Apple iPad Pro 129 2018 Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Design and Build Quality

The Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2018) boasts a sleek and modern design, consistent with Apple's reputation for aesthetic finesse. The device features a glass front and an aluminum back, maintained within an aluminum frame, providing both durability and a premium feel. Its dimensions, 280.6 x 214.9 x 5.9 mm, make it an optimal size for both portability and usability. It is lightweight for its size, weighing 631 g for the Wi-Fi model and 633 g for the LTE version, making it convenient for extended use.

Display

The iPad Pro 12.9 sports a stunning 12.9-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 2048 x 2732 pixels. This results in a pixel density of approximately 265 ppi, offering sharp and vibrant visuals. The screen covers around 85.4% of the device's front, providing an immersive experience for watching videos, gaming, and productivity tasks. It's also equipped with a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and interactions.

Performance and Platform

Under the hood, the iPad Pro 12.9 (2018) is powered by the Apple A12X Bionic chipset, built on a 7nm process. The octa-core CPU comprises four high-performance 2.5 GHz Vortex cores and four energy-efficient 1.6 GHz Tempest cores, providing a balance between speed and energy efficiency. The device's GPU is an Apple-designed 7-core graphics chip, offering powerful graphics performance suitable for demanding applications and gaming.

Originally running iOS 12, the iPad Pro 12.9 (2018) is upgradable to iPadOS 17.5.1, ensuring users have access to the latest features and improvements over its lifecycle.

Memory and Storage

Apple offers the iPad Pro 12.9 (2018) in multiple storage configurations: 64GB, 256GB, 512GB, and a top-tier 1TB version. RAM configurations vary with the storage options: the first three models feature 4GB of RAM, while the 1TB variant comes with 6GB. This ample memory ensures smooth multitasking and operation of resource-heavy applications, although the absence of a memory card slot means that users should consider their storage needs carefully when selecting a model.

Camera Systems

The iPad Pro 12.9 (2018) comes equipped with a 12MP rear camera with an aperture of f/1.8, featuring a 29mm focal length and a pixel size of 1.22μm. It supports phase detection autofocus (PDAF), quad-LED dual-tone flash, and HDR. The camera is capable of shooting videos in 4K resolution at 30 or 60 frames per second, as well as Full HD 1080p and HD 720p at various frame rates.

The front-facing camera is a 7MP shooter with an f/2.2 aperture, capable of recording 1080p video at 30fps. Additional features include face detection, HDR, and panorama mode, making it suitable for video calls and selfies.

Audio and Multimedia

Audio output on the iPad Pro 12.9 (2018) is impressive, thanks to its quad stereo speakers which deliver a rich and immersive sound experience. However, the device does not include a 3.5mm headphone jack, which means users must rely on wireless audio solutions or use a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter for wired connections.

Connectivity and Sensors

The iPad Pro 12.9 supports a comprehensive range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, and hotspot capabilities. It features Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless connections and a USB Type-C 3.1 port for power delivery and data transfer. Unfortunately, it does not support NFC or radio but offers a robust positioning system with GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, and QZSS support in the Wi-Fi + Cellular models.

The device is also equipped with several sensors, including Face ID for secure authentication, an accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and a barometer.

Battery Life

The iPad Pro 12.9 is powered by a non-removable Li-Po 9720 mAh battery, rated at 36.71 Wh. This capacity provides extensive usage time, suitable for full-day productivity tasks, media consumption, and general use without frequent recharging.

Network and Cellular Capabilities

The network capabilities of the iPad Pro 12.9 (2018) vary with the model. The device supports GSM, CDMA, HSPA, EVDO, and LTE technologies, catering to a wide array of global network standards. For users opting for the LTE-capable model, the iPad offers a seamless mobile Internet experience.

Pricing and Value

At launch, the iPad Pro 12.9 (2018) entered the market with a price tag starting at approximately 1100 EUR. While it positioned itself at the premium end of the market, the iPad offers unique features and robust specifications that justify its price, especially for professionals seeking a versatile tablet for both work and play.

Conclusion

Overall, the Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2018) stands out as a powerhouse in the tablet category. Its combination of cutting-edge design, unparalleled performance, and extensive feature set make it a compelling choice for users who require more than a conventional tablet. Whether it's used for creative tasks, professional productivity, or media consumption, the iPad Pro 12.9 (2018) delivers an impressive and versatile performance.