In Pictures: Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021) Review
By Stuart Miles (image credit: Pocket-lint)
Design gets heavier
The 2021 iPad weighs the same as the original iPad from 2010. Add in the Magic Keyboard, and it weighs about the same as a MacBook Pro. (image credit: Pocket-lint)
Display gets brighter
The new iPad Pro uses a Mini LED screen that allows it to be much brighter. Maximum brightness now goes up to 1600 nits where previously it was just 600 nits. (image credit: Pocket-lint)
Mini LED screen is HDR friendly
The screen is noticeably better and perfect for watching high-res HDR movies on, especially when paired with the AirPod Pro or Max Headphones for Spatial Audio. (image credit: Pocket-lint)
Front-facing camera smarts
The front-facing camera has been upgraded to ultra-wide letting you not only get more in the shot, but also track you 'Center Stage' as you move in the frame. (image credit: Pocket-lint)
Everything is fast
The iPad Pro 2021 now includes the Apple M1 processor, 5G connectivity, and Thunderbolt / USB 4 for transferring files quicker. (image credit: Pocket-lint)
Apps zip along
All that extra power means it's around 50% faster than the 2020 model, which makes working on big files super easy. (image credit: Pocket-lint)
iPadOS needs to offer more
With all that power we can't help feeling that the software is holding the iPad Pro back. Hopefully that will change with iPadOS 15 when it comes out. (image credit: Pocket-lint)
Verdict
The 2021 iPad Pro continues its transition to laptop, and is the closest replacement experience to date. (image credit: Pocket-lint)