Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021) with 256GB of storage. This beast of a tablet hit the market with a bang, boasting Apple's M1 chip and a stunning Liquid Retina XDR display. But, with newer models out, is it still a worthwhile investment? Let's break it down.

Design and Display: Still a Visual Treat

The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021) retains the sleek, premium design that we've come to expect from Apple. Its aluminum unibody construction feels incredibly solid and looks fantastic. The slim bezels surrounding the display contribute to a modern, immersive experience. It's available in Silver and Space Gray, both of which exude sophistication.

But the real star of the show is the Liquid Retina XDR display. This mini-LED display delivers incredible brightness, reaching up to 1000 nits of full-screen brightness and 1600 nits peak brightness for HDR content. The result is vibrant colors, deep blacks, and stunning contrast. Whether you're watching movies, editing photos, or simply browsing the web, the display is a joy to behold. The ProMotion technology, which offers an adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz, ensures incredibly smooth scrolling and responsiveness. This makes everything feel fluid and natural, enhancing the overall user experience. For creative professionals, the display's accuracy is crucial. It supports the P3 wide color gamut, ensuring that colors are reproduced faithfully. This is essential for tasks like photo and video editing, where color accuracy is paramount. Additionally, the display is factory-calibrated, meaning you can trust that the colors you see are true to life. The anti-reflective coating is another thoughtful addition, reducing glare and making the display easier to view in bright environments. This is particularly useful when working outdoors or in brightly lit offices. While newer iPads have since been released, the display on the 2021 model remains exceptional and continues to impress even by today's standards.

Performance: The M1 Magic

Under the hood, the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021) is powered by Apple's M1 chip. This is the same chip that powers some of Apple's MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models, so you know it's packing some serious punch. The M1 chip delivers a massive leap in performance compared to previous iPad Pro models. It handles demanding tasks like video editing, 3D modeling, and gaming with ease. Multitasking is a breeze, and you can seamlessly switch between apps without experiencing any lag. The 256GB of storage provides ample space for your files, apps, and media. If you're a creative professional who works with large files, you'll appreciate the generous storage capacity. The M1 chip's performance extends beyond just raw processing power. It also includes a powerful Neural Engine, which accelerates machine learning tasks. This enables features like Live Text, which allows you to extract text from images, and on-device Siri processing, which improves Siri's responsiveness and privacy. Even compared to the latest chips, the M1 still holds its own, providing more than enough power for the vast majority of users. Whether you're a student, a creative professional, or simply someone who enjoys using their iPad for entertainment, the M1 chip will not disappoint. The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021) is a testament to Apple's silicon engineering, and it continues to deliver a premium performance experience.

Features and Functionality: A Versatile Tool

The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021) isn't just about power and display; it's also packed with features that make it a versatile tool for both work and play. It supports the 2nd generation Apple Pencil, which attaches magnetically to the side of the iPad and charges wirelessly. The Apple Pencil is a fantastic tool for note-taking, drawing, and sketching. It offers precise control and low latency, making it feel like you're writing on paper. The iPad Pro also supports the Magic Keyboard, which provides a comfortable typing experience and includes a trackpad. This transforms the iPad Pro into a capable laptop replacement. The Magic Keyboard also features a USB-C port for charging and accessories. The iPad Pro's cameras are also impressive. The rear camera system includes a 12MP Wide camera and a 10MP Ultra Wide camera. The Ultra Wide camera enables features like Center Stage, which automatically adjusts the frame during video calls to keep you in view. The front-facing TrueDepth camera supports Face ID, which provides secure and convenient authentication. The iPad Pro also features Thunderbolt / USB 4, which allows you to connect to external displays, storage devices, and other accessories. This expands the iPad Pro's capabilities and makes it even more versatile. With iPadOS, the iPad Pro offers a desktop-class experience with features like multitasking, widgets, and a file manager. iPadOS is designed to take advantage of the iPad Pro's powerful hardware and large display. Regular software updates from Apple ensure that the iPad Pro stays up-to-date with the latest features and security enhancements. This extends the lifespan of the device and ensures that you continue to get the best possible experience. The combination of hardware and software features makes the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021) a truly versatile device that can adapt to a wide range of tasks and workflows.

Battery Life: Keeps You Going

The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021) offers excellent battery life, allowing you to work or play for hours on end without needing to recharge. Apple claims that it provides up to 10 hours of web surfing on Wi-Fi or watching video. In real-world use, I found that it easily lasted through a full day of moderate use, including browsing, email, and some light photo editing. Even with more demanding tasks like video editing or gaming, the battery life was still impressive. The iPad Pro also supports fast charging, so you can quickly top it up when needed. This is especially useful if you're on the go and don't have much time to spare. The efficient M1 chip contributes significantly to the iPad Pro's excellent battery life. It's designed to be power-efficient, so it doesn't drain the battery unnecessarily. The combination of a large battery and an efficient processor makes the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021) a reliable device that you can count on to last throughout the day. Whether you're a student taking notes in class, a creative professional working on a project, or simply someone who enjoys using their iPad for entertainment, the battery life will not disappoint. You can confidently use the iPad Pro without worrying about constantly searching for a power outlet.

Is It Still Worth It in [Current Year]?

So, the big question: Is the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021) 256GB still worth buying in [Current Year]? The answer is a resounding yes, especially if you can find it at a discounted price. While newer models offer incremental improvements, the 2021 iPad Pro remains a powerhouse of a tablet. The M1 chip is still incredibly fast, the display is gorgeous, and the features are top-notch. If you don't need the absolute latest and greatest, the 2021 iPad Pro offers excellent value for money. It's a great option for students, creative professionals, and anyone who wants a premium tablet experience. You'll get a device that's powerful, versatile, and built to last. Of course, if you're a power user who needs the absolute best performance, or if you want the latest features like the M2 chip or the enhanced display of the newer models, then you might want to consider spending the extra money. But for most people, the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021) is still an excellent choice. It's a testament to Apple's engineering and design, and it continues to be one of the best tablets on the market. Ultimately, the decision depends on your individual needs and budget. But if you're looking for a high-quality tablet that offers excellent performance and features, the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021) is definitely worth considering.