IPad Pro 2021 (12-inch, 256GB): Review & Worth It?

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iPad Pro 2021 (12-inch, 256GB): Is It Still a Champ in Today's Tech Arena?

Hey tech enthusiasts! Let's dive deep into the iPad Pro 2021 (12-inch, 256GB). Even though it's not the newest kid on the block anymore, it's still a serious contender. We're going to break down what makes this iPad Pro tick, who it's perfect for, and whether it's still worth your hard-earned cash in today's ever-evolving tech landscape. So, buckle up and let's get started!

Display and Design: A Visual Feast

Let's kick things off with the display because, honestly, it's one of the main reasons why people fall in love with the iPad Pro. The 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display is an absolute stunner. We're talking vibrant colors, incredible contrast, and a level of detail that'll make your photos and videos pop like never before. The ProMotion technology, which offers an adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz, ensures that everything feels incredibly smooth and responsive, whether you're scrolling through web pages, sketching with the Apple Pencil, or gaming. The high brightness is a game-changer, especially if you're using your iPad outdoors or in brightly lit environments. You'll be able to see the screen clearly without straining your eyes, which is a huge plus for productivity and entertainment. The anti-reflective coating is another welcome addition, minimizing glare and making the display even more enjoyable to use in various lighting conditions.

Now, let's talk about the design. The iPad Pro 2021 sports a sleek and modern design with flat edges and slim bezels, giving it a premium and sophisticated look. It feels incredibly solid and well-built, thanks to its aluminum enclosure. The slim profile and lightweight design make it surprisingly portable for a device with such a large display. You can easily slip it into a backpack or briefcase and take it with you on the go. The placement of the power button and volume controls is intuitive and easy to reach. The inclusion of Thunderbolt/USB 4 port is a huge advantage, allowing you to connect to a wide range of accessories and external displays. Whether you're transferring files, connecting to a monitor, or using a high-speed storage device, the Thunderbolt port has you covered. The four-speaker audio system delivers rich and immersive sound, making it perfect for watching movies, listening to music, or video conferencing. You'll be amazed by the clarity and depth of the audio, which enhances the overall entertainment experience.

Performance: Still a Powerhouse

Under the hood, the iPad Pro 2021 packs Apple's M1 chip, which delivers a massive leap in performance compared to previous generations. This thing is seriously fast, guys! Whether you're multitasking, editing videos, or playing graphics-intensive games, the M1 chip handles everything with ease. You won't experience any lag or slowdown, even when pushing the iPad to its limits. The 8-core CPU and 8-core GPU provide plenty of processing power and graphical horsepower, ensuring that you can tackle any task you throw at it. The 256GB of storage provides ample space for your files, apps, and media. You won't have to worry about running out of storage anytime soon, unless you're planning to store a massive library of videos or high-resolution photos. The M1 chip also brings significant improvements to machine learning tasks, making the iPad Pro even more capable for tasks like image recognition, natural language processing, and augmented reality. You'll be able to take advantage of advanced features in apps that leverage machine learning, such as real-time translation, object detection, and more.

The M1 chip's efficiency also contributes to excellent battery life. You can easily get through a full day of use on a single charge, even with demanding tasks like video editing or gaming. This is a huge advantage for professionals and creatives who need to stay productive on the go. The iPad Pro also supports fast charging, so you can quickly top it up when needed. The combination of power and efficiency is what sets the M1 chip apart from other processors in its class. It allows the iPad Pro to deliver desktop-class performance without sacrificing battery life or portability. Whether you're a creative professional, a student, or a casual user, you'll appreciate the speed and responsiveness of the M1 chip.

Who Is This iPad For?

The iPad Pro 2021 (12-inch, 256GB) isn't for everyone, but it's an absolute dream machine for certain types of users:

  • Creative Professionals: Graphic designers, video editors, photographers, and artists will adore the stunning display, powerful performance, and Apple Pencil support. It's a portable creative studio that you can take anywhere.
  • Students: The iPad Pro is a fantastic tool for note-taking, research, and studying. The Apple Pencil makes it easy to annotate documents and create handwritten notes, while the large display provides plenty of space for multitasking.
  • Business Users: The iPad Pro can be a great productivity tool for business users who need to stay connected and productive on the go. The Smart Keyboard Folio and Magic Keyboard turn it into a laptop replacement, while the Thunderbolt port allows you to connect to external displays and accessories.
  • Anyone Who Wants the Best: If you simply want the best iPad experience possible, the iPad Pro 2021 is the way to go. It offers a combination of power, performance, and features that no other iPad can match.

Software and Features: iPadOS at Its Finest

The iPad Pro 2021 runs on iPadOS, which is designed to take full advantage of the iPad's unique features. iPadOS offers a range of features that enhance productivity, creativity, and entertainment.

  • Multitasking: iPadOS makes it easy to multitask with features like Slide Over, Split View, and Stage Manager. You can run multiple apps side-by-side, switch between apps quickly, and resize app windows to fit your workflow.
  • Apple Pencil Support: The Apple Pencil is a game-changer for creative professionals and students. It offers precise and responsive input, making it perfect for sketching, drawing, note-taking, and annotating documents.
  • Files App: The Files app provides a central location for accessing your files from various sources, including iCloud Drive, Dropbox, Google Drive, and external storage devices. You can easily manage your files, organize them into folders, and share them with others.
  • Widgets: iPadOS allows you to add widgets to your home screen, giving you quick access to information like weather, calendar events, and news headlines. You can customize your home screen with widgets that are most relevant to you.
  • Universal Control: Universal Control allows you to seamlessly control your iPad and Mac using the same keyboard and mouse or trackpad. You can move your cursor between devices, drag and drop files, and even copy and paste content between them.

Is It Still Worth It in [Current Year]?

Okay, so here's the million-dollar question: Is the iPad Pro 2021 (12-inch, 256GB) still a worthwhile purchase in [Current Year]? The answer is a resounding it depends. While newer models have since been released, the 2021 iPad Pro remains an incredibly capable device. If you can find it at a discounted price, it offers excellent value for money. However, if you need the absolute latest and greatest features, such as the M2 chip or the redesigned display of the newer models, you might want to consider those instead. But for most users, the iPad Pro 2021 is still a powerhouse that can handle just about anything you throw at it.

Here's a quick rundown to help you decide:

Buy it if:

  • You can find it at a good price.
  • You need a powerful and versatile tablet for creative work or productivity.
  • You appreciate a stunning display and excellent performance.

Consider other options if:

  • You need the absolute latest features and performance.
  • You're on a tight budget.
  • You don't need the extra power and features of the Pro model.

Alternatives to Consider

If the iPad Pro 2021 isn't quite the right fit for you, here are a few alternatives to consider:

  • iPad Pro (Newer Models): The latest iPad Pro models offer even more power and features, such as the M2 chip, a redesigned display, and enhanced camera capabilities.
  • iPad Air: The iPad Air is a great option for those who want a balance of power and portability. It offers a similar design to the iPad Pro but at a more affordable price.
  • Samsung Galaxy Tab S8/S9: Samsung's Galaxy Tab S series offers a compelling alternative to the iPad Pro, with features like a vibrant AMOLED display, S Pen support, and a DeX mode that turns the tablet into a desktop-like experience.

Conclusion: A Timeless Tablet

In conclusion, the iPad Pro 2021 (12-inch, 256GB) is a fantastic tablet that still holds its own in today's market. Its stunning display, powerful performance, and versatile features make it a great choice for creative professionals, students, and anyone who wants the best iPad experience possible. While newer models have since been released, the 2021 iPad Pro remains an excellent value, especially if you can find it at a discounted price. So, if you're in the market for a high-end tablet, don't count this one out just yet!