Apple iPad Pro 9.7 (2018) Full Specifications: A Complete Review

The Apple iPad Pro 9.7 (2018) is a compact tablet, popular for work and play. Released on March 27, 2018, it is the 6th generation of the iPad series. This model features impressive specifications, making it highly rated among users. Whether you want a new or used iPad Pro 9.7, we’ve got you covered. In this review, we cover its full specifications, design, performance, camera, battery life, and more.

Apple iPad Pro 9.7 (2018) Key Specifications

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Design & Build Quality

The iPad Pro 9.7 measures 240 x 169.5 x 7.5 mm and weighs only 469 grams (Wi-Fi model) or 478 grams (LTE model). With its slim profile and lightweight body, it is designed for portability without sacrificing performance. The device features a glass front, an aluminum back, and an aluminum frame, making it both sleek and sturdy. The iPad is available in three color variants: Silver, Gold, and Space Gray, allowing you to choose according to your personal preference.

The 9.7-inch display dominates the front of the device, offering an immersive viewing experience with rich colors and sharp details. The tablet also supports stylus input, specifically the 1st Gen Apple Pencil, perfect for creative tasks like sketching or taking precise notes.

Display and Visual Quality

The iPad Pro 9.7 features a 9.7-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 1536 x 2048 pixels. This gives the device a pixel density of 264 ppi and a 4:3 aspect ratio, providing a high-quality visual experience. The display offers decent brightness levels and accurate color reproduction, making it perfect for browsing, watching videos, and other media consumption.

The screen is protected by scratch-resistant glass and features an oleophobic coating that helps reduce fingerprints. The device’s display is bright enough for use in well-lit environments, making it versatile for various lighting conditions.

Performance and Power

The iPad Pro 9.7 (2018) is powered by the Apple A10 Fusion chip, a 16nm processor with a quad-core CPU comprising 2 high-performance cores (Hurricane) and 2 energy-efficient cores (Zephyr). The GPU is the PowerVR Series7XT Plus, a six-core graphics processor capable of delivering smooth and fluid visuals.

The iPad comes with 2GB of RAM paired with either 32GB or 128GB of internal storage. Unfortunately, there is no option for expandable storage via a microSD card slot, so choosing the right storage size at the time of purchase is important. While 2GB of RAM is suitable for general use and multitasking, users looking to run demanding apps or heavy gaming may find the performance a bit limiting compared to more recent devices.

Operating System

The iPad Pro 9.7 (2018) originally launched with iOS 11.3, and it has since been upgraded to iPadOS 17.6.1. With the iPadOS update, the tablet gets access to new features like better multitasking, desktop-class browsing, and improved compatibility with external accessories.

While the tablet doesn’t have the latest iPadOS features found on newer iPads, it still offers a solid and smooth experience for everyday tasks, apps, and productivity tools.

Cameras: Main and Selfie Camera

For photography and video, the iPad Pro 9.7 (2018) comes equipped with an 8MP rear camera with an f/2.4 aperture. The camera also features auto-focus and supports HDR for better dynamic range in photos. Video recording capabilities include 1080p video at 30 fps and 720p video at 120 fps with stereo sound recording.

For selfies and video calls, the iPad Pro 9.7 is equipped with a 1.2MP front-facing camera with an f/2.2 aperture. The front camera supports face detection, HDR, and panorama mode, and it can record 720p video at 30 fps.

While the camera setup on the iPad Pro 9.7 isn’t particularly groundbreaking compared to modern smartphones, it is more than adequate for casual photography and video conferencing.

Battery Life

The iPad Pro 9.7 features a non-removable Li-Po 8827 mAh battery, which provides up to 10 hours of multimedia usage, such as web browsing, watching videos, or playing games. Battery life is solid for everyday use, and the device also supports fast charging for quicker recharges.

Despite being released several years ago, the iPad Pro 9.7 still provides reliable battery performance, making it a great option for users looking for a tablet that can last throughout the day without needing a constant charge.

Connectivity and Other Features

• Wi-Fi & Cellular: The iPad Pro 9.7 supports Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, ensuring fast internet speeds and smooth browsing. The Wi-Fi + Cellular model also includes GPS and supports LTE networks for internet access on the go.
• Bluetooth 4.2: The device includes Bluetooth 4.2 for connecting to a variety of wireless accessories like keyboards, headphones, and speakers.
• Lightning Port: The iPad uses a Lightning port (USB 2.0) for charging and data transfer.
• 3.5mm Headphone Jack: A welcome feature for those who still prefer wired headphones, the iPad Pro 9.7 retains the traditional 3.5mm headphone jack.
• Fingerprint Sensor: The iPad Pro 9.7 includes a front-mounted fingerprint sensor for secure biometric authentication.

Pricing and Availability

At the time of release, the iPad Pro 9.7 was priced around 350 EUR. However, since it’s a relatively older model, it can now be found at more affordable prices, especially when purchasing used or refurbished units.

iPad Pro 9.7 vs iPad Pro 10.5 vs iPad Pro 11 (1st Gen) Comparison

Below is a detailed comparison of the iPad Pro 9.7″, iPad Pro 10.5″, and iPad Pro 11″ (1st Generation) based on key features such as design, performance, camera, and other specifications. This will help you make an informed decision about which iPad suits your needs.

The iPad Pro 9.7″, iPad Pro 10.5″, and iPad Pro 11″ (1st generation) cater to various needs. The iPad Pro 9.7″ is an affordable, compact tablet featuring a Retina display and the A9X chip. It’s ideal for general use and users who prefer a smaller, lighter tablet. The iPad Pro 10.5″ upgrades the 9.7-inch version with a 10.5-inch Retina display and the A10X Fusion chip.

Additionally, the 10.5″ model has improved camera features and better overall performance. The iPad Pro 11″ (1st Gen) offers a more advanced Liquid Retina display and the powerful A12X Bionic chip. It also features Face ID, USB-C connectivity, and support for the newer Apple Pencil (2nd Gen). These features make it perfect for professionals seeking high performance. All models offer up to 10 hours of battery life, with the iPad Pro 11″ standing out for its modern capabilities.

Pros and Cons of the iPad Pro 9.7 (2018)

Pros:

• High-resolution 9.7-inch display with excellent color accuracy
• Solid performance with the A10 Fusion chip
• Upgradable to iPadOS for a modern software experience
• Long-lasting battery life
• Stylus support for drawing and note-taking (1st Gen Apple Pencil)
• Available in multiple colors (Silver, Gold, Space Gray)

Cons:

• No expandable storage
• Limited RAM (2GB)
• The camera quality is good but not exceptional for a tablet
• Older hardware compared to the latest iPad models

Conclusion

The Apple iPad Pro 9.7 (2018) is a reliable and well-rounded tablet that offers strong performance, solid camera quality, and an excellent display for a reasonable price. While it doesn’t offer all the advanced features of newer iPads, it still delivers great value for users who need a functional tablet for media consumption, light productivity, and casual creativity. If you’re on a budget and don’t need the latest and greatest hardware, the iPad Pro 9.7 is an excellent choice.

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