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.
