IPad Pro 12.9-inch (2nd Gen): Review, Specs & More
Hey everyone! Today, let's dive deep into the iPad Pro 12.9-inch 2nd generation. This device was a game-changer when it hit the market, and it’s still a relevant option for many users. Whether you're a creative professional, a student, or someone who just enjoys a large-screen tablet experience, this iPad Pro has a lot to offer. In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know, from its design and display to performance, cameras, and battery life. We’ll also discuss whether it’s still worth buying in today's tech landscape. So, let’s get started!
Design and Display
When the iPad Pro 12.9-inch 2nd generation was released, its design immediately stood out. It sports a sleek, minimalist look with an aluminum unibody that feels premium and durable. The slim bezels around the display provide an immersive viewing experience, making it ideal for consuming content or working on creative projects. The build quality is top-notch, as you'd expect from Apple, ensuring it can withstand daily wear and tear. Holding it in your hands, you immediately feel the quality and attention to detail that went into its construction. The rounded edges make it comfortable to hold for extended periods, which is essential for a device you might use for hours on end. Available in various colors, including Silver, Space Gray, Gold, and Rose Gold, it allows users to choose one that fits their personal style. The design is not just about aesthetics; it's also functional, providing a solid and reliable device for all your needs. This iPad Pro feels every bit as premium as its price tag suggests, making it a pleasure to use every day. The tactile feedback from the buttons is satisfying, and the overall fit and finish are impeccable. For those who appreciate refined design, the iPad Pro 12.9-inch 2nd generation remains a benchmark.
Display Technology
The display is undoubtedly one of the standout features of the iPad Pro 12.9-inch 2nd generation. It boasts a stunning 12.9-inch Retina display with a resolution of 2732 x 2048 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 264 ppi. This means everything looks incredibly sharp and detailed, whether you're reading text, watching videos, or editing photos. The color accuracy is also impressive, thanks to its wide color gamut (P3), which ensures vibrant and true-to-life colors. What truly sets this display apart is ProMotion technology, which dynamically adjusts the refresh rate up to 120Hz. This makes scrolling, animations, and even using the Apple Pencil feel incredibly smooth and responsive. It’s a feature that once you experience, it’s hard to go back. The brightness of the display is also excellent, making it usable even in bright outdoor conditions. Apple's anti-reflective coating further enhances visibility by reducing glare, allowing you to work or enjoy content comfortably in various lighting environments. The combination of high resolution, accurate colors, and ProMotion technology makes the iPad Pro 12.9-inch 2nd generation's display a joy to use for any task. The visual experience is so immersive that it enhances everything from watching movies to creating digital art. Whether you’re a professional artist or just someone who enjoys high-quality visuals, this display will not disappoint. It truly sets a standard for tablet displays.
Performance
Under the hood, the iPad Pro 12.9-inch 2nd generation is powered by Apple's A10X Fusion chip. This chip is a powerhouse, featuring a six-core CPU and a 12-core GPU, delivering exceptional performance for a wide range of tasks. Whether you're editing 4K videos, playing graphics-intensive games, or multitasking between several apps, the iPad Pro handles it all with ease. The A10X Fusion chip provides a significant boost in performance compared to its predecessors, making it noticeably faster and more responsive. Apps launch quickly, and there's virtually no lag, even when working with large files or complex projects. The 12-core GPU ensures smooth graphics performance, allowing you to enjoy the latest games with high frame rates and stunning visuals. The iPad Pro also excels in professional applications, such as Adobe Photoshop and Procreate, where its processing power enables seamless editing and creative workflows. Multitasking is a breeze, thanks to the iPad's ability to run multiple apps side-by-side without any performance hiccups. The combination of the A10X Fusion chip and ample RAM ensures a fluid and efficient user experience, making the iPad Pro 12.9-inch 2nd generation a reliable and capable device for both work and play. It remains a strong performer even by today's standards, proving that Apple's silicon is built to last. The overall performance is impressive and caters to users who demand power and efficiency from their devices.
Storage Options
The iPad Pro 12.9-inch 2nd generation came with several storage options to cater to different user needs. You could choose from 64GB, 256GB, or 512GB of internal storage. The 64GB model is suitable for users who primarily use their iPad for basic tasks like browsing the web, checking email, and streaming videos. However, if you plan to store a lot of photos, videos, and apps, you'll likely find the 256GB or 512GB models more appropriate. Creative professionals who work with large files, such as 4K videos or high-resolution images, will definitely benefit from the larger storage options. Having ample storage space ensures you don't have to constantly worry about running out of room and allows you to keep all your essential files and projects readily accessible. While the iPad Pro doesn't offer expandable storage via a microSD card slot, the available internal storage options should be sufficient for most users. When choosing a storage size, it's always a good idea to overestimate your needs to avoid future limitations. Consider the types of files you'll be working with and how much storage they typically consume. This will help you make an informed decision and ensure you select the right iPad Pro model for your specific requirements. Ultimately, having enough storage enhances the overall user experience and allows you to maximize the potential of your device.
Cameras
In terms of cameras, the iPad Pro 12.9-inch 2nd generation doesn't disappoint. It features a 12-megapixel rear camera with an f/1.8 aperture, which allows for excellent image quality in various lighting conditions. The camera also supports 4K video recording at 30fps, enabling you to capture high-resolution videos with impressive detail. The rear camera includes optical image stabilization (OIS), which helps reduce blur and ensures sharper photos and smoother videos, especially in low-light environments. The quad-LED True Tone flash adapts to the color temperature of your surroundings, providing more natural-looking flash photography. On the front, there's a 7-megapixel FaceTime HD camera with an f/2.2 aperture, which is perfect for video calls and selfies. The front camera also supports 1080p HD video recording, ensuring clear and crisp video quality during FaceTime calls or when recording videos for social media. While the iPad Pro may not replace a dedicated professional camera, its cameras are more than capable for everyday use. Whether you're capturing photos of documents, scanning QR codes, or participating in video conferences, the iPad Pro's cameras deliver reliable performance. The combination of high-resolution sensors, optical image stabilization, and advanced software processing ensures that you can capture great-looking photos and videos with ease. For a tablet, the camera capabilities of the iPad Pro 12.9-inch 2nd generation are quite impressive, making it a versatile tool for both personal and professional use. The camera system is well-rounded and provides excellent performance for a variety of tasks.
Battery Life
Battery life is crucial for any mobile device, and the iPad Pro 12.9-inch 2nd generation delivers admirably. Apple claims that it offers up to 10 hours of battery life on a single charge when browsing the web, watching videos, or listening to music over Wi-Fi. In real-world usage, this claim holds up well. You can easily get through a full day of moderate use without needing to recharge. Even with more intensive tasks like video editing or gaming, the iPad Pro provides a respectable amount of battery life. The large battery capacity ensures that you can stay productive or entertained for extended periods, whether you're at home, in the office, or on the go. The iPad Pro also supports fast charging, allowing you to quickly replenish the battery when needed. The efficient power management of the A10X Fusion chip contributes to the excellent battery life, ensuring that the iPad Pro doesn't drain power unnecessarily. Standby time is also impressive, with the iPad Pro able to hold its charge for days when not in use. Overall, the battery life of the iPad Pro 12.9-inch 2nd generation is one of its strengths, making it a reliable companion for all your daily tasks. Whether you're a student taking notes in class, a professional working on projects, or simply someone who enjoys streaming videos, you can count on the iPad Pro to last throughout the day. The combination of efficient hardware and optimized software ensures a long-lasting and dependable battery performance.
Is it Still Worth Buying?
So, is the iPad Pro 12.9-inch 2nd generation still worth buying in today's market? The answer depends on your specific needs and budget. While it's not the latest model, it still offers excellent performance and a stunning display. If you're looking for a large-screen tablet for creative work, content consumption, or productivity tasks, it remains a viable option. However, keep in mind that newer iPad Pro models offer even faster processors, improved cameras, and additional features like Face ID and USB-C connectivity. If you need the latest and greatest technology, you might want to consider investing in a newer model. On the other hand, if you're on a budget and can find a used or refurbished iPad Pro 12.9-inch 2nd generation at a reasonable price, it can be a great value. It still provides a premium iPad experience with a beautiful display, capable performance, and long battery life. Just be aware that it may not receive the latest software updates as quickly as newer models. Ultimately, the decision depends on your priorities and how much you're willing to spend. If you value performance and cutting-edge features, a newer iPad Pro might be a better choice. But if you're looking for a cost-effective option that still delivers a fantastic tablet experience, the iPad Pro 12.9-inch 2nd generation is definitely worth considering. It's a solid device that continues to hold its own in the competitive tablet market.
Conclusion
The iPad Pro 12.9-inch 2nd generation remains a compelling device, even years after its initial release. Its combination of a stunning display, powerful performance, and long battery life makes it a great choice for a variety of users. Whether you're a creative professional, a student, or someone who simply enjoys a large-screen tablet, the iPad Pro offers a premium experience. While newer models have surpassed it in terms of performance and features, the iPad Pro 12.9-inch 2nd generation still holds its own and provides excellent value, especially if you can find it at a discounted price. Its sleek design, vibrant display, and capable performance make it a joy to use for both work and play. If you're in the market for a tablet and don't need the absolute latest technology, the iPad Pro 12.9-inch 2nd generation is definitely worth considering. It's a testament to Apple's commitment to quality and innovation, and it continues to be a relevant and capable device in today's tech landscape.
