iPad Pro 11 (2021) review: Does Apple's old Pro tablet hold up?

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two minute review

The iPad Pro 11 (2021) is an impressive tablet that packs most of the features of its big brother, the iPad Pro 12.9 (2021), but in a more manageable size.

Apple's slate combines the same stellar IPS panel found on the previous-generation iPad with a 120Hz Pro Motion display and Apple's M1 chipset, a processor that delivers laptop-level performance, to create a device that's not just one of the best iPads, it's also one of the best tablets, period. You can also choose from models with up to 16GB of RAM, 2TB of storage, and optional support for 5G connectivity, and the higher-end models feel more upgradable than any tablet Apple has previously made.

Apple iPad Pro 11 (2021) (256GB Silver) at Amazon for $899 (opens in a new tab)

So while Apple released the new and improved iPad Pro 11 (2022) and iPad Pro 12.9 (2022), both with the updated M2 chip, you won't be too disappointed with this older model. .

That said, the iPad Pro 11 (2021) isn't perfect. Notably, this smaller model lacks the Liquid Retina XDR Mini LED display, which is the standout feature of the higher-end 2021 iPad Pro.

Also, the iPad Pro's specs seem too good for what most users will need. Unless you plan to use the iPad for video editing and other labor-intensive tasks, the tablet may not take full advantage of all the power available.

Even with impressive features like Magic Center Stage, which tracks subjects or zooms in on the scene based on what's in the frame, iPadOS is still a bit too restrictive. Multitasking isn't very intuitive yet, support for external displays is weak, file management is still very basic, and options for extending the iPad's functionality through accessories are still limited.

Editor's Note: This review is specific to the 11-inch iPad Pro. Do you want to know more about the 12,9-inch model? Read our iPad Pro 12.9 (2021) review.

(Image credit: Future)(*11*)iPad Pro 11 (2021): Price and availability

out now
From € 799 / € 749 / AU € 1,199

11 iPad Pro 2021-inch specs

Weight: 466g
Dimensions: 247,6 x 178,5 x 5,9 mm
Screen size: 11 inch
Display type: Liquid Retina display
Resolution: 1668 × 2388
Refresh rate: 120Hz
Chipset: Apple M1
RAM: 8GB / 16GB
Storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB/2TB
Operating system: iPadOS 14.5
Rear camera: 12MP + 10MP + ToF
Front camera: 12MP
Battery: 28,65 watt-hour rechargeable lithium-polymer battery

The iPad Pro 11 (2021) is now available for purchase at most major retailers; However, if you're shopping online, you won't be able to buy it from Apple's own store, as it only sells the latest iPad models.

Pricing for the 11-inch iPad Pro starts at $799 / £749 / AU$1,199, which gets you 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage in a Wi-Fi-only configuration. Alternatively, you can max out your tablet's specs and go for a model with 2TB storage and 5G connectivity that will set you back $2,099 / £1,899 / AU$3,099.

If price is a concern, you might prefer the cheaper iPad Air (2022) instead which comes with the same M1 processor as the 2021 iPad Pro models – although Apple has made some concessions with the Air to make bajar el precio.

iPad Pro 11 (2021): design

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(Image credit: future)(Image credit: future)(Image credit: future)

Thin, relatively light and comfortable to hold
Camera location not ideal for video calls

The iPad Pro comes in 11-inch and 12,9-inch models, and if you want to use it primarily as a tablet rather than a laptop replacement, the smaller version is definitely the one to go for. In terms of size and design, the 11 2021-inch iPad Pro is identical to the 2020 model. It measures 178,5 x 247,6mm with a thickness of just 5,9mm and is slightly lighter than its predecessor with 466 grams.

This makes iPad Pro 11 (2021) comfortable to hold and easy to use, and with an aluminum back and frame and rounded corners, iPad continues to feel like a premium device. It's available in only two colors: Space Gray and Silver, which is a shame, as we would have liked to see this iPad Pro available in more colors, just like the iMac and iPad Air.

(Image credit: future)

Button and port placement is similar to older iPad Pro models, with the volume keys on the right when you hold the tablet in portrait orientation, with the power button on top and the USB-C port. equipped with a lightning bolt below. There are four speakers, located on the top and bottom if you're holding the iPad in portrait mode, or on the sides in landscape mode, the preferred orientation for watching videos.

Unfortunately, the camera continues to roll over the iPad in portrait orientation, which isn't ideal for video calls if you're talking to a group of people and the tablet is in landscape mode, since it's on its side. There is a SIM card slot on the right edge and the pin connector on the back to connect the Magic Keyboard. Like the previous iPad, the Apple Pencil magnetically attaches to the right edge, where it also charges.

iPad Pro 11 (2021): screen

(Image credit: future)

11-inch 1668 x 2388 display with 120Hz refresh rate
Lacks the mini-LED technology of the larger model

Until 2020, the display specifications of the larger 12,9-inch model and the 11-inch model were identical. However, for 2021 Apple has introduced a new XDR display on the larger 12,9-inch model with mini-LED technology, which the 11-inch version lacks.

That's not to say that the 11-inch iPad Pro has a bad screen, far from it. You still get Apple's IPS display, with excellent color fidelity and ProMotion technology that enables a 120Hz refresh rate for fast, fluid scrolling. The higher refresh rate also improves the Apple Pencil experience, with lower latency.

However, given how intrinsic the screen is to the tablet experience, if you don't mind the larger size of the 12,9-inch iPad Pro and can afford the extra expense, we recommend going for the larger model. The much higher maximum brightness and contrast ratios on the larger iPad make the screen simply stunning.

iPad Pro 11 (2021): specifications, performance and cameras

Powerful M1 chipset
Up to 16GB of RAM

The iPad Pro 11 (2021) transitions from an iPhone processor to a Mac processor, giving it plenty of room for the future and allowing it to comfortably run the next generation of apps. The M1 processor brings this generation of iPad Pro to the same level of performance as the latest M1 Macs, and with up to 16GB of RAM and 2TB of storage, it really is a high-end computer in a tablet form factor.

The table below compares the benchmark scores of the latest 2021 iPad Pro model to the 2020 model.

(Image credit: Future) Swipe to scroll horizontally Row 0 – Cell 0

Looking at the chart above, you can clearly see just how ridiculously fast the iPad Pro 2021 is. The M1 processor combined with 16GB of RAM makes it faster to open and switch between apps than on any other tablet, as well as most other tablets. pc.

That said, when it comes to real-world use, the 2021 iPad Pro only performs slightly better than the 2020 model. If you're just looking to do the things you normally do on a tablet, like browse the web, consume media, and writing emails and documents, the power of this iPad Pro seems almost exaggerated.

It would also be nice to see Apple release its own pro-level apps, like Final Cut Pro or Motion, for the iPad. Given that iPad Pros now have identical hardware to Macs, we really don't see any reason why Apple couldn't pull it off.

The impressive and very nice thing about the iPad Pro is the Center Stage - it's pure Apple magic. When you use the ultra-wide camera on the front of iPad, the frame automatically adjusts to keep you or a group of people in the center of the image. Check out this video below, keeping in mind there's no camera movement, it's just software framing.

There are two rear cameras on the iPad Pro 11 (2021): 12MP wide and 10MP ultrawide. We're not big fans of using the rear cameras on a tablet, but they're there if you need them and offer decent image quality. The lidar sensor is also coming back into use with AR apps, though we haven't found many use cases since Apple added it to the iPad in 2020.

(Image credit: future)

iPad Pro 11 (2021): accessories

Compatible with Apple Pencil and keyboards
Accessories are sold separately

The iPad ecosystem has grown recently, with several manufacturers offering a variety of protective cases, keyboard covers, and stylus options.

The 2021 version of the 11-inch iPad Pro works with Apple Pencil as well as Apple Magic Keyboards. Although if you think Apple accessories are a bit pricey, Logitech produces a range of iPad keyboard and stylus covers that look almost identical to the real thing (they're just a fraction of the cost).

iPad Pro 11 (2021): battery life

Apple claims you'll get 10 hours of Wi-Fi usage
We experienced 8 hours of mixed use.

There has been no change to the battery capacity of the iPad Pro 11 (2021) or the claimed battery life of the 2020 model. This iPad Pro has 28,65 watt-hours which Apple claims gives you 10 hours of use on the model with Wi-Fi and nine hours on the 5G model using mobile data.

Of course, mileage varies depending on what tasks you use iPad for. For example, rendering 4K videos or 3D models will definitely have a bigger impact on your battery than watching a movie on Netflix or browsing the web. With mixed use, we were able to get eight hours on a full charge.