IPad Pro 12.9 1st Gen: Worth It In Today's World?

Hey everyone! Let's dive into a detailed look at the original iPad Pro 12.9-inch model. Released way back when, this tablet was a game-changer. But in today's fast-paced tech world, is it still worth considering? We'll break down everything from its performance and display quality to its software capabilities and overall value, so you can make an informed decision. Let's get started!

Display and Design: A Visual Feast?

The iPad Pro 12.9 1st generation boasts a massive 12.9-inch Retina display, which, at the time, was simply stunning. The resolution of 2732 x 2048 pixels provides a sharp and vibrant visual experience, making everything from browsing the web to watching movies a true pleasure. The large screen size is particularly beneficial for creative tasks like drawing and photo editing, offering ample space to work with. Color accuracy is also quite decent, ensuring that your visuals look true to life.

However, compared to newer iPads, the display does lack some of the advanced features like ProMotion technology, which dynamically adjusts the refresh rate up to 120Hz for smoother scrolling and responsiveness. While the absence of ProMotion isn't a deal-breaker, it's definitely noticeable if you're used to the fluidity of modern iPad screens. Despite this, the original iPad Pro's display still holds up remarkably well, providing a pleasant viewing experience for everyday tasks and media consumption. The laminated display also reduces glare, making it usable in various lighting conditions. Build quality is also excellent, featuring a premium aluminum design that feels sturdy and refined. The device is relatively thin and light, considering its size, making it portable enough to carry around in a bag.

Performance: Can It Keep Up?

Under the hood, the iPad Pro 12.9 1st generation is powered by Apple's A9X chip, paired with 4GB of RAM. Back in 2015, this combination delivered blazing-fast performance, easily handling demanding tasks like video editing and graphic design. While it's not going to match the sheer power of the latest M-series chips, the A9X can still hold its own for most everyday tasks. Multitasking is generally smooth, and you can run multiple apps side-by-side without significant slowdowns.

However, it's important to acknowledge that the A9X is now several years old. Newer apps and games may push the chip to its limits, resulting in occasional stutters or longer loading times. If you're a power user who frequently engages in resource-intensive activities, you might find the performance a bit lacking. But for casual users who primarily use their iPads for browsing, streaming, and light productivity, the original iPad Pro should still be adequate. It's also worth noting that Apple's software optimization plays a significant role in maintaining performance over time. Despite its age, the iPad Pro 12.9 1st generation still receives software updates, which help to improve efficiency and keep the device running smoothly.

Software and Features: What Can It Do?

The iPad Pro 12.9 1st generation originally launched with iOS 9 and has since been updated to iPadOS 16. This means you get access to a wide range of features, including multitasking capabilities like Slide Over and Split View, as well as support for the Apple Pencil. The Apple Pencil integration is particularly noteworthy, as it transforms the iPad Pro into a powerful tool for artists, designers, and note-takers. The low latency and pressure sensitivity of the Apple Pencil provide a natural and intuitive drawing experience.

However, keep in mind that the original Apple Pencil is not compatible with newer iPad models, and vice versa. In terms of software support, Apple has a good track record of providing updates for older devices, but eventually, support will end. While the iPad Pro 12.9 1st generation is still receiving updates, it's likely that it will be dropped from the update cycle in the next few years. This means you'll miss out on the latest features and security enhancements. Despite this, the current software experience is still quite robust, offering a wide range of apps and services to choose from. The App Store is filled with countless apps optimized for the iPad's large display, catering to various needs and interests. Whether you're looking for productivity tools, creative apps, or entertainment options, you'll find plenty to keep you occupied.

Battery Life: Staying Power?

The iPad Pro 12.9 1st generation offers excellent battery life, typically lasting around 10 hours on a single charge. This is more than enough to get you through a full day of work or school, and it's on par with many newer iPad models. Battery life will vary depending on usage, of course, with more demanding tasks like gaming and video editing draining the battery faster. However, for typical usage scenarios like browsing the web, checking email, and watching videos, you can expect to get a solid day's worth of use out of it. The iPad Pro also supports fast charging, allowing you to quickly top up the battery when needed. This is a convenient feature, especially if you're always on the go. Overall, the battery life of the original iPad Pro is quite impressive, making it a reliable companion for both work and play.

Value: Is It Worth the Money?

Now, the big question: Is the iPad Pro 12.9 1st generation worth buying in today's market? The answer really depends on your needs and budget. If you're looking for a large-screen tablet for basic tasks like browsing, streaming, and light productivity, and you can find a used model at a reasonable price, then it might be worth considering. The display is still excellent, the performance is adequate for most everyday tasks, and the battery life is impressive. However, if you're a power user who needs the latest and greatest features, or if you're planning to use your iPad for demanding tasks like video editing or gaming, then you're better off investing in a newer model.

The newer iPads offer significantly faster performance, more advanced features like ProMotion and Apple Pencil 2 support, and longer software support. The price of used iPad Pro 12.9 1st generation models can vary widely depending on condition and storage capacity. Before making a purchase, be sure to thoroughly inspect the device for any signs of damage, and check the battery health. It's also a good idea to compare prices from different sellers to ensure you're getting the best deal. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to buy an original iPad Pro comes down to your individual needs and priorities. If you're willing to compromise on performance and features to save money, then it might be a viable option. But if you want the best possible iPad experience, you're better off splurging on a newer model.

Alternatives to Consider

If you're not completely sold on the iPad Pro 12.9 1st generation, here are a few alternatives to consider:

• iPad Air (5th Generation): Offers excellent performance thanks to the M1 chip, a vibrant display, and support for the Apple Pencil 2.
• iPad (9th Generation): A more affordable option that still provides a solid iPad experience for everyday tasks.
• iPad Pro 11-inch (Latest Generation): A more compact and portable option with powerful performance and advanced features like ProMotion.

Each of these alternatives offers its own set of advantages and disadvantages, so be sure to do your research before making a decision.

Conclusion: A Classic, But Showing Its Age

In conclusion, the iPad Pro 12.9 1st generation is a classic tablet that still has some appeal, but it's definitely showing its age. While the display is still impressive and the battery life is excellent, the performance is starting to lag behind newer models. If you're on a tight budget and can find a used model at a great price, it might be worth considering. But for most users, investing in a newer iPad will provide a better overall experience. Thanks for reading, and I hope this helps you make an informed decision!