IPad Pro 12.9 (3rd Gen) 2018: Review, Specs, And More

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iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd Gen) 2018: Review, Specs, and More

Hey everyone! Let's dive into a detailed exploration of the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation), released in 2018. This powerhouse of a tablet significantly raised the bar for what we expect from portable computing. We'll cover everything from its stunning display and processing power to its design and overall user experience. If you're considering purchasing one or just curious about this iconic device, you're in the right place.

Overview of the iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd Gen) 2018

The iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd generation) hit the market in late 2018, boasting a complete redesign that moved away from the previous generation's aesthetics. One of the most noticeable changes was the introduction of an edge-to-edge Liquid Retina display, maximizing screen real estate while minimizing bezels. This model also bid farewell to the home button, embracing Face ID for secure authentication and navigation. Under the hood, the A12X Bionic chip delivered a monumental leap in performance, rivaling many laptops of the time. Available in Silver and Space Gray finishes, it offered storage options ranging from 64GB to a whopping 1TB, catering to different user needs. The inclusion of a USB-C port instead of Lightning marked a significant shift, allowing for greater connectivity and versatility.

Key Features:

  • Liquid Retina Display: A stunning edge-to-edge display with ProMotion technology.
  • A12X Bionic Chip: Unparalleled performance for demanding tasks.
  • Face ID: Secure and convenient authentication.
  • USB-C Port: Enhanced connectivity and versatility.
  • Slim and Lightweight Design: A sleek and portable design.

Display and Design

The display on the iPad Pro 12.9 3rd generation is genuinely breathtaking. The edge-to-edge Liquid Retina display, with its narrow bezels, provides an immersive viewing experience. The 12.9-inch screen boasts a resolution of 2732 x 2048 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 264 pixels per inch (ppi). This ensures sharp and detailed visuals, making everything from browsing the web to editing photos a pleasure.

ProMotion technology is another standout feature, dynamically adjusting the display's refresh rate up to 120Hz. This results in incredibly smooth scrolling, responsive gaming, and a more natural feel when using the Apple Pencil. The display also supports P3 wide color gamut, delivering vibrant and accurate colors. True Tone technology automatically adjusts the display's color temperature to match the ambient lighting, reducing eye strain and providing a more comfortable viewing experience in various environments. The anti-reflective coating minimizes glare, making the screen easily viewable even in bright conditions. Overall, the display is a visual treat and a key selling point of this iPad Pro.

In terms of design, the iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd generation) features a sleek and modern aesthetic. The flat edges and rounded corners give it a more angular look compared to previous iPad models. It's also remarkably thin, measuring just 5.9mm in thickness, and relatively lightweight for its size, making it easy to carry around. The build quality is excellent, with an aluminum unibody construction that feels premium and durable. The absence of a home button contributes to the clean and minimalist design, with Face ID providing a seamless and secure unlocking experience. The magnetic connector on the back allows for easy attachment of the second-generation Apple Pencil, which charges wirelessly while attached. The four speakers, strategically placed around the device, deliver immersive stereo sound, enhancing the overall entertainment experience.

Performance and Software

When it comes to performance, the iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd generation) truly shines. The A12X Bionic chip is an absolute beast, delivering desktop-class performance in a tablet form factor. This chip features an 8-core CPU and a 7-core GPU, providing incredible processing power and graphics performance. Whether you're editing 4K videos, playing graphically intensive games, or multitasking between multiple apps, the iPad Pro handles everything with ease. The A12X Bionic chip also includes a Neural Engine, which accelerates machine learning tasks, enhancing features like Face ID and augmented reality experiences. Benchmarks consistently show that the iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd generation) outperforms many laptops in terms of speed and responsiveness.

The combination of the powerful hardware and optimized software makes for a seamless and fluid user experience.

The iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd generation) launched with iOS 12, which introduced several new features and improvements. One of the most notable additions was the redesigned multitasking interface, making it easier to switch between apps and manage multiple windows. iOS 12 also brought enhancements to Siri, improved augmented reality capabilities, and new privacy features. Over time, the iPad Pro has received numerous software updates, including iPadOS, which is specifically designed for iPads. iPadOS introduces features like a redesigned home screen with widgets, improved file management, and enhanced Apple Pencil support. These software updates have further optimized the iPad Pro's performance and expanded its functionality, making it an even more versatile device.

Accessories and Apple Pencil Support

The iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd generation) truly comes into its own when paired with its accessories, particularly the second-generation Apple Pencil and the Smart Keyboard Folio. The second-generation Apple Pencil offers a significant upgrade over its predecessor, featuring a redesigned design with a matte finish and a magnetic attachment system. It attaches to the side of the iPad Pro for wireless charging and pairing, eliminating the need for a Lightning connector. The Apple Pencil is incredibly precise and responsive, making it ideal for note-taking, sketching, and graphic design. It supports tilt and pressure sensitivity, allowing for a natural and expressive drawing experience. Double-tapping the side of the Apple Pencil allows you to quickly switch between tools, further enhancing its usability.

The Smart Keyboard Folio is another essential accessory for the iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd generation), providing a comfortable and efficient typing experience. It attaches magnetically to the iPad Pro and serves as both a keyboard and a protective cover. The keys are well-spaced and offer decent travel, making it easy to type for extended periods. The Smart Keyboard Folio also supports multiple viewing angles, allowing you to adjust the iPad Pro to your preferred position. While it doesn't have a trackpad, the iPad Pro's touch screen and gesture support make it easy to navigate and interact with the interface. Together, the Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard Folio transform the iPad Pro into a versatile productivity tool, capable of handling a wide range of tasks.

Camera and Audio

While the iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd generation) is not primarily designed for photography, it features a capable camera system that delivers decent image quality. The rear-facing 12-megapixel camera with an f/1.8 aperture captures sharp and detailed photos in good lighting conditions. It also supports 4K video recording at up to 60 frames per second, allowing you to capture high-quality videos. The camera app includes features like autofocus, HDR, and panorama mode, providing you with various options for capturing different types of shots. The front-facing 7-megapixel TrueDepth camera is excellent for video calls and selfies. It also powers Face ID, providing secure and convenient facial recognition. The TrueDepth camera enables features like Portrait mode and Animoji, adding fun and creative elements to your video calls and selfies.

The audio quality on the iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd generation) is exceptional, thanks to its four speakers strategically placed around the device. The speakers deliver a wide stereo soundstage with clear and balanced audio. Whether you're watching movies, listening to music, or playing games, the audio is immersive and engaging. The iPad Pro also supports spatial audio, which creates a more realistic and three-dimensional sound experience. The combination of the high-quality display and excellent audio makes the iPad Pro a fantastic device for entertainment.

Battery Life and Connectivity

The iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd generation) offers excellent battery life, allowing you to use it for extended periods without needing to recharge. Apple claims that it provides up to 10 hours of battery life for web browsing, video playback, and music listening. In real-world usage, the battery life typically lives up to these claims, easily lasting through a full day of moderate use. Even with more demanding tasks like video editing and gaming, the iPad Pro can still provide several hours of battery life. The inclusion of a USB-C port instead of Lightning is a significant improvement, allowing for faster charging and greater connectivity. You can use the USB-C port to connect to external displays, cameras, and other accessories.

The iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd generation) supports Wi-Fi 802.11ac, providing fast and reliable wireless connectivity. It also comes in a cellular model, which supports 4G LTE, allowing you to stay connected even when you're away from Wi-Fi. The cellular model also includes GPS, which is useful for navigation and location-based services. Bluetooth 5.0 provides a stable and efficient connection for wireless accessories like headphones and keyboards. Overall, the iPad Pro offers a comprehensive set of connectivity options, ensuring that you can stay connected and productive wherever you go.

Pros and Cons

To summarize, let's take a look at the pros and cons of the iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd generation):

Pros:

  • Stunning Liquid Retina display with ProMotion technology
  • Powerful A12X Bionic chip for exceptional performance
  • Face ID for secure and convenient authentication
  • USB-C port for enhanced connectivity
  • Excellent battery life
  • Support for Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard Folio
  • Slim and lightweight design

Cons:

  • Relatively expensive compared to other tablets
  • No headphone jack
  • Smart Keyboard Folio doesn't include a trackpad

Is the iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd Gen) 2018 Still Worth It?

So, is the iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd generation) still worth buying in today's market? The answer depends on your needs and budget. While it's no longer the latest model, it remains a highly capable device that can handle a wide range of tasks. The A12X Bionic chip is still incredibly powerful, and the Liquid Retina display is still one of the best on the market. If you're looking for a large-screen tablet for productivity, creativity, or entertainment, the iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd generation) is definitely worth considering, especially if you can find it at a discounted price. However, if you need the latest and greatest features, such as the M1 chip or 5G connectivity, you may want to consider a newer iPad Pro model.

Conclusion

The iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd generation) is a remarkable tablet that set a new standard for performance and design. Its stunning display, powerful processor, and versatile features make it an excellent choice for professionals, creatives, and anyone who wants a premium tablet experience. While newer models have since been released, the iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd generation) remains a capable and compelling device that offers great value for its price. I hope this in-depth review has been helpful! Let me know if you have any questions.