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Apple iPad Pro 12.9 review

8.5/10 AVG.
RATING
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Apple iPad Pro 12.9
Apple iPad Pro 12.9
Apple iPad Pro 12.9
Apple iPad Pro 12.9
...


8.5/10
Informr score
The Apple iPad Pro 12.9 currently has an Informr score of 8.5 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 11 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

What's good

  • Fast, lag-free performance
  • ProMotion tech for smooth, snappy scrolling
  • Sharp, vibrant display

What's bad

  • Unwieldy to hold in hands
  • High price tag

Apple revolutionized the digital world with the iPhone and upped the ante with the release of the first iPad. It’s no surprise why they dominate the tablet market.

But for the past few years sales and demand have declined as phones have gotten larger...

They released the iPad Pro 12.9 back in 2015 to tap into a larger market—people who want a laptop replacement.

With the release of the 2017 iPad Pro 12.9, Apple hopes to bolster the original’s goal.

Does it work? Let’s see what reviewers are saying!

Not much has changed design-wise with the 2017 iPad Pro 12.9. Like its predecessor, this large tablet measures in at 12.04-by-8.69-by-0.27 inches.

As you would expect of something this size, it’s not meant for holding with one hand. While fairly light at 723 grams, once you add the Smart Keyboard, it ends up being heavier than the actual 12-inch MacBook at 1043 grams.

Coupled with the metal back and glass front, experts found it awkward to hold—even with two hands. They mention that it isn’t marketed towards the regular tablet user. Still, most found it portable enough and easy to use despite its gargantuan size.

The display helps to set the 2017 iPad Pro 12.9 apart from other tablets.

As the name suggests you get 12.9 inches of super high resolution (2732-by-2048), high-quality Apple display. It comes with new technology called ProMotion which uses a 120-hertz refresh rate. When tested, reviewers were impressed with smooth, fast scrolling compared to standard tablet displays.

They also raved about the vibrant colors, deep blacks and improved brightness. It even includes new TrueTone technology to adjust the white balance of the display to your room’s lighting.

Unfortunately, while it can now reach 600 nits of brightness, most reviewers don’t suggest it for reading outside on sunny days.

The biggest changes come internally.

The tablet includes an A10x Fusion chip and 4GB of RAM. Apple touts this combination to be 30 percent faster than the A9x.

Reviewer benchmark tests beat those marks. As expected, they experienced no lag even when they had over 20 apps open.

To run such a large tablet, Apple opted for a large battery than its predecessor. During tests, reviewers could get around 10-12 hours of life during medium usage.

Tablets have never been known for their cameras, but Apple looks to change that. The iPad Pro 12.9 (2017) includes the same 12MP camera sensor found on the iPhone 7—complete with optical image stabilization, 5x digital zoom and 4K video recording.

Reviewers were happy with the image quality of the pictures, though they add they won’t use it as a camera often due to the tablet’s large size.

Overall, reviewers consider the 2017 iPad Pro a credible laptop replacement thanks to its large screen, fast processor and excellent battery life. The biggest drawback mentioned is pricing.

Expert Reviews states, “This isn’t one for the frugal… but should you opt for Apple’s latest and greatest, the spangly new 12.9in iPad Pro will not disappoint.” Laptop Mag adds, “... if you want the brightest display and the best performance, opt for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro; … it will be solid candidate to replace your laptop.”


iOS
Operating system
Operating system
iOS
2.38 GHz
Processor
Processor
2.38 GHz
12.9"
Screen Size
Screen Size
12.9"
12+ MP, f/1.8
Camera
Camera
12+ MP, f/1.8
41 WHr
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


Tech.Co
Tech.Co

For those who need a high-powered tablet but can’t quite stretch to the cost of the 2018 Pro, the 2017 model is worth consideration.

- Jack Turner, Tech.Co
TechRadar
TechRadar

The iPad Pro 12.9 is the tablet equivalent of a gaming laptop. It’s incredibly powerful, undeniably fast, and a visual treat every time you turn on the noticeably improved screen. It’s big to carry around everyday and rather expensive compared to the iPad Pro 10.5 with the same specs. It’s very easy...

- Matt Swider, TechRadar
Tech Advisor
Tech Advisor

My gut feeling is that the iPad Pro will become the device it aspires to be when iOS 11 rolls into town. For now, it remains a beautifully designed compromise, meaning it still represents the 2-in-1 market’s struggle to define itself. The large size won’t suit everyone, but there’s...

- Henry Burrell, Tech Advisor
The Wirecutter
The Wirecutter

Essentially identical to the 10.5-inch iPad Pro, but with a huge 12.9-inch screen that’s better for serious creative work and multitasking.

- Dan Frakes, Nick Guy, The Wirecutter
Notebookcheck
Notebookcheck

On paper, the iPad Pro 12.9 is no more than a larger iPad Pro 10.5, but in real-life it is quite a bit different in several aspects. The well-calibrated display with its exceptionally accurate color accuracy in particular was very impressive; the speakers are well-balanced; the Wi-Fi modem’s r...

- Daniel Schmidt, Notebookcheck


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Quick view

Screen Size
12.9"

The Apple iPad Pro 12.9's screen size is 12.9 inches with 2048 x 2732 pixels resolution.

Processor
2.38 GHz

There is a Apple A10X Hexa core 2.38 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The tablet runs on the iOS 10 (Update Available: iPadOS 14.3) operating system (OS).

Camera
12+ MP
You can take photos with the phone's onboard 12+ MP, f/1.8 camera. There is also a secondary front facing camera with 7+ megapixels resolution.
Storage
64/256/512 GB

Internal memory is 64/256/512 GB. No external card slot is available for expansion.

Battery
41WHr

The tablet is powered by a Lithium Polymer (Li-Pol), 41 WHr battery. Apple's performance ratings are 10 hours Wi-Fi surfing.

iPad Pro 12.9 Specs

Overview
Release Date June 5, 2017
Regions Available USA, Canada, United Kingdom
Operating System iOS 10 (Update Available: iPadOS 14.3)

Compare iOS Smartphones

Processor Apple A10X Hexa core 2.38 GHz
Internal Storage 64/256/512 GB
RAM 4 GB
Hearing Aid Compatible No
TTY/TDD No
SAR Body: 1.19 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included USB Power Adapter, Manual, Data Cable
Cellular
Networks
No
Mobile / Cellular Data
No (Option available)
Wi-Fi Calling Yes
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) No
SIM card size
No
variations
Dual SIM No
Connectivity
USB Lightning
USB OTG Support No
GPS Type A-GPS
Infrared No
Bluetooth 4.2
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, AVRCP, OPP/FTP, HFP, HSP
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n
Memory Expansion Slot No
NFC Yes
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
12+ Megapixels, f/1.8
Zoom
5x digital
Flash
Yes (Quad LED)
Additional Main Camera Info
Auto focus, Effects, Face detection, Geotagging, Image stabilization, Multi-shot, Panorama, Exposure control, Slow moion recording (1080p@120fps), Time lapse mode
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4, AVI
Video Recording Parameters
Ultra HD (3840 x 2160 pixels), 30 fps
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
7+ Megapixels
Additional Front Camera Info
Face detection, Image stabilization, Multi-shot, Self-timer, Exposure control
Video Recording Parameters
Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels)
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology LCD (IPS)
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution 2048 x 2732 pixels
Pixel density 264 pixels
Size 12.9 inches
Sensors Ambient Light, Motion / Accelerometer, Gyroscope
Backlit Illumination Yes
Zoom / Magnification Yes
Screen Orientation Lock Yes
Multi-Touch Yes
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating Yes
Additional Display Features Capacitive touch screen, Retina display
Power & Battery
Type Lithium Polymer (Li-Pol)
Battery Capacity 41 WHr
Removable Battery No
Wireless Charging No
Fast Charging Yes
Battery Charge Time Unknown
Video Playback Time Up to 10 hours
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Up to 10 hours
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Standby Time Unknown
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Material Aluminium
Colors Space Gray, Gold, Silver
Dimensions [H x W x D] 30.5 x 22 x 0.7 cm (12 x 8.7 x 0.3 in)
Weight 677
Water Resistant / Waterproof No
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Headset Jack Yes
External Speakers Yes
Input / Navigation
Touchscreen Yes
Sleep / Wake Key Yes
Home Key Yes
Physical keyboard No
Text-to-Speech Yes
Screen Reader Yes
Keypad/Screen Lock Yes
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor Yes
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Additional Information Other Names (AKA):

Apple iPad Pro 12.9 Manual (HTML)
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