The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th Generation), released in April 2021, represents a monumental leap in Apple’s iPad lineup. This device stands at the pinnacle of tablet technology, combining cutting-edge performance, a stunning display, and desktop-like capabilities that redefine what a tablet can achieve. Whether you’re a creative professional, a business user, or simply someone looking for the best tablet experience, the iPad Pro 12.9-inch is a game-changer.
Design: Refined and Professional
Apple’s design for the iPad Pro 12.9-inch remains sleek, sophisticated, and functional. It retains its iconic flat-edged aluminum chassis, measuring 280.6 mm x 214.9 mm x 6.4 mm, and weighs 682 grams (Wi-Fi) or 685 grams (Wi-Fi + Cellular). Despite its large size, it feels remarkably thin and premium in hand.
The bezels around the display are minimal, providing a nearly edge-to-edge look while keeping enough room for comfortable handling. The device also features Face ID, integrated into the bezel, ensuring fast and secure authentication without a physical home button.
The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th Gen) comes in two colors: Silver and Space Gray, both offering a professional, minimalist aesthetic. For users who value portability in a powerful form, the design perfectly complements its flagship status.
Liquid Retina XDR Display: A Visual Masterpiece
The standout feature of the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th Gen) is its Liquid Retina XDR display. This 12.9-inch panel uses mini-LED technology to deliver an unmatched visual experience. With over 10,000 mini-LEDs across the display, the iPad Pro can achieve up to 1,600 nits of peak brightness for HDR content, making it ideal for watching high-resolution movies, editing photos, or creating digital art.
The display supports:
- ProMotion technology (120Hz refresh rate) for ultra-smooth scrolling and responsiveness.
- True Tone for natural color adjustments based on ambient lighting.
- P3 wide color gamut for vibrant and true-to-life colors.
Whether you’re a filmmaker grading HDR footage, an artist sketching intricate details, or a casual viewer enjoying a 4K movie, the iPad Pro’s display is as close to perfection as it gets.
Performance: The Power of the M1 Chip
At the heart of the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th Gen) lies the Apple M1 chip, the same processor used in Apple’s MacBook Pro and MacBook Air. This brings Mac-level performance to the iPad, making it the most powerful tablet on the market.
The M1 chip features:
- 8-core CPU for lightning-fast processing.
- 8-core GPU for console-quality graphics.
- 16-core Neural Engine for advanced machine learning tasks.
Compared to its predecessor, the iPad Pro (5th Gen) offers 50% faster CPU performance and 40% faster GPU performance, allowing it to handle tasks that were once exclusive to laptops. Whether you’re rendering 3D models, editing 4K video in Final Cut Pro, or playing graphically demanding games, the M1 chip ensures unparalleled speed and efficiency.
This level of performance positions the iPad Pro as a viable replacement for laptops, especially when paired with accessories like the Magic Keyboard.
iPadOS: Optimized for Productivity
The iPad Pro runs on iPadOS, Apple’s operating system specifically designed to leverage the iPad’s hardware. iPadOS includes features like:
- Multitasking tools: Split View, Slide Over, and Stage Manager for efficient workflow.
- File Management: A more powerful Files app that feels closer to a desktop experience.
- Apple Pencil Support: Enhanced support for note-taking and drawing with Scribble and seamless handwriting recognition.
With iPadOS, the iPad Pro feels more versatile than ever. While it doesn’t completely replace macOS for all professional workflows, it offers an experience that is closer to a hybrid between a tablet and a laptop.
Cameras: Studio-Quality Photos and Center Stage
The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th Gen) comes with a sophisticated camera system, including:
- 12MP Wide camera
- 10MP Ultra-Wide camera
- LiDAR Scanner for AR applications and depth mapping.
These cameras are excellent for capturing photos, recording 4K video, and using augmented reality apps for design, education, and entertainment.
The TrueDepth front camera has been upgraded to a 12MP Ultra-Wide lens, introducing Center Stage. Center Stage automatically pans and zooms during video calls, keeping you in the center of the frame, even as you move around. This feature is particularly useful for FaceTime, Zoom, or Teams calls, making the iPad Pro ideal for remote work or online classes.
Connectivity: Fast and Future-Ready
The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th Gen) is equipped with advanced connectivity features:
- 5G: The cellular model supports blazing-fast 5G for seamless downloads, streaming, and communication.
- Wi-Fi 6: Ensures faster and more reliable wireless performance.
- Thunderbolt/USB 4: The USB-C port supports Thunderbolt 3 for high-speed data transfer, external displays (up to 6K resolution), and accessories.
With Thunderbolt support, creative professionals can connect high-performance external storage drives, cameras, and monitors, further bridging the gap between tablets and traditional computers.
Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) and Magic Keyboard
The iPad Pro 12.9-inch is fully compatible with the Apple Pencil (2nd Generation), which magnetically attaches to the tablet for charging and pairing. The Apple Pencil transforms the iPad into a digital canvas or note-taking powerhouse, ideal for artists, designers, and students.
Additionally, the Magic Keyboard brings a full-size keyboard and trackpad to the iPad, turning it into a laptop-like device. The backlit keys and floating cantilever design enhance usability, making typing comfortable and efficient.
Battery Life: All-Day Power
Despite its power-hungry hardware, the iPad Pro delivers up to 10 hours of battery life for web browsing, video playback, or working on Wi-Fi. The battery performance remains consistent, ensuring you can work or play without constantly needing to recharge.
Who Is It For?
The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th Gen) is designed for:
- Creative Professionals: Artists, photographers, and video editors who need a powerful device with an exceptional display.
- Business Users: For multitasking, presentations, and remote work with 5G connectivity and Magic Keyboard support.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Users who want the best tablet experience on the market.
- Students: Those looking for a device that can handle heavy note-taking, assignments, and online classes.
Pricing
The iPad Pro 12.9-inch starts at $1,099 for the base 128GB Wi-Fi model. Storage options go up to 2TB, with cellular models adding extra cost. While it’s a premium device, the price reflects its unmatched performance and versatility.
Conclusion
The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th Generation) is a groundbreaking tablet that sets the bar for performance, design, and functionality. With the M1 chip, Liquid Retina XDR display, and a host of productivity features, it’s a device capable of replacing laptops for many users. Whether you’re an artist, business professional, or tech enthusiast, the iPad Pro delivers an experience that’s truly ahead of its time.
For those who demand the very best from their tablet, the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th Gen) is, without a doubt, the ultimate choice.