IPad Pro 2021 12.9 256GB: Still A Powerhouse?

by Jhon Lennon 47 views

Hey guys, let's dive into the iPad Pro 2021 12.9" 256GB! This thing was a real game-changer when it dropped, and even now, it's still a beast. We're going to break down everything from its features, its performance, what it's like to actually use day-to-day, and if it's still worth your hard-earned cash in 2024. Is the iPad Pro 2021 12.9" 256GB still a relevant device, or has it been surpassed by newer models or the competition? Let's find out, shall we?

Design and Display: A Visual Feast

Alright, first things first, let's talk about the look and feel. The iPad Pro 2021 12.9" keeps that sleek, premium design that Apple is known for. It's got those flat edges, which I personally love – feels super modern. It's crafted from recycled aluminum, which not only looks great but also gives it a solid, durable feel. This tablet is undeniably premium, and it shows. The build quality is top-notch, no creaks, no flex – just a beautifully designed piece of tech. The size is substantial, and the weight is noticeable, but not overly cumbersome. It's easy to hold, and comfortable to use, although, the weight might be a bit much for prolonged single-handed use. It’s a device that you can confidently throw in your bag. The color options are limited to the usual Apple suspects: Space Gray and Silver. Both look great, and complement the overall aesthetic nicely.

Now, the star of the show: the display. The 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display is absolutely stunning. This is not just a screen; it's an experience. The mini-LED backlighting is a serious upgrade. It allows for incredible brightness and contrast. Colors pop, blacks are deep and inky, and the dynamic range is superb. Watching videos, playing games, or even just browsing the web, everything looks amazing. The ProMotion technology, which provides a 120Hz refresh rate, makes everything feel incredibly smooth and responsive. Scrolling through web pages, and swiping through apps is buttery smooth, it's something you really have to experience to appreciate. This feature makes the entire user experience feel much more fluid. The display also supports True Tone, which adjusts the color temperature of the screen to match the ambient lighting of your environment, making it easier on your eyes. I'd say this is easily one of the best displays you can find on a tablet. And the screen real estate is fantastic. You get a huge canvas for work, play, or consuming media. This makes multitasking a breeze. Editing photos, creating documents, or just watching a movie is so immersive. In short, the display is one of the biggest reasons to consider this iPad. The resolution is crisp, and the viewing angles are perfect. You'll never be disappointed by the visual experience it provides. This is an area where the iPad Pro 2021 truly shines, delivering an experience that's hard to match.

Performance: Power Under the Hood

Inside, the iPad Pro 2021 packs an M1 chip, the same powerhouse chip found in some of Apple's Macs. This is a major upgrade over the previous generation and it makes a huge difference. Let me tell you, this thing is fast. Seriously fast. Everything from launching apps, to multitasking, to editing videos, happens instantly. There’s no lag, no stuttering – just pure, unadulterated speed. The M1 chip is incredibly efficient, too. This means the iPad Pro can handle demanding tasks without breaking a sweat, all while keeping the battery life pretty impressive.

You can run multiple apps side-by-side without any slowdown. Gaming is a dream. Graphics-intensive games run smoothly, with impressive detail. You'll be able to play the latest games at high settings without any frame rate issues. The M1 chip also supports incredibly fast storage, which means faster loading times and quicker access to your files. The base model comes with 8GB of RAM, which is more than enough for most users. If you plan on doing some serious video editing or running particularly demanding applications, you can opt for models with 16GB of RAM. The performance is consistently reliable. No matter what you throw at it, the iPad Pro 2021 handles it with ease. The M1 chip future-proofs the device to a large extent. It's capable of handling the latest software updates and the most demanding apps for years to come. In practical terms, this means you can expect your iPad Pro to stay fast and responsive, even as the software evolves. It's truly a powerhouse in a tablet form factor, and one of the biggest selling points for this device.

Accessories and Ecosystem: Enhancing the Experience

Alright, let’s talk about accessories. Apple's ecosystem really shines with the iPad Pro 2021. It integrates perfectly with the Apple Pencil (2nd generation) and the Magic Keyboard. The Apple Pencil attaches magnetically to the side of the iPad and charges wirelessly. This makes it super convenient, and the pairing process is seamless. The Apple Pencil unlocks a whole new level of functionality, whether you're taking notes, sketching, or drawing. It's incredibly responsive and accurate. The Magic Keyboard turns the iPad Pro into a powerful laptop replacement. It features a trackpad, a comfortable typing experience, and it protects the screen when closed. It connects magnetically, so it's super easy to attach and detach. The Magic Keyboard elevates the iPad Pro from a tablet to a true productivity machine. It offers a great typing experience, even for extended periods of use. The trackpad is responsive and accurate, and the overall design is sleek and well-integrated.

Besides the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard, there's a wide range of other accessories available, too. You can get external hard drives, USB-C hubs, and various other gadgets. The USB-C port on the iPad Pro makes connecting accessories easy. The seamless integration with other Apple devices is another huge benefit. You can easily share files between your iPad Pro and your iPhone or Mac. Features like AirDrop and Handoff make it easy to continue your work across all your devices. The ecosystem is a huge advantage, especially if you're already invested in other Apple products. It all just works together seamlessly. The integration enhances your overall productivity and the overall user experience.

Camera: Photography and Video Capabilities

Let’s chat about the camera. The iPad Pro 2021 has a pretty impressive camera system. It has a 12MP Wide camera and a 10MP Ultra Wide camera on the back. The rear cameras are capable of capturing high-quality photos and videos. The Ultra Wide lens is perfect for capturing group shots or landscapes. The image quality is excellent, with great detail and color accuracy. It's not necessarily a replacement for a dedicated camera, but it's more than capable for everyday use. You can also record video in up to 4K resolution at 60fps. The video quality is very good, with smooth and detailed footage.

On the front, you'll find a 12MP Ultra Wide camera with Center Stage. Center Stage automatically keeps you in the frame during video calls, which is a really cool feature. The front-facing camera also supports Portrait mode, which adds a nice depth-of-field effect to your selfies. Center Stage is especially useful for video calls. It automatically adjusts to keep you in the center of the frame, even if you move around. This makes for a much more engaging and enjoyable video call experience. The camera system is versatile and well-suited for a variety of tasks, from taking photos and videos to participating in video calls and more. The iPad Pro is a strong option if you are on the go. The camera system is a welcomed addition, enhancing the tablet's overall functionality and appeal.

Battery Life: Staying Powered Up

Battery life is always a key consideration. The iPad Pro 2021 has decent battery life. Apple claims you can get up to 10 hours of web browsing or video playback on a single charge. In my experience, the battery life is pretty solid. It's enough to get you through a full day of moderate use. If you're using the iPad Pro for more demanding tasks, such as video editing or gaming, the battery will drain faster. However, even with heavy usage, you should still get several hours of use. The battery life is generally very good.

The iPad Pro supports fast charging, so you can quickly top up the battery when needed. The charging speed will depend on the charger you use. With a fast charger, you can get a significant amount of charge in a relatively short amount of time. It's worth noting that the actual battery life will vary depending on how you use the device. The battery life is usually more than enough for most users, and the fast charging capabilities are a welcome addition. This is a very useful feature for those who are always on the go. Overall, the iPad Pro 2021 provides a solid battery life, making it a reliable companion for both work and play. You can trust it to last throughout the day, which helps enhance the overall user experience.

Software and User Experience: Smooth Sailing

Let's talk about the software. The iPad Pro 2021 runs on iPadOS, Apple's operating system designed specifically for iPads. iPadOS is incredibly user-friendly and intuitive. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. It offers a great user experience. Multitasking is a breeze. You can easily switch between apps, use split-screen view, and even use Slide Over to have multiple apps open at the same time. The experience is incredibly fluid and responsive.

The App Store has a vast library of apps optimized for iPad. You'll find apps for everything from productivity and creativity to entertainment and gaming. The software is continuously updated with new features and improvements. Apple regularly releases updates to enhance performance, add new features, and address any bugs. iPadOS also offers excellent integration with other Apple devices. You can seamlessly share files, use AirDrop, and continue your work across all your devices. The software is optimized to take full advantage of the iPad's hardware. This results in a smooth and responsive user experience. Overall, the software experience on the iPad Pro 2021 is a major highlight. It’s intuitive, powerful, and it contributes to the device's overall appeal and usability.

iPad Pro 2021 12.9" 256GB: Is it Worth It in 2024?

So, is the iPad Pro 2021 12.9" 256GB still a good buy in 2024? Honestly, it depends. If you're looking for the absolute best performance and features, the newer models, like the iPad Pro 2022, will offer some improvements, especially in areas like the M2 chip and the display. But that doesn’t mean the 2021 model is obsolete. It's still a very powerful tablet. The M1 chip is still blazing fast, and the display is incredible. The 256GB storage is plenty for most users, and the overall experience is still top-notch. If you can find a good deal on a used or refurbished model, it could be a fantastic value. Prices are going down, which makes it even more attractive.

Consider your needs. If you want a top-of-the-line tablet for creative work, gaming, or general productivity, the iPad Pro 2021 is still a great choice. You will want to determine the type of work you will use it for. If you're on a budget, or if the latest features aren't a priority, then the iPad Pro 2021 is definitely worth considering. It offers a premium experience at a slightly lower price point. Before you make a decision, compare the prices of the iPad Pro 2021 with the latest models, and see which one fits your budget and needs. Do your research, read reviews, and watch some videos to see if it is the right device for you. I think it remains an excellent choice in 2024.

Pros and Cons

Let's wrap things up with a quick rundown of the pros and cons:

Pros:

  • Stunning Liquid Retina XDR display: Incredible picture quality with mini-LED backlighting.
  • Powerful M1 chip: Super-fast performance for demanding tasks.
  • Excellent accessories: Supports Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard.
  • High-quality build: Premium design and feel.
  • Great software: iPadOS is user-friendly and intuitive.

Cons:

  • Price: Can be expensive, especially with accessories.
  • Weight: Can be a bit heavy.
  • No significant upgrades: Over the 2022 models.

Conclusion

So, there you have it, folks! The iPad Pro 2021 12.9" 256GB is still a fantastic tablet in 2024. It offers amazing performance, a stunning display, and a great overall user experience. While newer models have arrived, the 2021 iPad Pro remains a strong contender, particularly if you're looking for a great value. If you're in the market for a high-end tablet, this is definitely one to consider. Thanks for tuning in! Let me know in the comments if you have any questions. Cheers!