IPad Pro 2020 (12-Inch): A Deep Dive Review
Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into the iPad Pro 2020 12-inch review, and let me tell you, this device was a real game-changer when it dropped. If you're thinking about picking one up, or just curious about what made it so special, stick around. We're going to break down everything you need to know. This isn't just about specs; it's about how this tablet actually performs in the real world, whether you're a creative pro, a student, or just someone who loves a powerful gadget. So, grab your favorite drink, get comfy, and let's explore the 12-inch iPad Pro from 2020.
Performance Powerhouse: The A12Z Bionic Chip
Let's kick things off with the heart of the beast: the A12Z Bionic chip. Guys, this chip was seriously impressive for its time, and honestly, it still holds its own. Apple packed it with an 8-core CPU and a 10-core GPU, plus a neural engine. What does all that tech jargon mean for you? It means this iPad Pro could handle pretty much anything you threw at it. We're talking heavy-duty video editing, complex graphic design tasks, multitasking like a champ with multiple apps open, and of course, those graphically intense games. The A12Z Bionic chip delivered incredibly smooth performance, making everything feel instantaneous. Even when pushing it to its limits, apps launched quickly, and transitions were buttery smooth. For anyone who needed a portable device that could rival a laptop in terms of processing power, the A12Z was the answer. It’s the kind of chip that makes you feel like you’re using something truly cutting-edge, ensuring that your workflow remains uninterrupted and your creative ideas can flow freely without being bogged down by lag or performance issues. The efficiency of this chip also meant that it managed battery life surprisingly well, despite the immense power it offered, which is a crucial aspect for any mobile device.
Display Brilliance: Liquid Retina XDR at its Finest
Next up, the display. The 12.9-inch Liquid Retina display on the iPad Pro 2020 is simply gorgeous. It boasts a 2732x2048 resolution, which translates to incredibly sharp text and vibrant images. But it’s not just about sharpness; it’s the ProMotion technology that really makes a difference. With a 120Hz refresh rate, scrolling through web pages, drawing with the Apple Pencil, and navigating the interface feels unbelievably fluid and responsive. It’s a difference you can really feel. The P3 wide color gamut support means colors are accurate and pop off the screen, which is a huge plus for photographers, designers, and video editors. Whether you’re editing photos, watching HDR content, or just browsing the web, the display brilliance ensures everything looks its absolute best. The True Tone technology also adapts the white balance to the ambient light, making it easier on your eyes for extended use. This display isn't just a screen; it's a canvas, and a high-quality one at that, making the iPad Pro 2020 a serious contender for creative professionals who demand color accuracy and a smooth visual experience. The large size of the 12.9-inch model provides ample screen real estate, perfect for complex projects and immersive viewing.
Design and Build Quality: Sleek and Professional
Let's talk about the design and build quality. Apple is known for its premium feel, and the 2020 iPad Pro 12-inch is no exception. It features that iconic aluminum unibody construction that feels solid and durable in your hands. The bezels are relatively slim, but still provide enough space to grip the device without accidentally touching the screen. It’s a sleek, minimalist aesthetic that looks professional in any setting. While the design didn't drastically change from previous generations, it was refined and effective. The speaker grilles are strategically placed, providing impressive stereo sound that fills the room, making it great for media consumption or even casual calls. The volume rocker and power button are tactile and well-placed. It’s a device that feels good to hold and use, embodying that Apple commitment to craftsmanship. The sleek and professional look makes it suitable for boardrooms as much as it is for creative studios. It’s thin, light (for its size), and perfectly balanced, making it surprisingly comfortable to hold for extended periods, which is crucial for a device intended for productivity and creativity on the go. The durability is also a key factor; while not indestructible, the build quality gives you confidence that it can withstand the rigors of daily use, whether that's being tossed in a backpack or used frequently at a desk.
Camera System: More Than Just for Selfies
Now, I know what some of you might be thinking: cameras on a tablet? But the camera system on the iPad Pro 2020 is actually quite capable. On the back, you get a dual-camera setup: a 12MP wide camera and a 10MP ultrawide camera. This dual-lens setup allows for more versatility, letting you capture wider shots or get closer with the 2x optical zoom. The ultrawide lens is particularly useful for scanning documents or capturing large objects up close. For video, it can shoot up to 4K at 60fps, which is fantastic for quick recordings or content creation. On the front, there's a 7MP TrueDepth camera, great for FaceTime calls and Face ID authentication. While you might not be using it to shoot your next blockbuster film, the camera system is more than adequate for everyday tasks, scanning important documents, or even snapping a quick photo when your phone isn't handy. It integrates seamlessly with the iPadOS software, making the capture and editing process straightforward. The quality is impressive for a tablet, offering good detail and color reproduction, proving it’s a functional tool rather than just an afterthought.
Apple Pencil 2 & Magic Keyboard: The Ultimate Productivity Duo
When the iPad Pro 2020 launched, it also introduced support for the second-generation Apple Pencil and the Magic Keyboard. These accessories are absolute game-changers and significantly elevate the iPad Pro experience. The Apple Pencil 2 magnetically attaches to the side of the iPad Pro for charging and pairing, and it’s incredibly responsive with virtually no lag. Its pressure and tilt sensitivity make it perfect for drawing, sketching, note-taking, and precise editing. Paired with apps like Procreate or Affinity Designer, it turns the iPad Pro into a portable art studio. Then there’s the Magic Keyboard. This accessory transforms the iPad Pro into a near-laptop-like device. It features backlit keys, a trackpad, and USB-C pass-through charging. The floating cantilever design allows you to adjust the viewing angle smoothly. Typing on it feels surprisingly good, with decent key travel and a comfortable layout. Together, the Apple Pencil 2 and Magic Keyboard create an ecosystem that bridges the gap between tablet and laptop, offering incredible versatility. This ultimate productivity duo is what truly sets the iPad Pro apart for professionals and students alike, making complex tasks manageable and even enjoyable on a tablet form factor. The seamless integration between these accessories and the iPad Pro hardware is a testament to Apple's ecosystem.
iPadOS: Powering Your Workflow
Underneath all that hardware lies iPadOS, the operating system that truly unlocks the potential of the iPad Pro. iPadOS brought significant enhancements over its iOS roots, focusing on multitasking, desktop-class browsing, and better file management. Features like Split View, Slide Over, and Picture-in-Picture allow you to run multiple apps simultaneously, making multitasking much more efficient. The Files app got a major overhaul, providing better control over your documents and storage, making it feel more like a desktop experience. iPadOS also offers robust support for external storage devices and improved Safari browsing, which renders desktop websites correctly. For creatives, the integration with apps like LumaFusion for video editing or Adobe Creative Cloud apps is seamless. The consistent updates to iPadOS have ensured that the iPad Pro 2020 remains a relevant and powerful device, constantly gaining new features and performance improvements that enhance its capabilities as a productivity tool. It’s this sophisticated operating system, tailored specifically for the iPad's hardware, that transforms it from a simple tablet into a true computing powerhouse capable of handling demanding professional workflows.
Battery Life: All-Day Power
When you're using a device as powerful as the iPad Pro 2020, battery life is a major concern. Thankfully, Apple delivered. You can expect all-day battery life under typical usage. This means you can browse the web, stream videos, take notes, and even do some light creative work without constantly searching for a power outlet. Of course, pushing the A12Z chip with heavy tasks like video editing or gaming will drain the battery faster, but for most users, it should comfortably last through a full workday or a long study session. The inclusion of USB-C charging makes it convenient to top up using a variety of chargers and power banks. The efficiency of the hardware and software optimization ensures that you get the most out of every charge, allowing for genuine mobility without battery anxiety. This reliable all-day power is crucial for anyone relying on their iPad Pro for work or study on the go, ensuring productivity isn't limited by power constraints.
Connectivity: USB-C and Beyond
In terms of connectivity, the iPad Pro 2020 features a USB-C port, which was a significant upgrade. This single port handles charging, data transfer, and connection to external displays and accessories. It supports USB 3.1 Gen 2, meaning faster data transfer speeds, which is a big deal when moving large files like videos or photos. You can connect it to external monitors to extend your workspace, use USB hubs for more ports, or connect storage devices directly. Wi-Fi 6 ensures fast and reliable wireless internet access, and Bluetooth 5.0 provides a stable connection for accessories like the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard. The inclusion of cellular models also provides LTE connectivity for those who need to be online wherever they go. This robust USB-C and Beyond connectivity makes the iPad Pro 2020 a versatile hub for various workflows and setups, easily integrating into existing tech ecosystems and expanding its utility beyond what a traditional tablet could offer.
The Verdict: Is the 2020 iPad Pro Still Worth It?
So, after all this, is the 2020 iPad Pro 12-inch review positive? Absolutely. Even though newer models are out, the 2020 iPad Pro remains an incredibly capable device. Its powerful A12Z Bionic chip, stunning Liquid Retina display, sleek design, and robust iPadOS software still make it a top-tier tablet for many users. If you’re a student, a creative professional, or someone who needs a powerful and portable device for productivity, and you can find one at a good price, it’s definitely still worth considering. The combination of performance, display quality, and the ecosystem of accessories like the Apple Pencil 2 and Magic Keyboard makes it a compelling package. While it might not have the absolute latest features of the newest iPads, the 2020 iPad Pro offers fantastic value and performance that holds up remarkably well. It’s a testament to how well-engineered and future-proofed Apple devices can be, providing a powerful computing experience in a sleek, portable form factor that continues to impress years after its initial release. For many, it strikes a perfect balance between power, portability, and price, making it a smart investment even today.
