IPad Pro 2018 (12.9-inch): A Comprehensive Review
Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into the iPad Pro 2018 12.9-inch, a tablet that still holds its own even in today's fast-paced tech world. If you're wondering whether this older model is worth considering, or you're just curious about its features and performance, you're in the right place. Let's get started!
Design and Build Quality
The iPad Pro 2018 12.9-inch boasts a stunning edge-to-edge Liquid Retina display, which was a game-changer back in 2018. The slim bezels give it a modern look, maximizing the screen real estate for an immersive viewing experience. Apple ditched the home button for Face ID, making it feel even more premium. The tablet is incredibly thin and light, making it portable despite its large size. The aluminum unibody construction feels robust and high-quality, as you'd expect from an Apple product. The squared-off edges provide a comfortable grip, and the overall design exudes elegance. It’s available in two colors: Silver and Space Gray, both of which look sleek and professional. One notable design change was the introduction of the USB-C port, replacing the Lightning port, which allows for faster data transfer and compatibility with a wider range of accessories. This was a welcome addition for professionals who needed to connect external devices.
Beyond aesthetics, the build quality of the iPad Pro 2018 is top-notch. The aluminum casing provides excellent protection against everyday wear and tear. The display is durable and resistant to scratches, although a screen protector is always a good idea for added peace of mind. The buttons are tactile and responsive, and the speakers are strategically placed to deliver immersive audio. Apple paid attention to every detail, ensuring that the iPad Pro 2018 feels like a premium device in every way. Even years after its release, the design still feels modern and sophisticated, a testament to Apple's design prowess. The seamless integration of hardware and software creates a user experience that is both intuitive and enjoyable. Whether you're using it for work or play, the iPad Pro 2018's design and build quality will undoubtedly impress.
Display and Audio
The 12.9-inch Liquid Retina display on the iPad Pro 2018 is truly a sight to behold. With a resolution of 2732 x 2048 pixels, it delivers sharp, vibrant, and incredibly detailed visuals. The ProMotion technology dynamically adjusts the refresh rate up to 120Hz, making scrolling and animations buttery smooth. This not only enhances the user experience but also reduces eye strain during prolonged use. The display supports the P3 wide color gamut, ensuring accurate and lifelike colors, which is crucial for creative professionals working with photos and videos. The anti-reflective coating minimizes glare, making it comfortable to use in bright environments. Whether you're watching movies, editing photos, or browsing the web, the display on the iPad Pro 2018 is sure to impress.
In addition to its stunning visuals, the iPad Pro 2018 also boasts an impressive audio system. It features four speakers, strategically placed to deliver immersive stereo sound. The audio quality is rich, clear, and surprisingly loud for a tablet. Whether you're watching movies, listening to music, or playing games, the iPad Pro 2018's audio system enhances the overall experience. The speakers are well-balanced, with crisp highs, clear mids, and decent bass. The soundstage is wide and immersive, creating a realistic listening experience. The iPad Pro 2018's display and audio capabilities make it an excellent device for media consumption and creative tasks. Whether you're a casual user or a professional, you'll appreciate the quality and attention to detail that Apple has put into these features. The combination of stunning visuals and immersive audio makes the iPad Pro 2018 a true multimedia powerhouse.
Performance and Software
Under the hood, the iPad Pro 2018 is powered by Apple's A12X Bionic chip, which is an absolute beast. This chip delivers incredible performance, making the iPad Pro 2018 capable of handling demanding tasks with ease. Whether you're editing 4K videos, playing graphics-intensive games, or multitasking between multiple apps, the iPad Pro 2018 won't break a sweat. The A12X Bionic chip features an 8-core CPU and a 7-core GPU, providing desktop-class performance in a tablet form factor. It also includes a Neural Engine, which accelerates machine learning tasks, such as image recognition and natural language processing. This makes the iPad Pro 2018 incredibly fast and responsive, providing a seamless user experience.
On the software side, the iPad Pro 2018 originally shipped with iOS 12, but it has since been updated to iPadOS, which is specifically designed for iPads. iPadOS introduces a range of features that enhance productivity, such as multitasking improvements, a redesigned home screen, and Apple Pencil enhancements. The Files app provides a central location for accessing and managing files, similar to Finder on macOS. The iPad Pro 2018 also supports features like drag and drop, allowing you to easily move files and content between apps. With iPadOS, the iPad Pro 2018 becomes a true productivity powerhouse, capable of replacing a laptop for many users. Apple continues to update iPadOS with new features and improvements, ensuring that the iPad Pro 2018 remains a relevant and capable device for years to come. The combination of powerful hardware and optimized software makes the iPad Pro 2018 a joy to use, whether you're working, creating, or just having fun.
Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard Folio
The Apple Pencil (2nd generation) is a must-have accessory for the iPad Pro 2018. It attaches magnetically to the side of the iPad and charges wirelessly, which is a significant improvement over the first-generation Apple Pencil. The Apple Pencil provides a natural and responsive writing and drawing experience, with virtually no lag. It supports tilt and pressure sensitivity, allowing you to create a variety of effects. Whether you're taking notes, sketching, or creating digital art, the Apple Pencil is an indispensable tool for unleashing your creativity. The seamless integration with iPadOS makes it easy to switch between tools and customize settings.
The Smart Keyboard Folio is another essential accessory for the iPad Pro 2018, especially if you plan on using it for productivity tasks. It attaches magnetically to the iPad and provides a comfortable and responsive typing experience. The Smart Keyboard Folio also doubles as a protective cover, keeping your iPad safe from scratches and bumps. The keys are well-spaced and have a decent amount of travel, making it easy to type for extended periods. The Smart Keyboard Folio is lightweight and durable, making it ideal for travel. While it doesn't have a trackpad, the iPadOS gestures make it easy to navigate the interface without having to touch the screen. The Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard Folio transform the iPad Pro 2018 into a versatile device that can handle a wide range of tasks, from creative projects to productivity work.
Camera
The iPad Pro 2018 features a 12MP rear camera that takes surprisingly good photos and videos. While you probably won't be using your iPad as your primary camera, it's still nice to have a capable camera for occasional use. The camera supports features like Smart HDR, which enhances the dynamic range of your photos, and 4K video recording at up to 60fps. The front-facing 7MP TrueDepth camera is excellent for video calls and selfies. It also enables Face ID, which provides a secure and convenient way to unlock your iPad. The camera system on the iPad Pro 2018 is more than adequate for most users, whether you're capturing memories, participating in video conferences, or using augmented reality apps. The image quality is crisp and detailed, and the colors are accurate. The iPad Pro 2018's camera system is a versatile tool that can be used for a variety of purposes.
Battery Life
The iPad Pro 2018 delivers excellent battery life, typically lasting around 10 hours on a single charge with mixed usage. This makes it ideal for all-day use, whether you're working, studying, or just browsing the web. The battery life may vary depending on your usage patterns, but you can expect to get through a full day without having to worry about running out of power. The iPad Pro 2018 supports fast charging via USB-C, allowing you to quickly top up the battery when needed. The efficient A12X Bionic chip and optimized software contribute to the iPad Pro 2018's impressive battery life. Whether you're traveling, working remotely, or just relaxing at home, the iPad Pro 2018's battery life won't let you down.
Is the iPad Pro 2018 (12.9-inch) Worth It in [Current Year]?
So, is the iPad Pro 2018 12.9-inch still worth buying in [Current Year]? The answer is a resounding yes, especially if you can find it at a good price. While it may not have all the latest and greatest features of the newer models, it still offers excellent performance, a stunning display, and a premium design. The A12X Bionic chip is still incredibly capable, and the iPadOS software is constantly being updated with new features and improvements. If you're looking for a powerful and versatile tablet that won't break the bank, the iPad Pro 2018 is an excellent choice. It's perfect for students, creative professionals, and anyone who wants a large-screen tablet for productivity and entertainment. The iPad Pro 2018 remains a compelling option in the used market, offering a sweet spot of price and performance that's hard to ignore.
Conclusion
The iPad Pro 2018 (12.9-inch) is a fantastic tablet that continues to impress. Its powerful performance, beautiful display, and premium design make it a joy to use. While newer models may offer some additional features, the iPad Pro 2018 still holds its own and provides excellent value for money. If you're in the market for a large-screen tablet, be sure to consider the iPad Pro 2018. You won't be disappointed!