IPad Pro 2020 12.9-inch: A Deep Dive Review
Hey guys! Let's talk about the iPad Pro 2020 12.9-inch. It's been a while since its release, but this beast of a tablet still holds its own. If you're on the fence about picking one up, or just curious about what makes it tick, you're in the right place. We're going to dive deep into its key features, performance, and whether it's still worth your hard-earned cash in 2024. Get ready for a comprehensive review that covers everything from its stunning display to its raw power. Let's get started!
Design and Build Quality
First impressions matter, right? And the iPad Pro 2020 12.9-inch definitely makes a statement. The design is sleek and modern, and it shares the same aesthetic as its predecessors. The unibody aluminum design feels premium and robust, giving you the sense that this tablet can handle the rigors of daily use. It's available in the classic Space Gray and Silver colors, both of which look absolutely fantastic. The slim bezels around the display give it a clean, uncluttered look, maximizing the screen real estate. Weighing in at just over 1.4 pounds, it's surprisingly portable for a device with such a large display. You can easily slip it into a bag and take it with you on the go. The build quality is top-notch, with no flex or creaks, giving you confidence that it can withstand everyday wear and tear. The flat edges make it easy to grip, and they also allow for the seamless attachment of the second-generation Apple Pencil, which magnetically attaches to the side. The overall design is a testament to Apple's commitment to quality and attention to detail. The device feels incredibly premium in hand, making it a joy to use. Every aspect of the design, from the materials used to the precision of the assembly, exudes quality and sophistication. It's a device that you'll be proud to own and show off.
The inclusion of a USB-C port is a welcome addition, providing versatility in terms of charging and connecting to other devices. This allows you to connect a wide range of accessories, from external displays to cameras and other peripherals. The placement of the speakers, with two at the top and two at the bottom, provides an immersive audio experience, whether you're watching movies, listening to music, or playing games. The power and volume buttons are well-placed, making them easy to access. The back of the device is clean and minimal, with the Apple logo prominently displayed. The camera bump is present, but it's not overly obtrusive. The design is all about functionality and aesthetics, resulting in a device that is both beautiful and practical. The iPad Pro 2020 12.9-inch design continues to be modern and relevant, even years after its release, showcasing Apple's commitment to timeless design. The design is a major selling point, making it a desirable device for anyone who values both form and function.
Display: A Visual Feast
Alright, let's talk about the star of the show: the display. The 12.9-inch Liquid Retina display on the iPad Pro 2020 is simply stunning. It's one of the best displays you'll find on any tablet. The image quality is crisp, vibrant, and incredibly detailed, making everything from browsing the web to watching movies a pleasure. The screen boasts a resolution of 2732 x 2048 pixels, resulting in an impressive pixel density that makes text and images look incredibly sharp. The colors are incredibly accurate and vivid, making content come alive. The display also supports ProMotion technology, which automatically adjusts the refresh rate up to 120Hz. This results in incredibly smooth scrolling and responsiveness, making the entire user experience feel fluid and effortless. The higher refresh rate makes everything feel faster and more responsive, from swiping through menus to playing graphically intensive games.
The display is also incredibly bright, with a typical brightness of 600 nits. This means that you can easily use the iPad Pro in bright sunlight without any issues. The screen is also capable of displaying a wide color gamut, which means that it can reproduce a wider range of colors, resulting in more accurate and vibrant visuals. The display also supports True Tone technology, which automatically adjusts the color temperature of the screen to match the ambient lighting conditions. This makes the display easier on the eyes, reducing eye strain and providing a more natural viewing experience. The screen's anti-reflective coating further enhances usability by reducing glare, making it easier to see in bright environments. The display is a key selling point of the iPad Pro, providing a premium visual experience that sets it apart from other tablets. The display's combination of high resolution, vibrant colors, smooth refresh rate, and brightness makes it a joy to use for any task, whether you're creating content, consuming media, or simply browsing the web. The display is undoubtedly one of the best features of the iPad Pro 2020 12.9-inch.
Performance: Powerhouse in a Tablet
Let's talk about the performance! The iPad Pro 2020 is powered by the A12Z Bionic chip, which is a powerhouse. Even though it's not the latest chip from Apple, it still delivers exceptional performance and can handle demanding tasks with ease. Whether you're editing videos, playing graphics-intensive games, or running multiple apps simultaneously, the A12Z Bionic chip won't let you down. The chip features an 8-core CPU and an 8-core GPU, which provide ample power for even the most demanding workloads. This means that you can experience smooth performance and responsiveness in all your tasks.
Multitasking is a breeze on this tablet. You can easily switch between apps, use split-screen mode, and work on multiple projects without experiencing any lag or slowdowns. The tablet is incredibly fast and responsive, whether you're browsing the web, opening apps, or switching between tasks. The performance is further enhanced by the generous amount of RAM, which ensures that you can run multiple apps simultaneously without any issues. The iPad Pro 2020 comes in various storage configurations, including 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB. This provides ample space for storing your files, photos, videos, and other content. The storage options allow you to choose the configuration that best suits your needs and budget. The performance is a major selling point of the iPad Pro 2020, making it a great choice for creative professionals, students, and anyone who needs a powerful and versatile tablet. The chip's performance is further supported by the tablet's optimized software and hardware integration, resulting in a seamless user experience. The performance of the A12Z Bionic chip continues to impress, even years after its release. This ensures that the iPad Pro 2020 can handle the most demanding tasks with ease, providing a smooth and responsive experience for all users.
Cameras: More Than Just for Photos
The iPad Pro 2020 features a dual-camera system on the back, comprising a 12MP wide-angle lens and a 10MP ultra-wide-angle lens. The camera system is more than capable of capturing stunning photos and videos, and it also adds versatility to the tablet. The 12MP wide-angle lens captures detailed images with excellent dynamic range, while the 10MP ultra-wide-angle lens allows you to capture more of the scene. The wide-angle lens is great for general photography, while the ultra-wide-angle lens is perfect for capturing expansive landscapes, group shots, or creative compositions. The cameras offer advanced features such as Smart HDR, which enhances the colors and details in your photos. The cameras also support 4K video recording, which allows you to capture high-quality videos with excellent clarity and detail. The front-facing camera is a 7MP TrueDepth camera that supports Face ID for secure authentication. The front-facing camera delivers excellent image quality for video calls and selfies. Face ID is fast and reliable, allowing you to quickly unlock your iPad Pro and authenticate purchases. The cameras also support various video recording modes, including slow-motion video, time-lapse video, and cinematic video stabilization. The cameras are a significant upgrade over previous iPad models, providing a versatile and powerful tool for capturing memories and creating content. The inclusion of the ultra-wide-angle lens adds another dimension to the photography capabilities, allowing users to capture more creative shots. The camera system is a valuable asset, making the iPad Pro 2020 a great device for content creators, photographers, and anyone who enjoys taking photos and videos.
Accessories: Unleash Its Potential
The iPad Pro 2020 12.9-inch truly shines when paired with the right accessories. The Apple Pencil (2nd generation) is a must-have for anyone who wants to take full advantage of the tablet's capabilities. It magnetically attaches to the side of the iPad Pro for charging and storage, and it offers incredibly low latency, making it feel like you're writing or drawing on paper. The Apple Pencil enhances your productivity and creativity, allowing you to take notes, sketch, illustrate, and more. The responsiveness and precision of the Apple Pencil make it ideal for artists, designers, and anyone who enjoys creative tasks. The Magic Keyboard is another game-changer. It transforms your iPad Pro into a laptop-like device, complete with a trackpad and backlit keys. The Magic Keyboard offers a comfortable typing experience, making it perfect for writing emails, documents, or working on the go. The Magic Keyboard also features a built-in trackpad, which enhances navigation and productivity. The trackpad allows you to easily navigate the interface, select text, and perform various gestures.
Other accessories like external hard drives or USB-C hubs expand the iPad Pro 2020's functionality. You can connect to external displays, printers, and other peripherals, further enhancing your productivity and creativity. The accessories ecosystem is vast and continues to expand, offering a wide range of options to suit your needs and preferences. The accessories add another layer of functionality, making the iPad Pro a versatile device for various purposes. The accessories enhance the user experience by providing more options for input, output, and storage. The accessories are an integral part of the iPad Pro experience, transforming the tablet into a powerful and versatile device. They are essential to unlocking the full potential of the iPad Pro 2020.
Battery Life: Keeping You Going
Battery life is a crucial factor for any tablet, and the iPad Pro 2020 12.9-inch doesn't disappoint. You can expect all-day battery life with normal usage. Apple claims up to 10 hours of web browsing or video playback on a single charge. In real-world use, this holds up pretty well. You can comfortably get a full day of use out of the tablet, even with moderate to heavy usage. The battery life depends on how you use the device, but generally, you can expect to get a solid amount of time on a single charge. The battery is optimized to provide efficient power management, allowing you to get the most out of your device. The battery capacity is sufficient to keep you productive or entertained throughout the day without the need for frequent charging.
The battery life allows you to use your iPad Pro without constantly worrying about finding a power outlet. The battery life makes the iPad Pro ideal for travel, work, or leisure. The battery life is a testament to Apple's focus on providing a seamless and user-friendly experience. The iPad Pro 2020 12.9-inch provides reliable battery life, ensuring that you can stay productive or entertained throughout your day. The battery life ensures you can rely on the iPad Pro for extended use without needing to worry about a dead battery.
Software and User Experience
The iPad Pro 2020 12.9-inch runs on iPadOS, Apple's dedicated operating system for iPads. iPadOS is built on top of iOS, but it has been optimized for the larger screen and multitasking capabilities of the iPad. iPadOS offers a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate, with intuitive gestures and controls. The software is designed to provide a seamless and fluid experience, with fast app launching, smooth animations, and responsive touch interactions. iPadOS offers a wide range of features designed to enhance productivity and creativity. The user experience is enhanced by the tablet's powerful hardware, resulting in a smooth and responsive experience. The integration of hardware and software is a key element of the iPad experience, ensuring that everything works seamlessly. The software is optimized to make the most of the iPad's hardware capabilities.
Multitasking is a key feature of iPadOS, allowing you to run multiple apps simultaneously using features like Split View and Slide Over. These features allow you to work on multiple tasks at the same time, increasing your productivity. The user interface is optimized for both touch and the use of accessories like the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard. This allows you to interact with your iPad Pro in various ways, increasing versatility. iPadOS also offers a robust app ecosystem with thousands of apps optimized for the iPad. You can find apps for every task, from productivity and creativity to entertainment and gaming. iPadOS is constantly evolving, with new features and updates released regularly. iPadOS makes the iPad Pro a versatile and powerful device. The software is designed to complement the hardware, resulting in a seamless and intuitive user experience. iPadOS enhances the overall experience by providing a user-friendly and efficient interface.
Should You Buy the iPad Pro 2020 12.9-inch in 2024?
So, is the iPad Pro 2020 12.9-inch still a good buy in 2024? The answer is a resounding YES, with a few caveats. If you can find it at a discounted price, it offers excellent value for money. The performance is still competitive, the display is amazing, and it's compatible with all the essential accessories. For most users, the A12Z Bionic chip still delivers more than enough power, and the display remains one of the best in the market. If you are not a demanding user, then this is still a good option to consider. If you are looking for the absolute latest in features, or you need the absolute maximum performance, the newer models might be better suited for you. However, for most users, the iPad Pro 2020 12.9-inch is still a fantastic tablet that offers a premium experience at a compelling price point.
If you're a student, creative professional, or someone who simply wants a high-end tablet for work and play, the iPad Pro 2020 is still a strong contender. The device offers a great combination of power, portability, and versatility. The iPad Pro 2020 is a good buy if you are looking for an affordable high-performance tablet. The price is also a key factor when making a decision. Keep in mind that there are newer models available, so compare the features and prices before making a decision.
Conclusion: A Still-Relevant Tablet
In conclusion, the iPad Pro 2020 12.9-inch remains a highly capable tablet. It has a stunning display, excellent performance, and a premium design. The A12Z Bionic chip continues to deliver impressive performance, and the tablet's compatibility with the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard enhances its versatility. While newer models have been released, the iPad Pro 2020 still offers a compelling package, especially at its current price point. The iPad Pro 2020 is a great option for anyone looking for a powerful and versatile tablet. If you can find it at a discounted price, it's a steal. Whether you're a creative professional, a student, or simply someone who wants a high-quality tablet for everyday use, the iPad Pro 2020 12.9-inch is still a worthy investment. The iPad Pro 2020 continues to offer a premium tablet experience and remains a great choice in 2024, despite the presence of newer models. It's a testament to the quality and enduring design of the device, cementing its place as a top-tier tablet option even years after its initial release. The iPad Pro 2020 offers a premium user experience and remains a good option.