Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2022)
Verdict
A powerhouse tablet with top-tier performance and superb screen quality, but at a high price.
Key specs
Critic consensus
“No tablet in this size class delivers greater performance than the iPad Pro 12.9, and even in compact form factors, the smaller iPad Pro 11 is the best. No other rival device comes close. This is not only reflected in the benchmarks, but is particularly noticeable in image and video editing. Even many notebooks in the same price range simply cannot keep up in terms of performance.”
“This is the most capable and impressive iPad ever released, but we're not sure who exactly needs it. Any current iPad Pro (or even 2020 or 2021 Air) owner who's reasonably happy with their device should probably hold onto it until the next Pro arrives. By then, Stage Manager should be working better, there will be an even faster M3 system, a landscape-oriented front-facing camera, and perhaps some other features. Maybe even an official keyboard with function keys.”
“I can count the number of new features in the iPad Pro on one hand. There’s a new M2 processor, an exclusive Apple Pencil capability, the ability to record ProRes video, and support for Wi-Fi 6E. That’s it. Yes, you get all the standout features from its predecessors, like the mini LED display (on the 12.9-inch model), a 120-Hz refresh rate, quad speakers for richer sound, Face ID, and a lidar sensor. Apple has also kept the starting prices the same—$799 for the 11-inch iPad Pro and $1,099 for the larger model—but there’s still not much excitingly new here.”
“The new Pro may be worth the investment for artists power-using the graphics potential for their workflow. Otherwise, I'd say skip this iPad Pro gen, wait a bit, and see what Apple has cooking next.”
In Depth
Design
The iPad Pro 12.9’s elegant design stays true to Apple’s high standards. Its aluminum frame and slim, lightweight build make it comfortable to hold, even for longer periods. As TechRadar noted, it feels ultra-thin and sleek, with an ‘impeccable fit and finish.’
The flat sides and slightly rounded corners help to make handling easier, avoiding discomfort despite the tablet’s substantial size. The front-facing camera still sits awkwardly on the shorter edge, which can be inconvenient during landscape mode video calls.
Reviewers from PCMag called the device’s build ‘top-notch,’ praising its resistance to fingerprints and ease of use with the optional accessories such as Apple’s Magic Keyboard and Pencil, which magnetically attach and charge seamlessly.
Display(s)
The 12.9-inch mini-LED display delivers a visually stunning experience with sharp resolution and vibrant colors. With 2,596 local dimming zones, you’ll enjoy deep blacks and vivid highlights.
Experts at TechRadar describe the display as “a bright and pin-sharp masterpiece, delivering beautiful and accurate colors.” This makes the tablet perfect for both entertainment and professional use.
Additionally, the integrated ‘Hover Over’ feature enhances precision, especially for artists and note-takers. Overall, the display quality elevates your viewing experience, making it one of the tablet’s standout features.
Performance
The iPad Pro excels in performance thanks to its M2 chip, making it a powerhouse that rivals even some laptops. You’ll benefit from its ability to run multiple apps smoothly, ensuring a fluid user experience whether you’re working on large projects or multitasking on the go.
“The M2 processor delivers a sizable performance bump,” PCMag notes, ensuring applications run swiftly without hiccups.
Despite this immense power, the battery life remains robust, giving you hours of productivity without needing a charge.
Software & Storage
The iPad Pro now comes with iPadOS 16.1, featuring the Stage Manager for enhanced multitasking. This addition lets you overlap and resize app windows, improving workflow and productivity.
That said, iPadOS still has its limits, especially against full desktop systems like macOS. As TechRadar puts it, ‘it doesn’t feel ready for prime time.’ Its strong points are its rich app support and dependable performance.
With a clean, touch-friendly interface and regular updates, you’ll enjoy a smooth and reliable experience with minimal headaches.
Cameras
The iPad Pro packs a high-quality camera setup that includes a 12MP wide camera, a 10MP ultra-wide camera, and a LiDAR scanner on the back. The front 12MP camera excels in video calls with superb image quality and smart auto-follow capabilities, known as Center Stage.
While it performs well in good lighting, low-light photography can reveal noise and less detail. Reviewers from PCMag mention,
Battery
The iPad Pro 12.9 delivers decent battery life overall, good for around 10 hours during light use such as video and web browsing. This should be sufficient for most users looking for casual usage or light work.
However, note that battery life can drop significantly with more demanding activities. For instance, streaming HDR movies can bring battery life down to approximately 6 hours. Heavy rendering tasks or gaming with the M2 chip may diminish it even further.
According to a reviewer from TechRadar, pushing the M2 chip hard can cause it to ‘drop at 1% per minute.’ This variability in battery performance calls for mindful usage to avoid running out of power unexpectedly.
Audio
The iPad Pro’s four speakers create a wide and immersive audio experience, making them great for calls and entertainment. Reviewers find the sound quality surprisingly good, given the tablet’s size. But if you crave deep bass, you’ll need headphones, as the built-in speakers can’t fully deliver on that front.
Using Bluetooth or wired headphones can elevate the sound experience further. For instance, pairing the iPad Pro with AirPods Max offers superb compatibility and sound quality.
Overall, the audio performance satisfies everyday needs and enhances media consumption, ensuring you hear clear dialogue and rich detail whether you’re watching movies or playing games.
The Bottom Line
This tablet offers unparalleled power and a stunning display, great for creative tasks with its M2 chip and advanced Apple Pencil features. It supports the latest Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards, ensuring fast and reliable connectivity.
Though expensive, it caters well to professionals needing high performance, but its iPadOS limits its use as a full laptop replacement. The sleek but hefty design may not suit everyone, and the front-facing camera placement remains awkward. Overall, excellent for power users and creatives.
What people actually want to know
When was the Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2022) released?
The Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2022) was released on October 26, 2022.
How long does the battery last on the Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2022)?
The Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2022) has a 40 mAh battery.
Does the Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2022) support wireless charging?
No, the Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2022) does not support wireless charging.
Does the Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2022) have a headphone jack?
No, the Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2022) does not have a headphone jack. You'll need wireless headphones or a USB-C adapter.
Does the Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2022) have NFC?
No, the Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2022) does not have NFC. Contactless payments and tap-to-pair will not be available.
Where can I get support for the Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2022)?
Visit Apple's official support page for warranty info, repairs, and troubleshooting.
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