IPad Pro 12.9 (3rd Gen): Review, Specs, And More!
Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd Generation), released back in 2018. This device was a game-changer, and even though newer models have arrived, it still holds its own. We'll cover everything from its design and performance to what makes it a worthwhile purchase even now. So, let's get started!
Design and Display: A Visual Treat
The iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd Gen) boasts a stunning edge-to-edge Liquid Retina display. The reduced bezels compared to previous generations give it a modern and immersive look. The screen has a resolution of 2732 x 2048 pixels, which translates to a pixel density of 264 ppi. This ensures that everything looks sharp, clear, and vibrant. Whether you're watching videos, browsing photos, or working on detailed graphics, the display doesn't disappoint.
Apple's ProMotion technology is another standout feature. It automatically adjusts the refresh rate up to 120Hz, making scrolling and animations incredibly smooth. This is especially noticeable when using the Apple Pencil, as it provides a more natural and responsive writing and drawing experience. The display also supports P3 wide color, which means it can display a broader range of colors, resulting in more accurate and lifelike visuals. This is crucial for professionals who rely on color accuracy in their work, such as photographers and graphic designers.
The design is sleek and minimalist, with rounded corners that mirror the display's curves. The aluminum unibody construction feels premium and durable. The device is also thinner than its predecessors, making it more comfortable to hold and carry around. Overall, the design and display of the iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd Gen) are top-notch, providing an excellent visual experience for both casual users and professionals.
Performance: Power Under the Hood
Under the hood, the iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd Gen) is powered by Apple's A12X Bionic chip. This chip is a powerhouse, featuring an 8-core CPU and a 7-core GPU. It delivers incredible performance, making the iPad Pro capable of handling demanding tasks such as video editing, 3D modeling, and gaming with ease. The A12X Bionic chip also includes a Neural Engine, which accelerates machine learning tasks. This enhances features like facial recognition and augmented reality experiences.
In terms of performance benchmarks, the iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd Gen) consistently outperforms many laptops in its class. It can handle multitasking without breaking a sweat, allowing you to seamlessly switch between apps and work on multiple projects simultaneously. The A12X Bionic chip also provides excellent power efficiency, ensuring that the iPad Pro can last through a full day of use on a single charge. Whether you're a student taking notes in class, a creative professional working on complex projects, or a casual user enjoying entertainment, the iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd Gen) delivers a smooth and responsive experience.
The storage options range from 64GB to 1TB, providing plenty of space for your files, apps, and media. However, it's important to note that the base model with 64GB of storage may not be sufficient for users who plan to store a lot of large files or install many apps. If you're a professional user, opting for a model with at least 256GB of storage is recommended. The iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd Gen) also supports USB-C connectivity, allowing you to connect to external displays, storage devices, and other peripherals.
Features and Functionality: More Than Just a Tablet
The iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd Gen) is packed with features that make it more than just a tablet. One of the standout features is Face ID, which allows you to securely unlock your device and authenticate purchases with just a glance. Face ID is fast and reliable, and it works in both portrait and landscape orientations. The iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd Gen) also supports the second-generation Apple Pencil, which magnetically attaches to the side of the device and wirelessly charges. The Apple Pencil provides a natural and responsive writing and drawing experience, making it an essential tool for creative professionals and students.
Another notable feature is the four-speaker audio system, which delivers rich and immersive sound. The speakers are strategically placed to provide a wide stereo soundstage, making it ideal for watching movies, listening to music, and playing games. The iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd Gen) also has a 12MP rear camera that captures high-quality photos and videos. The camera supports Smart HDR, which enhances the dynamic range of your photos, and it can record 4K video at up to 60fps. The front-facing 7MP TrueDepth camera is perfect for video calls and selfies.
The iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd Gen) runs on iPadOS, which is specifically designed for the iPad. iPadOS includes features like multitasking, drag and drop, and Files app, which make it easy to manage your files and work on multiple projects simultaneously. The iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd Gen) also supports keyboard covers, which transform it into a laptop-like device. This makes it ideal for writing emails, creating documents, and working on spreadsheets. Overall, the features and functionality of the iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd Gen) make it a versatile device that can be used for a wide range of tasks.
Is It Still Worth Buying in [Current Year]?
So, the big question: Is the iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd Gen) still worth buying 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 of the newer models, it still offers excellent performance, a stunning display, and a wide range of features that make it a worthwhile purchase.
For students, the iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd Gen) is an excellent tool for taking notes, reading textbooks, and working on assignments. The Apple Pencil provides a natural and responsive writing experience, and the keyboard covers make it easy to type up documents. The long battery life ensures that you can use it throughout the day without needing to recharge.
For creative professionals, the iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd Gen) is a powerful tool for creating art, editing photos, and producing videos. The A12X Bionic chip delivers excellent performance, and the display supports P3 wide color, which is essential for color-accurate work. The Apple Pencil provides a natural and responsive drawing experience, and the USB-C port allows you to connect to external displays and storage devices.
For casual users, the iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd Gen) is a great device for watching movies, browsing the web, and playing games. The stunning display and four-speaker audio system provide an immersive entertainment experience, and the long battery life ensures that you can enjoy your favorite content for hours on end. The iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd Gen) is also a great device for staying connected with friends and family through video calls and social media.
Of course, there are some drawbacks to consider. The iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd Gen) does not support 5G connectivity, which may be a deal-breaker for some users. It also lacks the M1 chip found in the newer models, which offers even better performance. However, for most users, the A12X Bionic chip is more than sufficient. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to buy the iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd Gen) depends on your individual needs and budget. If you're looking for a powerful and versatile tablet that won't break the bank, it's definitely worth considering.
Pros and Cons:
To summarise, here's a quick rundown of the pros and cons:
Pros:
- Stunning Liquid Retina display with ProMotion technology
- Powerful A12X Bionic chip
- Face ID for secure authentication
- Excellent four-speaker audio system
- Support for second-generation Apple Pencil
- Versatile USB-C port
Cons:
- No 5G connectivity
- Lacks the M1 chip of newer models
- Base model storage may be insufficient for some users
Conclusion
The iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd Gen) remains a fantastic device, offering a blend of performance, design, and features that still impress. Whether you're a student, creative professional, or casual user, it's a tablet that can adapt to your needs. If you're looking for a high-end iPad experience without paying top dollar for the latest model, the iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd Gen) is definitely worth considering. Just keep an eye out for those deals!