IPad Pro 2021 M1: 12.9-inch, 1TB - Review

Let's dive deep into the iPad Pro 2021 M1 with a whopping 1TB of storage and a stunning 12.9-inch display! Guys, this isn't just a tablet; it's a powerhouse that's blurring the lines between a tablet and a laptop. We're going to break down everything you need to know about this beast of a device, from its performance and display quality to its features and overall value. So, buckle up and let's get started!

Unboxing and First Impressions

Okay, so first things first – unboxing this thing is an experience in itself. Apple always nails the packaging, and the iPad Pro is no exception. Inside the box, you'll find the iPad Pro itself, a USB-C charging cable, and a power adapter. The design is sleek and modern, with those classic flat edges that we've come to love. The 12.9-inch display dominates the front, and the build quality feels incredibly premium. Holding it in your hands, you immediately get the sense that this is a top-tier device. The weight is substantial but not cumbersome, giving it a solid and reliable feel. The screen real estate is amazing for multitasking, watching videos, and creating content. From the moment you power it on, you are greeted with a vibrant and responsive display that's noticeably better than previous generations, thanks to the Liquid Retina XDR technology. Setting it up is a breeze, especially if you're already in the Apple ecosystem. The seamless integration with iCloud and other Apple devices makes the transition smooth and effortless. The initial setup guides you through the essential settings, and before you know it, you're ready to explore the full potential of this incredible machine. The responsiveness of the M1 chip is immediately apparent, with apps launching instantly and animations feeling incredibly fluid. It's clear from the outset that this iPad Pro is a significant step up in terms of performance and overall user experience.

Display: Liquid Retina XDR

Alright, let's talk about that display! The 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display is an absolute game-changer. It uses mini-LED technology, which means you get incredible brightness, contrast, and color accuracy. We're talking about a peak brightness of 1600 nits in HDR mode, which is just insane! Whether you're watching movies, editing photos, or just browsing the web, everything looks stunning. The ProMotion technology, with its adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz, makes scrolling and animations incredibly smooth. This isn't just a minor upgrade; it's a visual feast that elevates the entire user experience. The blacks are deeper, the colors are more vibrant, and the overall image quality is simply breathtaking. Compared to previous iPad models, the difference is night and day. The mini-LED technology allows for much finer control over backlighting, resulting in significantly improved contrast and dynamic range. This is particularly noticeable when viewing HDR content, where the bright highlights and deep shadows are rendered with remarkable clarity and detail. Even mundane tasks like reading text become more enjoyable, thanks to the display's exceptional sharpness and clarity. The anti-reflective coating also does a great job of minimizing glare, making it comfortable to use in a variety of lighting conditions. Whether you're indoors or outdoors, the display remains easily viewable and provides a consistently excellent visual experience. For creative professionals, the display's color accuracy is a crucial asset. It supports the P3 wide color gamut, ensuring that colors are rendered faithfully and accurately. This is essential for tasks like photo and video editing, where precise color representation is paramount. The combination of high brightness, excellent contrast, and accurate colors makes this display a true standout feature of the iPad Pro 2021.

Performance: M1 Chip

Now, let's get to the heart of the matter: the M1 chip. This is where the iPad Pro 2021 truly shines. The M1 chip is the same silicon that powers Apple's MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Mac mini, and it brings a whole new level of performance to the iPad. Everything is faster and more responsive. Apps launch instantly, multitasking is a breeze, and even the most demanding tasks like video editing and 3D rendering are handled with ease. The 1TB of storage ensures you have plenty of space for all your files and projects. The M1 chip is not just a step up; it's a leap forward in terms of performance. It delivers desktop-class power in a tablet form factor, making the iPad Pro a truly versatile device. Whether you're a creative professional, a student, or just someone who enjoys using the latest technology, the M1 chip will impress you with its speed and efficiency. The benefits extend beyond just raw processing power. The M1 chip also includes an integrated GPU, which provides a significant boost in graphics performance. This is particularly noticeable when playing games or using graphics-intensive applications. Games run smoothly and look stunning, and tasks like video editing and 3D rendering are handled with remarkable ease. The combination of the M1 chip and the iPad Pro's advanced display makes for an immersive and visually stunning experience. The M1 chip is also incredibly energy-efficient, which translates to longer battery life. You can easily get through a full day of work or school without having to worry about running out of power. This is a significant advantage over previous iPad models, which often struggled to deliver all-day battery life under heavy use. The M1 chip allows the iPad Pro to handle demanding tasks without sacrificing battery life, making it a truly portable and powerful device. Overall, the M1 chip is a game-changer for the iPad Pro. It delivers a level of performance that was previously unheard of in a tablet, and it opens up a whole new range of possibilities for what you can do with your iPad.

Storage: 1TB

Having 1TB of storage on an iPad Pro is like having a massive digital playground. You'll likely never have to worry about running out of space! This is especially useful if you're a creative professional who works with large files, such as photos, videos, or audio recordings. You can store your entire library of content right on your iPad and access it anytime, anywhere. The 1TB storage option is a game-changer for those who rely on their iPad for serious work. No more juggling files between devices or constantly deleting content to free up space. You can simply load up your iPad with everything you need and get to work. This is particularly useful for photographers and videographers, who often work with large raw files and high-resolution video footage. With 1TB of storage, you can store entire photo shoots or video projects directly on your iPad and edit them on the go. The added storage also provides peace of mind. You don't have to worry about losing important files or running out of space in the middle of a project. You can simply focus on your work and let the iPad take care of the rest. This can be a huge time-saver and can help you stay productive and efficient. In addition to storing files, the 1TB of storage also allows you to install a large number of apps and games. You can load up your iPad with all of your favorite apps and games without having to worry about running out of space. This is great for those who use their iPad for both work and play. You can have all of your productivity apps and entertainment apps right at your fingertips. Overall, the 1TB of storage is a valuable asset for anyone who uses their iPad Pro for serious work or play. It provides ample space for storing files, installing apps, and keeping your content organized. If you're considering buying an iPad Pro, the 1TB storage option is definitely worth considering.

Features and Accessories

The iPad Pro 2021 has a ton of cool features. The Thunderbolt/USB 4 port allows for blazing-fast data transfer speeds and connectivity to external displays and accessories. The Face ID is secure and reliable, and the speakers sound fantastic. Of course, you'll probably want to get the Apple Pencil (2nd generation) and the Magic Keyboard to really unlock the full potential of this device. The Apple Pencil is a must-have for artists and note-takers, while the Magic Keyboard turns the iPad Pro into a полноценный laptop replacement. The combination of the iPad Pro, Apple Pencil, and Magic Keyboard creates a versatile and powerful workstation that can handle a wide range of tasks. The Thunderbolt/USB 4 port is a game-changer for those who need to transfer large files quickly or connect to external displays. With transfer speeds of up to 40Gbps, you can quickly move files between your iPad and other devices. The port also supports DisplayPort, allowing you to connect to external displays with resolutions of up to 6K. Face ID is a convenient and secure way to unlock your iPad and authenticate purchases. It's fast, reliable, and easy to use. The speakers on the iPad Pro are surprisingly good for a tablet. They're loud, clear, and have a decent amount of bass. This makes the iPad Pro great for watching movies, listening to music, or playing games. The Apple Pencil (2nd generation) is a must-have for artists, designers, and anyone who likes to take notes by hand. It's precise, responsive, and feels natural to use. The Magic Keyboard is a great accessory for turning your iPad Pro into a laptop replacement. It has a comfortable keyboard, a built-in trackpad, and a sleek design. Overall, the iPad Pro 2021 has a lot to offer in terms of features and accessories. Whether you're a creative professional, a student, or just someone who wants a powerful and versatile tablet, the iPad Pro has something for everyone.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Incredible performance with the M1 chip
• Stunning Liquid Retina XDR display
• Ample storage with the 1TB option
• Versatile Thunderbolt/USB 4 port
• Excellent speakers

Cons:

• Expensive
• Accessories are sold separately
• iPadOS still has some limitations compared to macOS

Final Verdict

So, is the iPad Pro 2021 M1 1TB 12.9 inch worth it? If you're looking for the best of the best and you're willing to pay a premium, then absolutely. The M1 chip delivers incredible performance, the display is gorgeous, and the 1TB of storage gives you plenty of room to work with. However, if you're on a budget or you don't need all that power, then you might want to consider a cheaper iPad or even a MacBook Air. Ultimately, it depends on your needs and priorities. But if you want the ultimate iPad experience, the iPad Pro 2021 is the way to go. This device is not just an upgrade; it's a whole new level of tablet computing. It's a powerhouse that can handle anything you throw at it, and it's a joy to use. Whether you're a creative professional, a student, or just someone who loves technology, the iPad Pro 2021 will impress you with its performance, display, and features. It's a device that's designed to inspire and empower, and it's one that you'll be proud to own. So, if you're looking for the best of the best, look no further than the iPad Pro 2021. It's the ultimate tablet experience, and it's one that you won't regret.