⚡️ Quick Verdict - APPLE iPad Pro (5th generation, 2021)
- Best For: Creative professionals, demanding users, and those seeking a portable powerhouse.
- Strengths: Exceptional M1 chip performance, stunning Liquid Retina XDR display (12.9-inch model), Thunderbolt port.
- Drawbacks: High cost, iPadOS limitations for desktop-class workflows, accessories sold separately.
- Verdict: A powerful, high-end tablet offering pro-level performance and display, ideal for specific creative and productivity tasks.
⚖️ Pros & Cons Explained
| Aspect | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | Users report blazing-fast speeds with the M1 chip, effortlessly handling demanding apps like video editing and 3D rendering. | Some users feel the iPadOS ecosystem doesn't fully leverage the M1 chip's potential, leading to less flexibility than a desktop OS. |
| Display (12.9-inch) | The Liquid Retina XDR display is widely praised for its vibrant colors, deep blacks, and exceptional brightness, enhancing media consumption and creative work. | The mini-LED display can exhibit a slight 'blooming' effect around bright objects on dark backgrounds, though this is generally minor. |
| Portability | Its slim and premium design makes it highly portable for on-the-go productivity and entertainment. | The 12.9-inch model can feel large and somewhat heavy for extended handheld use, especially with accessories like the Magic Keyboard. |
| Connectivity | The inclusion of a Thunderbolt / USB 4 port offers versatile and high-speed connections to external displays and storage. | The single USB-C port can be limiting for multiple peripheral connections without a dongle or hub. |
🔧 What’s Included? & Why It Matters
| Component | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| APPLE iPad Pro (5th generation, 2021) | The core device, featuring the powerful M1 chip and advanced display technology. |
| USB-C Charge Cable (1 meter) | Enables charging and data transfer, providing basic connectivity out of the box. |
| 20W USB-C Power Adapter | Provides sufficient power for charging the iPad Pro, though faster charging is possible with higher wattage adapters. |
💰 Is It Worth It? – Value & Cost Efficiency
| Aspect | Positive | Negative |
|---|---|---|
| Long-term Value | The powerful M1 chip ensures excellent longevity and future-proofing for demanding applications and OS updates. Its high resale value is often noted. | The initial purchase price is substantial, placing it in the premium tier for tablets. |
| Accessory Ecosystem | Apple's accessories like the Apple Pencil 2 and Magic Keyboard enhance functionality significantly, transforming it into a versatile tool. | Crucial accessories such as the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard are sold separately and add considerable cost to the overall investment. |
| Software & Apps | Access to a vast ecosystem of optimized applications, particularly for creative work, adds significant value. | Despite powerful hardware, some users find iPadOS limits its potential as a true laptop replacement for certain professional workflows. |
🔁 Apple Comparison – How This Version Improves Over Previous Models
| Aspect | iPad Pro (4th generation, 2020) | iPad Pro (5th generation, 2021) |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | A12Z Bionic Chip | M1 Chip |
| Display (12.9-inch) | Liquid Retina Display | Liquid Retina XDR Display (Mini-LED) |
| Connectivity | USB-C | Thunderbolt / USB 4 |
| RAM Options | 6GB | 8GB or 16GB |
| Storage Options | Up to 1TB | Up to 2TB |
⚔️ Alternatives vs APPLE iPad Pro (5th generation, 2021)
| Aspect | Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra | Microsoft Surface Pro 8 | APPLE iPad Pro (5th generation, 2021) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Android | Windows 11 | iPadOS |
| Display Technology | AMOLED | LCD | Mini-LED (12.9-inch) / LCD (11-inch) |
| Portability & Form Factor | Larger, thinner tablet | Convertible laptop/tablet | Slightly more compact tablet |
| Stylus Integration | S Pen included | Surface Slim Pen 2 (separate) | Apple Pencil 2 (separate) |
| Processor Performance | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Intel Core i5/i7 | Apple M1 Chip |
💡 FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
- Does the 11-inch 2021 iPad Pro also have the Liquid Retina XDR (Mini-LED) display?No, only the 12.9-inch iPad Pro (5th generation, 2021) features the Liquid Retina XDR display with Mini-LED technology. The 11-inch iPad Pro (3rd generation, 2021) retains the Liquid Retina display.
- Can the M1 chip in the iPad Pro run macOS applications?No, the iPad Pro runs iPadOS, not macOS. While the M1 chip provides desktop-class performance, it is limited to applications designed for iPadOS.
- Is the Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) compatible with this iPad Pro?Yes, the Apple Pencil (2nd Generation) is fully compatible with the Apple iPad Pro (5th generation, 2021). It attaches magnetically and charges wirelessly on the side of the device.
- Does the iPad Pro (5th generation) support external monitors?Yes, through its Thunderbolt / USB 4 port, it can output video to external displays. With iPadOS 16 and later, it also supports Stage Manager for enhanced external display functionality.
👍 Positive Reviews - What Users Love
- The performance boost from the M1 chip is instantly noticeable, making everything from daily tasks to professional creative apps feel incredibly smooth and responsive.
- The Liquid Retina XDR display on the 12.9-inch model is absolutely stunning, with vibrant colors and impressive brightness that makes content truly pop.
- Using this iPad Pro for drawing and note-taking with the Apple Pencil feels natural and precise, providing an excellent digital canvas.
- The Thunderbolt port is a game-changer for connecting high-speed external drives and monitors, greatly expanding its utility for professional workflows.
- The battery life holds up well through a full day of mixed use, even with demanding applications running periodically.
👎 Negative Reviews - What Could Be Better
- While powerful, the iPadOS still feels somewhat restrictive for heavy multitasking or using certain desktop-class software, limiting its ability to fully replace a laptop for some.
- The overall cost becomes very high once essential accessories like the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil are purchased, making it a significant investment.
- The 12.9-inch model can be a bit too large and heavy to comfortably hold for long periods, especially without a stand or case.
- Storage options are expensive, and there's no way to expand it later with an SD card, which can be a drawback for users with large media files.
- The 'blooming' effect on the mini-LED display is occasionally noticeable in very dark environments with bright content, though it's generally minor.
📋 Key Details & Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Processor | Apple M1 chip (8-core CPU, 8-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine) |
| Display (12.9-inch) | Liquid Retina XDR display with mini-LED (2732 x 2048 pixels, 120Hz ProMotion, 1000 nits typical brightness, 1600 nits peak brightness for HDR content) |
| Display (11-inch) | Liquid Retina display (2388 x 1668 pixels, 120Hz ProMotion, 600 nits brightness) |
| Storage Options | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB |
| RAM | 8GB (for 128GB, 256GB, 512GB models) or 16GB (for 1TB, 2TB models) |
| Cameras (Rear) | 12MP Wide, 10MP Ultra Wide; LiDAR Scanner |
| Camera (Front) | 12MP Ultra Wide with Center Stage |
| Port | Thunderbolt / USB 4 (USB-C connector) |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0; 5G (cellular models) |
| Battery Life | Up to 10 hours of surfing the web on Wi-Fi or watching video |
| Operating System | iPadOS |
| Dimensions (12.9-inch) | 280.6 x 214.9 x 6.4 mm |
| Weight (12.9-inch Wi-Fi) | 682 grams (1.5 pounds) |
🔚 Summary – Is This the Right Choice for You?
- The Apple iPad Pro (5th generation, 2021) is an exceptionally powerful tablet, primarily distinguished by its M1 chip, which brings desktop-class performance to a portable form factor. For the 12.9-inch model, the Liquid Retina XDR display is a significant upgrade, offering stunning visuals crucial for creative professionals and media enthusiasts.
- Its capabilities make it an excellent choice for tasks such as graphic design, video editing, 3D rendering, and detailed digital art. The Thunderbolt port enhances its utility for those requiring high-speed data transfer or external display support.
- However, it's important to consider that the full potential of the M1 chip can sometimes be constrained by iPadOS, which, while intuitive, may not offer the same level of flexibility as a traditional desktop operating system for certain professional workflows. The substantial investment, especially when factoring in essential accessories like the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil, means it's best suited for users who can genuinely leverage its high-end features for productivity or creative work.
- If you require a top-tier tablet experience with unparalleled performance and a brilliant display for specific demanding applications, and you understand the iPadOS ecosystem's strengths and limitations, this iPad Pro is a highly capable and rewarding device.
