IPad Pro 11 2nd Gen 128GB: Review & Should You Buy?
Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into the iPad Pro 11-inch 2nd Generation with 128GB of storage. This tablet was a significant step up when it was released, offering a blend of power, portability, and stunning display quality. But in a world of ever-evolving tech, does it still hold up? Is it the right choice for you in today's market? Let's break it down, piece by piece, so you can make an informed decision.
Design and Display
Let's start with the design and display of the iPad Pro 11 2nd Gen. The design is classic iPad Pro – sleek, minimalist, and crafted with premium materials. The aluminum unibody feels incredibly solid and refined in hand, and the slim bezels surrounding the display contribute to a modern, immersive viewing experience. It’s a tablet that looks and feels every bit the premium device it is. Holding this thing, you can immediately tell it's a quality piece of tech.
The 11-inch Liquid Retina display is where this iPad truly shines. With a resolution of 2388 x 1668 pixels, everything appears incredibly sharp and detailed. Colors are vibrant and accurate, thanks to the P3 wide color gamut. Whether you're browsing photos, watching videos, or creating digital art, the display delivers a visually stunning experience. The brightness is also excellent, making it comfortable to use both indoors and outdoors. One of the standout features is ProMotion technology, which offers an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz. This makes scrolling, animations, and even just navigating the user interface feel incredibly smooth and responsive. It’s one of those features that, once you’ve experienced it, is hard to go back from. The display is also laminated and has an anti-reflective coating, which further enhances the viewing experience by reducing glare and improving visibility in bright conditions. This attention to detail makes a noticeable difference in everyday use. Whether you’re a creative professional needing accurate color representation or simply someone who enjoys consuming media, the display on the iPad Pro 11 2nd Gen is sure to impress. The responsiveness of the screen combined with the high refresh rate makes everything feel fluid and immediate. For artists and note-takers, using the Apple Pencil on this display is a dream, offering precise and natural input.
Performance
Speaking of performance, the iPad Pro 11 2nd Gen is powered by the A12Z Bionic chip. While it might not be the latest and greatest chip from Apple anymore, it still packs a significant punch. The A12Z Bionic features an 8-core CPU and an 8-core GPU, delivering exceptional performance for a wide range of tasks. Multitasking is a breeze, and the iPad handles demanding apps and games with ease. This chip was designed to handle pretty much anything you throw at it, from video editing to graphic-intensive games.
When it comes to real-world usage, the A12Z Bionic doesn't disappoint. Apps launch quickly, and there's virtually no lag when switching between them. Whether you're editing 4K videos, creating complex illustrations, or playing graphically intensive games, the iPad Pro handles it all without breaking a sweat. The A12Z Bionic chip also includes a Neural Engine, which accelerates machine learning tasks. This enhances features like facial recognition, image processing, and augmented reality experiences. The inclusion of the Neural Engine ensures that the iPad Pro is not only powerful but also smart, adapting to your usage patterns and optimizing performance accordingly. The 128GB of storage provides ample space for apps, files, and media. While it might not be enough for users with extensive libraries of high-resolution videos or large-scale projects, it should be sufficient for most users. If you find yourself needing more storage, you can always rely on cloud storage services like iCloud or Google Drive to supplement the internal storage. Even now, the A12Z Bionic chip holds its own, providing a seamless and fluid experience for most tasks. For everyday users, the performance remains incredibly snappy and responsive, making it a joy to use for both work and play. The combination of powerful hardware and optimized software ensures that the iPad Pro 11 2nd Gen remains a capable and reliable device, even in today's fast-paced tech landscape.
Camera and Audio
Let's talk about the camera and audio capabilities of the iPad Pro 11 2nd Gen. The camera system on this iPad is surprisingly versatile. It features a dual-camera setup on the rear, consisting of a 12MP Wide camera and a 10MP Ultra Wide camera. This allows you to capture a variety of shots, from detailed landscapes to group photos. The image quality is excellent, with vibrant colors and sharp details. The cameras also perform well in low-light conditions, thanks to the improved image processing capabilities of the A12Z Bionic chip. The Ultra Wide camera is particularly useful for capturing expansive scenes or shooting in tight spaces. It provides a wider field of view, allowing you to fit more into your shots. The iPad Pro also supports 4K video recording at up to 60fps, allowing you to capture high-quality videos with smooth motion and excellent clarity. Whether you're recording family events, creating video content, or simply capturing moments on the go, the camera system on the iPad Pro is more than capable. The front-facing 7MP TrueDepth camera is equally impressive. It supports Face ID, allowing you to securely unlock your iPad and authenticate purchases with just a glance. The TrueDepth camera also enables features like Animoji and Memoji, which are fun and engaging ways to express yourself in messages and video calls. The front camera also performs well in video calls, delivering clear and crisp video quality. The iPad Pro 11 2nd Gen features a four-speaker audio system, which delivers immersive and high-quality sound. The speakers are strategically placed to provide a wide stereo soundstage, making it ideal for watching movies, listening to music, or playing games. The audio quality is excellent, with clear highs, rich mids, and deep bass. Whether you're listening to your favorite tunes or watching a blockbuster movie, the audio system on the iPad Pro enhances the overall experience. The combination of excellent cameras and high-quality audio makes the iPad Pro 11 2nd Gen a versatile device for both content creation and consumption. Whether you're capturing photos and videos or enjoying multimedia content, the iPad Pro delivers an exceptional experience.
Battery Life and Connectivity
Battery life and connectivity are crucial aspects to consider when evaluating a tablet. The iPad Pro 11 2nd Gen 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. Whether you're browsing the web, streaming videos, or working on documents, you can rely on the iPad Pro to keep going. The actual battery life may vary depending on your usage patterns and settings. For example, using the iPad Pro at maximum brightness or playing graphically intensive games will drain the battery faster. However, even with heavy usage, you should still be able to get a solid 8 hours of battery life. The iPad Pro charges via USB-C, which is a versatile and widely supported charging standard. This means you can use the same charger for your iPad Pro, MacBook, and other USB-C devices. The iPad Pro also supports fast charging, allowing you to quickly top up the battery when needed. In terms of connectivity, the iPad Pro offers Wi-Fi 6 support, which provides faster and more reliable wireless connections. Wi-Fi 6 is the latest generation of Wi-Fi technology, offering improved speeds and greater network efficiency. This is particularly useful in crowded Wi-Fi environments, such as coffee shops or airports. The iPad Pro also supports Bluetooth 5.0, which allows you to connect to a wide range of wireless accessories, such as headphones, keyboards, and mice. Bluetooth 5.0 offers improved range and faster data transfer speeds compared to previous versions of Bluetooth. The iPad Pro is available in both Wi-Fi-only and Wi-Fi + Cellular models. The Wi-Fi + Cellular model allows you to connect to cellular networks, providing you with internet access even when you're not near a Wi-Fi hotspot. This is particularly useful for users who need to stay connected on the go. The cellular model supports a wide range of cellular bands, ensuring compatibility with most carriers around the world. Overall, the iPad Pro 11 2nd Gen offers excellent battery life and versatile connectivity options, making it a great choice for users who need a reliable and connected tablet.
Is It Still Worth Buying?
So, the big question: is the iPad Pro 11 2nd Gen with 128GB still worth buying in today's market? The answer is a nuanced one, depending on your specific needs and budget. If you're looking for a powerful and portable tablet with a stunning display, the iPad Pro 11 2nd Gen remains a strong contender. The A12Z Bionic chip still delivers excellent performance for most tasks, and the 120Hz ProMotion display is a joy to use. The cameras are versatile, and the audio quality is excellent. However, it's important to consider that newer iPad models have been released since the 2nd Gen. These newer models offer even faster performance, improved features, and longer battery life. If you're willing to spend the extra money, the newer models may be a better choice. On the other hand, if you're on a tighter budget, the iPad Pro 11 2nd Gen offers excellent value for money. You can often find it at discounted prices, making it an attractive option for those who don't need the absolute latest and greatest technology. The 128GB of storage should be sufficient for most users, but if you need more storage, you may want to consider a newer model with more storage capacity. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to buy the iPad Pro 11 2nd Gen comes down to your individual needs and priorities. If you value performance, display quality, and portability, and you're on a budget, it's definitely worth considering. However, if you need the absolute latest technology and are willing to spend the extra money, you may want to opt for a newer model.
