IPad Pro 2021 12.9-inch 128GB: Review & Should You Buy?

by Jhon Lennon 56 views

So, you're thinking about snagging the iPad Pro 2021 12.9-inch with 128GB of storage, huh? Awesome! It's a serious piece of tech, and honestly, it can be a game-changer depending on what you need it for. Let's dive deep into what makes this iPad Pro tick, who it's perfect for, and whether it's the right choice for you. No fluff, just the real deal.

What Makes the iPad Pro 2021 12.9-inch a Beast?

First off, let's talk about the brains of the operation: the M1 chip. This isn't your average tablet processor, guys. It's the same silicon Apple uses in their MacBook Air and MacBook Pro laptops. What does that mean for you? Blazing-fast performance. We're talking effortlessly running demanding apps like Procreate, LumaFusion, and even resource-intensive games. Multitasking is a breeze, and you'll rarely, if ever, see any lag or stuttering. The M1 chip is a huge leap over previous iPad generations, making the 2021 iPad Pro feel more like a laptop replacement than ever before.

Then there's the display. Oh man, the display! It's a 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display, which basically means it's gorgeous. The mini-LED technology allows for incredible contrast, vibrant colors, and stunning HDR performance. Watching movies, editing photos, or even just browsing the web is a visual treat. The ProMotion technology, which dynamically adjusts the refresh rate up to 120Hz, makes everything feel incredibly smooth and responsive. Seriously, once you've used a ProMotion display, it's hard to go back. For creatives, the color accuracy is top-notch, making it ideal for tasks like photo and video editing where precise colors are essential. Gamers will also appreciate the smooth, fluid visuals and responsive touch controls.

And let's not forget the storage. 128GB is a decent starting point for many users. If you're primarily using your iPad for browsing, email, streaming videos, and light productivity tasks, 128GB should be plenty. However, if you plan on storing a lot of large files, such as 4K videos, high-resolution photos, or large project files for creative apps, you might want to consider upgrading to a higher storage capacity. Think about your typical usage and how much storage you currently use on your existing devices to make an informed decision.

Who is This iPad Pro For?

The iPad Pro 2021 12.9-inch isn't for everyone. It's a premium device with a premium price tag, so it's important to know if it truly fits your needs. Here's a breakdown of who will benefit most from this powerhouse:

  • Creative Professionals: If you're a photographer, video editor, graphic designer, or digital artist, the iPad Pro is a dream come true. The M1 chip provides the power you need to run demanding creative apps, while the stunning display ensures accurate colors and a fantastic visual experience. The Apple Pencil (2nd generation) is an essential accessory for creatives, offering precise control and a natural drawing experience. Apps like Procreate, Adobe Photoshop, and LumaFusion are optimized for the iPad Pro, allowing you to create professional-quality work on the go. The portability of the iPad Pro also makes it ideal for working on location or collaborating with clients.
  • Students: While it's a significant investment, the iPad Pro can be a valuable tool for students, especially those in creative fields or who need a powerful device for research and note-taking. The Apple Pencil allows for handwritten notes and annotations, while the large display is great for reading textbooks and research papers. The ability to run multiple apps side-by-side makes multitasking easy, and the long battery life ensures you can get through a full day of classes without needing to recharge. The iPad Pro can also be a great alternative to a laptop for students who prefer a more portable and versatile device.
  • Business Professionals: The iPad Pro can be a surprisingly effective tool for business professionals, particularly those who need to stay productive on the go. The ability to run productivity apps like Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and Slack makes it easy to stay connected and collaborate with colleagues. The Smart Keyboard Folio or Magic Keyboard can transform the iPad Pro into a laptop-like device, making it easier to type and work on documents. The iPad Pro is also great for presentations, video conferencing, and accessing cloud-based services. Its portability and long battery life make it ideal for travel and working from different locations.
  • Tech Enthusiasts: If you just love having the latest and greatest tech, the iPad Pro is definitely a device to consider. The M1 chip, stunning display, and advanced features make it a cutting-edge tablet that's sure to impress. The iPad Pro is also a great platform for exploring new apps and technologies, and its versatility makes it a fun device to experiment with. However, if you're primarily using your tablet for basic tasks like browsing and watching videos, you might be better off with a less expensive option.

Is the 128GB Enough?

Okay, so you're vibing with the iPad Pro, but you're wondering if 128GB is going to cut it. This is a crucial question, and the answer really depends on your usage habits. Let's break it down:

  • If you're a light user: If you mainly use your iPad for browsing the web, checking emails, streaming videos, and light social media, then 128GB will likely be sufficient. These tasks don't consume a lot of storage space. You can also utilize cloud storage services like iCloud, Google Drive, or Dropbox to store your files and free up space on your device.
  • If you're a moderate user: If you plan on storing a moderate amount of photos, videos, and apps, 128GB might still be enough, but you'll need to be mindful of your storage usage. Regularly delete unnecessary files and apps, and consider using cloud storage to store your larger files. You can also offload unused apps to free up storage space without deleting the app data.
  • If you're a heavy user: If you're a creative professional who works with large files, a gamer who downloads a lot of games, or someone who likes to store a lot of movies and TV shows on their device, then 128GB is likely not enough. You'll quickly run out of storage space, which can impact your productivity and enjoyment. In this case, you should definitely consider upgrading to a higher storage capacity.

Pro Tip: Consider how much storage you're currently using on your phone or current tablet. That's a good starting point for figuring out your needs.

Alternatives to Consider

Alright, before you pull the trigger, let's peek at some alternatives. The iPad Pro is fantastic, but it's not the only option, you know?

  • iPad Air (5th Generation): The iPad Air is a great option if you want a powerful tablet that's more affordable than the iPad Pro. It also features the M1 chip, so you'll get excellent performance. However, it doesn't have the ProMotion display or the same level of brightness and color accuracy as the iPad Pro. It's a solid middle ground and great for most users.
  • Samsung Galaxy Tab S8/S8+: If you're an Android user, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 series is a worthy contender. These tablets offer beautiful displays, powerful processors, and the S Pen stylus for note-taking and drawing. They also have expandable storage via microSD card, which is a nice bonus.
  • Microsoft Surface Pro 8: If you need a tablet that can truly replace your laptop, the Microsoft Surface Pro 8 is a good choice. It runs Windows, so you can run full desktop applications. It also has a built-in kickstand and a detachable keyboard, making it a versatile device for work and play. However, it can be more expensive than the iPad Pro, especially when you factor in the cost of the keyboard and pen.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?

So, should you buy the iPad Pro 2021 12.9-inch 128GB? Here's the lowdown:

  • Buy it if: You're a creative professional who needs a powerful and portable device for demanding tasks, a student who wants a versatile tool for learning and productivity, or a business professional who needs to stay connected and productive on the go. You value the stunning display, the powerful M1 chip, and the Apple Pencil integration.
  • Don't buy it if: You're primarily using your tablet for basic tasks like browsing and watching videos, you're on a tight budget, or you don't need the extra power and features of the iPad Pro. You might be better off with a less expensive iPad or a different type of tablet altogether.

Ultimately, the decision is yours. Weigh your needs, consider your budget, and think about how you plan to use the device. If the iPad Pro 2021 fits the bill, then go for it! You won't be disappointed. But if not, there are plenty of other great options out there. Good luck with your decision, and happy teching!