is top-notch, as you would expect from Apple. The aluminum unibody feels premium and durable, ensuring that the iPad can withstand the rigors of daily use. The attention to detail in the design is evident, from the precisely cut speaker grilles to the seamless integration of the display into the frame. While the lack of a headphone jack might be a bummer for some, the inclusion of USB-C port adds to the device's versatility, allowing you to connect a wide range of accessories and peripherals.
Performance: Still a Beast
Under the hood, the 2018 iPad Pro 12.9 is powered by Apple's A12X Bionic chip. This chip is an absolute beast, delivering performance that rivals many laptops. Whether you're multitasking between demanding apps, editing 4K videos, or playing graphics-intensive games, the A12X Bionic handles it all with ease. The A12X Bionic chip features an 8-core CPU and a 7-core GPU, providing a significant boost in both processing and graphics performance compared to previous generations. This means apps launch quickly, animations are smooth, and complex tasks are completed in a fraction of the time. The neural engine in the A12X Bionic also enables advanced machine learning capabilities, enhancing features like facial recognition and augmented reality experiences.
In real-world use, the performance of the 2018 iPad Pro 12.9 is incredibly impressive. You can seamlessly switch between multiple apps without experiencing any lag or slowdown. Editing large photos or videos is a breeze, and even demanding games run flawlessly at high settings. The iPad Pro also excels at multitasking. The ability to run multiple apps side-by-side or in Slide Over mode makes it easy to stay productive on the go. Whether you're researching a topic, writing a report, or collaborating with colleagues, the iPad Pro can handle it all without breaking a sweat. Even though newer iPads have come out with even more powerful chips, the A12X Bionic still holds its own. It's more than capable of handling most tasks that users throw at it, and it will likely continue to perform well for years to come. The combination of the powerful chip and the optimized software makes the 2018 iPad Pro 12.9 a true productivity powerhouse. It's a device that can keep up with your demands, whether you're a student, a creative professional, or simply someone who wants a fast and responsive tablet.
Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard Folio: Productivity Boosters
The 2018 iPad Pro 12.9 isn't just about raw power; it's also about the accessories that enhance its functionality. The second-generation Apple Pencil and the Smart Keyboard Folio are two such accessories that can transform the iPad Pro into a true productivity machine. The second-generation Apple Pencil attaches magnetically to the side of the iPad Pro and charges wirelessly. This is a huge improvement over the first-generation Apple Pencil, which required you to plug it into the Lightning port to charge. The new Apple Pencil also features improved latency, making writing and drawing feel even more natural and responsive. The magnetic attachment is not only convenient for charging but also for storage, ensuring that you always have your Apple Pencil with you. The Apple Pencil is incredibly versatile. Whether you're taking notes, sketching ideas, or creating digital art, it provides a level of precision and control that's unmatched by other styluses. The pressure and tilt sensitivity allow you to vary the thickness and shading of your lines, giving you more creative freedom.
The Smart Keyboard Folio is another essential accessory for the 2018 iPad Pro 12.9. It attaches magnetically to the back of the iPad and provides a full-size keyboard for comfortable typing. The keyboard is also spill-resistant, so you don't have to worry about accidental spills ruining your work. The Smart Keyboard Folio is thin and lightweight, making it easy to carry around. It also doubles as a protective cover for the iPad Pro. While the Smart Keyboard Folio is a great option for typing, some users may prefer a more traditional keyboard. Fortunately, the iPad Pro also supports Bluetooth keyboards, giving you a wide range of options to choose from. With the Apple Pencil and the Smart Keyboard Folio, the 2018 iPad Pro 12.9 becomes a true laptop replacement. You can use it to take notes in class, write reports, create presentations, and much more. The combination of the powerful hardware and the versatile accessories makes the iPad Pro an ideal device for students, professionals, and anyone who wants to stay productive on the go. The seamless integration of the Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard Folio into the iPad Pro ecosystem enhances the overall user experience, making it a joy to use for both work and play.
Camera and Audio: Impressive Multimedia Capabilities
Moving on to the camera and audio capabilities, the 2018 iPad Pro 12.9 doesn't disappoint. While it's unlikely that you'll be using your iPad Pro as your primary camera, the rear camera is more than capable of capturing high-quality photos and videos. It features a 12MP sensor with an f/1.8 aperture, allowing it to capture plenty of light even in low-light conditions. The camera also supports Smart HDR, which enhances the dynamic range of your photos, resulting in more detail in both the highlights and shadows. The video recording capabilities are equally impressive, with support for 4K video recording at up to 60 frames per second.
The front-facing TrueDepth camera is another highlight of the 2018 iPad Pro 12.9. It features a 7MP sensor and supports Face ID, allowing you to unlock your iPad Pro with just a glance. The TrueDepth camera also enables Animoji and Memoji, which are fun and engaging ways to express yourself in messages and video calls. The audio quality on the 2018 iPad Pro 12.9 is exceptional. It features four speakers, one in each corner, which deliver a rich and immersive sound experience. Whether you're watching movies, listening to music, or playing games, the audio quality is sure to impress. The speakers are also surprisingly loud, making the iPad Pro a great device for sharing content with others. The combination of the high-quality camera and the impressive audio capabilities makes the 2018 iPad Pro 12.9 a great device for multimedia consumption and creation. Whether you're watching movies, editing photos, or recording videos, the iPad Pro delivers a premium experience. The TrueDepth camera adds another layer of functionality, enabling features like Face ID and Animoji, which enhance the overall user experience. The well-rounded multimedia capabilities make the iPad Pro a versatile device that can be used for both work and play. The crisp visuals and immersive audio make it a joy to consume content, while the powerful camera and microphone make it a great tool for creating content.
Software and Features: iPadOS at Its Best
The 2018 iPad Pro 12.9 runs on iPadOS, Apple's operating system designed specifically for iPads. iPadOS builds upon the foundation of iOS and adds features that are optimized for the larger screen and the unique capabilities of the iPad. One of the key features of iPadOS is multitasking. You can run multiple apps side-by-side or in Slide Over mode, making it easy to stay productive on the go. iPadOS also supports drag-and-drop functionality, allowing you to easily move files and content between apps. The Files app provides a central location for accessing all of your files, whether they're stored on your iPad, in iCloud Drive, or on a third-party cloud storage service.
Another notable feature of iPadOS is support for external storage devices. You can connect a USB drive or an SD card reader to your iPad Pro and access the files directly from the Files app. This makes it easy to transfer files to and from your iPad Pro. iPadOS also includes a desktop-class web browser, which provides a more complete and feature-rich browsing experience compared to the mobile version of Safari. The desktop-class browser supports extensions, allowing you to customize your browsing experience with features like ad blockers and password managers. The combination of the powerful hardware and the optimized software makes the 2018 iPad Pro 12.9 a true productivity powerhouse. iPadOS is designed to take full advantage of the iPad Pro's capabilities, providing a seamless and intuitive user experience. The multitasking features, the Files app, and the support for external storage devices make it easy to stay productive on the go. The desktop-class web browser ensures that you have a complete and feature-rich browsing experience. The software enhancements in iPadOS, combined with the powerful hardware, make the 2018 iPad Pro 12.9 a versatile device that can be used for both work and play. Regular software updates from Apple ensure that the iPad Pro stays up-to-date with the latest features and security enhancements, extending its lifespan and keeping it performing at its best.
Is the 2018 iPad Pro 12.9 Still Worth It?
So, the million-dollar question: is the 2018 iPad Pro 12.9 still worth buying in today's market? The answer is a resounding yes, especially if you can find it at a good price. While newer iPad Pro models offer incremental improvements in performance and features, the 2018 iPad Pro 12.9 remains a powerful and capable device that can handle most tasks with ease. The A12X Bionic chip is still incredibly fast, the display is gorgeous, and the accessories like the Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard Folio enhance its functionality. If you're looking for a large-screen tablet for creative work, productivity, or entertainment, the 2018 iPad Pro 12.9 is an excellent choice.
However, there are a few things to consider. If you need the absolute latest and greatest features, such as 5G connectivity or the M1 chip, then you might want to consider a newer iPad Pro model. But if you're on a budget or don't need the bleeding-edge technology, the 2018 iPad Pro 12.9 is a great value. It offers a premium experience at a more affordable price. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to buy the 2018 iPad Pro 12.9 depends on your individual needs and budget. But if you're looking for a powerful and versatile tablet that won't break the bank, it's definitely worth considering. The combination of the stunning display, the powerful performance, and the versatile accessories makes it a great device for students, professionals, and anyone who wants a premium tablet experience. The longevity of Apple products, with their continued software support, ensures that the 2018 iPad Pro 12.9 will remain a viable option for years to come, making it a smart investment for those seeking a blend of performance and value.
In conclusion, the iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd generation) from 2018 remains a relevant and powerful device in today's tech landscape. Its stunning display, robust performance, and compatibility with essential accessories make it a top contender for anyone seeking a premium tablet experience. Whether you're a creative professional, a student, or simply someone who enjoys high-quality entertainment, this iPad Pro continues to deliver exceptional value. Its blend of power and elegance ensures it stands the test of time, making it a worthwhile investment for those looking for a reliable and versatile tablet.