Apple iPad Pro 12.9 2021 (16GB + 1TB) Review | 168 Data compared

The 2021 12.9-inch iPad Pro (5th Gen) stands out for integrating the Apple M1 chip, offering desktop-class performance, along with Thunderbolt 4, 5G, and a Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED display with exceptional 1,600-nit peak brightness. Key advantages include its immense processing power for demanding creative tasks, superior HDR visual accuracy, high-quality audio, and the Center Stage front camera feature. However, drawbacks involve the restrictive nature of iPadOS, a higher cost when paired with essential accessories, increased weight, and faster battery drain during high-intensity usage.

The 2021 12.9-inch iPad Pro, powered by the M1 chip, is lauded by Express.co.uk for its exceptional 50% faster performance, the introduction of the vivid Liquid Retina XDR display, and 5G connectivity. Key hardware enhancements include a 12MP front-facing camera with "Center Stage" tracking and a high-speed Thunderbolt port, all housed in a familiar premium aluminum chassis. However, the review highlights high costs—especially with mandatory accessories—and limitations of iPadOS as primary drawbacks, arguing it still cannot fully replace a laptop despite having superior hardware.

The TechRadar review deems the 2021 12.9-inch iPad Pro a best-in-class, laptop-replacing tablet, driven by the powerful M1 chip and a stunning Mini LED Liquid Retina XDR display. Key strengths include exceptional screen brightness, a 120Hz ProMotion display, Thunderbolt 4 connectivity, and the convenience of the Center Stage camera, though the device is recognized as overkill for casual users. Conversely, the device suffers from a very high price point, significant weight that hinders portability, and limited 128GB base storage. Reviewers also noted minor display blooming in dark scenes and constraints within iPadOS that limit the full potential of the desktop-class hardware. Overall, the 2021 iPad Pro 12.9 is a powerhouse for creative professionals, combining immense processing power with a premium display, but it comes at a premium cost and with limitations in software usability.

The T3 review of the 2021 12.9-inch iPad Pro highlights the Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED display as the best visual experience on a mobile device, offering 1,600 nits peak brightness and 120Hz ProMotion. Powered by the M1 chip, the device delivers desktop-class performance suitable for intensive creative tasks, complemented by 5G, Thunderbolt 4, and the Center Stage camera feature. While praised for its power and display, the review notes that the high cost of the tablet and essential accessories, combined with the limitations of iPadOS for complex multitasking, prevents it from being a full laptop replacement for all users.

The Tech Advisor review of the 12.9-inch iPad Pro (2021) highlights its "overkill" performance driven by the M1 chip and a revolutionary Liquid Retina XDR display using Mini-LED technology. Key hardware pros include Thunderbolt support, 5G connectivity, and a new 12Mp front camera with Center Stage, delivering a superior viewing and performance experience. However, the review notes significant cons, as iPadOS fails to fully utilize the M1 chip's capabilities, particularly in multitasking, and the device is heavier and thicker than its predecessor. Additionally, the tablet is expensive and suffers from minor "blooming" effects on the screen and slow charging speeds. The final verdict positions it as a top-tier device often hampered by its software limitations, suggesting it is more powerful than necessary for the average user. Tech Advisor

The 2021 12.9-inch iPad Pro, reviewed by PCMag, is described as a hardware powerhouse, featuring a high-performance M1 chip, superior Liquid Retina XDR display with mini-LED technology, and 5G connectivity. It excels in creative tasks with its 120Hz ProMotion display, Thunderbolt 4 support, and a 12MP front camera with Center Stage for improved video calls. However, the review notes significant limitations, arguing that iPadOS restricts the potential of the hardware, particularly with limited multitasking, lack of true external monitor support, and high pricing when accessories are added. Further, the absence of a 3.5mm headphone jack and the, at times, restrictive app ecosystem prevent it from fully replacing a laptop for all users. Ultimately, while the device is praised for its immense power and display quality, the constraints of the operating system are a central point of criticism.

The 2021 12.9-inch iPad Pro with M1 chip is described as a super-premium tablet featuring a stunning Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED display and exceptional performance, though the power feels excessive due to iPadOS limitations. Pros include the M1 processor, 9-plus hour battery life, excellent speakers, and "Centre Stage" camera, while cons are the high price, lack of a headphone jack, and software that doesn't fully utilize the hardware. The review concludes it is the best tablet available, but a very expensive, "overkill" investment for most users.

Wayne Dixon’s review of the 5th Generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro highlights the M1 chip's desktop-level performance and the superior Liquid Retina XDR display, featuring 2,596 local dimming zones for exceptional brightness. Key pros include 5G connectivity and a Thunderbolt/USB 4 port supporting high-speed data transfer, alongside the massive processing power of the Unified Memory Architecture. the review notes cons such as the device's increased thickness, which renders it incompatible with certain accessories like the Kensington StudioDock and causes fit issues with the 2020 Magic Keyboard. Additional drawbacks mentioned include minor graphical stutters in gaming and occasional screen dimming bugs. the hardware is considered future-proof and excellent for professional workflows, the upgrade is primarily recommended for users of 1st or 2nd generation models due to the high cost for 3rd or 4th gen users, with the added caveat that iPadOS often limits the hardware's full potential. Copy

The Notebookcheck review of the 2021 12.9-inch Apple iPad Pro highlights its Liquid Retina XDR display (mini-LED technology, 1,600 nits peak brightness) and the high-performance M1 chip, which brings laptop-level power to a tablet format. Key pros include exceptional processing speed for professional workflows, 5G connectivity, and a new 12 MP ultra-wide camera with Center Stage, along with a high-speed Thunderbolt 4 port. However, the review cites iPadOS limitations as the primary drawback, noting it fails to fully utilize the M1 chip's potential for true multitasking. Additional cons include increased weight and thickness compared to previous models, and a high cost, particularly when factoring in necessary accessories. While considered a technical masterpiece, the device is positioned as a powerhouse that is still held back by its software. For more details, visit Notebookcheck. Copy

The 2021 Apple iPad Pro is defined by "over-the-top" performance, utilizing the M1 chip to deliver desktop-level power suitable for intensive tasks like 4K video editing. The 12.9-inch model features a standout Liquid Retina XDR display, using mini-LED technology to achieve 1,600 nits peak brightness and a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio, while 5G and Thunderbolt support improve connectivity. However, the device is held back by the restrictive iPadOS, which prevents full utilization of the hardware, alongside a high price point and awkward front camera placement. What Hi-Fi? For a detailed analysis, visit Reviewed.com. Copy

The Digital Camera World review identifies the M1 iPad Pro 12.9-inch as a "peak of tech" tablet, highlighting its workstation-class performance and suitability as a mobile command center for creatives. Key features include a stunning mini-LED Liquid Retina XDR display for superior image editing and a Thunderbolt 4 port for fast connectivity. However, the review notes the device is expensive and often limited by iPadOS, making it "supremely overkill" for typical users. Copy

In a May 2021 review, CNBC characterizes the 5th generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro as a top-tier tablet featuring the powerful M1 chip and a vibrant Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED display. The device excels in performance for tasks like video editing and offers 5G connectivity along with the Center Stage camera feature. However, the review notes a disparity between this high-end hardware and the limitations of iPadOS, suggesting the software does not fully leverage the M1's capabilities, making it more of a premium tablet than a complete laptop replacement.

The Macworld review characterizes the 12.9-inch iPad Pro (2021) as an exceptionally powerful device driven by the M1 chip, which offers up to 50% faster CPU and 40% faster GPU performance over previous models. Key advantages include the mini-LED Liquid Retina XDR display, featuring 1,600 nits peak brightness for superior contrast, alongside Thunderbolt support, Center Stage camera, and 5G connectivity. However, the review notes that iPadOS restricts the hardware's potential, limiting advanced multitasking, while the high cost often approaches that of a MacBook Pro. Additionally, this model is heavier and thicker than its predecessors, and the performance boost is not always noticeable in daily usage. Copy

The 12.9-inch iPad Pro (2021) is defined by its M1 processor and Liquid Retina XDR display, featuring over 10,000 mini-LEDs for a peak brightness of 1,588 nits. Performance is considered unrivaled, with benchmark scores doubling previous models, while the "Center Stage" camera and Thunderbolt 3/USB 4 support are highlighted as key functional advancements. Battery life excelled at nearly 11 hours in tests, complementing the high-end display and powerful, punchy audio system. However, the $1,099 starting price makes it expensive, and its weight, reaching 3 pounds with a keyboard, equals a MacBook Pro, causing portability concerns. Additionally, the review notes that iPadOS continues to limit the, at times, wasted, high-power M1 chip functionality. Copy

The 2021 12.9-inch Apple iPad Pro is hailed as a "hardware tour de force," featuring a brilliant Liquid Retina XDR display with 10,000 mini-LEDs for superior brightness and contrast, alongside the immense power of the M1 chip. Key features highlighted include 5G connectivity with mmWave support, a Thunderbolt 4 port, a high-quality quad-speaker system, and a front-facing camera with Center Stage for improved video calls. However, the review notes significant limitations, stating that iPadOS restricts the M1 chip's potential with limited multitasking, along with the device's high price and the lack of a 3.5mm headphone jack.

The Trusted Reviews assessment calls the 2021 iPad Pro a "triumph" in hardware, highlighting the Mini-LED "Liquid Retina XDR" display as the best seen on a mobile device and praising the M1 chip for delivering desktop-class performance. However, the review notes significant limitations with iPadOS, stating the software restricts the M1's potential, alongside a frustrating camera placement for landscape use. Ultimately, while boasting excellent audio, 5G, and a Thunderbolt port, the high price and base storage limitations lead to a recommendation of the iPad Air for most users until software catches up.

Federico Viticci’s review of the 2021 12.9-inch iPad Pro praises it as a "marvel of engineering" defined by the M1 chip's immense performance and the superior contrast of the Liquid Retina XDR display. Key pros include lightning-fast workflow speeds, Thunderbolt support for high-speed peripherals, and the Center Stage camera feature. However, the review identifies a significant disconnect, terming the device "future on standby" due to iPadOS 14 limitations. Cons include the lack of proper external display support, an app-level 5GB RAM constraint despite 16GB availability, and slight increases in weight and thickness. Ultimately, while the hardware provides a professional-grade foundation, the software restricts its potential, making the device's value reliant on future operating system updates.

The 2021 M1 iPad Pro (12.9-inch) delivers desktop-class performance with the M1 chip, 5G connectivity, and a superior Liquid Retina XDR display, though the high-end hardware often feels overqualified for current iPadOS apps. While the hardware is highly capable, the device is limited by iPadOS's restrictive multitasking, making it not a true replacement for a MacBook despite the power. Practical considerations include a high total cost when adding essential accessories and a slightly heavier design. For more details, visit CNET.

The 2021 iPad Pro represents a triumph of hardware, featuring the M1 chip for Mac-level performance, up to 16GB of RAM, and a high-brightness Liquid Retina XDR display. Additional strengths include Thunderbolt connectivity and the Center Stage camera feature. However, the device is constrained by iPadOS, which is described as restrictive, along with a high price point and increased weight on the 12.9-inch model. Ultimately, while a powerful, future-proof machine for creatives, it is considered overkill for average users due to software limitations, according to analysis from Six Colors and other sources.

The 2021 12.9-inch iPad Pro, reviewed by The Verge, features a groundbreaking Liquid Retina XDR (mini-LED) display offering exceptional brightness and contrast, though it is prone to slight blooming. Powered by the M1 chip, it delivers unmatched tablet performance, alongside new 5G capabilities and a 12.2MP front camera with Center Stage, although the speed boost is rarely fully utilized by current apps. While the hardware is superior, the review highlights that restrictive multitasking in iPadOS prevents it from truly replacing a laptop, ultimately offering a premium experience hampered by its software.