IPad Pro 12.9 1st Gen: Review, Specs, And More

by Alex Braham 47 views

Hey everyone! Today, we're taking a comprehensive look at the iPad Pro 12.9 1st Generation. Released in 2015, this device marked Apple's serious foray into the professional tablet market. It was big, it was bold, and it aimed to replace your laptop. Let’s dive into what made this iPad Pro so special, its key features, and whether it still holds up today.

Design and Display: A Visual Feast

At the heart of the iPad Pro 12.9 1st Generation is its stunning 12.9-inch Retina display. With a resolution of 2732 x 2048 pixels, it offers an incredibly sharp and vibrant viewing experience. The pixel density of 264 ppi ensures that everything from text to high-resolution images looks crisp and clear. This large screen isn't just about size; it's about immersion. Whether you’re watching movies, editing photos, or working on detailed designs, the expansive display provides ample space to see every detail.

The design of the iPad Pro is sleek and minimalist, staying true to Apple's design ethos. The aluminum unibody construction feels premium and durable. Despite its large size, the iPad Pro is surprisingly thin, measuring just 6.9mm in thickness. This thin profile, combined with its weight of around 713 grams (1.57 pounds), makes it relatively portable for its size. The chamfered edges add a touch of elegance, while the rounded corners make it comfortable to hold. The physical buttons, including the power button and volume controls, are well-placed and responsive.

Color accuracy is another standout feature of the display. It supports the sRGB color gamut, ensuring that colors are reproduced accurately and vividly. This is particularly important for creative professionals who rely on accurate color representation for their work. The display also features an anti-reflective coating, which helps to reduce glare and improve visibility in brightly lit environments. This makes the iPad Pro a great device for working both indoors and outdoors.

Performance: Power Under the Hood

Under the hood, the iPad Pro 12.9 1st Generation is powered by Apple's A9X chip. This chip is a significant upgrade from previous iPad models, offering a substantial boost in both CPU and GPU performance. The A9X chip features a 64-bit architecture and is paired with 4GB of RAM, allowing for smooth multitasking and seamless performance even with demanding applications. Whether you're editing 4K videos, playing graphics-intensive games, or working with large documents, the iPad Pro handles it all with ease.

The A9X chip's performance is particularly noticeable in graphics-intensive tasks. The integrated GPU delivers excellent performance, making it ideal for gaming and other visually demanding applications. Games run smoothly with high frame rates, and the iPad Pro can handle complex 3D graphics without breaking a sweat. This makes it a great device for both entertainment and professional use.

In terms of storage, the iPad Pro was available in 32GB, 128GB, and 256GB options. While 32GB might feel a bit limiting by today's standards, the 128GB and 256GB models offer ample space for storing apps, files, and media. It's worth noting that the iPad Pro does not have a microSD card slot, so you're stuck with the storage option you choose at the time of purchase. The iPad Pro also excels in terms of battery life. It can easily last for up to 10 hours of web browsing, video playback, or general use. This makes it a great device for on-the-go productivity and entertainment. The battery life is particularly impressive considering the large, high-resolution display.

Audio and Camera: Noteworthy Features

The iPad Pro 12.9 1st Generation boasts a four-speaker audio system, a standout feature that enhances the overall multimedia experience. These speakers are strategically placed to deliver a wide stereo soundstage, providing immersive audio whether you're watching movies, listening to music, or playing games. The sound quality is rich and clear, with a good balance of bass, mids, and highs. The speakers are also intelligently designed to adjust the audio output based on the orientation of the device, ensuring optimal sound quality in any position.

On the camera front, the iPad Pro features an 8-megapixel iSight camera on the rear and a 1.2-megapixel FaceTime HD camera on the front. While these cameras may not be the most advanced by today's standards, they are more than capable for basic photography and video calls. The rear camera can capture decent photos in good lighting conditions, and the front camera is adequate for video conferencing and selfies. The camera app offers a range of features, including autofocus, HDR, and panorama mode.

Accessories: Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard

To truly unlock the potential of the iPad Pro 12.9 1st Generation, you need to consider the accessories: the Apple Pencil and the Smart Keyboard. The Apple Pencil is a game-changer for creative professionals and anyone who enjoys handwritten notes or sketching. It offers incredible precision and responsiveness, making it feel like you're writing or drawing on paper. The Apple Pencil supports pressure sensitivity and tilt detection, allowing for a wide range of artistic effects. It's perfect for artists, designers, and anyone who wants to add a personal touch to their digital creations.

The Smart Keyboard is another essential accessory for the iPad Pro. It attaches magnetically to the iPad Pro and provides a comfortable and responsive typing experience. The keys have a good amount of travel and are well-spaced, making it easy to type quickly and accurately. The Smart Keyboard also doubles as a protective cover for the iPad Pro, keeping the screen safe from scratches and bumps. It's a must-have accessory for anyone who plans to use the iPad Pro for productivity tasks.

Software and User Experience

The iPad Pro 12.9 1st Generation originally shipped with iOS 9, but it can be updated to the latest versions of iOS. The software experience is smooth and intuitive, with a wide range of apps available on the App Store. The large display is perfect for multitasking, allowing you to run two apps side-by-side in Split View. This is particularly useful for productivity tasks, such as writing a document while researching on the web.

The iPad Pro also supports features like Slide Over, which allows you to quickly access a third app without leaving your current app. The iPad Pro has excellent security features, including Touch ID, which allows you to unlock your device with your fingerprint. This makes it easy to keep your data safe and secure. The software is regularly updated with new features and security patches, ensuring that your iPad Pro stays up-to-date. The user interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it a joy to use.

Pros and Cons

To summarize, here's a quick rundown of the pros and cons of the iPad Pro 12.9 1st Generation:

Pros:

  • Large, high-resolution display
  • Powerful A9X chip
  • Excellent battery life
  • Four-speaker audio system
  • Support for Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard

Cons:

  • Relatively heavy and bulky
  • Cameras are not the best by today's standards
  • No microSD card slot
  • 32GB base storage might be limiting

Is It Still Worth It in 2024?

So, is the iPad Pro 12.9 1st Generation still worth buying in 2024? The answer depends on your needs and budget. If you're looking for a large-screen tablet for basic tasks like web browsing, video streaming, and light productivity, the iPad Pro can still be a good option, especially if you can find it at a discounted price. However, if you need the latest features and performance, you might want to consider a newer iPad model. Newer iPads offer faster processors, better cameras, and more advanced features like Face ID and ProMotion display technology.

Given its age, you might find the performance a bit lacking compared to newer models, especially when running demanding apps or multitasking heavily. Software support might also become an issue in the future, as Apple may eventually stop releasing updates for older devices. That being said, if you can get your hands on a used iPad Pro 12.9 1st Generation at a reasonable price, it can still be a decent device for certain use cases.

Alternatives to Consider

If you're not convinced that the iPad Pro 12.9 1st Generation is the right choice for you, here are a few alternatives to consider:

  • Newer iPad Pro models: The latest iPad Pro models offer significant improvements in performance, display technology, and features.
  • iPad Air: The iPad Air is a great mid-range option that offers a good balance of performance and portability.
  • Samsung Galaxy Tab S series: Samsung's Galaxy Tab S series tablets are excellent alternatives to the iPad Pro, offering similar features and performance.

Conclusion

The iPad Pro 12.9 1st Generation was a groundbreaking device when it was released in 2015, and it still has some redeeming qualities today. Its large, high-resolution display, powerful processor, and excellent battery life make it a decent option for basic tasks and light productivity. However, if you need the latest features and performance, you might want to consider a newer iPad model. Ultimately, the decision depends on your individual needs and budget. I hope this in-depth review has helped you make an informed decision. Happy shopping, guys!