Author: nisha

Apple Watch Series 10: Price and Detailed Review

Apple Watch Series 10: Design Review

The Apple Watch Series 10 introduces the most significant design shift since the Series 7. The Series 10’s screen is up to 9% larger than the Series 9’s, giving an impressive 30% increase in screen area for those upgrading from Series 6 or earlier. The 46mm model offers about 3% more display area than the Apple Watch Ultra 2. Apple also included wide-angle OLED technology, making off-angle viewing 40% brighter compared to previous models. This change enhances visibility during activities like biking in bright conditions.

Physically, the Series 10 is Apple’s slimmest watch yet, with a 9.7mm profile (10% thinner than the Series 9) and up to 10% lighter in aluminum versions. The thinner and lighter design feels noticeably comfortable, especially for activities that require wrist movement, such as yoga. Internally, Apple streamlined the architecture by relocating components around the new S10 chip, compressing the speaker to the edges, and integrating a protective mesh cover.

Key Health and Wellness Features

Series 10 introduces sleep apnea detection, a feature with FDA approval available on Series 9 and Ultra 2 as well. The Health app can now provide nightly breathing data, and after 10 nights of use, the watch can alert you of potential sleep apnea. This addition could prove essential for wellness monitoring, particularly as sleep apnea has long-term health implications.

A notable absence, however, is the Blood Oxygen app due to ongoing patent issues with Masimo, a health tech company. Apple’s resolution involved disabling the app in all new Series 10 devices sold in the U.S., a disappointing limitation considering that similar sensors are standard on other premium wearables.

Advanced Features and watchOS 11

Benefiting from Apple’s decade of innovation, the Series 10 includes hallmark features like the Double Tap gesture, a QWERTY keyboard, and extensive health and fitness tracking. Additionally, it brings over the Depth app from the Apple Watch Ultra for shallow dives, a revamped speaker and mic for enhanced call clarity, and the ability to play music directly from the watch speaker—a subtle but enjoyable addition.

watchOS 11 adds a Photos watch face, the Vitals app for health trend insights, and the ability to pause activity rings. These software upgrades enhance customization and make it easier to stay engaged with health goals.

Battery Life and Charging

The Series 10 retains the 18-hour battery life seen in earlier models, though faster charging speeds partially compensate. It can reach 80% in just 30 minutes—significantly quicker than previous models—and provides up to 36 hours in low power mode, a feature especially useful during travel.

price

The Apple Watch Series 10 starts at approximately $399 USD for the base model in aluminum with GPS. The price goes up for models with cellular capabilities, stainless steel, or titanium casing options, and larger screen sizes. This new Series 10 offers a slightly larger display than previous models and introduces the first wide-angle OLED screen, giving clearer off-angle views and improved brightness.

Additionally, the Series 10 maintains the same 18-hour battery life but offers faster charging speeds. Notable features include the FDA-approved sleep apnea detection, enhanced display, and upgraded speaker and microphone system for better call clarity.

Verdict

The Apple Watch Series 10 builds on Apple’s design legacy with a larger, more vibrant display, increased comfort, and refined features that make it a top choice for Apple users. While lacking the longer battery life of the Ultra models, it hits the sweet spot between affordability and premium features, solidifying it as a flagship wearable worth considering.

November 11, 2024
Samsung Galaxy Watch5 44mm Bluetooth: Price & In-Depth Review
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 44mm Bluetooth version is one of Samsung’s standout smartwatches, designed to cater to both everyday users and fitness enthusiasts. With prices starting around $329 USD (often available at discounts), the Watch 5 offers an accessible and feature-rich wearable within the Android ecosystem.

Key Features and Improvements

Design and Build Quality
Featuring a sleek aluminum frame, the Galaxy Watch 5 44mm now incorporates sapphire crystal glass, offering improved scratch resistance. Its rounded design sits comfortably on the wrist, making it a versatile accessory suitable for workouts and day-to-day wear.

Display
The watch sports a vibrant 1.4-inch Super AMOLED display that delivers rich colors and sharpness, especially useful for viewing notifications and health stats. Though it lacks the physical rotating bezel found in earlier models, the digital bezel provides smooth navigation.

Performance and Software
Running on the Exynos W920 chipset, paired with 1.5GB RAM and 16GB of storage, the Watch 5 handles apps and notifications seamlessly. Samsung’s One UI Watch 4.5, based on Google’s Wear OS 3.5, provides a highly customizable experience, including an array of watch faces and support for native Android apps.

Health and Fitness Tracking
The Galaxy Watch 5 introduces advanced tracking capabilities with Samsung’s BioActive sensor, which combines heart rate, blood oxygen, and body composition measurements. A new skin temperature sensor further enhances health insights, with updates enabling cycle tracking for added wellness data. Improved sleep tracking now includes personalized coaching and a sleep “spirit animal” feature that visualizes your sleep patterns.

Battery Life and Charging
The 44mm model is equipped with a 410mAh battery, capable of lasting up to 2 days with moderate usage. Additionally, Samsung has introduced faster 10W charging, allowing for significant recharging within minutes.

Pricing

The Galaxy Watch 5 44mm Bluetooth model starts at around $329 USD, with frequent sales and promotions available, particularly through major retailers.

Conclusion

In summary, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 44mm Bluetooth model offers a balanced blend of performance, style, and advanced health-tracking features, making it a strong contender among Android smartwatches. With an improved display, durable sapphire crystal, and enhanced health monitoring, it’s a recommended choice for users looking for a reliable wearable. While it may not bring drastic changes from the Galaxy Watch 4, it refines the formula with better durability and faster charging, making it ideal for users within the Samsung ecosystem who prioritize comfort and functionality.
November 9, 2024
Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic (47mm, Bluetooth): Price & Full Review

Overview

Samsung’s Galaxy Watch6 Classic line, released alongside the Galaxy Z Fold5 and Z Flip5 at Galaxy Unpacked 2023, comes in two sizes (47mm and 43mm) and offers both Bluetooth and LTE options. The Classic variant is crafted with a durable stainless steel case and a rotating bezel, while the standard model uses lighter aluminum without a rotating bezel. Both versions feature two display sizes and are available in various color options.

Design & Performance

The 47mm Galaxy Watch6 Classic boasts a 1.5-inch Super AMOLED screen (480×480 resolution) shielded by Sapphire glass and paired with a stainless steel body and faux leather strap. Its rotating bezel is exceptionally smooth, making navigation easy and reducing smudges on the display. Equipped with Samsung’s Exynos W930 dual-core processor, the Watch6 Classic runs on Wear OS 4 with Samsung’s One UI Watch 5, offering an intuitive, responsive interface. For pairing, it works seamlessly with Samsung Galaxy phones and remains compatible with other Android devices, though it does not support iOS.

Health & Fitness Features

Packed with health tools, the Galaxy Watch6 Classic supports 90 workout modes, ECG, heart rate, and blood oxygen monitoring, body composition, sleep tracking, and fall detection. Certain features, like blood pressure monitoring and ECG, are available only on Samsung devices through the Samsung Health Monitor app.

Battery Life

The Watch6 Classic 47mm offers a day and a half of battery life with standard usage, including GPS and activity tracking. By limiting features, users can stretch this to two days, though most will find themselves charging it daily.

Pricing

In Malaysia, the 47mm Bluetooth model is priced at approximately RM1,499, while the LTE version starts at RM1,799. Converting to USD, this places the Bluetooth model around $320 USD, and the LTE version around $385 USD. However, U.S. retail prices may vary slightly due to regional availability and additional taxes.

Verdict

With its excellent display, rotating bezel, and robust health monitoring capabilities, the Galaxy Watch6 Classic 47mm is a premium choice. Despite its average battery life and Samsung-only health features, it’s an ideal smartwatch for Samsung users seeking functionality and elegance in one package.

November 9, 2024

Samsung Galaxy Watch6 (40mm, Bluetooth): Price & Full Review

Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Review: Specs, Price, and Key Features

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 delivers a range of upgrades and refined features for tech enthusiasts and fitness fans. Here’s a quick breakdown of the specs, price points, and highlights from its design and functionality:

Specifications

Feature	40mm Model	44mm Model
Dimensions	38.8mm x 40.4mm x 9.0mm	42.8 x 44.4 x 9.0mm
Weight	28.7g	33.3g
Display	1.3-inch, 432×432 px Super AMOLED	1.5-inch, 480×480 px Super AMOLED
Case Material	Aluminum armor, graphite	Aluminum armor, graphite
GPS	GPS, GLONASS, BEIDOU, Galileo	GPS, GLONASS, BEIDOU, Galileo
Battery	Up to 40 hours	Up to 40 hours
Connectivity	Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi, LTE	Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi, LTE
Water-Resistance	5ATM + IP68	5ATM + IP68

Price and Availability

The Galaxy Watch 6 was introduced at Samsung’s Unpacked event on July 26, alongside the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic, Galaxy Z Flip 5, Galaxy Z Fold 5, and Galaxy Tab S9. Pricing varies by model and region:

United States: Starting at $299.99 for the 40mm Bluetooth model, $349 for LTE. The 44mm model begins at $329.99 for Bluetooth, and $379.99 for LTE.
United Kingdom: £289 (40mm Bluetooth), £319 (44mm Bluetooth).
Australia: AU$549 (40mm Bluetooth), AU$599 (44mm Bluetooth).

Design & Display

The Galaxy Watch 6 maintains a polished design similar to its predecessor, with a slimmer bezel and a sleek super AMOLED display that ensures vivid visuals and smooth transitions. It now features a new Exynos W930 processor and a simplified strap-swapping system, making it easier to switch between different styles and use cases.

Galaxy Watch6 (Bluetooth, 40mm) price & review

Features & Performance

Packed with new health tools, the Galaxy Watch 6 includes improved sleep tracking with personalized sleep coaching, detailed heart rate tracking, and customizable workouts for triathletes. The 44mm model’s 425mAh battery offers about 25 hours of battery life, a solid improvement but still requiring daily charging if used overnight. Integrated Google Play access also provides a range of third-party apps, making this watch versatile for various needs.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Galaxy Watch 6 offers valuable upgrades, including enhanced health insights and a more powerful processor, making it a competitive choice in the smartwatch market. The design and feature set are ideal for users looking to balance style, functionality, and fitness capabilities.

Galaxy Watch6 (Bluetooth, 40mm) price & review

Rating Summary:

Design: 4/5
Features: 4.5/5
Value: 4/5

November 7, 2024

Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic Astro Edition (47mm Bluetooth): Price & Detailed Review

Design & Specifications

Body & Display

The Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic Astro Edition features a 47mm stainless steel body with a sleek, glossy black finish and a rotating bezel inspired by celestial symbols. Its 1.5-inch AMOLED display has a resolution of 480 x 480 pixels, offering crisp clarity with a pixel density of ~453 ppi. The display’s brightness peaks at 2000 nits, ensuring easy readability even in bright sunlight. The display is protected by Sapphire Crystal Glass, adding durability against scratches. The watch body measures 46.5 x 46.5 x 10.9 mm and weighs 59 grams, making it substantial yet comfortable to wear.

The watch is IP68 and 5ATM certified, allowing water resistance up to 50 meters, so it’s ready for various outdoor conditions. It includes a high-quality black synthetic leather strap with a quick-release system for easy band swapping, which is secured by two loops for a snug fit.

Operating System & Features

Running on Android Wear OS 4 with One UI Watch 5, the Galaxy Watch6 Classic Astro Edition is powered by the Exynos W930 (5 nm) chipset, featuring a dual-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A55 processor and Mali-G68 GPU. It provides 16GB of storage and 2GB of RAM, along with NFC, Bluetooth 5.3, A2DP, and LE for connectivity. The GPS options cover multiple satellite systems: GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, and BDS.

The watch is equipped with a variety of sensors, including accelerometer, gyro, compass, heart rate, barometer, and thermometer (skin temperature), making it suitable for a wide range of health and fitness tracking, including ECG, SpO2 monitoring, and advanced sleep tracking. Qi wireless charging is supported, and the non-removable Li-Ion 425 mAh battery provides reliable power for daily use.

Unique Astro Edition Design

The limited-edition Astro model showcases intricate detailing with etchings of constellations and celestial symbols on the bezel, along with an exclusive watch face displaying a dynamic galaxy and a moon that follows the seconds hand. The “AstroLab” digital dial also includes a compass, moon phase, solar tracker, and calendar.

Additional Features & Battery

The Galaxy Watch6 Classic Astro Edition provides ECG readings, SpO2 measurements, altitude readings, and several workout modes, covering activities such as running, cycling, swimming, and more. With an expected battery life of 2–3 days on moderate use, the watch also supports various health monitoring features, breathing exercises, and time-zone tracking.

Packaging & Accessories

The special-edition packaging is designed with a navy blue theme and Astro symbols in silver. The box contains the watch, a Samsung fabric strap, a magnetic Qi charger, a warranty card, and a quick start guide, plus a QR code for exclusive promotional access and a collectible sticker set.

Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic Astro Limited Edition is priced at AED 1,999, which translates to approximately $545 USD. This premium price reflects its limited-edition status and unique design, tailored for specific markets in the Middle East and North Africa region, with exclusive packaging and additional collectibles included in the box.

Overall, the Astro Edition offers a combination of high-end style and robust features, appealing especially to those looking for a fashion-forward smartwatch with advanced health and fitness tracking capabilities.

November 6, 2024
Samsung Galaxy Fit3: Price and In-Depth Review
Samsung Galaxy Fit 3: A Fresh Take on Fitness Bands

A few years ago, fitness bands were all the rage, but now they’re taking a backseat to more advanced smartwatches. This shift partly stems from the higher profit margins companies see with smartwatches, whereas fitness bands tend to be more affordable, limiting profitability.

Despite the trend, Samsung’s new Galaxy Fit 3 is a notable entry in the fitness band lineup. However, it’s not available in the U.S., U.K., or most of Europe, as Samsung hasn’t prioritized it for these markets—possibly due to their stronger focus on smartwatches.

But does that mean users in these regions are missing out? After testing the Galaxy Fit 3, here’s a look at what it offers and if it could be a hidden gem for fitness enthusiasts.

Key Features of the Galaxy Fit 3
- Large AMOLED Display: Clear, bright visuals for notifications.
- Extensive Workout Tracking: Tracks sleep and over 100 types of exercises.
- Battery Life: Lasts up to 13 days on a single charge.
- Bluetooth 5.3: For a stable connection with compatible devices.
- Budget-Friendly: Priced at €65.
In this review, we’ll explore the design, features, performance, and other aspects of the Galaxy Fit 3 to see how it stacks up against the competition.

Samsung Galaxy Fit 3 Design & Comfort

The Galaxy Fit 3 is lightweight and stylish, designed for comfort with a soft, sports loop band available in multiple color options. With a 1.6-inch AMOLED screen, it’s easy to read messages and notifications, though the bezel can stand out with lighter watch faces.

Software, Features & Compatibility

The Fit 3 offers a smooth user experience, with navigation primarily through swipes and a side button for key functions. Unfortunately, while it pairs seamlessly with Android devices, it’s currently not compatible with iPhones.

Health and Fitness Tracking

Though it lacks onboard GPS, the Fit 3 supports over 100 workout types. Its sleep tracking feature is enhanced with Samsung’s unique “sleep animal” categorization, adding a playful touch to analyzing sleep patterns.

Battery Life & Charging

With a 208mAh battery, the Fit 3 can last up to 13 days without recharging, making it an appealing choice for users who prefer extended battery life.

Summary

For those wanting an affordable fitness tracker that delivers on basics while offering a few smartwatch perks, the Galaxy Fit 3 is a strong contender. Though there are alternatives with GPS and other features, its sleek design and functionality offer solid value at its price point.

Samsung Galaxy Fit 3: Price and Review Overview

The Samsung Galaxy Fit 3 marks a return to fitness bands, offering a budget-friendly option at around $69 USD. This device, while simpler than full-featured smartwatches, includes essential fitness and wellness tracking features, making it a compelling option for those who want the basics without a hefty price tag.

What’s New in the Galaxy Fit 3
- Large AMOLED Display: Easier readability for notifications and data.
- Comprehensive Activity Tracking: Includes tracking for over 100 exercises.
- Battery Life: Samsung promises up to 13 days on a single charge, though heavy use may reduce this to about four days.
- Bluetooth 5.3: For better connectivity with compatible Android devices.
- Design: Available in three colors with a stylish, comfortable band.
Software and Features

The Fit 3 lacks a built-in GPS, meaning you’ll need to pair it with your phone to track routes. Samsung Health offers sleep analysis, including a “sleep animal” feature, plus cycle tracking. The navigation is straightforward with a single side button and responsive swipes and taps.

Conclusion

For an affordable $69, the Galaxy Fit 3 offers solid value with a refined design and essential tracking capabilities. While options like the Xiaomi Mi Band might come cheaper and with GPS alternatives, the Fit 3 holds its ground with its premium styling and smooth interface. For users wanting GPS and even more detailed workout tracking, upgrading to a smartwatch like the Garmin Forerunner 165, priced at around $250, might be a better option.
November 6, 2024
Galaxy Watch6 Classic: A Comprehensive Review and Price Overview
Unveiled during Samsung Unpacked 2023, the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic unfortunately played second fiddle to the newly introduced foldable devices, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5. However, this impressive WearOS smartwatch deserves more attention for its robust capabilities in timekeeping, weather updates, notifications, and health and activity tracking, standing out in ways that few other wearables do.

This striking timepiece boasts a substantial 37.3mm display and features the much-anticipated return of the rotating bezel. As an enthusiast of traditional watches, I appreciate the aesthetic appeal of the bezel, even if its practical necessity is questionable. The touchscreen allows for easy navigation through modes, apps, and notifications, and the physical rotating dial offers an additional tactile way to interact with the device.

The Galaxy Watch 6 Classic isn’t primarily about extra features or enhanced battery life compared to the standard Galaxy Watch 6; it’s a celebration of large watch designs and the attention it attracts. Weighing in at 59g (compared to the 43mm Classic’s 33.3g), it’s packed with sensors that track heart rate, ECG, body temperature, activity levels, and sleep patterns—though wearing such a noticeable watch at night can be a challenge. It pairs beautifully with Samsung smartphones, providing seamless notifications and interaction, particularly when tested with the Galaxy Z Fold 5.

Durability is another strong point, with the watch designed to withstand swimming and accidental drops. Over several days, battery life showed notable improvement, allowing for all-day and even overnight usage before needing a charge, likely thanks to the new Exynos W930 chipset that enhances power management without sacrificing performance. While the size may not suit everyone’s taste, it remains a standout option for those who appreciate larger WearOS smartwatches.

Pricing Overview:

In the U.S., the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic is priced at:
- 43mm Bluetooth model: $399.99
- 43mm LTE model: $449.99
- 47mm Bluetooth model: $429.99
- 47mm LTE model: $479.99
International prices vary, with the UK starting at £369 for the 43mm Bluetooth model and AU$699 in Australia for the same size.

Specifications Overview:
- Dimensions:
  - 43mm: 42.5 x 42.5 x 10.9 mm
  - 47mm: 46.5 x 46.5 x 10.9 mm
- Weight:
  - 43mm: 52g
  - 47mm: 59g
- Display:
  - 43mm: 1.3-inch Super AMOLED
  - 47mm: 1.5-inch Super AMOLED
- Battery Life: Up to 40 hours
- Water Resistance: 5ATM + IP68
In conclusion, if you seek a larger, more traditionally styled smartwatch with robust features, the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic is a strong contender, despite the option of lighter and smaller alternatives from the Galaxy Watch 6 lineup. The rotating bezel adds a layer of functionality that some users may find appealing, but ultimately, personal preference and lifestyle will dictate the best choice for your wrist.
November 4, 2024
Samsung Galaxy Watch7: Comprehensive Review and Price Insights
Key Features
1. Design: The Galaxy Watch 7 features a sleek design with a circular display, available in various sizes (40mm and 44mm) and finishes, allowing for a customizable look with interchangeable bands.
2. Display: It boasts a Super AMOLED display, ensuring vibrant colors and sharp contrasts. The always-on display feature is also available, providing quick access to essential information.
1. Health and Fitness Tracking:
  - Heart Rate Monitor: Continuous heart rate monitoring and alerts for abnormal readings.
  - ECG and Blood Pressure: Supports ECG and blood pressure monitoring (availability may vary by region).
  - Sleep Tracking: Advanced sleep analysis, including sleep stages.
  - Activity Tracking: Supports a wide range of workouts, from running to swimming, with automatic exercise detection.
2. Software: Runs on Wear OS, providing access to a variety of apps through the Google Play Store. Integration with Samsung Health allows for comprehensive fitness tracking and insights.
3. Battery Life: Designed to last around 1-2 days on a single charge, depending on usage, with fast charging capabilities.
4. Connectivity: Offers LTE options, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing for calls and notifications directly from the watch without needing a phone.
Performance

The Galaxy Watch 7 performs well with smooth navigation through apps and features. Its integration with Samsung’s ecosystem enhances the user experience, especially for those with Samsung smartphones.

Pricing

The pricing for the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 varies based on the model and features:
- Bluetooth model: Around $299.99
- LTE model: Approximately $399.99
Prices may fluctuate based on promotions, retailer discounts, and configurations.

Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 is a robust smartwatch that combines style with functionality, making it an excellent choice for fitness enthusiasts and tech-savvy users. Its comprehensive health features, along with seamless connectivity and performance, make it a standout device in the smartwatch market.
November 4, 2024
iPad Air (2024): Price, Features, and Comprehensive Review

Design: Classic Looks, New Choices

Despite its upgraded internals, the 2024 iPad Air closely resembles its 2022 predecessor. The standout change in this generation is the option to choose between two screen sizes: an 11-inch model at $599 and a larger 13-inch option at $799, giving users a more budget-friendly alternative to the iPad Pro. The 11-inch model, which I tested, retains its predecessor’s compact dimensions and light weight (9.74 by 7.02 by 0.24 inches, 1.02 pounds). For a more immersive experience, the 13-inch version (11.04 by 8.46 by 0.24 inches, 1.36 pounds) is available, though it’s the heaviest of the lineup.

Constructed from aluminum, the iPad Air’s design is sleek but lacks an IP rating, unlike competitors like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE with its IP68 rating. The Air also has stereo speakers on its shorter sides, delivering sufficient sound quality when in landscape mode, although bass response remains limited.

Display: Quality Without OLED

The iPad Air’s display specifications are nearly identical to previous models, with an 11-inch LED-backlit IPS LCD screen (2,360 x 1,640 resolution, 264 ppi) and a 13-inch display option (2,732 x 2,048 resolution, 264 ppi). Both models support P3 color and True Tone, but they’re limited to a 60Hz refresh rate, lacking the 120Hz offered by the Pro models’ OLED screens.

Performance: Powered by M2

Upgraded from the M1, the iPad Air’s M2 processor delivers a solid performance boost. The M2 includes an 8-core CPU, a 10-core GPU, and a 16-core neural engine, ensuring efficient multitasking, media creation, and more. Testing showed minimal differences in day-to-day use compared to the iPad Pro, though the Pro still outperforms the Air slightly in high-demand apps like GarageBand.

Battery and Connectivity

Apple’s 10-hour battery claim holds up in typical Wi-Fi browsing but falls slightly short under intensive use. The iPad Air supports 20W charging, reaching a full charge in just under two hours. Connectivity includes sub-6GHz 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3, though its USB-C port only supports USB 3 speeds (10Gbps) compared to the iPad Pro’s Thunderbolt 3.

Cameras and Accessories

The iPad Air’s camera setup—12MP front and rear cameras—delivers reliable quality for video calls and photos, although low-light performance remains limited. Accessories include compatibility with the latest Apple Pencil Pro, which adds new features like pressure sensitivity and haptic feedback, plus the Magic Keyboard for typing support.

Final Thoughts: A Worthy Middle Ground

The 2024 iPad Air is an ideal choice for users seeking a high-performance tablet that balances power and price. With a robust M2 processor, increased storage options, and Apple Pencil Pro support, it’s a versatile tool for creators, students, and more. For those needing the advanced capabilities of the iPad Pro, it’s worth considering an upgrade, while casual users may find the standard iPad sufficient.

November 3, 2024
iPad Pro 2024: Price, Features, and In-Depth Review
Display: A Stunning Visual Leap

Since the first iPad in 2010, Apple has primarily used LCD displays, with the 2022 iPad Pro adopting mini-LED, a refined LCD variant. Now, in 2024, both the 11- and 13-inch iPad Pros switch to OLED technology, a transformation that brings deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and enhanced contrast.

The 11-inch model retains its screen size but gains a slight resolution bump to 2,420 by 1,668 pixels (264 ppi). The larger model expands to a 13-inch display with 2,752 by 2,064 pixels (264 ppi). These OLED displays support an adaptive refresh rate (Apple’s ProMotion) that adjusts from 10Hz to 120Hz for a balance of battery efficiency and fluid visuals. With OLED, contrast has doubled to 2,000,000:1, and brightness for standard content now reaches 1,000 nits, up from 600 nits, while HDR brightness peaks at 1,600 nits. To maximize brightness, Apple employs a “tandem OLED” design, layering two OLED panels for a display that excels in dark scenes and high-dynamic-range (HDR) content. The P3 color gamut and True Tone technology deliver impressively accurate color across various lighting conditions.

Performance: Unrivaled Power

The 2024 iPad Pro debuts Apple’s new M4 processor, offering a leap in speed and efficiency over the M2. Models with 256GB and 512GB storage feature an M4 with a 9-core CPU (3 performance and 6 efficiency cores), 10 GPU cores, and 16 neural cores, supported by 8GB of RAM. Meanwhile, 1TB and 2TB models get a 10-core CPU (4 performance cores) with 16GB RAM, delivering further multitasking prowess.

In testing, this new chip handles even the most intensive apps effortlessly, from Apple Logic Pro 2 for music creation to complex edits in Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop. Benchmarks confirm these observations: the iPad Pro outperforms previous models with scores of 3,679 (single-core) and 14,647 (multi-core) on Geekbench 6, making it one of the most powerful tablets available.

Battery Life: A Familiar Story

Apple maintains its classic claim of 10 hours of web browsing on Wi-Fi or 9 hours on cellular, a goal it’s largely met since 2010. While the 2024 model improves on the 2022 version’s battery life, PCMag’s streaming test at full brightness measured 7 hours and 43 minutes, which is still shy of Apple’s stated figure. The device supports 20W charging and takes about two hours to fully recharge, though wireless or reverse charging options aren’t yet available.

Connectivity: High-Speed, But Some Limitations

The iPad Pro’s Wi-Fi 6E connectivity continues to deliver fast, reliable speeds, with peak download and upload speeds of 569Mbps and 140Mbps, respectively, in optimal conditions. Cellular models include 5G but no longer support mmWave, limiting peak download speeds. Bluetooth remains at version 5.3, and the USB-C port supports Thunderbolt 3 and USB4, offering up to 40Gbps transfer speeds. This enables support for external 6K displays and fast access to external storage, a benefit for pro-level users working with large files.

Camera: Impressive Quality for a Tablet

Apple’s camera updates cater to improved functionality and video calls. The 12MP front camera has shifted to the long edge, making it ideal for video calls. On the back, a 12MP rear camera replaces the previous ultra-wide lens, which captures sharp, colorful photos and can handle 4K60 video recording with ease. With features like audio zoom, stabilization, and slow-motion capture, the iPad Pro’s camera setup is as refined as it gets on a tablet.

Software: Room for Refinement

The iPad Pro runs on iPadOS 17.5, with expectations of further updates in iPadOS 18. While Apple’s ecosystem is strong, multitasking remains less fluid than on desktop platforms, and the file management system can still be cumbersome. The new Stage Manager feature helps organize windows, but it still falls short of a true desktop experience.

Accessories: Elevated Usability

The Apple Pencil Pro, priced at $129, adds new tools for creatives, including a pressure-sensitive area, a gyroscope for tip angle control, and haptic feedback. Meanwhile, the updated Magic Keyboard is thinner and includes a row of function keys, an aluminum palm rest, and an expanded trackpad for a more comfortable typing experience.

Verdict: The Ultimate Tablet for Professionals

The 2024 iPad Pro is a powerhouse, ideal for creative professionals who want a portable, high-performance device with unmatched display quality, strong connectivity, and robust accessory support. Although the iPad Air may suit those with lighter demands, the iPad Pro sets the standard for tablet productivity, multimedia, and performance.

The 2024 iPad Pro comes in two sizes and various configurations, with prices as follows:
- 11-inch iPad Pro (OLED)
  - 256GB: $999 (Wi-Fi), $1,199 (Wi-Fi + 5G)
  - 512GB: $1,199 (Wi-Fi), $1,399 (Wi-Fi + 5G)
  - 1TB: $1,599 (Wi-Fi), $1,799 (Wi-Fi + 5G)
  - 2TB: $1,999 (Wi-Fi), $2,199 (Wi-Fi + 5G)
- 13-inch iPad Pro (OLED)
  - 256GB: $1,399 (Wi-Fi), $1,599 (Wi-Fi + 5G)
  - 512GB: $1,599 (Wi-Fi), $1,799 (Wi-Fi + 5G)
  - 1TB: $1,999 (Wi-Fi), $2,199 (Wi-Fi + 5G)
  - 2TB: $2,399 (Wi-Fi), $2,599 (Wi-Fi + 5G)
These prices vary with storage options, and cellular connectivity adds $200 to each model. This cost places the iPad Pro firmly in the premium tablet category, making it a high-end choice for professionals who require robust performance, an OLED display, and expanded storage.

Conclusion:

The 2024 iPad Pro represents a powerful leap forward for creative and professional tablet users, thanks to the addition of Apple’s M4 chip, a stunning OLED display, and refined accessories like the new Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard. With improved brightness, richer contrast, and ProMotion for smoother visuals, the OLED screens are designed to dazzle. Performance-wise, the M4 chip and options of up to 16GB RAM ensure this device handles intense tasks effortlessly, from multitasking to complex creative applications. Enhanced connectivity with Thunderbolt 3 and USB4, FaceID adjustments, and camera updates further elevate the user experience.

At a starting price of $999 for the 11-inch model and $1,399 for the 13-inch, the iPad Pro is a premium device aimed at users who need uncompromising power and display quality. For everyday productivity or basic creative needs, the iPad Air offers a more affordable yet capable alternative. However, for professionals seeking top-tier performance and visual quality, the 2024 iPad Pro stands out as the ultimate tablet choice.
November 3, 2024