IPad Pro 2021: 12-inch, 256GB - Worth It In [current Year]?

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iPad Pro 2021: 12-inch, 256GB - Worth it in 2024?

Hey everyone! Let's dive into the iPad Pro 2021, specifically the 12-inch model with 256GB of storage. Is it still a worthwhile purchase in 2024, or should you be looking at newer options? We'll break down its key features, performance, what it's great for, and where it might fall short compared to the latest iPads. So, grab your favorite beverage, settle in, and let's get started!

Overview of the iPad Pro 2021 (12-inch, 256GB)

The iPad Pro 2021 was a major leap forward when it was released. The biggest highlight was the introduction of the Apple M1 chip, bringing a significant performance boost compared to previous iPad generations. This model features a stunning 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with ProMotion technology, meaning vibrant colors, incredible brightness, and a super smooth 120Hz refresh rate. The 256GB of storage offers ample space for apps, files, and creative projects. It also boasts impressive features like Thunderbolt/USB 4 support for fast data transfer and connectivity, a fantastic camera system, and, of course, iPadOS, which has matured into a powerful and versatile operating system. This iPad was designed for professionals and creatives who need a powerful and portable device. The combination of processing power and a beautiful display made it ideal for tasks like video editing, graphic design, and music production. It also catered to anyone who simply wanted the best possible tablet experience.

It's important to consider the context of its release. Before the M1 iPad Pro, iPads were often seen as consumption devices – great for watching videos, browsing the web, and playing games. The M1 chip changed that perception, positioning the iPad Pro as a legitimate tool for professional workflows. This shift was further solidified by iPadOS updates that introduced features like improved multitasking, better file management, and support for external displays. The 2021 iPad Pro was a statement piece, showcasing Apple's commitment to bridging the gap between tablets and laptops. The 256GB storage option hits a sweet spot for many users, providing enough space without the premium price tag of higher storage tiers. Overall, the iPad Pro 2021 was a game-changer, setting a new standard for tablet performance and features.

Key Features and Specifications

Let's delve deeper into the key features of the iPad Pro 2021 (12-inch, 256GB) to understand what makes it tick. At the heart of this beast lies the Apple M1 chip. This silicon is an 8-core CPU and 8-core GPU. This translates to seriously snappy performance for everything from everyday tasks to demanding creative workflows. You'll notice the difference when editing 4K video, rendering complex graphics, or playing graphically intensive games. The 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display is another standout feature. It uses mini-LED technology to achieve incredible brightness and contrast, resulting in a stunning visual experience. ProMotion technology dynamically adjusts the refresh rate up to 120Hz, making scrolling and animations feel incredibly smooth and responsive. The display also supports P3 wide color gamut, ensuring accurate and vibrant color reproduction, crucial for creative professionals.

Moving on to storage, the 256GB provides ample space for most users. It's enough to store a large library of photos, videos, and documents, as well as a good selection of apps and games. If you're a professional who works with large files, you might consider a higher storage option, but for the average user, 256GB is a solid choice. The iPad Pro 2021 also boasts a Thunderbolt/USB 4 port, offering blazing-fast data transfer speeds and connectivity to external displays, docks, and other peripherals. This is a significant advantage for professionals who need to move large files quickly or connect to external monitors for a more desktop-like experience. On the camera front, the iPad Pro 2021 features a 12MP Wide camera and a 10MP Ultra Wide camera, delivering excellent image quality for photos and videos. It also includes a LiDAR scanner, which enhances augmented reality (AR) experiences. The front-facing 12MP Ultra Wide camera with Center Stage is great for video calls, automatically keeping you in frame as you move around. Other notable features include Wi-Fi 6 support for fast wireless connectivity, all-day battery life, and support for the Apple Pencil (2nd generation) and Magic Keyboard.

Performance and Benchmarks

When the iPad Pro 2021 launched, its performance was a major talking point, largely thanks to the Apple M1 chip. Ditching the A-series chips found in previous iPads, the M1 brought desktop-class performance to the tablet world. What does this mean in real-world use? Everything feels incredibly fast and responsive. Apps launch instantly, multitasking is a breeze, and even the most demanding tasks are handled with ease. Benchmarks confirm this impressive performance. The iPad Pro 2021 consistently scores high in tests like Geekbench and AnTuTu, outperforming many laptops and even some desktop computers. The M1 chip's 8-core CPU and 8-core GPU provide a significant boost in both processing power and graphics performance. This makes the iPad Pro 2021 ideal for tasks like video editing, photo editing, graphic design, and 3D modeling.

Gamers will also appreciate the iPad Pro 2021's performance. It can handle even the most graphically intensive games at high settings without breaking a sweat. The ProMotion display's 120Hz refresh rate makes gaming even more immersive and responsive. Beyond raw power, the M1 chip also brings improvements to power efficiency. The iPad Pro 2021 can easily last a full day on a single charge, even with heavy use. This is a significant advantage for professionals who need to work on the go. It's important to note that while benchmarks provide a useful comparison, they don't always tell the whole story. The iPad Pro 2021's performance is also heavily influenced by iPadOS, which is optimized for the M1 chip. The combination of powerful hardware and optimized software results in a seamless and responsive user experience. While newer iPads with M2 and M3 chips offer even better performance, the iPad Pro 2021 is still a powerhouse that can handle virtually anything you throw at it.

Who is the iPad Pro 2021 (12-inch, 256GB) For?

The iPad Pro 2021 (12-inch, 256GB) targets a specific audience. It's not just for casual users who want to browse the web and watch videos. It's designed for professionals, creatives, and power users who need a portable and powerful device. If you're a video editor, the iPad Pro 2021 can handle 4K video editing with ease. The M1 chip provides enough processing power to smoothly edit multiple streams of video, and the Liquid Retina XDR display offers accurate color reproduction for color grading. If you're a photographer, the iPad Pro 2021 is a great tool for editing photos on the go. The large display provides plenty of screen real estate for working with images, and the M1 chip ensures fast and responsive performance. Graphic designers will also appreciate the iPad Pro 2021. It's compatible with the Apple Pencil, allowing for precise drawing and sketching. The M1 chip can handle demanding graphic design applications like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. Musicians can use the iPad Pro 2021 for recording, mixing, and producing music. It's compatible with a wide range of audio interfaces and MIDI controllers, and the M1 chip provides enough processing power for running complex audio plugins.

Beyond creative professionals, the iPad Pro 2021 is also a good choice for students and business professionals. It's a great device for taking notes, reading documents, and creating presentations. The Magic Keyboard turns the iPad Pro 2021 into a capable laptop replacement, and the long battery life ensures you can work all day without needing to recharge. However, it's important to consider whether you truly need the power and features of the iPad Pro. If you primarily use a tablet for browsing the web, watching videos, and checking email, a less expensive iPad model might be a better choice. The iPad Air, for example, offers a good balance of performance and features at a lower price point. Ultimately, the iPad Pro 2021 is for those who demand the best possible performance and features in a tablet. It's a powerful and versatile device that can handle a wide range of tasks.

Pros and Cons in 2024

Okay, so it's 2024. Let's get real about the pros and cons of buying an iPad Pro 2021 (12-inch, 256GB) right now. Is it still a good deal, or are you better off spending your money elsewhere?

Pros:

  • Still Powerful: The M1 chip is no slouch. It can handle most tasks you throw at it, even demanding creative workflows. You won't be left wanting for power in most situations. Apps still run incredibly well. I have not noticed slowdowns. The M1 is still an excellent chip, even when compared with M2 and M3 chips. I recommend this product for someone looking for processing power and high end graphics.
  • Excellent Display: The Liquid Retina XDR display is gorgeous. It's bright, vibrant, and offers excellent color accuracy. Watching videos and editing photos on this display is a treat. The mini-LED technology provides incredible contrast. When watching videos, the experience cannot be understated.
  • Ample Storage: 256GB is a sweet spot for most users. It's enough to store a good amount of files, apps, and games. You likely will not be filling up your storage in 2024. The cloud is also cheap, so you can offload all your large files to the cloud if you need more space.
  • Thunderbolt Port: The Thunderbolt port is still a valuable asset. It allows you to connect to external displays, docks, and other peripherals with ease. The transfer speeds are also blazing fast. Connecting peripherals is easy to do.
  • Potentially Lower Price: Because it's an older model, you might be able to find the iPad Pro 2021 at a discounted price, especially if you buy it used or refurbished. Older products tend to decrease in value.

Cons:

  • No Longer the Latest and Greatest: Newer iPads with M2 and M3 chips offer even better performance. If you absolutely need the latest and greatest, the iPad Pro 2021 isn't for you. Newer processors offer faster speeds.
  • Software Updates: While the iPad Pro 2021 will continue to receive iPadOS updates for several years, it might not get all the latest features in the future. It will still receive software updates, but there will be a time when the iPad Pro 2021 will no longer be supported.
  • Battery life: While still acceptable, battery life may degrade depending on the amount of use.
  • Price Versus Newer iPads: Shop around and compare prices. If the price difference between a used 2021 model and a new iPad Air (5th Gen) is minimal, the new iPad Air may be a better choice. Weigh the value and research. Check the prices and be sure to make an informed decision.

Alternatives to Consider

Before you make a final decision on the iPad Pro 2021, let's quickly consider some alternatives that might be a better fit for your needs and budget. The most obvious alternative is the iPad Pro (M2 or M3). These newer models offer faster performance, improved features, and the latest technology. However, they also come with a higher price tag. If you're a power user who demands the absolute best, the latest iPad Pro is worth considering. Another great alternative is the iPad Air (5th generation). It offers a good balance of performance and features at a more affordable price. It's powered by the M1 chip, so it's still plenty fast for most tasks. However, it lacks some of the high-end features of the iPad Pro, such as the Liquid Retina XDR display and ProMotion technology. The standard iPad is also a good choice for casual users who don't need the power and features of the iPad Pro or iPad Air. It's the most affordable iPad model, and it's still capable of handling everyday tasks like browsing the web, watching videos, and checking email.

Lastly, consider an Android Tablet. Android tablets have improved over the years and they offer great value and functionality. While the experience will be very different from iOS, Android tablets may offer some apps not available on iPad. The biggest advantage might be price. Be sure to consider all options before purchasing!

Final Verdict: Is it Worth Buying in 2024?

So, the big question: Is the iPad Pro 2021 (12-inch, 256GB) worth buying in 2024? The answer, as always, depends on your individual needs and budget. If you can find it at a good price (used or refurbished), and you don't need the absolute latest and greatest technology, the iPad Pro 2021 is still a great option. It offers excellent performance, a stunning display, and ample storage. It's a capable device for creative professionals, students, and anyone who needs a powerful and portable tablet.

However, if you're willing to spend a bit more, the newer iPad Pro models offer even better performance and features. The iPad Air (5th generation) is also a good alternative if you want to save some money without sacrificing too much performance. Ultimately, the best way to decide is to weigh your options, consider your budget, and think about how you'll be using the iPad. Do your research, compare prices, and read reviews before making a final decision. With a little bit of effort, you can find the perfect iPad for your needs. Thanks for reading, guys! Hope this helped! Good luck with your purchase!