IPad Pro 2018: Is It Still Worth It?

by Jhon Lennon 37 views

Hey guys! Let's dive into the iPad Pro 2018 and figure out if it's still a worthy investment in today's tech landscape. We’re going to break down its key features, performance, and overall value to help you make an informed decision. So, grab your favorite snack, and let's get started!

Overview of the iPad Pro 2018

The iPad Pro 2018 was a game-changer when it was released. It featured a stunning edge-to-edge Liquid Retina display, a powerful A12X Bionic chip, and a sleek, modern design. Available in 11-inch and 12.9-inch sizes, it quickly became a favorite among creatives, professionals, and tech enthusiasts alike. The introduction of USB-C connectivity and the second-generation Apple Pencil support added even more appeal. But, time moves fast in the tech world. How does it hold up now?

Key Features:

  • Liquid Retina Display: The vibrant and sharp display with ProMotion technology (120Hz refresh rate) made everything from browsing to creating content incredibly smooth and enjoyable.
  • A12X Bionic Chip: This chip delivered exceptional performance, rivaling many laptops at the time. It handled demanding tasks like video editing, gaming, and running complex apps with ease.
  • Face ID: The advanced facial recognition system provided secure and convenient unlocking, as well as authentication for apps and payments.
  • USB-C Port: This versatile port allowed for faster data transfer and connectivity to a wider range of accessories, including external displays and storage devices.
  • Second-Generation Apple Pencil Support: The magnetic attachment and wireless charging made the Apple Pencil more convenient and intuitive to use, perfect for artists and note-takers.

Performance and Speed

When discussing the iPad Pro 2018, we have to talk about the performance. The A12X Bionic chip was an absolute beast. It offered incredible speed and responsiveness, making it suitable for a wide range of demanding tasks. Whether you're editing 4K videos, creating complex digital illustrations, or playing graphics-intensive games, the iPad Pro 2018 handled it all with grace.

Benchmarks and Real-World Usage:

  • Gaming: Games like Fortnite, PUBG, and Asphalt ran smoothly at the highest settings, providing an immersive gaming experience.
  • Video Editing: Apps like LumaFusion and iMovie allowed for seamless editing of high-resolution videos, making it a portable video editing powerhouse.
  • Graphic Design: Procreate and Adobe Photoshop worked flawlessly, offering artists a responsive and intuitive canvas for their creations.
  • Multitasking: The iPad Pro 2018 could handle multiple apps running simultaneously without any noticeable slowdown, thanks to its ample RAM and efficient multitasking capabilities.

Even by today's standards, the A12X Bionic chip holds its own. While newer iPads have even more powerful chips, the iPad Pro 2018 still provides a smooth and efficient experience for most users. You might not get the absolute highest frame rates in the newest games, or the fastest rendering times in the most demanding applications, but the difference is often negligible for everyday use.

Display Quality

The display on the iPad Pro 2018 is truly something to behold. The Liquid Retina display offers vibrant colors, excellent brightness, and sharp details. The ProMotion technology, which allows for a 120Hz refresh rate, makes scrolling, animations, and Apple Pencil input incredibly smooth and responsive. This is especially noticeable when using the Apple Pencil for drawing or taking notes.

Display Features:

  • True Tone Technology: This feature automatically adjusts the color temperature of the display to match the ambient lighting, making it more comfortable to use in different environments.
  • Wide Color Gamut (P3): The display supports a wide color gamut, ensuring accurate and vibrant color reproduction, which is essential for creative professionals.
  • Anti-Reflective Coating: The anti-reflective coating helps to reduce glare, making the display more visible in bright lighting conditions.
  • High Brightness: The display can reach a high level of brightness, making it easy to see even in direct sunlight.

Compared to newer iPad models, the display on the iPad Pro 2018 still stands out. While newer models may have slightly improved brightness or color accuracy, the differences are often subtle. For most users, the display quality of the iPad Pro 2018 will be more than sufficient.

Design and Build Quality

The iPad Pro 2018 features a sleek and modern design with slim bezels and rounded corners. The build quality is excellent, with a sturdy aluminum unibody construction that feels premium in hand. The device is also relatively thin and light, making it easy to carry around.

Design Elements:

  • Edge-to-Edge Display: The slim bezels give the iPad Pro 2018 a modern and immersive look.
  • Aluminum Unibody: The aluminum unibody construction provides a durable and premium feel.
  • Slim and Light: The thin and light design makes it easy to carry around and use for extended periods.
  • Magnetic Connector: The magnetic connector on the back of the iPad allows for easy attachment and wireless charging of the second-generation Apple Pencil.

One of the biggest design changes with the iPad Pro 2018 was the move to a USB-C port, replacing the Lightning port found on previous iPad models. This allowed for greater compatibility with accessories and faster data transfer speeds.

Compared to newer iPad models, the design of the iPad Pro 2018 still holds up well. While newer models may have slightly refined designs, the overall aesthetic is similar. The iPad Pro 2018 remains a stylish and well-built device.

Software and Ecosystem

The iPad Pro 2018 runs iPadOS, Apple's operating system designed specifically for iPads. iPadOS offers a range of features optimized for the larger screen and touch-based interface, including multitasking, split-screen view, and Apple Pencil support.

Software Features:

  • Multitasking: iPadOS allows you to run multiple apps simultaneously in split-screen view or slide-over mode.
  • Apple Pencil Support: iPadOS offers deep integration with the Apple Pencil, allowing for precise drawing, note-taking, and annotation.
  • Files App: The Files app provides a central location for accessing and managing files stored on your iPad, iCloud Drive, and other cloud storage services.
  • App Store: The App Store offers a wide range of apps optimized for iPad, including creative tools, productivity apps, and games.

Apple provides regular software updates for the iPad Pro 2018, ensuring that it remains compatible with the latest apps and features. As of today, the iPad Pro 2018 supports iPadOS 16, and it is expected to receive future software updates for several years to come.

Compared to newer iPad models, the software experience on the iPad Pro 2018 is virtually identical. All iPads running the same version of iPadOS offer the same features and capabilities. This means that you won't be missing out on any major software features by choosing the iPad Pro 2018 over a newer model.

Battery Life

Battery life is a critical factor for any mobile device, and the iPad Pro 2018 delivers respectable performance in this area. Apple claims that the iPad Pro 2018 can last up to 10 hours on a single charge when browsing the web, watching videos, or listening to music. In real-world usage, battery life may vary depending on your usage patterns and settings.

Battery Performance:

  • Web Browsing: You can expect to get around 8-10 hours of web browsing on a single charge.
  • Video Playback: The iPad Pro 2018 can last for around 10 hours when playing videos.
  • Gaming: Gaming can drain the battery more quickly, with around 4-6 hours of playtime on a single charge.
  • Standby Time: The iPad Pro 2018 has excellent standby time, lasting for several days when not in use.

Compared to newer iPad models, the battery life on the iPad Pro 2018 is comparable. While newer models may offer slightly improved battery performance, the differences are often minimal. For most users, the battery life of the iPad Pro 2018 will be sufficient for a full day of use.

Price and Value

Now, let's talk about price. The iPad Pro 2018 is no longer the newest model, its price has come down significantly, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. You can often find used or refurbished models at a fraction of the original price.

Factors to Consider:

  • Used vs. Refurbished: Used models may be cheaper, but they may also have cosmetic imperfections or reduced battery life. Refurbished models are typically inspected and repaired by the manufacturer, ensuring that they are in good working condition.
  • Storage Capacity: The iPad Pro 2018 is available in various storage capacities, ranging from 64GB to 1TB. Consider how much storage you need for your apps, files, and media before making a purchase.
  • Accessories: The Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard Folio are popular accessories for the iPad Pro 2018, but they are sold separately. Factor in the cost of these accessories when budgeting for your purchase.

Considering its performance, display quality, and design, the iPad Pro 2018 offers excellent value for money, especially at its current price point. It's a powerful and versatile device that can handle a wide range of tasks, making it a great option for students, creatives, and professionals.

Pros and Cons

To summarize, let's take a look at the pros and cons of the iPad Pro 2018:

Pros:

  • Powerful A12X Bionic chip
  • Stunning Liquid Retina display with ProMotion
  • Sleek and modern design
  • USB-C port for versatile connectivity
  • Excellent value for money

Cons:

  • No longer the newest model
  • Battery life is good but not exceptional
  • Accessories are sold separately

Final Verdict: Is the iPad Pro 2018 Still Worth It?

So, is the iPad Pro 2018 still worth it? Absolutely! Despite being a few years old, it remains a powerful and capable device that offers excellent value for money. Its performance is still impressive, its display is gorgeous, and its design is timeless. If you're looking for an affordable iPad that can handle demanding tasks, the iPad Pro 2018 is an excellent choice.

Of course, if you need the absolute latest and greatest features, or if you're a heavy user who needs the most processing power possible, you might want to consider a newer iPad model. But for most users, the iPad Pro 2018 offers a fantastic balance of performance, features, and price.

Happy shopping, and I hope this helps you make the right decision! Cheers!