IPad Pro 2018: Specs, Features, And Performance Review
The iPad Pro 2018 was a game-changer when it hit the market, and even now, it holds its own as a powerful and versatile device. Let's dive into what made this tablet so special, covering everything from its specifications to its performance and unique features. Whether you're a creative professional, a student, or just someone who loves tech, understanding the iPad Pro 2018 can help you appreciate how far tablet technology has come.
Design and Display
The design of the iPad Pro 2018 marked a significant departure from previous models. Apple ditched the home button in favor of a sleek, edge-to-edge display, giving it a modern and sophisticated look. The bezels were significantly reduced, maximizing the screen real estate and providing a more immersive viewing experience. This design change wasn't just about aesthetics; it also made the device more compact and easier to handle, despite having a large display. Available in two sizes, 11-inch and 12.9-inch, the iPad Pro 2018 catered to different user preferences, whether you wanted something more portable or a larger canvas for creative work.
The display itself is a Liquid Retina LCD, which boasts vibrant colors, excellent brightness, and ProMotion technology. ProMotion dynamically adjusts the refresh rate up to 120Hz, making scrolling, animations, and drawing feel incredibly smooth and responsive. This feature is particularly noticeable when using the Apple Pencil, as it minimizes latency and creates a more natural writing and drawing experience. The display also supports P3 wide color gamut, ensuring accurate and lifelike color reproduction, which is crucial for tasks like photo and video editing. Furthermore, True Tone technology adjusts the display's color temperature to match the ambient lighting, reducing eye strain and making the screen comfortable to view in any environment. With its stunning visuals and responsive performance, the iPad Pro 2018's display set a new standard for tablet displays.
Performance and Hardware
Under the hood, the iPad Pro 2018 is powered by the A12X Bionic chip, a powerhouse that delivers exceptional performance. This chip features an 8-core CPU and a 7-core GPU, making it capable of handling demanding tasks like video editing, 3D modeling, and gaming with ease. The A12X Bionic chip's performance is comparable to that of some laptop computers, making the iPad Pro 2018 a viable alternative for those who need a portable and powerful device. The Neural Engine, a dedicated hardware component for machine learning tasks, further enhances the iPad Pro 2018's capabilities, enabling features like real-time photo and video analysis, augmented reality experiences, and improved Siri performance. Whether you're multitasking, running complex applications, or playing graphics-intensive games, the iPad Pro 2018 delivers a smooth and responsive experience.
The iPad Pro 2018 comes with either 4GB or 6GB of RAM, depending on the storage configuration. Models with 1TB of storage have 6GB of RAM, while the rest have 4GB. Storage options range from 64GB to 1TB, providing ample space for storing files, apps, and media. It's worth noting that the storage is not expandable, so it's important to choose the right capacity based on your needs. The device also features USB-C port, which replaces the Lightning port found on previous iPad models. This allows for faster data transfer speeds and the ability to connect to a wider range of accessories, such as external displays, cameras, and storage devices. The USB-C port also supports USB-C Power Delivery, enabling faster charging. With its powerful processor, ample RAM, and versatile connectivity, the iPad Pro 2018 is well-equipped to handle a wide range of tasks.
Software and Features
The iPad Pro 2018 originally shipped with iOS 12, but it has since been updated to iPadOS, Apple's dedicated operating system for iPads. iPadOS introduces a range of features designed to enhance productivity and multitasking, such as Slide Over, Split View, and App Exposé. Slide Over allows you to quickly access apps in a floating window, while Split View lets you run two apps side-by-side. App Exposé provides a quick overview of all open windows for a specific app, making it easy to switch between tasks. These features, combined with the iPad Pro 2018's powerful hardware, make it a highly efficient device for getting work done.
The iPad Pro 2018 also supports the second-generation Apple Pencil, which attaches magnetically to the side of the device and charges wirelessly. The Apple Pencil offers precise and responsive input, making it ideal for drawing, note-taking, and annotating documents. It also features tilt and pressure sensitivity, allowing for a more natural and expressive drawing experience. The Smart Keyboard Folio is another notable accessory, providing a comfortable and responsive typing experience. It attaches magnetically to the iPad Pro 2018 and doubles as a protective cover. Face ID, Apple's facial recognition technology, is also present on the iPad Pro 2018, providing a secure and convenient way to unlock the device and authenticate purchases. With its versatile software and range of accessories, the iPad Pro 2018 offers a seamless and productive user experience.
Camera and Audio
In terms of camera capabilities, the iPad Pro 2018 features a 12MP rear camera with an f/1.8 aperture, allowing for sharp and detailed photos and videos. It also supports 4K video recording at up to 60fps, making it a capable device for capturing high-quality footage. The front-facing 7MP TrueDepth camera enables Face ID and supports Portrait mode, allowing for selfies with blurred backgrounds. The cameras on the iPad Pro 2018 are not quite as advanced as those on the latest iPhones, but they are more than adequate for most users' needs.
The iPad Pro 2018 also boasts a four-speaker audio system, which delivers rich and immersive sound. The speakers are strategically placed to provide a wide stereo soundstage, making it great for watching movies, listening to music, and playing games. The audio quality is further enhanced by the A12X Bionic chip, which enables advanced audio processing and noise reduction. Whether you're using it for entertainment or productivity, the iPad Pro 2018's camera and audio capabilities are sure to impress.
Battery Life
The iPad Pro 2018 offers excellent battery life, typically lasting around 10 hours on a single charge with mixed usage. This makes it a great device for on-the-go productivity and entertainment. The actual battery life may vary depending on factors such as screen brightness, app usage, and network connectivity. However, even with heavy usage, the iPad Pro 2018 should easily last through a full day of work or school. The USB-C port supports fast charging, allowing you to quickly top up the battery when needed. With its long battery life and fast charging capabilities, the iPad Pro 2018 is a reliable device for users who need to stay connected and productive throughout the day.
iPad Pro 2018 Specs
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the iPad Pro 2018 specifications:
- Display: 11-inch or 12.9-inch Liquid Retina display with ProMotion technology
 - Processor: A12X Bionic chip with Neural Engine
 - RAM: 4GB or 6GB (depending on storage configuration)
 - Storage: 64GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB
 - Camera (Rear): 12MP with f/1.8 aperture, 4K video recording at up to 60fps
 - Camera (Front): 7MP TrueDepth camera with Portrait mode
 - Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C
 - Operating System: iPadOS (originally iOS 12)
 - Security: Face ID
 - Audio: Four-speaker audio system
 - Battery: Up to 10 hours of battery life
 - Dimensions (11-inch): 9.74 x 7.02 x 0.23 inches (247.6 x 178.5 x 5.9 mm)
 - Dimensions (12.9-inch): 11.04 x 8.46 x 0.23 inches (280.6 x 214.9 x 5.9 mm)
 - Weight (11-inch): 1.03 pounds (468 grams)
 - Weight (12.9-inch): 1.39 pounds (631 grams)
 
Conclusion
The iPad Pro 2018 remains a compelling device, offering a blend of power, portability, and versatility. Its sleek design, stunning display, and powerful A12X Bionic chip make it a great choice for creative professionals, students, and anyone who needs a tablet that can handle demanding tasks. While it may not have all the latest features of newer iPad Pro models, it still holds its own as a top-tier tablet. If you're looking for a capable and affordable iPad Pro, the 2018 model is definitely worth considering. It continues to deliver a premium experience and offers excellent value for its price.