IPad Pro 12.9 (3rd Gen) 2018: Review, Specs, & More

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iPad Pro 12.9" (3rd Gen) 2018: Review, Specs, & More

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd Generation) released in 2018. This powerhouse tablet was a game-changer when it hit the market, boasting a stunning display, blazing-fast performance, and a sleek design. But how does it hold up in today's tech landscape? Let's break it down.

Overview of the iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd Gen) 2018

The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd Gen) was a significant leap forward from its predecessors. Launched in the fall of 2018, it marked a shift towards a more modern design with slimmer bezels and the introduction of Face ID. This model ditched the home button, embracing a fully screen experience that's immersive and visually appealing. The inclusion of the A12X Bionic chip provided a massive performance boost, making it capable of handling demanding tasks like video editing, graphic design, and gaming with ease. Apple also introduced the second-generation Apple Pencil alongside this iPad, enhancing the creative possibilities for artists and designers. One of the most notable features was the Liquid Retina display, which offered vibrant colors, excellent brightness, and ProMotion technology for a buttery-smooth 120Hz refresh rate. This made everything from scrolling through web pages to watching videos an absolute pleasure. The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd Gen) also adopted the USB-C port, replacing the Lightning connector. This move opened up a world of possibilities for connecting to external devices, such as monitors, cameras, and storage drives. Available in silver and space gray, the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd Gen) came in various storage options, catering to different user needs. Whether you were a creative professional, a student, or simply someone who enjoyed consuming content on a large screen, the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd Gen) offered a compelling package. Its combination of power, portability, and versatility made it a standout device in the tablet market. Furthermore, the smart keyboard folio case improved user experience.

Key Features and Specifications

Let's get into the nitty-gritty of what made this iPad Pro tick. When you're considering an iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd Gen), understanding its specifications is key. At the heart of the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd Gen) was the A12X Bionic chip, a marvel of engineering at the time. This chip featured an 8-core CPU and a 7-core GPU, delivering performance that rivaled many laptops. It could handle anything you threw at it, from editing 4K videos to playing graphics-intensive games. The 12.9-inch Liquid Retina display with ProMotion technology was another standout feature. With a resolution of 2732 x 2048 pixels, it offered incredible detail and clarity. ProMotion technology dynamically adjusted the refresh rate up to 120Hz, making scrolling and animations incredibly smooth. Face ID, Apple's facial recognition system, replaced the home button and provided a secure and convenient way to unlock the device and authenticate purchases. The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd Gen) also featured a USB-C port, which allowed for faster data transfer and connectivity to a wider range of accessories. It supported charging, display output, and connecting to external storage devices. The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd Gen) came with a 12MP rear camera and a 7MP TrueDepth front camera. The rear camera could record 4K video at up to 60fps, while the front camera supported Face ID and Portrait mode selfies. The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd Gen) was compatible with the second-generation Apple Pencil, which attached magnetically to the side of the device and charged wirelessly. The Apple Pencil offered precise input and was a valuable tool for artists, designers, and note-takers. The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd Gen) ran on iPadOS, Apple's dedicated operating system for iPads. iPadOS offered a range of features optimized for the larger screen, such as multitasking, drag-and-drop, and file management. It also came with a suite of pre-installed apps, including Safari, Mail, Photos, and iMovie. Available in silver and space gray, the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd Gen) came in storage options of 64GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB. It also offered both Wi-Fi and cellular models, allowing you to stay connected on the go. The dimensions of the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd Gen) were 11.04 inches (280.6 mm) in height, 8.46 inches (214.9 mm) in width, and 0.23 inches (5.9 mm) in depth. It weighed 1.39 pounds (631 grams) for the Wi-Fi model and 1.4 pounds (633 grams) for the cellular model. The battery life of the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd Gen) was rated at up to 10 hours of surfing the web on Wi-Fi, watching video, or listening to music. This allowed you to use the device for a full day without needing to recharge. The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd Gen) also featured four speakers, providing a rich and immersive audio experience. Whether you were watching movies, playing games, or listening to music, the sound quality was impressive. The smart keyboard folio case has full user optimization.

Display Quality

The display is where the iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd Gen) truly shines. The Liquid Retina display with ProMotion technology is a visual feast. Colors are vibrant and accurate, blacks are deep, and the screen gets incredibly bright, making it usable even in direct sunlight. ProMotion technology dynamically adjusts the refresh rate up to 120Hz, making everything from scrolling through web pages to playing games incredibly smooth. This feature not only enhances the visual experience but also reduces eye strain. The display also supports the P3 wide color gamut, which means it can display a wider range of colors than standard displays. This is especially important for creative professionals who need accurate color representation for their work. The display is also laminated, which means there is no air gap between the glass and the LCD panel. This reduces reflections and makes the display appear more immersive. The display also has an anti-reflective coating, which further reduces glare and makes it easier to see in bright environments. The resolution of 2732 x 2048 pixels provides a pixel density of 264 pixels per inch, which is sharp enough that you won't see individual pixels. Whether you're watching movies, editing photos, or creating artwork, the display on the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd Gen) is sure to impress. The display is also incredibly responsive, thanks to the fast refresh rate and low latency. This makes it a joy to use with the Apple Pencil. The Apple Pencil glides smoothly across the screen, and there is virtually no lag between when you draw and when the line appears on the screen. The display also supports True Tone technology, which automatically adjusts the color temperature of the display to match the ambient lighting. This makes the display more comfortable to look at in different lighting conditions. The display also has wide viewing angles, so you can see the screen clearly from almost any angle. This is great for sharing content with others or for using the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd Gen) in landscape mode. The display is also durable, thanks to the use of strengthened glass. It can withstand everyday wear and tear without getting scratched or damaged easily. The display is also easy to clean, thanks to its oleophobic coating. This coating repels fingerprints and smudges, so you can keep the display looking its best. The smart keyboard folio case makes the display more enjoyable.

Performance and Speed

When it comes to performance, the iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd Gen) is no slouch. The A12X Bionic chip delivers blistering-fast speeds, making it capable of handling even the most demanding tasks with ease. Whether you're editing 4K videos, playing graphics-intensive games, or running multiple apps at the same time, the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd Gen) won't break a sweat. The A12X Bionic chip features an 8-core CPU and a 7-core GPU, which provides a significant performance boost over its predecessors. The CPU can handle complex calculations and data processing, while the GPU can render graphics-intensive scenes with ease. The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd Gen) also has plenty of RAM, which allows you to keep multiple apps open in the background without experiencing any slowdown. This is especially useful for multitasking and for quickly switching between apps. The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd Gen) also has a fast storage drive, which allows you to quickly access your files and apps. The storage drive is based on NVMe technology, which provides much faster read and write speeds than traditional storage drives. The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd Gen) also has excellent thermal management, which prevents it from overheating even when running demanding tasks for extended periods. This is important for maintaining performance and preventing damage to the device. The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd Gen) also has a Neural Engine, which is a dedicated processor for machine learning tasks. This allows the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd Gen) to perform tasks such as facial recognition and image processing much faster than it could without the Neural Engine. The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd Gen) also has a Gigabit-class LTE modem, which allows you to connect to cellular networks at fast speeds. This is useful for staying connected on the go and for accessing the internet in areas where Wi-Fi is not available. The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd Gen) also has excellent battery life, which allows you to use it for a full day without needing to recharge. This is important for productivity and for staying entertained on long trips. The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd Gen) also has a USB-C port, which allows you to connect to a wide range of accessories, such as external displays, storage drives, and cameras. This makes the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd Gen) a versatile tool for both work and play. The smart keyboard folio case enhances performance.

Camera Capabilities

Don't underestimate the camera on the iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd Gen). While it's not going to replace your professional camera, it's surprisingly capable. It features a 12MP rear camera that captures sharp and detailed photos and videos. It can record 4K video at up to 60fps, which is great for capturing memories or creating content. The rear camera also has a wide color capture, which means it can capture more vibrant and accurate colors. This is especially useful for taking photos of landscapes or nature. The rear camera also has Smart HDR, which automatically adjusts the exposure and contrast to create better-looking photos. This is especially useful for taking photos in challenging lighting conditions. The rear camera also has optical image stabilization, which helps to reduce blur and shake in photos and videos. This is especially useful for taking photos in low light or while moving. The rear camera also has a quad-LED True Tone flash, which provides even and natural lighting for photos. This is especially useful for taking photos in dark environments. The front camera is a 7MP TrueDepth camera that supports Face ID. It can also capture Portrait mode selfies with a blurred background. The front camera also has Retina Flash, which uses the display to illuminate your face when taking selfies in low light. The front camera also has Animoji and Memoji, which allows you to create animated characters that mimic your facial expressions. The front camera is also used for video calls and for unlocking the device with Face ID. The camera is great for capturing memories. The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd Gen) also has excellent video recording capabilities. It can record 4K video at up to 60fps, and it also has cinematic video stabilization. This helps to reduce blur and shake in videos, making them look more professional. The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd Gen) also has four microphones, which provide excellent audio quality for video recording. The smart keyboard folio case is not compatible with the camera.

Pros and Cons

To make things clear, here's a quick rundown of the pros and cons of the iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd Gen):

Pros:

  • Stunning Display: The Liquid Retina display with ProMotion is a visual treat.
  • Blazing-Fast Performance: The A12X Bionic chip handles demanding tasks effortlessly.
  • Sleek Design: Slim bezels and a modern aesthetic.
  • Face ID: Secure and convenient facial recognition.
  • USB-C Port: Versatile connectivity for external devices.

Cons:

  • Price: It was expensive when new, and still commands a decent price on the used market.
  • No Headphone Jack: You'll need an adapter or Bluetooth headphones.
  • Accessories Cost Extra: The Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard Folio are sold separately.
  • Software Updates: As it is an older device, it may not receive the latest iPadOS updates for as long as newer models.

Who is this iPad For?

The iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd Gen) is a great fit for:

  • Creative Professionals: Artists, designers, and video editors will appreciate the powerful performance and stunning display.
  • Students: The large screen and Apple Pencil support make it ideal for note-taking and studying.
  • Power Users: Anyone who needs a versatile device for work and play will find it a great option.

Alternatives to Consider

If you're not completely sold on the iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd Gen), here are some alternatives to consider:

  • Newer iPad Pro Models: The newer iPad Pro models offer even faster performance, better displays, and more advanced features.
  • iPad Air: A more affordable option that still offers excellent performance.
  • Samsung Galaxy Tab S Series: A powerful Android tablet with a vibrant display.

Conclusion

The iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd Gen) is a fantastic tablet that still holds up well today. Its stunning display, blazing-fast performance, and sleek design make it a joy to use. While it may not be the latest and greatest, it's still a powerful and versatile device that can handle just about anything you throw at it. If you're looking for a large-screen tablet that can handle demanding tasks, the iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd Gen) is definitely worth considering.