Price and Release Date
The iPad Pro 2021 (12.9-inch) starts at $1,099, which is $100 more than its predecessor. If you prefer a more compact option, the 11-inch iPad Pro 2021 is available starting at $799. The addition of 5G connectivity comes at an extra cost of $200. When you factor in essential accessories like the Magic Keyboard ($349) and 2nd Gen Apple Pencil ($129), the total price can quickly reach $1,577.
For those seeking a more budget-friendly alternative, the $599 iPad Air 2020 offers many iPad Pro features, albeit with a slightly smaller 10.9-inch screen. The iPad Pro 2021 was released on May 21, 2021.
XDR Display
The standout feature of the iPad Pro 2021 (12.9-inch) is its Liquid Retina XDR display, which is the brightest on any tablet. However, it truly shines when viewing HDR content. While the screen’s brilliance is evident when watching HDR content on supported apps like Netflix and Apple TV, it may not be as noticeable with non-HDR content. The device’s average brightness for non-HDR content measures around 563 nits, which is still impressive but doesn’t fully exploit the screen’s capabilities.
This tablet’s peak brightness is rated at 1,588 nits, showcasing its HDR prowess, with local dimming zones further enhancing the contrast. The challenge is that not all apps support HDR, so users may not experience the full potential of this display.
Performance
The Apple M1 chip in the iPad Pro 2021 sets a new standard for tablet performance. It’s not just fast; it’s in a league of its own, leaving competitors far behind. From the moment you pick it up, the iPad Pro 2021’s responsiveness is remarkable.
Launching apps like Safari and multitasking with multiple tabs is effortless. It handles even the most demanding tasks with ease. In our Geekbench 5 benchmark test, it scored an impressive 7,298, outperforming other tablets by a significant margin. For reference, the iPad Air 2020 scored 4,262, and the iPad Pro 2020 scored 4,720, while the Galaxy Tab S7 Plus lagged with a score of 2,910.
Design
In terms of design, the iPad Pro 2021 maintains the sleek and stylish look of its predecessor. It’s made of high-quality machined aluminum with thin bezels around the display. The tablet is available in silver and Space Gray colors. However, it’s worth noting that it’s slightly thicker and heavier than the previous model, which may affect portability. When paired with the Magic Keyboard, the 12.9-inch iPad Pro becomes quite heavy, resembling the weight of traditional laptops.
The inclusion of a Thunderbolt 3/USB 4 port is a welcome addition, providing support for external devices and faster data transfers. This feature will be appreciated by professionals who need to connect various peripherals to their tablet.
Cameras, Center Stage, and FaceID
While tablet cameras are typically not the star feature, the iPad Pro 2021 brings improvements in this area. The 12MP TrueDepth front camera is perfect for video conferencing in the current era, and the Center Stage feature ensures you stay in the frame, even as you move around during calls.
The rear-mounted 12MP wide and 10MP ultra-wide cameras deliver crisp and vibrant photos. The addition of portrait mode for the front camera enhances the photography experience. FaceID provides convenient and secure access to the tablet, though some users may miss the Touch ID option found on the iPad Air.
Audio
The iPad Pro 2021’s four speakers produce powerful and clear sound, making it an ideal choice for enjoying music and media. The device’s audio quality is strong enough that it may replace the need for external Bluetooth speakers, as it can fill a room with sound. The tablet provides an excellent audio experience, which is especially appealing to users who enjoy high-quality sound.
Battery Life
In our testing, the 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2021 displayed impressive battery life. It lasted 10 hours and 48 minutes during a web-surfing-based test. This result is competitive, even outlasting the iPad Pro 2020 by over half an hour. The 11-inch iPad Pro 2021 outperformed its larger counterpart, likely due to its smaller screen.
(Image credit: apple)
Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil
The Magic Keyboard for iPad continues to excel as an external keyboard, offering a great typing experience. The new white color option adds a fresh look to the accessory. If you already own a Magic Keyboard from a previous model, it can still be used with the iPad Pro 2021, although it may be a slightly tighter fit.
The 2nd Gen Apple Pencil remains a strong stylus with convenient charging and handwriting-to-text capabilities. It’s a valuable tool for creative professionals and note-takers.
iPadOS
The iPad Pro 2021 runs on iPadOS, which, while impressive, still has room for improvement. The iPad’s powerful hardware, with its large 12.9-inch screen, makes it suitable for multitasking, but the operating system has certain limitations. While split-view and slide-over features allow for basic multitasking, more advanced functionality to facilitate the smooth interaction between applications is needed. The potential for iPadOS 15 to address these limitations could make the iPad Pro an even more viable laptop replacement for professionals.
