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

Hey everyone! Today, let's talk about the iPad Pro 12.9 3rd Generation released in 2018. This device was a game-changer when it hit the market, and even now, it holds up surprisingly well. We’re going to explore everything from its design and performance to its display and overall user experience. If you’re considering buying one used or just curious about this classic iPad, you’re in the right place.

Design and Build Quality

The iPad Pro 12.9 3rd Generation brought a fresh new design to the iPad lineup. Gone were the rounded edges; in came a sleek, flat-edged design that gives it a modern and professional look. This design isn't just for aesthetics; it also makes the iPad easier to hold and handle, especially when you're using it for extended periods. The bezels around the screen are significantly reduced compared to previous models, offering a more immersive viewing experience. This is particularly noticeable when watching videos or working on creative projects.

Apple switched to a USB-C port with this model, a welcome change for many users. This allows for faster data transfer and the ability to connect to a wider range of accessories, such as external displays and cameras. The inclusion of USB-C was a significant step towards making the iPad Pro a more versatile and professional tool. The build quality is, as expected from Apple, top-notch. The aluminum unibody construction feels incredibly solid and premium. There’s no flex or creaking, giving you confidence in its durability. Despite its large size, the iPad Pro 12.9 is surprisingly thin and light, making it easy to carry around in a backpack or briefcase. The dimensions are optimized to provide the largest screen possible while maintaining a manageable form factor. Overall, the design and build quality of the iPad Pro 12.9 3rd Generation are excellent, making it a pleasure to use and own. It feels like a premium device, which is exactly what you'd expect from an iPad Pro.

Display: A Visual Feast

Speaking of the display, the iPad Pro 12.9 3rd Generation boasts a stunning Liquid Retina display. This isn't just any LCD; it's an incredibly advanced panel with ProMotion technology. ProMotion automatically adjusts the refresh rate up to 120Hz, making scrolling, animations, and drawing feel incredibly smooth and responsive. This is especially noticeable when using the Apple Pencil, as it reduces latency and makes writing and drawing feel more natural.

The display is also incredibly bright and vibrant, with excellent color accuracy. It supports the P3 wide color gamut, which means it can display a wider range of colors than standard displays. This is crucial for creative professionals who need accurate color representation for their work. Whether you're editing photos, watching movies, or designing graphics, the display on the iPad Pro 12.9 delivers an exceptional visual experience. The high resolution ensures that everything looks sharp and detailed, and the anti-reflective coating helps to reduce glare in bright lighting conditions. This makes it easier to use the iPad outdoors or in brightly lit environments. The display is one of the standout features of the iPad Pro 12.9 3rd Generation, and it's a major reason why this device is so enjoyable to use. Whether you're a creative professional or just someone who enjoys watching videos and browsing the web, you'll appreciate the quality and performance of this display.

Performance: Power Under the Hood

Under the hood, the iPad Pro 12.9 3rd Generation is powered by the A12X Bionic chip. This chip is an absolute beast, offering incredible performance for everything from everyday tasks to demanding creative workloads. It can handle video editing, 3D modeling, and graphic design with ease. The A12X Bionic chip is significantly faster than the previous generation, and it's still incredibly powerful even by today's standards. It features an 8-core CPU and a 7-core GPU, which provides plenty of power for multitasking and running graphics-intensive applications. The iPad Pro 12.9 also has plenty of RAM, which allows you to keep multiple apps open in the background without experiencing any slowdown. Whether you're a student, a professional, or just someone who enjoys using their iPad for entertainment, the performance of the iPad Pro 12.9 3rd Generation is sure to impress.

The A12X Bionic chip also includes a Neural Engine, which accelerates machine learning tasks. This allows the iPad to perform tasks like image recognition and natural language processing more efficiently. The Neural Engine also enables features like Face ID, which is incredibly fast and reliable. The combination of the A12X Bionic chip, plenty of RAM, and the Neural Engine makes the iPad Pro 12.9 3rd Generation a powerhouse of a device. It's capable of handling anything you throw at it, and it will continue to perform well for years to come. The iPad Pro 12.9 3rd Generation remains remarkably responsive, even when running the latest iPadOS updates. You won't find yourself waiting for apps to load or experiencing lag when multitasking. This level of performance is crucial for professionals who rely on their iPad for work, as it allows them to be productive and efficient.

Accessories and Ecosystem

The iPad Pro 12.9 3rd Generation works seamlessly with Apple's accessories, enhancing its functionality and versatility. The second-generation Apple Pencil is a must-have for creative professionals and anyone who enjoys taking notes or drawing. It attaches magnetically to the side of the iPad for charging and storage, and it offers improved latency and precision compared to the first-generation Apple Pencil. The Smart Keyboard Folio is another essential accessory for anyone who plans to use their iPad for typing. It provides a comfortable and responsive typing experience, and it also doubles as a protective case for the iPad. The USB-C port opens up a world of possibilities, allowing you to connect to external displays, cameras, and other accessories. You can even use the iPad to charge other devices, like your iPhone or Apple Watch.

Apple's ecosystem is another major advantage of the iPad Pro 12.9 3rd Generation. It seamlessly integrates with other Apple devices, allowing you to easily share files and data between your iPhone, Mac, and iPad. Features like Handoff allow you to start a task on one device and continue it on another. iCloud ensures that your data is always backed up and synchronized across all your devices. The App Store offers a vast selection of apps optimized for the iPad, including professional-grade apps for creative tasks like video editing, graphic design, and music production. Whether you're a student, a professional, or just someone who enjoys using technology, Apple's ecosystem makes the iPad Pro 12.9 3rd Generation a powerful and versatile tool. The availability of high-quality accessories and the seamless integration with other Apple devices make the iPad Pro a compelling choice for anyone looking for a tablet that can do it all.

Is It Worth It in [Current Year]?

So, is the iPad Pro 12.9 3rd Generation still worth buying in [Current Year]? The answer is a resounding yes, especially if you can find one at a good price. While it may not have the latest and greatest features of the newest iPads, it still offers excellent performance, a stunning display, and a premium design. It's more than capable of handling most tasks, and it will continue to receive software updates from Apple for years to come. If you're a creative professional, a student, or just someone who enjoys using an iPad, the iPad Pro 12.9 3rd Generation is a great option.

Of course, there are a few things to consider before buying one. The battery life is decent, but it may not last all day if you're using it for demanding tasks. The camera is good, but it's not as advanced as the cameras on the latest iPhones. And while the A12X Bionic chip is still powerful, it's not as fast as the chips in the newest iPads. However, these are minor drawbacks, and they're easily outweighed by the iPad Pro 12.9 3rd Generation's many strengths. If you're looking for a high-performance tablet that won't break the bank, the iPad Pro 12.9 3rd Generation is an excellent choice.

Final Thoughts

The iPad Pro 12.9 3rd Generation remains a fantastic device that offers a compelling combination of performance, design, and features. Its powerful processor, beautiful display, and support for Apple's accessories make it a versatile tool for both creative professionals and casual users. If you're in the market for a used iPad, this model is definitely worth considering. You'll get a premium experience without paying a premium price.

So, there you have it! A comprehensive look at the iPad Pro 12.9 3rd Generation. Hope this helps you make an informed decision!