2018 IPad Pro 12.9 Inch: Price & Value Today
Hey guys! Let's dive into the world of the 2018 iPad Pro 12.9 inch and explore its price and overall value in today's market. If you're thinking about getting your hands on one of these, or if you're just curious about how well it holds up, you're in the right place. We'll break down everything you need to know, from the original price to what you can expect to pay now, and whether it's still a worthwhile investment. So, buckle up and let’s get started!
Original Price and Configurations
When the 2018 iPad Pro 12.9 inch was first released, it came in several configurations, each with different storage sizes and connectivity options. The base model started at around $999, which got you 64GB of storage. If you needed more space, you could opt for 256GB, 512GB, or even a whopping 1TB. Of course, each increase in storage came with a corresponding price hike. For example, the 256GB model was priced around $1,149, while the 512GB version would set you back about $1,349. The top-tier 1TB model was the most expensive, costing around $1,549. These prices were for the Wi-Fi only models. If you wanted cellular connectivity, you had to add an extra $150 to each of these price points. So, a fully loaded 1TB model with cellular would cost you a hefty $1,699. Keep in mind that these prices didn't include accessories like the Apple Pencil (2nd generation) or the Smart Keyboard Folio, which were sold separately. The 2018 iPad Pro was positioned as a premium device, aimed at professionals and creatives who needed a powerful and versatile tablet. The high price reflected its advanced features, such as the Liquid Retina display with ProMotion technology, the A12X Bionic chip, and the USB-C port. These features made it a significant upgrade over previous iPad models and a strong competitor to many laptops on the market. Despite the high price, many users found the 2018 iPad Pro to be a worthwhile investment due to its performance, portability, and versatility. It was capable of handling demanding tasks such as video editing, graphic design, and 3D modeling, making it a valuable tool for creative professionals. The large 12.9-inch display provided ample screen real estate for multitasking and immersive experiences, while the powerful A12X Bionic chip ensured smooth and responsive performance. The inclusion of a USB-C port allowed for greater connectivity with external devices, such as monitors, cameras, and storage drives. The 2018 iPad Pro also introduced a new design with slimmer bezels and rounded corners, giving it a more modern and sleek appearance. The removal of the home button and the addition of Face ID provided a more seamless and intuitive user experience. Overall, the original pricing of the 2018 iPad Pro 12.9 inch reflected its premium status and advanced features. While it was an expensive device, it offered a compelling combination of performance, portability, and versatility that made it a popular choice among professionals and creatives.
Current Market Price
So, what can you expect to pay for a 2018 iPad Pro 12.9 inch today? The price has definitely come down since its original release, but it varies depending on the condition, storage size, and whether it's a Wi-Fi or cellular model. On the used market, you can typically find a 2018 iPad Pro 12.9 inch in good condition for anywhere between $500 and $800. The exact price will depend on the storage capacity, with the 64GB models being the cheapest and the 1TB models commanding the highest prices. Cellular models will also generally be more expensive than their Wi-Fi-only counterparts. If you're looking at certified refurbished models directly from Apple or other reputable retailers, you might pay a bit more, typically in the range of $600 to $900. These models often come with a warranty, which can provide some peace of mind. It's always a good idea to check multiple sources and compare prices before making a purchase. Websites like eBay, Swappa, and Apple's certified refurbished store can be good places to start. Keep an eye out for deals and promotions, as you might be able to snag an even better price. When buying a used iPad, it's essential to check its condition carefully. Look for any signs of damage, such as scratches, dents, or screen issues. Ask the seller about the device's history, including whether it has been repaired or had any parts replaced. It's also a good idea to test the device before buying it, if possible. Check the screen for dead pixels, test the speakers and microphones, and make sure the cameras are working properly. If you're buying online, read reviews and check the seller's feedback rating. A seller with a good reputation is more likely to provide an accurate description of the device and offer a fair price. Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true, as they might be scams. Always use a secure payment method, such as PayPal, and avoid sending money through untraceable methods like wire transfers. Before purchasing, consider the battery health of the iPad. Over time, the battery capacity of any device will degrade, so a used iPad might not hold a charge as well as a new one. Ask the seller about the battery health and whether it has been replaced. Apple provides a battery health feature in the settings, which can give you an indication of the battery's maximum capacity. Despite its age, the 2018 iPad Pro 12.9 inch remains a capable device, and its current market price makes it an attractive option for those looking for a large-screen tablet at a reasonable price.
Performance and Features
The 2018 iPad Pro 12.9 inch still packs a serious punch when it comes to performance, thanks to its A12X Bionic chip. This chip is incredibly powerful, making it capable of handling demanding tasks like video editing, graphic design, and even some 3D modeling. It also excels at everyday tasks like browsing the web, streaming videos, and running productivity apps. The A12X Bionic chip features an eight-core CPU and a seven-core GPU, which deliver blazing-fast performance and smooth graphics. It also includes a Neural Engine, which accelerates machine learning tasks such as facial recognition and image processing. In benchmarks, the 2018 iPad Pro often outperforms many laptops, making it a viable alternative for those who need a portable and powerful device. One of the standout features of the 2018 iPad Pro is its Liquid Retina display with ProMotion technology. The display is incredibly sharp and vibrant, with a resolution of 2732 x 2048 pixels and a pixel density of 264 ppi. ProMotion technology allows the display to dynamically adjust its refresh rate up to 120Hz, resulting in smoother scrolling, more responsive gaming, and a more natural writing experience with the Apple Pencil. The display also supports wide color (P3) and True Tone technology, which adjusts the color temperature to match the ambient lighting conditions. The 2018 iPad Pro also features a USB-C port, which allows for greater connectivity with external devices. You can connect external monitors, cameras, storage drives, and other accessories directly to the iPad without the need for adapters. The USB-C port also supports fast charging, allowing you to quickly recharge the iPad's battery. The iPad Pro 2018 has Face ID, Apple's facial recognition system, which allows you to unlock the device and authenticate purchases with just a glance. Face ID is incredibly convenient and secure, and it works seamlessly in both portrait and landscape orientations. The 2018 iPad Pro also features a 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 also has dual microphones, which capture clear and crisp audio for video calls and recordings. The 2018 iPad Pro supports the second-generation Apple Pencil, which attaches magnetically to the side of the iPad and charges wirelessly. The Apple Pencil is a fantastic tool for artists, designers, and anyone who likes to take notes or sketch on their iPad. It offers precise and responsive input, with tilt and pressure sensitivity. Despite being a few years old, the 2018 iPad Pro remains a highly capable and versatile device. Its powerful performance, stunning display, and advanced features make it a great choice for anyone who needs a portable and powerful tablet.
Is It Still Worth Buying?
So, the big question: is the 2018 iPad Pro 12.9 inch still worth buying in today's market? The answer really depends on your needs and budget. If you're looking for a large-screen tablet that offers excellent performance and features at a reasonable price, then the 2018 iPad Pro is definitely worth considering. It's still a very capable device that can handle most tasks with ease. However, if you need the absolute latest and greatest technology, or if you're willing to spend more money for the newest features, then you might want to consider a newer iPad Pro model. The newer models offer faster processors, more advanced displays, and other improvements that might be worth the extra cost for some users. One of the main advantages of the 2018 iPad Pro is its price. As mentioned earlier, you can find used models in good condition for around $500 to $800, which is significantly cheaper than the newer iPad Pro models. This makes it an attractive option for those who are on a budget or who don't need the latest and greatest features. The 2018 iPad Pro's A12X Bionic chip is still very powerful and can handle most tasks with ease. It's more than capable of running productivity apps, streaming videos, and even doing some light video editing or graphic design. The Liquid Retina display with ProMotion technology is also excellent, offering a sharp and vibrant picture with smooth scrolling and responsive input. Another advantage of the 2018 iPad Pro is its compatibility with the second-generation Apple Pencil. If you're an artist, designer, or student, the Apple Pencil can be a valuable tool for creating digital art, taking notes, or marking up documents. The 2018 iPad Pro also has a USB-C port, which allows you to connect external devices such as monitors, cameras, and storage drives. This can be useful for those who need to work with external files or connect to a larger display. However, there are also some downsides to consider. The 2018 iPad Pro is not as powerful as the newer iPad Pro models, which feature Apple's M1 or M2 chips. These chips offer significantly faster performance, especially for demanding tasks such as video editing and 3D rendering. The 2018 iPad Pro also lacks some of the newer features found in the latest iPad Pro models, such as the mini-LED display and Thunderbolt connectivity. These features can be important for some users, especially those who work with professional-grade video or audio equipment. Ultimately, whether or not the 2018 iPad Pro 12.9 inch is worth buying depends on your individual needs and priorities. If you're looking for a large-screen tablet that offers excellent performance and features at a reasonable price, it's definitely worth considering. However, if you need the absolute latest and greatest technology, or if you're willing to spend more money for the newest features, then you might want to consider a newer iPad Pro model.
Alternatives to Consider
If you're not quite sold on the 2018 iPad Pro 12.9 inch, or if you're just curious about other options, here are a few alternatives to consider: The iPad Pro (2022): This is Apple's latest and greatest iPad Pro, featuring the powerful M2 chip, a stunning mini-LED display (on the 12.9-inch model), and Thunderbolt connectivity. It's the most expensive option, but it offers the best performance and features. The iPad Pro (2021): This model is similar to the 2022 iPad Pro, but it features the M1 chip instead of the M2. It's still a very powerful device and offers excellent performance. The iPad Air (5th Generation): This is a more affordable option that still offers great performance, thanks to its M1 chip. It has a smaller display than the iPad Pro, but it's still a great choice for those who need a portable and powerful tablet. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra: This is a high-end Android tablet that features a massive 14.6-inch display, a powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip, and a long-lasting battery. It's a great alternative to the iPad Pro for those who prefer Android. The Microsoft Surface Pro 8: This is a 2-in-1 device that can be used as both a tablet and a laptop. It features a 13-inch display, a powerful Intel Core processor, and a detachable keyboard. It's a great choice for those who need a versatile device for both work and play. When considering alternatives, it's important to think about your specific needs and priorities. Do you need the most powerful processor possible? Do you need a large display for multitasking? Do you need a detachable keyboard for typing? Once you've answered these questions, you can start to narrow down your options and find the best tablet for your needs. It's also a good idea to read reviews and compare specifications before making a purchase. Websites like CNET, TechRadar, and The Verge offer comprehensive reviews of the latest tablets, and they can help you make an informed decision.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 2018 iPad Pro 12.9 inch remains a compelling option for those seeking a large-screen tablet that balances performance, features, and affordability. While it may not boast the latest and greatest technology found in newer models, its A12X Bionic chip still delivers impressive performance for a wide range of tasks. The stunning Liquid Retina display, coupled with the versatility of the Apple Pencil, makes it a great tool for creative professionals and students alike. Considering its current market price, the 2018 iPad Pro presents excellent value for those on a budget. However, if you require cutting-edge performance or specific features like Thunderbolt connectivity or a mini-LED display, exploring newer iPad Pro models or alternatives like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra or Microsoft Surface Pro 8 might be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision hinges on your individual needs, priorities, and budget. Weigh the pros and cons carefully, research your options, and choose the tablet that best aligns with your requirements. Happy tablet hunting, guys! I hope this article has helped you in your decision. Good luck!