IPad Pro 12.9 (2020): The Ultimate Review

Hey everyone, and welcome back to the blog! Today, we're diving deep into a device that pretty much redefined what a tablet could be: the iPad Pro 12.9-inch from 2020. If you're eyeing this beast or just curious about what makes it tick, you've come to the right place, guys. We're going to break down everything you need to know, from its stunning display to its powerhouse performance, and whether it still holds up in today's tech landscape. So grab a coffee, get comfy, and let's get into it!

A Display That Dazzles: The Liquid Retina XDR

Let's kick things off with arguably the most striking feature of the iPad Pro 12.9 (2020): its display. This isn't just any screen; it's a Liquid Retina XDR display, and boy, does it live up to the hype. Measuring a massive 12.9 inches, this screen is an absolute dream for anyone who loves to create, consume content, or just appreciate visuals. The resolution is out of this world, making text razor-sharp and images incredibly vibrant. Whether you're editing photos, watching your favorite movies in HDR, or sketching out your next masterpiece, the color accuracy and brightness are simply phenomenal. You get true blacks and dazzling highlights, which really makes content pop. The ProMotion technology, with its adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz, means everything is buttery smooth. Scrolling is a joy, drawing feels incredibly responsive, and animations are fluid. For creative professionals, this display is a game-changer. Color grading, graphic design, illustration – it's all done with an accuracy that’s hard to find on other tablets. Even for everyday tasks, like browsing the web or reading, the clarity and smoothness make the experience far more enjoyable. Plus, the sheer size of the 12.9-inch model means you have ample space to work with, reducing the need to zoom and pan constantly. It's a truly immersive experience that sets the standard for what a tablet display should be. You really feel like you’re looking through a window rather than at a screen, and that’s a testament to Apple’s engineering.

Powerhouse Performance: The A12Z Bionic Chip

Underneath that gorgeous display lies the heart of the 2020 iPad Pro 12.9: the A12Z Bionic chip. Now, this isn't just some mobile chip; it's a beast, guys. Packed with an 8-core CPU and a 12-core GPU, this thing can handle virtually anything you throw at it. We're talking professional-grade video editing, complex 3D rendering, running multiple demanding apps simultaneously, and diving into graphics-intensive games without breaking a sweat. For a long time, the iPad Pro was the go-to device for mobile creatives, and the A12Z chip was a huge reason why. It provided desktop-class performance in a sleek, portable package. Many users found that they could replace their laptops entirely with the iPad Pro for their daily workflows, thanks to this chip’s raw power. It’s incredibly efficient too, meaning you get all this performance without completely draining your battery. Multitasking is a breeze; you can have a video playing in one window, a document open in another, and switch between them instantly. Even demanding tasks like editing 4K video or using advanced photo editing software are handled with remarkable ease. The neural engine also accelerates machine learning tasks, which is becoming increasingly important for apps that use AI for image recognition, natural language processing, and more. Honestly, for its time, and even looking back now, the A12Z chip was a marvel of engineering, pushing the boundaries of what we thought was possible on a tablet.

Design and Build Quality: The Iconic iPad Aesthetic

When it comes to design and build quality, Apple rarely disappoints, and the iPad Pro 12.9 (2020) is no exception. It sports that signature sleek, minimalist aesthetic that Apple is known for. The aluminum unibody feels incredibly premium and robust in your hands. It’s thin, it’s light (for its size, of course), and it just feels right. The edges are flat, which not only looks modern but also provides a comfortable grip, especially when you’re using it for extended periods or attaching accessories like the Magic Keyboard. The speaker grilles are strategically placed for immersive audio, and the camera bump, while noticeable, is well-integrated. The overall build quality is exceptional, giving you the confidence that this device is built to last. It’s a beautiful piece of hardware that feels every bit as premium as its price tag suggests. The durability is also a strong point; while you should always be careful with any electronic device, the solid construction provides a good sense of security. The flat edges also make it easier to place on a desk or table without it sliding around. It’s a design that’s both functional and aesthetically pleasing, a hallmark of Apple’s product philosophy. You can feel the quality the moment you pick it up.

The Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil 2: Enhancing Productivity

To truly unlock the potential of the iPad Pro 12.9 (2020), you need to talk about its accessories, specifically the Magic Keyboard and the Apple Pencil (2nd generation). These aren't just add-ons; they're essential components that transform the iPad Pro into a true laptop replacement for many. The Magic Keyboard is a revelation. It magnetically attaches to the iPad Pro, providing a floating cantilever design that looks futuristic and is incredibly stable. The backlit keys offer a satisfying typing experience with decent travel, making long typing sessions much more comfortable than on a typical on-screen keyboard. The integrated trackpad is a game-changer, bringing trackpad functionality to iPadOS for the first time, allowing for precise cursor control and gesture-based navigation that feels natural and efficient. Combined with the Apple Pencil 2, which magnetically attaches and charges on the side of the iPad, the creative possibilities are endless. The Pencil offers incredible precision, low latency, and tilt/pressure sensitivity, making it perfect for drawing, note-taking, and detailed photo editing. The way the Pencil snaps on and charges is pure genius, meaning you're never caught with a dead stylus. Together, these accessories elevate the iPad Pro from a powerful tablet to a versatile productivity and creativity powerhouse. You can seamlessly switch between typing a document, sketching an idea, and navigating with the trackpad, all on one device. It’s this synergy between hardware and accessories that truly makes the iPad Pro shine.

iPadOS: The Software That Ties It All Together

It’s impossible to talk about the iPad Pro without mentioning iPadOS. This operating system is the glue that holds everything together, and with each update, it gets closer and closer to offering a full desktop-class experience. iPadOS introduced features like improved multitasking with Slide Over and Split View, a much better Files app for managing documents, external storage support, and desktop-class browsing. For the 2020 iPad Pro, iPadOS provided the foundation for its incredible versatility. The ability to run powerful creative apps like Procreate, Adobe Photoshop, and LumaFusion, coupled with the seamless multitasking and file management, means professionals can get serious work done on the go. The software ecosystem on iPadOS is also a massive advantage. There are thousands of apps specifically optimized for the iPad, many of which leverage the power of the A12Z chip and the Apple Pencil. While it might not be macOS or Windows, iPadOS has carved out its own unique niche, offering a touch-first, intuitive, and highly capable experience. The constant updates ensure that the iPad Pro continues to evolve and gain new functionalities, keeping it relevant and powerful for years to come. The simplicity of the interface combined with the depth of its capabilities is what makes iPadOS so compelling.

Camera and Connectivity: More Than Just an iPad Camera

Let's talk about the cameras on the iPad Pro 12.9 (2020). While most people aren't buying an iPad primarily for photography, the cameras here are actually quite good. You get a 12MP wide camera and a 10MP ultra-wide camera on the back. These are perfect for scanning documents, taking quick photos or videos, or for AR applications. The quality is more than sufficient for everyday use and for professional workflows that involve capturing reference material. On the front, you have a 7MP TrueDepth camera, which is great for FaceTime calls and Face ID. Speaking of Face ID, it’s fast and reliable, making unlocking your device and authorizing payments a breeze. For connectivity, the iPad Pro 12.9 (2020) supports Wi-Fi 6 for super-fast wireless speeds, and if you opt for the cellular model, you get LTE connectivity. USB-C is your port for charging, data transfer, and connecting external displays or accessories. This makes it incredibly versatile for plugging into docks, external hard drives, or even an external monitor for a desktop-like setup. The inclusion of Wi-Fi 6 was forward-thinking and ensures that even today, you’re getting top-tier wireless performance when connected to a compatible network. The versatility of the USB-C port cannot be overstated; it truly bridges the gap between a mobile device and a traditional computer.

Battery Life and Portability: The Trade-offs

Now, let's talk about the practicalities: battery life and portability. Apple claims