IPad Pro 2021 12-inch: Is It Still Worth It In 2024?

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iPad Pro 2021 12-inch: Is It Still Worth It in 2024?

So, you're thinking about snagging an iPad Pro 2021 12-inch, huh? It's a classic for a reason, but in the ever-evolving world of tech, it's crucial to ask: does it still hold up in 2024? Let's dive deep, folks, and figure out if this tablet is still a smart buy or if your money is better spent elsewhere.

Design and Display: Still a Stunner?

Let's start with the basics – the design. The iPad Pro 2021 boasts a sleek, minimalist design that screams premium. We're talking about a slim profile, squared-off edges, and that gorgeous edge-to-edge display. It's undeniably an attractive piece of tech. But the real star of the show is that 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display. This thing is gorgeous. We're talking vibrant colors, incredible brightness, and ProMotion technology, which means a super-smooth 120Hz refresh rate. Scrolling through web pages, watching videos, or even just navigating the interface feels incredibly fluid and responsive. Compared to newer models, the design hasn't changed dramatically. Apple has kept a similar aesthetic for the iPad Pro line, so you're not going to feel like you're rocking something ancient. However, newer models might have slightly thinner bezels or different camera bump designs. Display-wise, the Liquid Retina XDR display still holds its own against the competition. While newer iPads might have slightly improved color accuracy or peak brightness, the difference isn't significant enough to be a deal-breaker for most users. The 120Hz ProMotion is where the magic happens, it makes the iPad feel incredibly responsive. The laminated display, anti-reflective coating, and wide color gamut are still top-notch. If you are a creative professional who needs color accuracy, you might consider newer models, but for everyday use, the iPad Pro 2021's display is fantastic. This display is still a winner in 2024. Whether you're a creative professional who needs accurate colors or someone who just enjoys streaming movies, you will love the screen.

Performance: M1 Power Still Packs a Punch

Under the hood, the iPad Pro 2021 is powered by Apple's M1 chip. This was a game-changer when it was released, bringing desktop-level performance to a tablet. And guess what? It's still incredibly powerful in 2024! The M1 chip can handle anything you throw at it, from demanding creative tasks like video editing and 3D modeling to gaming and multitasking. Apps launch instantly, and everything feels incredibly smooth and responsive. Benchmarking the M1 against newer chips like the M2 or M3 reveals that the newer chips are indeed faster. But in real-world usage, the difference is often negligible. Unless you're doing extremely intensive tasks that push the chip to its absolute limits, you're unlikely to notice a significant performance difference. For everyday tasks, the M1 is still more than capable. It's got enough power to handle multitasking between multiple apps, editing photos and videos, and playing graphically demanding games. The 8-core CPU and 8-core GPU provide plenty of power for most users. The Neural Engine also accelerates machine learning tasks, making the iPad Pro 2021 a great choice for AI-powered apps. Now, let's talk about RAM. The iPad Pro 2021 comes with either 8GB or 16GB of RAM, depending on the storage configuration. 8GB is sufficient for most users, but if you plan on doing a lot of heavy multitasking or working with large files, the 16GB model might be worth the investment. The M1 chip is a powerhouse that still holds up incredibly well in 2024. Unless you need the absolute bleeding edge performance, the iPad Pro 2021 will not disappoint you.

Features and Functionality: What Else Does It Offer?

Beyond the design and performance, the iPad Pro 2021 has a lot to offer in terms of features and functionality. The center stage is the camera system. It features a 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage, which automatically adjusts the frame to keep you in view during video calls. This is a fantastic feature for video conferencing and online learning. The rear camera system is also impressive, with a 12MP Wide camera and a 10MP Ultra Wide camera. You also get a LiDAR scanner, which enhances augmented reality experiences and improves the accuracy of autofocus in low-light conditions. Speaking of accessories, the iPad Pro 2021 supports the second-generation Apple Pencil and the Magic Keyboard. The Apple Pencil is a must-have for creative professionals, allowing you to sketch, draw, and take notes with incredible precision. The Magic Keyboard transforms the iPad Pro into a laptop-like device, with a comfortable keyboard and a built-in trackpad. These accessories significantly enhance the functionality of the iPad Pro, making it a versatile tool for both work and play. The iPad Pro 2021 also features Thunderbolt / USB 4 port, which allows you to connect to external displays, storage devices, and other peripherals. This port supports fast data transfer speeds and DisplayPort video output. Other notable features include Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, and a four-speaker audio system. The speakers are surprisingly good, delivering loud and clear audio with decent bass. The iPad Pro 2021 is packed with features that make it a versatile and powerful device. The camera system, accessory support, and connectivity options make it a great choice for both creative professionals and everyday users.

Software and Updates: Staying Current

One of the biggest advantages of buying an iPad is Apple's software support. Apple provides long-term software updates for its devices, ensuring that they stay up-to-date with the latest features and security patches. The iPad Pro 2021 is guaranteed to receive several more years of software updates, so you don't have to worry about it becoming obsolete anytime soon. The iPad Pro 2021 runs on iPadOS, which is specifically designed for tablets. iPadOS is intuitive and easy to use, with a focus on multitasking and productivity. You can run multiple apps side-by-side, use drag-and-drop to move content between apps, and take advantage of features like Slide Over and Split View. iPadOS also supports widgets, which allow you to quickly access information from your favorite apps. Apple regularly releases new versions of iPadOS, adding new features and improvements. The iPad Pro 2021 will receive these updates, ensuring that you always have the latest and greatest software experience. Apple's commitment to software updates is a major selling point for the iPad Pro 2021. You can be confident that your device will continue to receive updates for years to come, keeping it secure and up-to-date with the latest features.

Battery Life: Does It Last?

Battery life is always a concern with portable devices, but the iPad Pro 2021 delivers solid performance in this area. Apple claims that it can last up to 10 hours of web browsing or video playback on a single charge, and in real-world testing, this claim holds up pretty well. Of course, battery life will vary depending on your usage patterns. If you're doing a lot of demanding tasks like video editing or gaming, you can expect the battery to drain faster. But for everyday use, the iPad Pro 2021 should easily last you through a full day. The iPad Pro 2021 also supports fast charging, so you can quickly top up the battery when needed. It comes with a 20W USB-C power adapter, which can charge the device from 0% to 100% in about 2.5 hours. The battery life of the iPad Pro 2021 is more than adequate for most users. You can expect to get a full day of use out of it, even with moderate to heavy usage. And with fast charging, you can quickly top up the battery when needed.

Price and Value: Is It Worth the Money in 2024?

Now, let's get to the million-dollar question: is the iPad Pro 2021 worth the money in 2024? The answer, as always, depends on your needs and budget. The iPad Pro 2021 is still a fantastic tablet, with a stunning display, powerful performance, and a wide range of features. It's a great choice for creative professionals, students, and anyone who wants a premium tablet experience. However, the price of the iPad Pro 2021 can be a barrier for some people. It's not the cheapest tablet on the market, and you'll need to factor in the cost of accessories like the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard. If you're on a tight budget, there are other tablets that offer similar features at a lower price point. But if you're willing to spend the money, the iPad Pro 2021 is a worthwhile investment. It's a versatile device that can be used for work, play, and everything in between. It's also backed by Apple's excellent software support, ensuring that it will stay up-to-date for years to come. The iPad Pro 2021 offers excellent value for money. It's a premium tablet that delivers a premium experience.

Alternatives to Consider

Before you make a decision, it's always a good idea to consider some alternatives. Here are a few other tablets that you might want to check out:

  • iPad Air (5th Generation): This is a great option if you want a powerful tablet at a more affordable price point. It's powered by the M1 chip and has a similar design to the iPad Pro.
  • Samsung Galaxy Tab S8/S9: Samsung's flagship tablets offer comparable performance and features to the iPad Pro, with the added benefit of the S Pen stylus included in the box.
  • Microsoft Surface Pro 9: If you need a tablet that can also function as a laptop, the Surface Pro 9 is a good choice. It runs Windows and has a detachable keyboard.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?

So, should you buy the iPad Pro 2021 12-inch in 2024? If you can find it at a good price and you value a premium tablet experience with a stunning display, powerful performance, and long-term software support, then the answer is yes. It's still a top-tier tablet that can handle anything you throw at it. However, if you're on a tight budget or you need the absolute latest and greatest technology, you might want to consider other options.

Ultimately, the decision is yours. But hopefully, this article has given you a better understanding of the iPad Pro 2021 and whether it's the right tablet for you.