IPad Pro 12.9-inch (2020) Review: Still A Powerhouse?

Hey guys! Let's dive deep into the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2020). This beast of a tablet, released back in 2020, still holds its own in a world of ever-evolving technology. So, is it still worth considering in 2024? Let's find out! This review will cover everything from its design and display to its performance, features, and overall value. Get ready for a comprehensive look at one of Apple's most powerful tablets to date. We'll break down the good, the bad, and the everything in between, so you can decide if this is the right tablet for you.

Design and Build Quality

First off, the design. The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2020) continues Apple's sleek and minimalist design language. It rocks a flat-edged aluminum frame, which gives it a premium feel and a modern aesthetic. The build quality is top-notch, as you'd expect from Apple. It feels incredibly solid and durable, meaning it can handle the daily grind without breaking a sweat. The device is thin and lightweight considering its size, making it surprisingly portable, even though it's a 12.9-inch tablet. The bezels surrounding the display are relatively thin, providing an immersive viewing experience without adding unnecessary bulk.

On the back, you'll find the iconic Apple logo and a camera module that houses the dual-camera system and the LiDAR scanner. The placement of the power button and volume buttons is convenient and easy to reach. The USB-C port is a welcome addition, providing fast data transfer and charging capabilities. The speakers are strategically placed to deliver a rich and immersive audio experience, whether you're watching movies, listening to music, or playing games. The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2020) is available in two classic colors: Space Gray and Silver. Both options look fantastic, with the silver variant offering a clean and sophisticated look, and the Space Gray providing a more understated and professional vibe. Overall, the design of the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2020) is a testament to Apple's commitment to quality and aesthetics. It's a device that looks and feels premium, making it a joy to use. The flat-edged design is not only stylish but also provides a comfortable grip. The attention to detail is evident throughout, from the seamless integration of the components to the polished finish of the aluminum frame.

The device's slim profile makes it easy to slide into a bag or carry around, and the lightweight construction ensures that it doesn't become a burden. The placement of the camera module is well-considered, and the inclusion of the LiDAR scanner adds an element of technological sophistication. The USB-C port is a practical addition, making it compatible with a wide range of accessories and ensuring fast charging. The speakers are well-placed, and they deliver a rich and immersive audio experience, making it a great device for media consumption. The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2020) design remains a benchmark for tablet design, with its combination of style, functionality, and build quality. Its design is timeless, ensuring that the tablet looks modern and stylish even years after its release.

Display: A Visual Feast

Alright, let's talk about the display – arguably one of the most important aspects of any tablet. The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2020) boasts a stunning Liquid Retina display. It's vibrant, bright, and incredibly sharp, making everything look fantastic. The screen's ProMotion technology is a real game-changer. It offers a 120Hz refresh rate, which means smoother scrolling and more responsive animations. This makes the entire user experience feel incredibly fluid and natural, whether you're browsing the web, editing photos, or playing games.

The display also supports a wide color gamut (P3), ensuring that colors are accurate and vivid. This is particularly beneficial for creative professionals who need accurate color representation for their work. The display's high resolution and pixel density provide a crisp and detailed image, making text and images appear incredibly sharp. This is particularly noticeable when reading documents or viewing high-resolution photos and videos. The display's brightness levels are excellent, making it easy to see the screen even in bright sunlight.

Whether you're watching movies, working on creative projects, or simply browsing the web, the display's clarity and vibrancy make everything look amazing. The Liquid Retina display also features True Tone technology, which adjusts the screen's color temperature to match the ambient lighting conditions. This reduces eye strain and provides a more comfortable viewing experience. The display's anti-reflective coating minimizes glare, ensuring that you can see the screen clearly even in challenging lighting conditions. The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2020) display remains a standout feature. It's not just a screen; it's an experience. The ProMotion technology alone is a major selling point, making the device feel incredibly responsive. The color accuracy and brightness are top-notch, making it ideal for creative professionals and media enthusiasts alike. It's a visual feast that elevates everything you do on the tablet, setting a high standard for tablet displays.

Performance: Power Under the Hood

Under the hood, the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2020) is powered by the A12Z Bionic chip, which, even in 2024, is still a capable processor. It handles everyday tasks with ease, and it can run demanding apps and games without breaking a sweat. Whether you're multitasking with multiple apps open, editing videos, or playing graphics-intensive games, the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2020) can handle it all. The chip is paired with ample RAM, ensuring smooth and responsive performance. Apps launch quickly, and switching between apps is seamless.

The A12Z Bionic chip also includes a powerful graphics processing unit (GPU), which delivers excellent gaming performance. Games look and run incredibly well, with smooth frame rates and stunning visuals. The chip's Neural Engine enhances machine learning capabilities, allowing for improved performance in AI-powered apps. The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2020) is also equipped with fast storage options, ensuring that you have plenty of space for your apps, files, and media. The device supports Wi-Fi 6, providing fast and reliable internet connectivity. The performance of the A12Z Bionic chip is impressive, and it's more than capable of handling the demands of modern computing. Apple's optimization of both hardware and software ensures that the device runs smoothly and efficiently. The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2020) is a powerhouse of performance. It offers a smooth and responsive user experience, making it a great device for both work and play. The combination of a powerful processor, ample RAM, and fast storage ensures that it can handle even the most demanding tasks with ease. The device's performance is further enhanced by its efficient power management, allowing for extended battery life.

Features: Beyond the Basics

The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2020) packs a ton of features that enhance its usability and versatility. One of the standout features is the LiDAR scanner. This technology uses light to measure distances and create a 3D map of the environment. It enables enhanced augmented reality (AR) experiences, allowing you to interact with virtual objects in the real world. The LiDAR scanner also improves the accuracy of object detection and tracking in AR apps and games.

The dual-camera system on the back includes a 12MP wide-angle lens and a 10MP ultra-wide lens. This allows you to capture stunning photos and videos, with excellent detail and dynamic range. The ultra-wide lens is great for capturing expansive landscapes or group shots. The front-facing camera is a 7MP TrueDepth camera, which supports Face ID for secure authentication and allows for high-quality video calls. The Face ID is fast and reliable, allowing you to unlock your iPad with a glance.

The USB-C port provides versatile connectivity options. It allows you to connect a wide range of accessories, including external displays, hard drives, and hubs. The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2020) also supports the second-generation Apple Pencil, which attaches magnetically to the side of the device and charges wirelessly. The Apple Pencil is a must-have accessory for creative professionals and anyone who enjoys taking notes or sketching. The device features four speakers that deliver immersive audio. The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2020) supports the Smart Keyboard Folio and the Magic Keyboard, which transform the tablet into a productivity powerhouse. These accessories provide a comfortable typing experience and protect the device. The features of the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2020) are designed to enhance its usability and versatility, making it a powerful tool for work and play. The combination of advanced technology and user-friendly design makes it a standout device. The device offers a great user experience.

Battery Life: Keeping You Going

Battery life is always a crucial consideration for any mobile device, and the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2020) generally delivers. You can expect all-day battery life with moderate usage, including web browsing, video streaming, and light productivity tasks. Apple claims up to 10 hours of web browsing or video playback on a single charge, and in real-world usage, this holds pretty true. However, the battery life can vary depending on your usage patterns. If you're constantly running demanding apps or playing graphics-intensive games, the battery will drain faster.

The device comes with a fast-charging adapter, so you can quickly top up the battery when needed. The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2020) offers a good balance of performance and battery life. It's a device that you can rely on for a full day of use, without having to worry about constantly searching for a power outlet. The battery performance is commendable. You can easily get through a full workday with moderate use, and it's also capable of handling longer periods of use, such as watching movies or playing games.

The battery life is sufficient for most users' needs. With moderate use, you can expect the device to last for a full day. The inclusion of a fast-charging adapter is also a welcome addition, as it allows you to quickly charge the device when needed. The battery performance of the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2020) is a significant advantage. It allows you to use the device for extended periods without constantly worrying about finding a power outlet, making it ideal for both productivity and entertainment purposes. The device offers a good balance of performance and battery life, making it a reliable companion for all your tasks.

Should You Buy It in 2024?

So, the million-dollar question: Is the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2020) still worth buying in 2024? The answer depends on your needs and budget. If you're looking for the absolute latest and greatest, with the fastest processor and most advanced features, then the newer iPad Pro models might be a better choice. However, the 2020 model still offers a compelling package, especially if you can find it at a discounted price. It's still a powerhouse with a beautiful display, excellent performance, and a versatile set of features.

If you're a creative professional, student, or anyone who needs a large, high-quality display and powerful performance, the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2020) is still a great option. It's also a fantastic choice for media consumption, as the large screen and immersive audio make watching movies and playing games a joy. Consider what you’ll be primarily using the tablet for. If you plan to do heavy video editing, graphic design, or run demanding applications, the newer models may provide a more seamless experience due to their enhanced processing capabilities. On the other hand, if your tasks are less intensive, the performance of the A12Z Bionic chip will still handle everything smoothly, and you'll save some money in the process.

Remember to factor in the cost of accessories, such as the Apple Pencil and the Smart Keyboard or Magic Keyboard, as these can significantly increase the overall price. The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2020) remains a strong contender in the tablet market. Whether it's the right choice for you depends on your specific requirements and budget. The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2020) is a great value, especially if you can find it used or on sale. You can still expect excellent performance, a beautiful display, and a versatile set of features. It remains a viable option in 2024, providing a premium experience at a competitive price point. The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2020) remains a compelling choice in 2024 for those who prioritize a large display, excellent performance, and a versatile feature set without needing the absolute latest technology. It offers an excellent balance of value and performance, making it a great option for a wide range of users.