IPad Pro 2021 (12.9-inch, 1TB): Review & Should You Buy?

Hey everyone! Today, let's dive deep into the iPad Pro 2021 12.9-inch model with a whopping 1TB of storage. We're going to cover everything you need to know about this powerhouse of a tablet, from its stunning display and blazing-fast performance to its price tag and whether it’s actually worth the investment for you. So, grab your favorite beverage, sit back, and let's get started!

Unboxing and First Impressions

Okay, so first things first, unboxing the iPad Pro 2021 is always a treat. Apple's packaging is sleek and minimal, and you immediately get that premium vibe. Inside the box, you'll find the iPad Pro itself, a USB-C charging cable, and a power adapter. Nothing too fancy, but everything you need to get started. Holding the iPad Pro for the first time, you'll notice how incredibly thin and light it is, despite its size. The build quality is top-notch, with a smooth aluminum finish that feels great in your hands. The 12.9-inch display is absolutely gorgeous, and the slim bezels really make it feel immersive. I immediately wanted to turn it on and start watching videos. The weight feels balanced, making it comfortable to hold for extended periods, whether you're reading, drawing, or just browsing the web. The overall design screams premium, and it's clear that Apple has paid attention to every little detail. The squared-off edges give it a modern look, and the placement of the buttons and ports is intuitive. Seriously, you'll appreciate the attention to detail the moment you pick it up. It just feels expensive – in a good way!

Display: Liquid Retina XDR is a Game Changer

Let's talk about the star of the show: the Liquid Retina XDR display. This thing is seriously impressive. It uses mini-LED technology, which means it has thousands of tiny LEDs behind the screen that can be individually controlled. This results in incredible contrast, brightness, and color accuracy. Blacks are deeper, whites are brighter, and everything just pops off the screen. Whether you're watching movies, editing photos, or just browsing the web, the display is a joy to look at. The 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate also makes a huge difference. Everything feels incredibly smooth and responsive, from scrolling through web pages to playing games. It's one of those things that you have to see to believe. The display is also incredibly sharp, with a resolution of 2732 x 2048 pixels. This means that text looks crisp and clear, and images are incredibly detailed. If you're a creative professional who works with photos or videos, you'll really appreciate the accuracy and detail of this display. It's also great for watching HDR content. Movies and TV shows look absolutely stunning, with vibrant colors and incredible contrast. The display supports a wide color gamut, so you can be sure that you're seeing colors as they were intended to be seen. It truly is a game changer for creative workflows and media consumption.

Performance: M1 Chip Unleashes Power

Under the hood, the iPad Pro 2021 is powered by Apple's M1 chip. This is the same chip that you'll find in the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Mac mini. It's incredibly powerful and efficient, and it makes the iPad Pro feel incredibly fast and responsive. Whether you're multitasking, editing videos, or playing graphics-intensive games, the iPad Pro can handle it all with ease. The M1 chip has an 8-core CPU and an 8-core GPU, which means it can handle even the most demanding tasks. It also has a 16-core Neural Engine, which is used for machine learning tasks. This allows the iPad Pro to do things like recognize faces in photos, translate languages in real-time, and improve the performance of apps. The 1TB storage option also means you have plenty of space for all your files, apps, and media. You won't have to worry about running out of storage anytime soon. The iPad Pro absolutely flies through everything you throw at it. Apps launch instantly, multitasking is seamless, and even the most demanding games run smoothly at the highest settings. It's a huge step up from previous generations of iPad Pro, and it really blurs the line between tablet and laptop performance. If you're a professional who needs a powerful and portable device, the iPad Pro 2021 is definitely worth considering.

Storage: Is 1TB Overkill?

Now, let’s talk about that 1TB of storage. Is it overkill? For some, absolutely. But for others, it's a lifesaver. If you're a creative professional who works with large files, like 4K videos or high-resolution photos, then you'll definitely appreciate having that much storage. It allows you to keep all your files on your device without having to worry about running out of space. It's also great if you like to download a lot of movies, TV shows, or games. With 1TB of storage, you can have a massive library of content with you wherever you go. However, if you mostly use your iPad for browsing the web, checking email, and streaming videos, then you probably don't need that much storage. The 128GB or 256GB models might be a better fit for you. Ultimately, it depends on your individual needs and how you plan to use your iPad. Think about how much storage you're currently using on your devices and whether you anticipate needing more in the future. If you're unsure, it's always better to err on the side of having too much storage rather than not enough. Remember, you can't upgrade the storage on an iPad after you buy it, so choose wisely! This is especially crucial if you plan to shoot a lot of Pro Res videos or use massive sample libraries and sound banks within music production apps like Cubasis 3 or GarageBand. You will fill up your storage quicker than you think.

Camera and Audio: Impressive Upgrades

The camera system on the iPad Pro 2021 is also impressive. It has a 12MP Wide camera and a 10MP Ultra Wide camera, as well as a LiDAR scanner. The LiDAR scanner is used for augmented reality applications, and it helps to improve the accuracy of depth sensing. The cameras are capable of recording 4K video at up to 60fps, and they also support features like Cinematic video stabilization and extended dynamic range for video. The front-facing camera is a 12MP Ultra Wide camera with Center Stage. Center Stage is a feature that automatically adjusts the camera to keep you in the frame, even if you move around. This is great for video calls and online meetings. The audio quality on the iPad Pro 2021 is also excellent. It has four speakers that deliver immersive sound, and it supports spatial audio. This means that you can experience surround sound effects when watching movies or playing games. The speakers are loud and clear, and they provide a good amount of bass. Whether you're listening to music, watching videos, or playing games, the audio quality is sure to impress. The microphones are also high quality, and they do a great job of capturing your voice during video calls. The addition of the LiDAR scanner significantly enhances AR experiences, making them more immersive and realistic. The cameras capture sharp, detailed photos and videos, even in low-light conditions, which make it useful for content creation. The audio quality is impressive, providing an immersive listening experience for music, movies, and games.

iPadOS and Software Experience

The iPad Pro 2021 runs on iPadOS, which is Apple's operating system for iPads. iPadOS is based on iOS, but it has been optimized for the larger screen size of the iPad. It includes features like multitasking, Slide Over, and Split View, which allow you to run multiple apps at the same time. It also supports the Apple Pencil, which is a stylus that can be used for drawing, writing, and note-taking. The software experience on the iPad Pro 2021 is smooth and intuitive. The operating system is easy to navigate, and the apps are well-designed. The iPad Pro also supports a wide range of apps, including productivity apps, creative apps, and games. One of the best things about iPadOS is that it's constantly being updated with new features and improvements. Apple regularly releases new versions of iPadOS that add new functionality and improve the overall user experience. The iPadOS has come a long way in recent years, adding features like widgets, a redesigned home screen, and improved multitasking capabilities. It's still not quite as versatile as macOS, but it's getting closer with each update. The Apple Pencil integration is seamless, making it a joy to use for drawing, note-taking, and other creative tasks. The app ecosystem is also a major strength, with a wide range of high-quality apps available for everything from photo editing to music production. Using Stage Manager improves multitasking and external display support; the iPadOS is really coming into its own as a powerful and versatile platform.

Accessories: Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard

To really get the most out of your iPad Pro, you'll probably want to invest in some accessories. The two most popular accessories are the Apple Pencil and the Magic Keyboard. The Apple Pencil is a stylus that allows you to draw, write, and take notes on your iPad. It's incredibly precise and responsive, and it feels just like writing on paper. The Magic Keyboard is a keyboard case that attaches to your iPad magnetically. It has a built-in trackpad, which makes it easy to navigate the iPadOS interface. The Magic Keyboard also provides a comfortable typing experience, making it great for writing emails, documents, and articles. These accessories can significantly enhance your productivity and creativity, but they also come at a premium price. The Apple Pencil is a must-have for artists, designers, and anyone who likes to take handwritten notes. The Magic Keyboard transforms the iPad Pro into a capable laptop replacement, making it ideal for students, writers, and professionals. The combination of the iPad Pro, Apple Pencil, and Magic Keyboard creates a powerful and versatile workstation. It might be expensive, but if you rely on your iPad for work or creative projects, it's worth the investment.

Price and Value: Is It Worth It?

Okay, let's talk about the elephant in the room: the price. The iPad Pro 2021 12.9-inch with 1TB of storage is not cheap. It starts at a pretty penny, and that's before you add in the cost of the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard. So, is it worth it? That depends on your individual needs and budget. If you're a professional who needs a powerful and portable device for creative tasks, then the iPad Pro 2021 is definitely worth considering. The M1 chip, stunning display, and ample storage make it a powerhouse for photo editing, video editing, and graphic design. However, if you're mostly using your iPad for browsing the web, checking email, and streaming videos, then you might be better off with a cheaper iPad, like the iPad Air or the standard iPad. These iPads are still great devices, and they offer a good balance of performance and price. Ultimately, the decision comes down to how you plan to use your iPad and how much you're willing to spend. Consider your budget, your needs, and the features that are most important to you. If you can justify the cost, the iPad Pro 2021 is an amazing device that can significantly enhance your productivity and creativity. But if you're on a tight budget, there are other great iPads that offer excellent value for money. Seriously think about it.

Final Verdict

So, after all that, what's the final verdict on the iPad Pro 2021 12.9-inch 1TB? Well, it's undoubtedly a fantastic device. The display is gorgeous, the performance is blazing fast, and the storage is ample. It's perfect for creative professionals, students, and anyone who wants a powerful and portable tablet. However, it's also expensive, and it might be overkill for some users. If you need the best of the best, and you're willing to pay for it, then the iPad Pro 2021 is the way to go. But if you're on a budget, there are other great iPads that offer excellent value. Consider your needs, your budget, and the features that are most important to you, and then make the decision that's right for you. No matter what you decide, I hope this review has been helpful! Thanks for reading, and I'll see you in the next one!