iPad Pro IPad Pro 2021: Mixed feelings coming from iPad 2018

[Adelphos33]

I have been testing out a 256GB, 12.9” iPad Pro - coming from the same configuration of the 2018 models

Pros

1) Noticeably faster loading apps, working with apps in the background, multitasking - the M1 and added RAM are helping out a lot here

2) Blacks are deeper and darker - it looks great in night more

3) Screen seems brighter, and I don’t notice any ”blooming”

4) HDR content looks excellent

5) White Magic Keyboard looks amazing (but my previous black one works fine too, I will keep both)

I still need to test out 5G, I will do so in a few hours. Also haven‘t tested center state yet

Cons

1) The iPad is noticeably heavier

2) While the blacks are deep, they are true black like OLED for the most part

3) The basic operation of the iPad is very similar to 2018; looking at non HDR content, photos, etc looks extremely similar to 2018

4) While this iPad is faster and smoother, my 2018 is fast and smooth too


My overall takeaway is that this is basically a spec bump as MKBHD indicated. The 2018 and 2020 iPads were both excellent and don’t really need upgrading at this time. I had a 1 TB version ready for pickup at an Apple Store, but I cancelled that as I don’t think spending $2,000 to upgrade a 2018 iPad Pro makes sense unless you have a specific need for the storage. Honestly I was considering returning this $1,399 iPad Pro, but the combination of good trade in value for the 2018 model, the $200 AT&T promotion and the ability to put Apple Care on this one is pushing me towards keeping it. I will test over the weekend to confirm.

But everyone should get the white keyboard!

 

[Shirasaki]

I just grabbed my chance to get a “free” (except I paid for it two years ago) upgrade to M1 iPad due to repeating issue of screen displaying tearing image briefly before going back to normal. And what I can tell you is the old keyboard case I bought for 2018 iPad Pro can still be used for this iPad minus camera bump of course (physically won’t fit).

App launch time is noticeably faster for two games I play frequently. For other apps, no noticeable difference as of yet.

I can second the “black is blacker” statement compared to iPad Pro 2018, and looks like the same as iPhone XS Max black. Even different shades of grey on one music app I use looks more vivid than in iPad Pro 2018. It’s stunning really.

As for others, I’ve not used much yet so no comments. I might post a new thread similar to yours later on. But damn, this iPad is amazing.

 

[Hal~9000]

My overall takeaway is that this is basically a spec bump as MKBHD indicated. The 2018 and 2020 iPads were both excellent and don’t really need upgrading at this time. I had a 1 TB version ready for pickup at an Apple Store, but I cancelled that as I don’t think spending $2,000 to upgrade a 2018 iPad Pro makes sense unless you have a specific need for the storage.

Agreed.

A couple of weeks ago I decided to go with the 2020 version (over the 2021 version) of the 11-inch iPad Pro on sale through Costco for $549 because of the following:

• The MiniLED display only gets brighter when playing HDR content
• The M1 chip, while fast, isn’t really any faster in real world use than the A12z

It seems like on forums there is a heavy lean towards tech nerds / spec geeks who might also be photographers, graphic designers, software developers, etc. In general though the overwhelming majority of people in the world are not these professions. Most people simply need an iPad for basic computer functions such as surfing the web, watching youtube or netflix, reading a kindle ebook, send a few emails, play a few games, browse reddit, etc.

For these reasons the 2018 & 2020 iPad Pro’s are still excellent choices and, like you and MKBHD said, the 2021 iPad Pro’s are basically just small spec bumps that look great on paper and in youtube reviewer ads to lure people away from their money… but in reality isn’t really needed at all over one of the last 2 generations of iPad Pro’s.

 

[The Game 161]

In normal usage you will still use the device the same way. HDR content is very good for sure. Big reason I wanted it to be honest.

I think m1 and more ram is more for future proofing the device and really all this needs to be judged as soon as we know what IOS 15 will bring.

 

[Artsketch]

I switched from a 2018 to a 2020 12.9" and regret it (contrast 1:1960 vs. 1: 1330). The screen on the 2018 was very good, comparable to the 11" 2020. For non hdr content the 12.9" 2018 screen would be enough.

 

[chrism_scotland]

So far I can't disagree with any of this; seems snappier when I'm using Lightroom or Photoshop and the screen is nice when in HDR mode but aside from that it seems very similar to the 2018/2020 model so far

 

[PBG4 Dude]

So far I can't disagree with any of this; seems snappier when I'm using Lightroom or Photoshop and the screen is nice when in HDR mode but aside from that it seems very similar to the 2018/2020 model so far

Except for the display, all of the changes are under the hood. The USB-C port now also does thunderbolt. New CPU/GPU, more RAM, more battery; none of this manifests unless you run benchmarks, or were running software that taxed prior models, like your examples.

I myself upgraded for more storage, as 64GB wasn’t cutting it for me. Everything else was a bonus.

 

[Spcmac]

I definitely have mixed feelings as well. This is a marvel of engineering and while I appreciate that, I'm struggling with the 12.9 form factor a lot. If I always have to have it docked in the MK for usability, what's the point of using it over my MacBook. If it wasn't so expensive, I'd keep it, but either it has to go back or I need to sell my MacBook...

 

[Danae02]

I definitely have mixed feelings as well. This is a marvel of engineering and while I appreciate that, I'm struggling with the 12.9 form factor a lot. If I always have to have it docked in the MK for usability, what's the point of using it over my MacBook. If it wasn't so expensive, I'd keep it, but either it has to go back or I need to sell my MacBook...

I‘m definitely still adjusting to it too. I got a case with a that folds as a stand for use in landscape mode and I’ve been propping it up on the end of the couch or my lap, just like my old 10.5. I only hold it when I take notes. So far so good. It’s definitely heavier and an adjustment, but I enjoy the extra screen tremendously.

 

[James Godfrey]

Same mixed feeling on this, although mine came with a defect so it is being returned anyway… now it’s decision time on whether I order a replacement or…

Go with the 2020 iPad 12.9” at a discount or just think stuff it and wait to see if the new MacBook Pro comes out at WWDC, with the knowledge of what iPadOS 15 brings to the table.

I just feel apples implementation of this XDR screen for things other than HDR content, the screen seems….. worse…. By which I mean, the edges of the display having shadowing (not clean cut like the 2020 model), the blooming, and to me it seems like the glass is far away from the panel (not like the laminated displays), it just seems like it’s a lot of compromises for HDR content to look better…

 

[kazmac]

The 11” is much faster than the 2020 11” iPad Pro I had and the 2020 Air I own. Biggest test for me will be in Procreate, I only upgraded for the 8gb of Ram.

 

[Spcmac]

I‘m definitely still adjusting to it too. I got a case with a that folds as a stand for use in landscape mode and I’ve been propping it up on the end of the couch or my lap, just like my old 10.5. I only hold it when I take notes. So far so good. It’s definitely heavier and an adjustment, but I enjoy the extra screen tremendously.

That’s not a bad idea! I just assumed I didn’t need two cases, but maybe that will fix tablet mode.

 

[Danae02]

That’s not a bad idea! I just assumed I didn’t need two cases, but maybe that will fix tablet mode.

I got this and it’s light and a perfect fit.

ESR for iPad Pro 12.9 Case, 12.9 Inch iPad Pro Case (2022/2021, 6th/5th Generation), Trifold Smart Case with Clasp, Auto Sleep and Wake, Pencil 2 Wireless Charging, Frosted Black

ESR Case Compatible with iPad Pro 12.9 Inch 2021 (5th Generation, 5G), Translucent Stand Case with Clasp, Trifold Smart Case, Auto Sleep and Wake, Support Pencil 2, Ascend Series, Black

www.amazon.com

 

[Steve121178]

My overall takeaway is that this is basically a spec bump as MKBHD indicated.

Well yes. Everyone knows it's a spec bump. No one should be expecting anything more.

iPad Pro will never improve until iPadOS stops massively handicapping the hardware. WWDC this year will either make or break the iPad Pro.

 

[Fthree]

the issue with the new iPad is that it may be crazy specced to make things faster however the iPads were already fast enough for the software they are able to run. They are still just slightly more than an iPhone with the power and with the larger screen. I ended up going for the M1 MBP over the new iPad as I have a 2018 12.9 and it has no issues other than the operating system differences.

 

[el-John-o]

Agreed.

A couple of weeks ago I decided to go with the 2020 version (over the 2021 version) of the 11-inch iPad Pro on sale through Costco for $549 because of the following:

• The MiniLED display only gets brighter when playing HDR content
• The M1 chip, while fast, isn’t really any faster in real world use than the A12z

It seems like on forums there is a heavy lean towards tech nerds / spec geeks who might also be photographers, graphic designers, software developers, etc. In general though the overwhelming majority of people in the world are not these professions. Most people simply need an iPad for basic computer functions such as surfing the web, watching youtube or netflix, reading a kindle ebook, send a few emails, play a few games, browse reddit, etc.

For these reasons the 2018 & 2020 iPad Pro’s are still excellent choices and, like you and MKBHD said, the 2021 iPad Pro’s are basically just small spec bumps that look great on paper and in youtube reviewer ads to lure people away from their money… but in reality isn’t really needed at all over one of the last 2 generations of iPad Pro’s.

Yeah. The iPad Pro is genuinely living up to it’s name. It’s becoming a higher end device for professional/content creator workflows, whereas the Air is the consumer tablet without a doubt.

If you don’t have a specific need in mind that you feel the iPad Air couldn’t do; then the iPad Air is the right device for most users.

 

[el-John-o]

Well yes. Everyone knows it's a spec bump. No one should be expecting anything more.

iPad Pro will never improve until iPadOS stops massively handicapping the hardware. WWDC this year will either make or break the iPad Pro.

My vote is ‘break’.

Except; I don’t think it’ll break it. It’ll continue to be an exceptionally well selling device that people love. Even if the hardware remains so comically overpowered.

But I really doubt that WWDC is going to show us a compelling new version of iPadOS.

Frankly; developers of the apps themselves could add a lot of the functionality and performance we need. And they aren’t likely to either.

 

[macphoto861]

I switched from a 2018 to a 2020 12.9" and regret it (contrast 1:1960 vs. 1: 1330). The screen on the 2018 was very good, comparable to the 11" 2020. For non hdr content the 12.9" 2018 screen would be enough.

Interesting – I didn't realize there was a difference between the 2018 and 2020 12.9 screen. Is it really noticeable in real-world conditions (specifically photo editing)? I have a 2018 now, but am considering picking up a 2020 since they're on sale, for no other reason than to get a bigger storage size. But I don't want to take a significant step back in display quality.

 

[Artsketch]

Interesting – I didn't realize there was a difference between the 2018 and 2020 12.9 screen. Is it really noticeable in real-world conditions (specifically photo editing)? I have a 2018 now, but am considering picking up a 2020 since they're on sale, for no other reason than to get a bigger storage size. But I don't want to take a significant step back in display quality.

Yes, side by side my trained eye noticed the lack of contrast immediately. I searched for an explanation and found this review https://www.notebookcheck.net/Apple-iPad-Pro-12-9-2020-Review-Fine-tuning-the-Flagship.465642.0.html Also it uses pulse wave modulation. Would suggest to compare them side by side, and return the 2020 if it’s screen is not crisp.

 

[haruhiko]

This thing boots up in just 10 seconds
Noticeably faster than any other iOS/iPadOS devices.

 

[AutomaticApple]

In normal usage you will still use the device the same way. HDR content is very good for sure. Big reason I wanted it to be honest.

HDR content is only really noticeable when watching long movies with vivid scenes.

 

[Steve121178]

My vote is ‘break’.

Except; I don’t think it’ll break it. It’ll continue to be an exceptionally well selling device that people love. Even if the hardware remains so comically overpowered.

But I really doubt that WWDC is going to show us a compelling new version of iPadOS.

Frankly; developers of the apps themselves could add a lot of the functionality and performance we need. And they aren’t likely to either.

The M1 chip suggests apps such as Final Cut could be on their way to iPad Pro, especially with the 16GB RAM in the higher end models. It really would be a game changer for a lot of people.

Of course a lot needs to be done with iPadOS as well. Just potentially having apps like Final Cut isn't anywhere near enough. Having 'universal' apps from the Mac coming to the iPad on the other hand, coupled with a decent File Manager will allow many people to seriously consider ditching the traditional clamshell notebook in favour of the iPad.

I honestly think the iPad isn't that far away from being a very realistic alternative to the Mac. But it's down to how ambitious Apple wants to be with iPadOS. Another year of incremental updates won't cut it.

 

[el-John-o]

The M1 chip suggests apps such as Final Cut could be on their way to iPad Pro, especially with the 16GB RAM in the higher end models. It really would be a game changer for a lot of people.

Of course a lot needs to be done with iPadOS as well. Just potentially having apps like Final Cut isn't anywhere near enough. Having 'universal' apps from the Mac coming to the iPad on the other hand, coupled with a decent File Manager will allow many people to seriously consider ditching the traditional clamshell notebook in favour of the iPad.

I honestly think the iPad isn't that far away from being a very realistic alternative to the Mac. But it's down to how ambitious Apple wants to be with iPadOS. Another year of incremental updates won't cut it.

Honestly, Final Cut would’ve run on the last several variants of the iPad Pro.

I would love to see it, but I’m not holding my breath on seeing Apple release an updated FCPX that has the UI they would want to run it on an iPad.

My shot in the dark hope is that Apple just straight up allows M1 Mac apps to run on the iPad Pro; with the caveat that you’d be expected to use them with keyboard and mouse or the pencil (I’d be fine with that, personally). Just running the Mac version of Lightroom and FCPX would make me super happy.

 

[Digitalguy]

This thing boots up in just 10 seconds
Noticeably faster than any other iOS/iPadOS devices.

That's also due to the faster SSD of M1

 

[macphoto861]

Yes, side by side my trained eye noticed the lack of contrast immediately. I searched for an explanation and found this review https://www.notebookcheck.net/Apple-iPad-Pro-12-9-2020-Review-Fine-tuning-the-Flagship.465642.0.html Also it uses pulse wave modulation. Would suggest to compare them side by side, and return the 2020 if it’s screen is not crisp.

I decided to head over to Best Buy and take a look – had my iPad (2018 12.9) in the car, intending to bring it into the store to compare with the 2020 if the initial impression was favorable. Unfortunately, the model they had on display had a very bad yellow cast to it (confirmed True Tone and Night Shift were off). I considered buying one to compare at home (with the assumption that one on display was defective), but I actually stumbled onto a better solution to my problem.

My current 64gb is fine for the work I do on it. The only thing that had me wanting more storage is for the couple of times a year I go on a trip and want to be able to load up movies to watch. What I discovered was that the video app I use (Infuse) lets you play moves directly from a flash drive. So, I picked up a 128gb USB-C flash drive, and I'm all set now.