Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (512GB + 4GB) Review | 168 Data compared

The Expert Reviews assessment of the 2020 iPad Pro highlights it as a refined, iterative update featuring the high-performance A12Z Bionic chip and a superior 120Hz Liquid Retina display. New additions include a 10MP wide-angle camera, a LiDAR scanner for improved AR, and studio-quality microphones, solidifying its "Pro" status. While offering exceptional performance and audio, the device is limited by the lack of full external monitor support and a high total cost when paired with essential accessories.

The T3 review of the 2020 Apple iPad Pro characterizes the tablet as a high-powered, premium device featuring a 120Hz ProMotion Liquid Retina display, the rapid A12Z Bionic chip, and 6GB of RAM. Key advantages include its exceptional performance for tasks like 4K video editing, an enhanced four-speaker audio system, and a new dual-camera setup with a 10MP ultra-wide lens. However, the review notes that the included LiDAR scanner is a niche feature for most users, and the overall high cost of the device, particularly with accessories, represents a significant drawback. The optional Magic Keyboard is cited as a downside, described as heavy with limited viewing angles and a finish that attracts dirt. While the tablet excels in performance, the review suggests it may be "overkill" for average users, with the iPad Air offering better value for money. Despite the cost and accessory limitations, it remains a top-tier option for professional users needing maximum power. T3

The 2021 12.9-inch iPad Pro (5th Gen) features the M1 chip and a Liquid Retina XDR display, delivering desktop-level performance and superior contrast, according to a review on MarketingYour.Biz. While the hardware outperforms iPadOS limitations, the device faces, including noticeable "blooming" on the display and a heavy weight when paired with the Magic Keyboard. Additional considerations include the high cost, the utility of the Magic Keyboard for productivity, and the awkward placement of the front-facing camera.

The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021) is described by T3 as a top-tier tablet featuring a groundbreaking Liquid Retina XDR display, powered by the M1 chip for exceptional performance. Key advantages include 5G connectivity, the 12MP front camera with Center Stage, and a Thunderbolt 4 port, making it a powerful tool for creative professionals. Conversely, the review identifies iPadOS limitations as a constraint on the M1's potential, alongside increased thickness and a high cost when paired with accessories like the Magic Keyboard.

The TechRadar review of the 2021 12.9-inch iPad Pro praises it as a top-tier tablet, powered by the Apple M1 chip and featuring a high-brightness Liquid Retina XDR Mini LED display. Key highlights include superior 120Hz ProMotion technology, Thunderbolt 4 connectivity, and the "Center Stage" camera feature. TechRadarConversely, the review notes the high price, limited 128GB base storage, and a potentially unwieldy form factor as major drawbacks. It is also argued that iPadOS software limitations prevent it from fully realizing the M1 chip’s potential as a laptop replacement. TechRadarUltimately, while the 12.9-inch model is recommended as a premium choice for creators needing maximum performance and display quality, it is considered overkill for most users, who may prefer the 11-inch Pro or iPad Air. TechRadar

The Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (6th Generation), driven by the M2 processor, is characterized by What Hi-Fi? as a minor yet powerful upgrade that maintains its status as a top-tier portable entertainment device despite a design identical to its predecessor. The device boasts a "stunning" Mini LED "Liquid Retina XDR" display and a spacious, atmospheric quad-speaker system that together provide a near-OLED viewing experience, with the review suggesting paired headphones for optimal performance. While praising its superb picture quality and performance, the review highlights the high price, stagnant design, and awkward front camera placement as key drawbacks. What Hi-Fi?

The 2022 12.9-inch iPad Pro, powered by the M2 chip, is described by PCMag as a "hardware tour de force" offering exceptional performance for creative workflows, including ProRes video support. Key features include a 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with mini-LED technology, 120Hz ProMotion, and enhanced connectivity via Wi-Fi 6E and a Thunderbolt 4 port. Additionally, the new Apple Pencil Hover feature allows artists to preview marks, and the quad-speaker system provides high-quality audio. PCMag UKWhile powerful, the device faces limitations from iPadOS, which hinders true laptop replacement capabilities due to restrictive multitasking and limited external monitor support. It also carries a high starting price of £1,249, which increases with necessary accessories like the Magic Keyboard. Another downside is the "awkward" placement of the front-facing camera on the short edge, resulting in unnatural angles for landscape video calls. PCMag UK

Bill Bennett’s review characterizes the 2020 12.9-inch iPad Pro as a refined, high-performance successor to the 2018 model, highlighting its superior design, improved camera system with LiDAR, and the transformative impact of mouse/trackpad support on productivity. The device shines with a top-tier front camera and robust performance for creative tasks, though it offers only incremental speed improvements over its predecessor. Notable downsides include slightly reduced battery life and, according to the review, a lack of compelling reasons for 2018 model owners to upgrade. Copy

The 2020 iPad Pro is a high-performance tablet aimed at professionals, featuring the capable A12Z Bionic chip, a second ultra-wide camera, and a LiDAR scanner for improved AR functionality. Key advantages include its 120Hz Liquid Retina display, excellent quad-speaker audio, and enhanced productivity via iPadOS 13.4, which brings native trackpad support. However, the device faces significant drawbacks, most notably its high price, which, when combined with essential accessories, rivals the cost of a MacBook Air. Additionally, the display suffers from strong reflections outdoors, and the tablet lacks expandable storage via a microSD slot. NextPit concludes that while the 2020 model is a top-tier device, the minimal hardware improvements over the 2018 version make it a hard sell for current owners. The review recommends that users looking for better value consider the previous generation, as the performance boost is marginal.

The 2020 iPad Pro is described as a powerful, incremental update featuring a 120Hz display, the fast A12Z Bionic chip, and a LiDAR scanner for improved AR performance. Key advantages include its premium build, exceptional screen, and enhanced audio recording, though the review notes it is a minor upgrade for existing 2018 model owners. WIREDA major highlight is the introduction of trackpad and mouse support in iPadOS, which significantly improves productivity and makes the device a viable laptop alternative for many tasks. However, unlocking this potential requires purchasing expensive accessories, such as the Smart Keyboard, which quickly drives up the total cost. Ultimately, while the hardware is praised as nearly perfect, the high price point and the niche nature of features like the LiDAR scanner make it a difficult recommendation for the average user. The review concludes that while it is the best tablet on the market, most users would be well-served by more affordable options. WIRED

In his review for The Guardian, Samuel Gibbs identifies the 2020 12.9-inch iPad Pro as a defining, "work-capable" tablet, largely due to iPadOS 13.4's transformative trackpad and mouse support. The device, which features a top-tier A12Z Bionic chip and a vibrant Liquid Retina display, allowed for a full, PC-free professional workflow during testing. Additional strengths include a new LiDAR scanner for advanced AR, improved cameras, and a superior microphone array for video calls. Despite these strengths, the review notes significant drawbacks, including a high total cost when bundled with the Magic Keyboard and a slightly reduced battery life compared to the 2018 model. Other mentioned cons include the absence of a headphone jack and a front camera position that remains awkward for video conferencing. While hailed as the best mobile tablet available, the 2020 iPad Pro is described as a luxury item requiring further software app optimization for the new cursor interface. Copy

The 2020 12.9-inch iPad Pro is a high-performance tablet featuring a 120Hz Liquid Retina display, the A12Z Bionic chip, and improved camera functionality with a new LiDAR scanner. Key pros include exceptional processing power, enhanced augmented reality capabilities, and a sleek design, though the device is described as "unwieldy" to hold for extended periods. Productivity is significantly boosted by iPadOS trackpad support and the optional Magic Keyboard, which features a "floating" design and backlighting. However, the high price tag of the tablet combined with essential accessories is highlighted as a significant drawback, making it a costly investment. While offering an "ultimate" tablet experience, it is an iterative upgrade from the 2018 model with average battery life and relatively slow charging speeds. The review suggests it remains a top-tier choice for professionals, though newer models or the iPad Air may offer better value. Copy

The 2021 Apple iPad Pro is hailed as the most technically impressive tablet available, featuring the desktop-class M1 chip and a revolutionary Liquid Retina XDR display on the 12.9-inch model, matching the performance of high-end laptops. Key pros include unmatched speed, which handles demanding tasks like 4K video editing, alongside a mini-LED screen offering superior brightness and 5G connectivity. However, the review highlights significant drawbacks, most notably the limitations of iPadOS, which fails to fully leverage the M1 chip's power, resulting in limited multitasking compared to a traditional laptop. Other cons include high cost, which reaches MacBook Pro territory with accessories, and increased weight for the 12.9-inch model. In summary, while setting a new benchmark for hardware, the 2021 iPad Pro's identity as a true laptop replacement remains constrained by software, although it is an unrivaled device for creative professionals seeking premium performance. Reviewed Copy

The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th Gen) is a powerful tablet featuring the M2 chip and a superior Liquid Retina XDR display, offering top-tier performance for creative tasks. Key drawbacks include a very high price, especially with accessories, and a battery life that is shorter than the previous generation. Furthermore, while the hardware is excellent, the device is limited by iPadOS and features an awkward portrait-oriented front camera. Copy

The 12.9-inch iPad Pro (2022) is characterized as an "exceptional device" with a premium design and a stunning Mini LED display. The tablet's primary strengths include superior build quality, incredible internal power from the M2 chip, and new Apple Pencil hover capabilities. Pocket-lintHowever, the device carries an extremely high price tag and offers only moderate battery life under heavy loads. Other limitations noted include the front camera's placement and the potential for a steeper cost when essential accessories are added. Pocket-lintUltimately, the M2 iPad Pro offers unmatched performance for a tablet, making it a powerful, albeit expensive, tool for creative professionals. Copy

The 2022 12.9-inch Apple iPad Pro, powered by the M2 chip, is described by PCMag as a top-tier device offering superior performance, featuring an exceptional 120Hz mini-LED display and Apple Pencil Hover capabilities. However, the review notes that while hardware is best-in-class, iPadOS limits the device's potential as a true laptop replacement, and the front camera remains poorly positioned for landscape use. The high cost of the tablet and its accessories, combined with a battery life that has not seen improvements over previous models, makes it a premium choice that is best suited for users needing specialized features like ProRes video recording. Copy

The Apple iPad Pro M2 (2022) is hailed as a "tremendous piece of hardware" and the top tablet on the market, featuring a 15-35% performance boost from the M2 chip and a new Apple Pencil hover feature. The 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display provides superior mini-LED contrast, though this feature is absent on the 11-inch model. Despite excellent build quality, speakers, and connectivity, drawbacks include a poorly placed webcam on the short edge and a lack of a headphone jack. While iPadOS 16.1 brings Stage Manager, the reviewer deemed it buggy and "not fully baked," limiting productivity. Ultimately, the high price tag makes it difficult to justify for users who do not require top-tier, professional-level performance.

The Apple iPad Pro (6th Gen, 2022), powered by the M2 chip, stands as a top-tier tablet capable of handling professional tasks like ProRes video editing and demanding creative workflows. Featuring a brilliant 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display and the new "Hover" feature for the Apple Pencil 2, it provides exceptional performance and visual quality for photographers and artists. Despite these strengths, the high price—compounded by the need to purchase accessories like the Magic Keyboard separately—and the limitations of iPadOS compared to full desktop software are noted drawbacks. Additionally, the front camera's placement on the short edge remains inconvenient, making the device a powerful, yet potentially overkill, option for average users.

The Mashable review of the 2022 iPad Pro highlights the M2 processor's immense power, allowing it to easily handle demanding tasks, but notes that iPadOS 16 limitations prevent it from fully replacing a laptop. While the design remains identical to the 2021 model, it introduces practical updates like Apple Pencil hover for UI interaction and faster Wi-Fi 6E connectivity. Pros include unmatched performance and a stunning Liquid Retina XDR screen, though cons, such as the awkward front camera placement for landscape use, persist.

The 2022 iPad Pro (6th Gen) is hailed by Wired as a "phenomenal" but minor, "boring" update that retains its status as the best tablet available. Driven by the M2 chip, it offers 15% faster CPU and 35% faster GPU performance, alongside new features like Apple Pencil "Hover" mode and Wi-Fi 6E. The 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display and Stage Manager functionality are highlighted as key strengths. WIREDHowever, the review cites the lack of a redesigned, landscape-oriented front camera—found on the cheaper 10th-gen iPad—as a significant drawback. The device is criticized for its recycled 2018 chassis design and a high price point that makes it hard to justify for users with 2020 or 2021 models. Ultimately, the review finds that while power is unmatched, the upgrade offers little innovation for the average user. WIRED

The 2021 12.9-inch iPad Pro is a hardware powerhouse featuring a brilliant Mini-LED Liquid Retina XDR screen and the desktop-class M1 chip, though it is ultimately limited by iPadOS software. Key advantages include its superior display performance, 5G connectivity, Thunderbolt port support, and the AI-driven Center Stage camera. However, the device is held back by minor display blooming, a high price point, increased weight, and a lack of professional-grade software to utilize its processing power.

The 2022 iPad Pro is a "spec-bump" update focusing on creative professionals, featuring the faster M2 chip, Wi-Fi 6E, and enhanced Pencil hover functionality, according to a CNET review. While the ProMotion display and design remain consistent with previous models, the new hovering feature allows for improved UI interaction and, for artists, a precise preview of strokes. However, the review notes the device is constrained by iPadOS software, which limits its potential as a full laptop replacement, and the front-facing camera remains in a non-optimal portrait position. The high cost, combined with necessary, expensive accessories, makes it a hard recommendation for anyone not requiring these specific, niche professional features.

The 12.9-inch Apple iPad Pro (2022) is characterized as a "bump the chip" update, offering immense M2 processor power while maintaining the same design and addressing few software limitations. It features the exceptional Liquid Retina XDR display and introduces a new Apple Pencil "hover" feature for enhanced precision, though it retains the awkward short-edge front camera placement. Ultimately deemed a "phenomenal piece of hardware" restricted by iPadOS, it faces criticism for high cost and limited upgrades over the previous M1 model. Pros: Desktop-class performance with the M2 chip.Stunning Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED display.New Apple Pencil hover feature adds functionality. Cons: Awkwardly placed front camera for landscape video calls.High cost, especially with accessories.iPadOS limits its use as a true laptop replacement.

The Ars Technica review characterizes the 2022 iPad Pro as a technical marvel with the M2 chip delivering substantial speed boosts, yet it remains a tough recommendation for most users. Pros include the M2's exceptional performance, the 12.9-inch model's superior mini-LED display, and the new Apple Pencil hover feature, which enhances usability for artists. Cons include the lack of a mini-LED display on the 11-inch model and the portrait orientation of the front-facing camera, which is suboptimal for landscape use. Additionally, the review notes the device's hardware continues to outpace iPadOS, limiting the practical utility of the high-end specifications. The 2022 iPad Pro is largely considered a minor "spec-bump" rather than a significant redesign over the 2021 model. Because the software still feels restrictive compared to a laptop, the review advises current Pro owners against upgrading to this iteration.

According to iMore, the 2022 iPad Pro (M2) is a "phenomenal" tablet offering top-tier performance, though it represents a minor update over the previous model. Powered by the M2 chip, it provides up to 15% faster CPU and 35% faster graphics, making it blazing fast, though potentially overkill for most users. Key hardware highlights include the stunning 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display, support for the Apple Pencil Hover feature, and faster Wi-Fi 6E connectivity. The device retains the high-end design, excellent quad-speaker system, and up to 2TB of storage found in its predecessor. iMoreHowever, the review cites the outdated front-facing camera placement and the limitations of iPadOS as primary drawbacks that prevent it from fully acting as a laptop replacement. While labeled the best iPad available, its high price, combined with expensive accessories, makes it a difficult recommendation for those already owning an M1 version. iMore

The T3 review highlights the 2022 iPad Pro M2 as a refined, top-tier tablet boasting a 15% faster CPU and 35% faster GPU thanks to the M2 chip. The device features a new "hover" functionality for the Apple Pencil and a 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with impressive 1,600-nit peak brightness. Despite this, it is considered a minor "spec-bump" update, criticized for maintaining a high price, keeping the front camera on the awkward short edge, and lacking the mini-LED screen on the smaller 11-inch model.

The 2022 iPad Pro delivers exceptional performance via the M2 chip, featuring a "game-changer" Apple Pencil hover feature, though it is considered a minor update over the M1 model. While the 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display and sleek design are major pros, the device remains expensive, particularly with necessary accessories like the $349 Magic Keyboard. For more details, visit Tom's Guide.

The CNN Underscored review deems the Apple iPad Pro M2 (2022) the most powerful tablet tested, driven by the laptop-grade M2 chip which offers a 15% performance increase over the M1, supporting demanding creative tasks in apps like ProCreate. The 12.9-inch model is highlighted for its exceptional Liquid Retina XDR display with 120Hz ProMotion technology, alongside new features like Apple Pencil Hover for enhanced precision, Wi-Fi 6E, and ProRes video capture. CNNKey advantages include immense power for creative professionals and the versatile Pencil Hover feature. However, the device retains the previous design's form factor and the front-facing camera remains in a suboptimal location on the short edge. The review notes significant drawbacks, including a prohibitively high cost, especially when adding essential accessories like the Apple Magic Keyboard and Pencil, which can exceed the price of a MacBook Air. Furthermore, while iPadOS 16 brings Stage Manager, the software is deemed to lack the full versatility of a traditional laptop, making the M2 iPad Pro an incremental upgrade not strictly necessary for M1 owners.

The Creative Bloq review rates the M2 iPad Pro 2022 as a premier tool for creatives, highlighting the 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display's 1,600-nit peak brightness and the 15% faster performance of the M2 chip. Key pros include the precise Apple Pencil "hover" feature, ProRes video recording, and Wi-Fi 6E connectivity, making it ideal for high-end creative workflows. However, the review notes cons such as high pricing, the 11-inch model lacking the XDR screen, and that it serves as an iterative upgrade for existing M1 users.