The iPad Pro has always been Apple’s flagship tablet, pushing the boundaries of what a tablet can do. This year, the 11-inch iPad Pro is back with a new M2 chip, making it even more powerful than before. It’s also got a stunning Liquid Retina display, a powerful camera system, and a sleek and durable design. But is it worth the high price tag?
In this review, we’ll take a deep dive into the new iPad Pro (11-inch), putting it through its paces with real-world use. We’ll test its performance, camera quality, battery life, and overall user experience. We’ll also compare it to its predecessor, the 2021 iPad Pro, to see what’s new and improved.
Find more on The 14 Best iPads for Students in 2024
We’ll also explore the iPad Pro’s strengths and weaknesses, discussing its use cases and who it’s best suited for. Whether you’re a creative professional, a student, or just looking for a powerful and versatile tablet, this review will help you decide if the iPad Pro (11-inch) is the right choice for you.
So, let’s get started and see if the iPad Pro (11-inch) truly lives up to its reputation as the ultimate tablet.
| Name: | iPad Pro (11-inch) |
| Image: |  |
| Price: | |
| Rating: | 4.7 out of 5 stars |
| Link: |
Design and Display
The iPad Pro (11-inch) continues Apple’s tradition of sleek and premium design. It boasts a unibody aluminum construction, available in Space Gray, Silver, and Rose Gold finishes. The thin bezels surrounding the Liquid Retina display maximize screen real estate, and the overall design feels sturdy and well-built. The device’s weight is well-balanced for comfortable holding and use. Weighing in at just over a pound, it’s surprisingly portable for its size and power. On the front, a TrueDepth camera sits in a notch at the top of the display, enabling Face ID for secure unlocking and authentication.
The star of the show is undoubtedly the 11-inch Liquid Retina display. Offering a resolution of 2388 x 1668 pixels, it delivers vibrant colors, crisp text, and stunning visuals. The display is incredibly bright, reaching up to 600 nits of brightness, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor use. The ProMotion technology, which dynamically adjusts the refresh rate from 24Hz to 120Hz, provides incredibly smooth scrolling and responsiveness, especially noticeable when using the Apple Pencil. This technology makes drawing, writing, and gaming incredibly fluid and enjoyable. The display also supports P3 wide color gamut, delivering a wider range of colors for a more immersive viewing experience. For those who are sensitive to blue light, the iPad Pro’s True Tone feature automatically adjusts the color temperature of the display based on ambient lighting, reducing eye strain during prolonged usage.
Performance and Processor
The iPad Pro (11-inch) is powered by Apple’s latest M2 chip, which delivers exceptional performance for demanding tasks like video editing, 3D modeling, and gaming. This chip is a significant upgrade over the previous generation, offering a substantial boost in CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine performance. In real-world usage, you’ll notice a noticeable difference in responsiveness, app launch times, and overall smoothness of operation. Whether you’re working on complex projects or enjoying graphically intensive games, the M2 chip ensures a seamless and fluid experience.
The iPad Pro’s performance is further enhanced by its generous RAM, which allows it to handle multiple apps and demanding workflows with ease. The 8GB of RAM in the base model provides ample headroom for everyday use, while the 16GB option caters to power users who need to juggle even more demanding applications.
Explore further with The 5 Best iPads for 10 Year-Old Children
The iPad Pro also supports external storage options, including USB-C drives and SD cards, providing additional storage space for large files and projects. With its powerful processor and ample storage options, the iPad Pro can handle anything you throw at it, making it a true powerhouse for professionals and creative individuals alike.
Camera and Audio
The iPad Pro (11-inch) boasts a top-notch camera system that’s well-suited for both everyday use and professional tasks. The rear camera is a 12MP wide-angle lens with a f/1.8 aperture, offering excellent image quality in various lighting conditions. You’ll capture sharp, detailed photos and videos with vibrant colors and accurate white balance. The camera also supports 4K video recording at 24, 25, 30, and 60fps, giving you flexibility in your creative projects.
The front-facing camera is a 12MP ultra-wide lens with a f/2.4 aperture and a 122-degree field of view. It’s perfect for video calls and group selfies, allowing you to fit more people in the frame. It also features Center Stage, a feature that automatically keeps you centered in the frame during video calls.
The iPad Pro’s audio system is equally impressive, offering rich, balanced sound with powerful bass and clear highs. The four-speaker system is strategically positioned to provide a stereo sound experience, whether you’re watching videos, listening to music, or playing games. The speakers are also loud enough to fill a room with sound, making it ideal for group entertainment.
Overall, the iPad Pro (11-inch) excels in both camera and audio performance. Whether you’re a casual user or a professional content creator, this iPad will meet your needs and impress you with its exceptional quality.
Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard
The Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard are optional accessories that can significantly enhance the iPad Pro’s productivity capabilities. The second-generation Apple Pencil magnetically attaches to the iPad Pro for easy pairing and charging. It boasts low latency and pressure sensitivity, making it ideal for drawing, note-taking, and marking up documents. The Magic Keyboard, featuring a full-sized backlit keyboard, trackpad, and a protective case, transforms the iPad Pro into a laptop-like device. Its adjustable hinge allows for a variety of viewing angles, and the trackpad provides precise cursor control, making it a perfect companion for work and creative tasks.
Although the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard are sold separately, they offer a seamless integration with the iPad Pro, enhancing its versatility and functionality. The pencil provides a natural and responsive drawing experience, while the keyboard and trackpad provide a comfortable and efficient typing and navigation experience. While not essential, these accessories are highly recommended for users who prioritize productivity and creative workflows.
Software and Features
The iPad Pro (11-inch) runs on iPadOS, Apple’s operating system specifically designed for tablets. iPadOS 17 is the latest iteration, offering a refined user experience with a focus on multitasking, productivity, and creativity. You get the familiar iOS interface with a few key enhancements, like a redesigned home screen, improved multitasking capabilities, and new features for the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard.
One of the standout features is Stage Manager, a multitasking tool that lets you arrange apps in windows, resize them, and even overlap them. This is a significant improvement over the previous multitasking system and makes it easier to work with multiple apps simultaneously. Stage Manager also seamlessly integrates with external displays, allowing you to extend your workspace and work on even larger projects.
Another key feature is Apple Pencil support, which is incredibly responsive and accurate. The iPad Pro supports both the 1st and 2nd generation Apple Pencils, with the 2nd generation offering features like double-tap gestures and lower latency. The Pencil works flawlessly for note-taking, sketching, drawing, and even marking up documents.
The iPad Pro also supports the Magic Keyboard, a detachable keyboard that transforms the tablet into a laptop-like device. The keyboard is comfortable to type on, has a built-in trackpad, and offers a great typing experience. The trackpad adds to the overall productivity of the iPad Pro, allowing you to navigate menus and perform tasks with greater precision.
iPadOS is constantly being updated with new features and enhancements, making the iPad Pro a device that can adapt to your evolving needs. From everyday tasks like browsing the web and watching videos to professional tasks like graphic design, video editing, and coding, the iPad Pro is equipped to handle it all. The combination of hardware and software makes the iPad Pro a versatile and powerful tool that can be used for work, play, and everything in between.
Battery Life
The iPad Pro (11-inch) boasts impressive battery life, easily lasting through a full day of heavy use. Whether you’re editing videos, browsing the web, or playing graphics-intensive games, you can expect to get around 10 hours of use on a single charge. This makes the iPad Pro an excellent choice for students, professionals, and anyone who needs a tablet that can keep up with their busy lifestyle. In my testing, I found that the iPad Pro consistently delivered on its promised battery life, even when using demanding apps like Adobe Photoshop and Final Cut Pro. I was able to get through a full day of work and entertainment without needing to plug it in, and I even had some battery left over at the end of the day. The iPad Pro’s long battery life is a major advantage over other tablets, which often struggle to last through a full day of use. If you’re looking for a tablet that can keep up with your busy lifestyle, the iPad Pro’s battery life is definitely a selling point.
Conclusion
The iPad Pro (11-inch) is a powerhouse tablet that excels in almost every area. Its stunning Liquid Retina display, powerful M2 chip, and excellent camera system make it a fantastic choice for professionals, creatives, and anyone looking for a premium tablet experience. The Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard add to its versatility, making it a truly capable device for both work and play. While the price might be a deterrent for some, the iPad Pro (11-inch) offers an unparalleled blend of performance, design, and features that make it a worthy investment.
Pros and Cons
Pros and Cons
The iPad Pro (11-inch) is a powerful and versatile tablet that offers a lot to love. It excels in several areas, but there are also some trade-offs to consider. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons to help you decide if this is the right iPad for you:
Pros:
- Stunning Display: The Liquid Retina display is absolutely gorgeous. With its vibrant colors, sharp resolution, and high refresh rate, it’s a joy to use for everything from watching videos to reading ebooks to working on creative projects. The ProMotion technology makes scrolling and animations incredibly smooth, and the True Tone feature adjusts the color temperature for a more natural viewing experience.
- Powerful Performance: The M2 chip is a powerhouse, offering blazing-fast performance for even the most demanding tasks. Whether you’re editing 4K video, playing graphics-intensive games, or running multiple apps simultaneously, the iPad Pro handles it all with ease. This makes it an excellent choice for professionals and creatives who need a tablet that can keep up with their workflow.
- Excellent Cameras: The rear-facing camera system is top-notch, capturing stunning photos and videos with great detail and clarity. The ultra-wide lens is perfect for capturing wide landscapes and group shots, while the LiDAR scanner enables more accurate augmented reality experiences. The front-facing camera also features a Center Stage feature, which automatically keeps you in the frame during video calls.
- Versatile Accessories: The Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard are excellent additions that further enhance the iPad Pro’s functionality. The Apple Pencil provides a natural and precise drawing and note-taking experience, while the Magic Keyboard offers a comfortable typing experience and a trackpad for navigating the iPadOS interface.
- Long Battery Life: The iPad Pro boasts impressive battery life, lasting for a full day of use with moderate usage. This is great for users who are on the go and don’t want to worry about constantly charging their device.
- High-Quality Build: The iPad Pro features a premium design and construction, with a sleek and durable aluminum body. It feels incredibly solid and well-made in hand.
Cons:
- High Price: The iPad Pro is one of the most expensive tablets on the market. The starting price for the base model is pretty steep, and if you want to add accessories like the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard, the price can quickly climb.
- No USB-C Charging: While many devices have moved to USB-C charging, the iPad Pro still uses Apple’s Lightning connector. This means you’ll need a separate charger if you want to use your iPad with other devices.
- No Headphone Jack: The iPad Pro lacks a headphone jack, so you’ll need to use Bluetooth headphones or a dongle. This can be a minor inconvenience for some users, especially if you’re on the go and don’t have Bluetooth headphones handy.
- Limited App Availability: While the iPadOS ecosystem is expanding, some apps are still optimized primarily for iPhones. This can mean that certain features or functionalities may not be fully available on your iPad.
Overall:
The iPad Pro is an excellent tablet with many strengths. Its high price tag is the biggest hurdle, but if you’re looking for the best of the best in terms of performance, display, and functionality, it’s a worthy investment. However, if you’re on a tighter budget or don’t need the most powerful features, there are more affordable options available.
Alternatives
If you’re looking for a tablet with a powerful processor, stunning display, and a premium design, the iPad Pro (11-inch) is a top contender. However, there are other excellent options available depending on your needs and budget. Here are a few alternatives to consider:
For budget-conscious users:
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S8: The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 offers a beautiful display, a powerful processor, and a great price point. While it lacks the same level of power as the iPad Pro, it’s a solid option for those looking for a premium tablet without breaking the bank.
- Lenovo Yoga Tab 13: The Lenovo Yoga Tab 13 is a versatile tablet with a built-in kickstand and a long-lasting battery. It’s a great choice for those who need a tablet for entertainment, productivity, and even drawing.
For creative professionals:
- Microsoft Surface Pro 9: The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is a powerful 2-in-1 device that can be used as a laptop or a tablet. It features a high-resolution display, a versatile pen, and a great keyboard. While it’s a bit pricier than the iPad Pro, it’s a great option for those who need a device that can handle demanding creative tasks.
- Wacom Cintiq Pro 16: The Wacom Cintiq Pro 16 is a professional-grade drawing tablet that offers incredible pressure sensitivity and color accuracy. It’s a great choice for artists and designers who need a high-quality tablet for their work.
For users who prioritize portability:
- iPad Air (5th generation): The iPad Air (5th generation) offers a similar experience to the iPad Pro but at a more affordable price. It’s a great option for those who need a powerful tablet but don’t need the top-of-the-line specs.
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE: The Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE is a lightweight and affordable tablet that’s perfect for on-the-go use. It offers a large display, a powerful processor, and a great battery life.
Ultimately, the best alternative for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Consider the features, price, and portability of each option to find the perfect tablet for you.
Final Verdict
The iPad Pro (11-inch) is a powerhouse of a tablet that excels in almost every aspect. It offers a beautiful display, lightning-fast performance, a versatile camera system, and seamless integration with Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard. The software experience is smooth and intuitive, and the battery life is impressive. However, its high price tag might be a dealbreaker for some, especially when considering the competition. If you’re looking for the ultimate productivity tablet and are willing to pay a premium, the iPad Pro (11-inch) is the clear choice. But if you’re on a tighter budget or don’t need the absolute peak performance, other tablets like the iPad Air or Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 might be more suitable alternatives. Ultimately, the iPad Pro (11-inch) is a highly capable and luxurious tablet that sets the standard for the category, but its premium price tag means it’s not for everyone.
In conclusion, the iPad Pro (11-inch) is a powerhouse of a tablet that delivers an exceptional user experience. Its stunning Liquid Retina display, lightning-fast M2 chip, and impressive camera system make it perfect for both work and play. Whether you’re a creative professional, a student, or simply someone who enjoys consuming multimedia content, the iPad Pro excels in every aspect.
The iPadOS operating system offers a seamless and intuitive experience, with a wide range of productivity and entertainment apps available. The Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard, sold separately, elevate the iPad Pro’s capabilities even further, turning it into a truly versatile device.
While the iPad Pro comes with a premium price tag, its performance, features, and versatility make it a worthwhile investment for those seeking a top-of-the-line tablet. It’s a device that can adapt to your needs and enhance your daily life in countless ways.
With its exceptional performance, innovative features, and premium design, the iPad Pro (11-inch) firmly establishes itself as the best tablet on the market. If you’re looking for a tablet that can do it all, this is the one to choose.
Bilal