Price and specifications of Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2017) advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Design and Build Quality

The Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2017) is designed with a sleek and modern aesthetic that aligns with Apple’s standard for elegance and minimalism. The dimensions of the tablet are 305.7 x 220.6 x 6.9 mm, and it weighs 677 g for the Wi-Fi model and 692 g for the LTE model. The device is available in three colors: Space Gray, Gold, and Silver, allowing users to choose according to their preferences.

The build quality is robust, thanks to the use of high-grade aluminum and scratch-resistant glass. Moreover, the oleophobic coating helps reduce fingerprint smudges on the screen, maintaining the display’s clarity and cleanliness effortlessly.

Display Features

The iPad Pro 12.9 boasts a large 12.9-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 2732 x 2048 pixels and a 4:3 aspect ratio. This results in a high pixel density of approximately 265 pixels per inch, ensuring sharp and crisp visuals. The screen-to-body ratio is about 76.4%, providing ample screen real estate for users who value display space.

A significant feature of the display is its 120Hz refresh rate, which enhances the touchscreen and stylus (Apple Pencil) experience by making interactions smooth and responsive. Additionally, the screen supports HDR content, which is great for watching movies and editing photos in vibrant and dynamic color ranges.

Performance Capabilities

Under the hood, the iPad Pro 12.9 is powered by the Apple A10X Fusion chip, with a 10 nm architecture. This hexa-core CPU features three Hurricane cores for high performance and three Zephyr cores for efficient processing. The device also includes a 12-core PowerVR Series 7 GPU, providing exceptional graphics processing capabilities.

The device includes 4GB of RAM across all storage variants (64GB, 256GB, and 512GB). While there is no card slot for expanded storage, the available capacity should be adequate for most users’ needs, especially with cloud storage options available.

Operating System and Software

The iPad Pro initially ships with iOS 10.3.2, but it can be upgraded to iPadOS 17.5.1. This allows users to enjoy the latest software features Apple has to offer, including improved multitasking, enhanced widgets, and overall system optimization tailored for large-screen devices.

The user experience is further enhanced with built-in applications optimized for professional use, including Apple’s suite of productivity apps such as Pages, Numbers, and Keynote.

Camera and Photography

The iPad Pro 12.9 features a 12 MP rear camera with an f/1.8 aperture, with PDAF (Phase Detection Autofocus) and OIS (Optical Image Stabilization), which help in capturing vibrant and sharp photos. The quad-LED dual-tone flash and HDR support add to the photography capabilities, enabling great shots even in low light.

When it comes to video, the rear camera can shoot 4K videos at 30fps, 1080p videos at up to 120fps, and slow-motion videos at 720p up to 240fps.

The front-facing camera is 7 MP with an f/2.2 aperture, which supports 1080p video recording at 30fps. Features like face detection, HDR, and panorama further enhance the selfie and video call quality.

Audio and Speaker System

The iPad Pro is equipped with a four-speaker audio system, delivering stereo sound that enhances media consumption experiences such as music listening and movie watching. The inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack is a practical feature for those who prefer wired audio solutions.

Connectivity Options

On the connectivity front, the iPad Pro supports Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac with dual-band and hotspot capabilities. Bluetooth 4.2 ensures smooth connectivity with peripherals and accessories. The positioning system includes GPS and GLONASS support in the Wi-Fi + Cellular model.

Although NFC and USB are supported, the connection ports are primarily managed through Apple’s proprietary Lightning port, which supports high-speed USB 3.0 data transfers and charging.

Battery Life

The iPad Pro 12.9 comes with a powerful non-removable 10,891mAh (41 Wh) Li-Ion battery, capable of delivering up to 10 hours of multimedia use. This makes it a suitable option for users who need long battery life for travel or long working hours without frequent charging.

Sensors and Additional Features

The device features a range of sensors, including a front-mounted fingerprint sensor for secure biometric authentication, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a compass, and a barometer. These sensors not only enhance the device's security but also enable a range of applications and features that rely on motion detection and environmental awareness.

Pricing and Value

At launch, the iPad Pro 12.9 was priced at around 900 EUR, positioning it as a premium device suitable for professionals and power users. Despite the relatively high price, the combination of powerful hardware, large display, and robust ecosystem makes it a worthy investment for those looking for a versatile and capable tablet.

Conclusion

The Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2017) is a high-performance tablet that blends powerful hardware with a sophisticated design. Its large, high-resolution display and support for the Apple Pencil make it a great tool for creatives and professionals. The upgradable operating system ensures the device remains functional and up-to-date, while its robust build and comprehensive feature set provide excellent value for money.