IPad Pro 12-inch 2020 Review: Is It Still Worth It?
Hey guys! Let's dive deep into the iPad Pro 12-inch (2020). This beast of a tablet, released a few years back, still holds a special place in the hearts of many. But in a world of ever-evolving tech, is it still a worthy buy? I've spent a good chunk of time with this powerhouse, and I'm here to break down everything you need to know, from its stunning display to its raw performance, and help you decide if it's the right fit for you in 2024.
Design and Build Quality: A Familiar Premium Feel
Right off the bat, the iPad Pro 12-inch (2020) showcases Apple's signature design language – sleek, minimalist, and undeniably premium. The build quality is top-notch, with an aluminum unibody that feels incredibly solid and robust in your hands. This thing is built to last, folks! The flat-edged design, a trend that Apple has brought across its product line, gives it a modern look and makes it easy to grip, though you might want to invest in a case to protect that beautiful screen from accidental drops.
The 12.9-inch Liquid Retina display is the star of the show, offering vibrant colors, incredible detail, and a buttery-smooth 120Hz refresh rate (ProMotion technology). This means everything from scrolling through web pages to gaming feels incredibly responsive and fluid. Watching movies or editing photos on this display is a pure joy. The bezels are relatively slim, maximizing the screen real estate, and the overall aesthetic is clean and professional. The iPad Pro 12-inch (2020) doesn't scream for attention; it whispers understated elegance. This device is available in two classic colors: Space Gray and Silver, and it comes in various storage configurations to cater to your needs. While the design might not be drastically different from newer models, it still holds its own in terms of aesthetics and build quality, offering a premium experience that’s hard to beat. The integration of Face ID for unlocking the device and authenticating purchases is fast and reliable. The placement of the power button and volume buttons is also well-considered, making them easy to access. Whether you're using it for work or play, the design of the iPad Pro 12-inch (2020) is a winner, providing a comfortable and enjoyable user experience. The quality of materials used gives a sense of luxury and durability. The device’s slim profile also makes it surprisingly portable, considering its large screen size.
Display and Audio: A Visual and Auditory Feast
As mentioned before, the display on the iPad Pro 12-inch (2020) is absolutely stunning. This is one of the key reasons to consider this tablet. The Liquid Retina display boasts incredible color accuracy, a wide color gamut, and excellent brightness levels, making it perfect for creative tasks like photo and video editing. The ProMotion technology, as I mentioned, is a game-changer. It dynamically adjusts the refresh rate up to 120Hz, making everything look incredibly smooth. This is something you'll definitely notice while scrolling through websites, playing games, or even just navigating the interface. The display’s responsiveness is superb, and the visual experience is simply immersive.
The audio experience is equally impressive. The iPad Pro 12-inch (2020) features a four-speaker audio system that provides rich, balanced sound with a surprising amount of bass. This means you can enjoy your movies, music, and games with a truly immersive audio experience. The speakers are strategically placed to create a wide soundstage, making it feel like the sound is coming from all around you. Whether you are using it in a quiet room or a busy environment, the audio quality remains clear and robust. The integration of Dolby Atmos further enhances the audio experience, delivering a more cinematic sound. The display and audio working together create a holistic media consumption experience. This device excels not only in visual quality but also in providing an exceptional audio experience, making it perfect for entertainment and creative pursuits. The crisp, clear audio makes every session a truly enjoyable experience. The balance of audio and video is hard to beat. The screen and speaker setup truly makes the iPad a great tablet.
Performance: Still a Powerhouse in 2024
Under the hood, the iPad Pro 12-inch (2020) is powered by the A12Z Bionic chip, which, even in 2024, still delivers impressive performance. This chip can handle demanding tasks with ease, whether you're editing 4K video, playing graphics-intensive games, or multitasking between multiple apps. This is the iPad Pro 12-inch (2020) secret weapon. The A12Z Bionic chip is paired with a generous amount of RAM (6GB or 8GB depending on the configuration), ensuring smooth and lag-free performance, even with multiple apps running simultaneously. The responsiveness of the device is excellent, and you'll find that apps launch quickly and transitions are seamless.
The chip also excels in power efficiency, ensuring that the battery life is pretty good. The performance is truly remarkable, allowing you to breeze through your daily tasks without any hiccups. This iPad Pro 12-inch (2020) is not just for entertainment; it is designed to handle professional workloads. Whether you’re a creative professional, a student, or someone who simply enjoys using their tablet for a wide range of tasks, this device has got you covered. In terms of raw processing power, it is still competitive with some of the latest tablets on the market, especially when considering the price. Apple's optimization of both the hardware and software contributes to the excellent performance. Multitasking is a breeze, and you can switch between apps without any noticeable lag. This is the definition of a powerhouse. The A12Z Bionic chip truly makes this tablet an exceptional performer.
Camera and Accessories: Expanding the Capabilities
The iPad Pro 12-inch (2020) features a dual-camera system on the back, comprising a 12MP wide-angle lens and a 10MP ultra-wide lens. The camera quality is pretty good for a tablet, capturing detailed photos and videos in various lighting conditions. While you probably won't be using your tablet to take pictures all the time, the camera system is surprisingly versatile and can handle basic photography and video recording tasks well. The inclusion of the ultra-wide lens adds another dimension to the creative process, allowing you to capture wider shots and expand your creative options.
On the front, you'll find a 7MP TrueDepth camera, which is great for video calls and taking selfies. This camera also enables Face ID, Apple's facial recognition technology, making unlocking the tablet and authenticating purchases secure and seamless. Face ID works reliably and quickly, even in different lighting conditions. The iPad Pro 12-inch (2020) also supports a range of accessories, including the second-generation Apple Pencil and the Magic Keyboard. The Apple Pencil is perfect for drawing, note-taking, and other creative tasks, while the Magic Keyboard transforms the tablet into a more laptop-like experience, with a trackpad and comfortable keys. These accessories significantly enhance the functionality and versatility of the iPad Pro, turning it into a powerful tool for productivity and creativity. The integration of accessories adds to the overall experience. The ability to use these accessories makes the tablet more versatile.
Battery Life: Keeping You Powered Through the Day
The iPad Pro 12-inch (2020) boasts impressive battery life. You can expect to get a full day of use out of it, even with heavy usage. Apple typically rates the battery life for around 10 hours of web browsing or video playback, which aligns with real-world usage. Depending on your usage patterns, you might even be able to squeeze out a bit more.
The battery life of this device is more than adequate for most users. Whether you're using it for work, entertainment, or a combination of both, you won't have to worry about constantly searching for a power outlet. The iPad Pro 12-inch (2020) is a reliable companion for on-the-go use, allowing you to stay productive and entertained throughout the day. Battery efficiency is a key strength of the iPad Pro. The power management system is optimized to maximize the usage time. The battery is robust and it allows for extended use before needing a recharge. The battery easily lasts a full work day. This is a very important aspect of the tablet.
Software and Ecosystem: The Apple Advantage
One of the biggest advantages of the iPad Pro 12-inch (2020) is the seamless integration within the Apple ecosystem. If you're already invested in Apple products like an iPhone or a Mac, you'll appreciate the ease with which you can share files, sync data, and use features like AirDrop and Handoff. iPadOS, the operating system for iPads, is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, with a focus on productivity and creativity. The operating system has a wide range of features designed to enhance your experience.
App availability is another strong point, with access to a vast library of apps optimized for the iPad's larger screen. From productivity apps like Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite to entertainment apps like Netflix and Spotify, you'll find everything you need. The App Store provides a wide selection of applications. The consistent software updates from Apple ensure that the iPad Pro 12-inch (2020) remains up-to-date with the latest features and security enhancements. This ongoing support extends the lifespan of the device. This is the biggest advantage of the Apple ecosystem. The seamless integration truly makes this device a great choice.
Conclusion: Is the iPad Pro 12-inch (2020) Still a Good Buy?
So, is the iPad Pro 12-inch (2020) still worth it in 2024? The short answer is, absolutely! If you can find it at a reasonable price, it offers a fantastic combination of performance, display quality, and features. Its powerful processor, stunning display, and long battery life make it an excellent choice for both work and play. While newer models have been released since, the iPad Pro 12-inch (2020) continues to hold its own.
If you're a creative professional, a student, or simply someone who wants a premium tablet experience, the iPad Pro 12-inch (2020) is definitely worth considering. It excels in many areas and provides an exceptional user experience. However, before you make a decision, make sure to consider your own needs and budget. If you prioritize the latest features and don't mind spending more, then you might want to consider the latest models. But if you're looking for a powerful and versatile tablet at a more affordable price, the iPad Pro 12-inch (2020) is a fantastic option. The performance is solid, the screen is great, and the overall experience is pretty good. Weighing the pros and cons is important. This is still a great tablet. This model is a great option in 2024!