iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st Generation) Review: A Revolutionary Tablet

The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st generation) marked a significant milestone in Apple’s tablet lineup in 2015. It challenged traditional mobile computing boundaries with its massive 12.9-inch Retina display and $799 starting price. Aimed at professionals and creatives, this iPad Pro catered to users seeking a more expansive tablet experience.

Powered by the A9X chip, the device offered desktop-class performance, excelling in tasks like content creation and productivity. The Apple Pencil further enhanced the user experience, offering natural and precise input for artists, designers, and note-takers. In this review, we will explore its design, performance, features, and overall value proposition.

iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st Generation) Key Specifications

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Release date and price

The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st Generation) was officially released on November 11, 2015, making its debut as Apple’s largest and most powerful tablet at the time. The iPad Pro 12.9-inch was available in three different storage configurations, each with its own price point.

The base model with 32GB of storage was priced at $799, while the 128GB variant was available for $949. For users needing even more storage, the 256GB model was introduced later and priced at $1,099.

Design and Display: A Large Canvas for Creativity

The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st Generation) set itself apart with its expansive 12.9-inch Retina display, making it one of the largest tablets on the market at the time.

With a resolution of 2732 x 2048 pixels at 264 PPI (pixels per inch). The display offers sharp, vibrant visuals that are ideal for tasks that require precision and clarity, such as photo editing, graphic design, and video production.

Despite its large size, the iPad Pro maintains a sleek and portable design. It measures 305.7 x 220.6 x 6.9 mm and weighs 713 grams for the Wi-Fi model and 723 grams for the Wi-Fi + Cellular model. The aluminum chassis and thin bezels give it a modern look and feel, while the overall build quality ensures durability for everyday use.

The display also features an anti-reflective coating, which improves visibility in bright environments and reduces glare. This makes it easier to use the iPad Pro outdoors or in well-lit rooms, enhancing the user experience in various settings.

Performance: Powered by the A9X Chip

The A9X chip, paired with the M9 motion coprocessor, powers the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st Generation). This combination delivers a significant performance boost over previous iPad models, improving both CPU and graphics performance. Apple claims the performance provides up to 1.8 times the CPU speed and twice the graphics performance.

The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st Generation) includes 4GB of RAM, enabling efficient multitasking and handling of demanding applications. This strong performance makes the tablet a practical alternative to a laptop for many users who require portability. The device’s multitasking capabilities make it suitable for users needing power without compromising on convenience or portability.

Apple Pencil Support: A Game Changer for Artists and Designers

One of the outstanding features of the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st Generation) is its support for the Apple Pencil, a stylus designed specifically for creative professionals.

The Apple Pencil offers high precision, low latency, and pressure sensitivity, making it an excellent tool for drawing, sketching, and note-taking. It enables users to achieve greater accuracy and control in their creative work, replicating the feel of traditional art tools.

The iPad Pro’s display also includes palm rejection technology, which allows users to rest their hands on the screen while using the Apple Pencil without affecting the input. This feature enhances comfort and ergonomics, making it easier to work for extended periods.

Camera and Audio: Capable and Versatile

While the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st Generation) is primarily designed for productivity and creative tasks, it also features a capable camera system. The rear camera includes an 8 MP sensor with an f/2.4 aperture, allowing for decent photo and video quality. It supports 1080p HD video recording at 30 fps, which is acceptable for casual photography and video capture.

The front-facing 1.2 MP FaceTime HD camera is suitable for video calls and selfies, offering 720p HD video recording. While not as advanced as the cameras on newer iPad models, the camera system on the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st Gen) provides the basic functionality needed for everyday use.

The audio experience on the iPad Pro is enhanced by a four-speaker audio system, which provides clear, rich sound for media consumption. The speakers automatically adjust the angle of the high frequencies based on how the tablet is held, ensuring optimal sound quality in both portrait and landscape modes.

This makes the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st Gen) an excellent device for watching movies, listening to music, and playing games.

Connectivity and Accessories: Versatile and Expandable

The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st Generation) includes a Lightning connector for charging and connecting accessories efficiently. It also features a Smart Connector, enabling seamless connection to the Smart Keyboard for versatile usage. The Smart Keyboard offers a comfortable typing experience and also serves as a protective cover for the device.

Many users find the iPad Pro 12.9-inch a viable laptop replacement due to these features. Although it does not support USB-C, it is compatible with a wide range of Lightning-based accessories, such as HDMI, VGA, and USB-A adapters.

Battery Life: Long-Lasting Performance

Apple claims up to 10 hours of battery life for the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st Generation) when browsing the web or watching videos over Wi-Fi.

The device delivers consistent all-day performance, making it a reliable choice for users who need a tablet that can keep up with their daily activities. The tablet supports fast charging via the Lightning port, allowing for quick top-ups when needed.

Software and Ecosystem: Running iPad OS

At launch, the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st Generation) shipped with iOS 9, which introduced features like Split View and Slide Over, enhancing multitasking capabilities and making it easier to use multiple apps simultaneously. Over time, the device received updates to iPadOS, which brought additional features and improvements to enhance the user experience.

As part of the Apple ecosystem, the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st Gen) benefits from seamless integration with other Apple devices and services, such as iCloud, Handoff, and Airdrop. This connectivity allows users to effortlessly share content, match data, and maintain a solid workflow across multiple devices, further enhancing the versatility and convenience of the iPad Pro.

Comparison: iPad Pro 12.9‑in. (1st Gen) vs 12.9‑in. (2nd Gen) vs 12.9‑in. (3rd Gen)

When comparing the iPad Pro 12.9-inch models across generations, we can see significant changes in their design, performance, camera capabilities, and features. Here’s a detailed breakdown to help you choose between the three generations.

The iPad Pro 12.9‑in. (3rd generation) offers the best overall performance with its A12X Bionic chip, Liquid Retina Display, and USB-C charging. If you’re looking for the best in display technology, performance, and future-proof features like Face ID and Apple Pencil (2nd generation) support, the 3rd generation is the top choice.

However, if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, the 2nd generation offers great value with its powerful A10X Fusion chip and ProMotion technology. The 1st generation still holds its ground for those who want a reliable tablet but with fewer advanced features compared to the newer models.

Pros:

• Large, vibrant 12.9-inch Retina display
• Solid performance with A9X chip and 4GB RAM
• Good battery life (up to 10 hours)
• Stereo speakers for immersive sound
• Supports Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard

Cons:

• No expandable storage
• No USB-C support
• Older software updates limit access to new features

Conclusion

The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st Generation) was a groundbreaking device that redefined what a tablet could achieve. With its powerful A9X chip, expansive Retina display, and support for the Apple Pencil, it delivered exceptional performance. The robust audio system ensured a premium experience, catering to various needs and preferences.

Whether you’re a creative professional, student, or casual user, it offers a compelling blend of power, design, and functionality. This versatile tablet continues to be relevant in today’s digital landscape, offering lasting value across various user categories.

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