IPad Pro 12.9-inch 2020: Still Worth It?

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iPad Pro 12.9-inch 2020: Still Worth It?

Hey guys, let's dive into the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2020)! This beast of a tablet was a game-changer when it dropped, and even now, you might be wondering if it's still a good buy. We're going to break down everything from the specs to the real-world performance, and of course, whether or not you should consider picking one up in 2024. So, buckle up, and let's get started!

Unpacking the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2020): What's Inside?

Alright, first things first, let's talk about what made the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2020) so special when it launched. This tablet wasn't just about the bigger screen; it was a powerhouse designed to handle pretty much anything you could throw at it. At its heart, the 2020 iPad Pro packed the A12Z Bionic chip. This chip was a significant upgrade from the previous generation, boasting improved performance and graphics. This meant smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a generally snappier experience. The A12Z was designed to handle demanding tasks like video editing, gaming, and graphic design with ease. You could run multiple apps side-by-side without noticing any lag, which was a huge deal for productivity. The processing power also significantly improved the performance of augmented reality (AR) applications, making them more responsive and immersive. In addition to the powerful processor, the 2020 iPad Pro came with a gorgeous 12.9-inch Liquid Retina display. This display wasn't just big; it was incredibly vibrant and accurate, offering a stunning visual experience. The ProMotion technology, with its 120Hz refresh rate, made everything feel incredibly smooth, from scrolling through web pages to playing games. The display also supported True Tone, which adjusted the screen's color temperature to match the ambient lighting, making it easier on your eyes. The design of the iPad Pro 2020 was also top-notch. It featured a sleek, minimalist design with slim bezels, giving you more screen real estate in a compact package. The build quality was excellent, with a sturdy aluminum frame that felt premium in hand. The tablet also included a USB-C port for charging and connecting accessories, as well as a Smart Connector for the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard. Another notable feature was the inclusion of a dual-camera system on the back. While tablets aren't primarily used for taking photos, the iPad Pro's cameras were surprisingly capable. They allowed you to capture high-quality photos and videos, and also supported features like 4K video recording and enhanced AR capabilities. Furthermore, the 2020 model introduced the LiDAR scanner, which enhanced the AR experience by providing more accurate depth perception. This was a significant step forward in AR technology, allowing for more realistic and interactive experiences. The combination of powerful internals, a stunning display, and a refined design made the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2020) a standout device upon its release. It set a new standard for tablets, blurring the lines between a traditional tablet and a laptop replacement.

The Key Specifications

  • Display: 12.9-inch Liquid Retina display with ProMotion (120Hz refresh rate), True Tone.
  • Processor: A12Z Bionic chip with Neural Engine.
  • Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB options.
  • Cameras: 12MP Wide camera, 10MP Ultra Wide camera, 7MP TrueDepth front camera, LiDAR Scanner.
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C port.
  • Audio: Four-speaker audio, five microphones.
  • Accessories: Supports Apple Pencil (2nd generation) and Magic Keyboard.

Performance in 2024: Does it Still Hold Up?

So, the big question: how does the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2020) perform in 2024? The answer might surprise you! Even though it's a few years old, the A12Z Bionic chip still holds its own. While it's not the latest and greatest, it's more than capable of handling everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, and email. The real strength of this iPad lies in its ability to handle more demanding tasks. Video editing in apps like iMovie or LumaFusion is still a breeze, and you can comfortably work on complex projects without experiencing any significant lag. Gaming performance is also impressive. The iPad Pro 2020 can run most modern games at high settings with smooth frame rates. The 120Hz refresh rate of the display makes gaming feel incredibly responsive and immersive. Multitasking is another area where the iPad Pro 2020 excels. You can easily run multiple apps side-by-side using features like Split View and Slide Over. The ample RAM ensures that apps stay loaded in the background, allowing you to switch between them quickly and efficiently. The overall performance is further enhanced by the iPadOS operating system, which is optimized for tablets. iPadOS offers a range of features designed to boost productivity, such as improved multitasking, external mouse and trackpad support, and a more desktop-like experience. This makes the iPad Pro 2020 feel more like a laptop replacement than ever before. The battery life on the iPad Pro 12.9-inch 2020 is also commendable. You can expect to get a full day of use out of it, even with heavy usage. This makes it a great choice for students, professionals, and anyone who needs a tablet that can keep up with their busy lifestyle. In terms of software support, Apple still provides regular updates for the iPad Pro 2020, ensuring that you have access to the latest features and security enhancements. This means that you can continue to enjoy a smooth and secure user experience for years to come. Ultimately, the performance of the iPad Pro 12.9-inch 2020 in 2024 is still very good. It is a very capable device for a wide range of tasks, from everyday use to more demanding professional workflows. Its powerful processor, stunning display, and long battery life make it a solid choice for anyone in the market for a high-end tablet. So, despite its age, it remains a strong contender. The device provides a premium experience that continues to satisfy users.

The Display and Audio Experience: A Feast for the Senses

Let's talk about the display and audio, because, guys, these are major highlights of the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2020) experience. The 12.9-inch Liquid Retina display is simply stunning. The image quality is superb, with vibrant colors, incredible detail, and excellent brightness. Whether you're watching movies, editing photos, or just browsing the web, the display makes everything look amazing. The ProMotion technology is a game-changer. The 120Hz refresh rate makes everything feel incredibly smooth and responsive. Scrolling through web pages, swiping through apps, and playing games all feel fluid and effortless. The reduced motion blur is great, and makes it easier on your eyes. The screen also supports True Tone, which automatically adjusts the color temperature of the display to match the ambient lighting. This makes the screen easier on your eyes in different lighting conditions, reducing eye strain and providing a more comfortable viewing experience. This is especially helpful if you're using your iPad Pro for long periods. The screen is also exceptionally bright. Even in direct sunlight, you can easily see what's on the screen. The display has a wide color gamut, which means that it can display a wider range of colors than most other tablets. This makes the images look more realistic and vibrant. The display's high resolution ensures that text and images are sharp and crisp. The pixel density is so high that you won't be able to see individual pixels, which makes the display perfect for detailed work, like graphic design or video editing. Now, let's talk about the audio. The iPad Pro 2020 features a four-speaker audio system, which delivers incredibly immersive sound. The speakers are strategically placed to create a wide stereo soundstage, making it feel like the sound is coming from all around you. The sound quality is excellent. The speakers deliver clear highs, rich mids, and surprisingly deep bass. This makes the iPad Pro perfect for listening to music, watching movies, or playing games. The speakers are also loud. You can easily fill a room with sound without distortion. The sound is clear and detailed even at high volumes. The placement of the speakers is also effective. They're designed so that you don't accidentally cover them up when you're holding the tablet. The audio experience with the iPad Pro 2020 is truly exceptional. The combination of the stunning display and the immersive audio makes it a joy to use for any type of media consumption. It offers a premium experience that enhances the overall user experience. Both the display and the audio system are major selling points for the iPad Pro 2020, providing a truly immersive and enjoyable experience.

Accessories: Taking Your iPad Pro to the Next Level

Okay, let's talk about accessories, because they can really transform the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2020) from a tablet into a versatile productivity powerhouse. The two main accessories you'll want to consider are the Apple Pencil (2nd generation) and the Magic Keyboard.

  • Apple Pencil (2nd generation): This is an absolute must-have if you're into drawing, note-taking, or any kind of creative work. It attaches magnetically to the side of the iPad Pro, where it charges wirelessly and automatically pairs. The Apple Pencil offers incredible precision and responsiveness. It feels like writing or drawing on paper. The pressure sensitivity allows for varied line weights and shading, giving you complete control over your creations. It's great for digital art, sketching, illustrating, or just jotting down notes. The latency is incredibly low, which means that there's virtually no delay between your strokes and what appears on the screen. This makes for a seamless and natural drawing experience. The Apple Pencil also has a double-tap feature that you can customize to switch between tools or erase mistakes quickly. It also works in a variety of apps, including Apple's own apps like Notes and Procreate, which gives you a great deal of flexibility. It's a great tool for anyone in the creative industry or anyone who likes to be creative.
  • Magic Keyboard: This accessory takes the iPad Pro from a tablet to a laptop replacement. It attaches magnetically and features a full-sized keyboard with a trackpad. The keyboard offers a comfortable typing experience. The keys are well-spaced and have a good amount of travel, so you won't get tired while typing for long periods. The trackpad is responsive and accurate, allowing you to navigate the iPadOS interface with ease. The Magic Keyboard also has a built-in stand, which allows you to adjust the viewing angle of the screen. The keyboard folds up to protect the screen, making it easy to carry around. The Magic Keyboard also adds a USB-C port, so you can charge the iPad Pro while using the keyboard. It's the perfect accessory for anyone who needs to do a lot of typing or who wants to use their iPad Pro as a laptop replacement.

Beyond these main accessories, there are other options to enhance your iPad Pro 2020 experience.

  • USB-C Hubs: These are great for expanding the connectivity options of your iPad Pro. You can use them to connect to external displays, USB drives, SD cards, and other accessories.
  • Protective Cases: These will protect your iPad Pro from scratches and drops. There are many different types of cases available, including cases with built-in keyboards, cases with stands, and rugged cases.
  • Screen Protectors: They will protect the display from scratches and smudges. They are very useful if you are using your iPad Pro for drawing with the Apple Pencil.
  • External Hard Drives: These are useful for backing up your data and for storing large files.

With these accessories, you can really make the most of your iPad Pro 2020, boosting your productivity and creativity.

Should You Buy the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2020) in 2024? The Verdict

Alright, guys, here's the million-dollar question: Is the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2020) still worth buying in 2024? The answer is: it depends! It hinges on your specific needs and budget. If you're looking for a high-performance tablet for demanding tasks and a premium experience, the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2020) is still a strong contender. Here's a quick rundown to help you decide:

Reasons to Buy:

  • Performance: The A12Z Bionic chip is still capable of handling most tasks, from video editing to gaming. This is going to save you money in the long run.
  • Display: The Liquid Retina display with ProMotion is gorgeous, offering a stunning visual experience.
  • Accessories: The Apple Pencil (2nd generation) and Magic Keyboard significantly enhance productivity and creativity.
  • Software: iPadOS is optimized for tablets, offering a user-friendly and feature-rich experience.
  • Price: You can often find used or refurbished models at a lower price point, making it a good value.

Things to Consider:

  • Newer Models: The newer iPad Pro models (2021 and later) have more powerful chips and other upgrades. You may want to go for the newer ones.
  • Budget: If your budget is tight, a newer, less powerful iPad might be a better choice.
  • Specific Needs: If you don't need the most cutting-edge performance, the 2020 model will be perfect for you.

If you're on a budget and don't need the absolute latest and greatest, the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2020) is an excellent choice, providing a lot of value for its price, especially if you get a used or refurbished model. If you need the best possible performance or want all the latest features, the newer models are the way to go. Consider what you need the tablet for, how much you're willing to spend, and then make your decision. Overall, the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2020) is still a very capable and desirable tablet in 2024. Its performance, display, and accessory support make it a great choice for anyone looking for a premium tablet experience.