Apple IPad Pro 11 4G 1TB (2018): Review

by Alex Braham 41 views

Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into the Apple iPad Pro 11-inch 4G 1TB (2018). This tablet isn't just a gadget; it's a powerhouse designed for professionals and creatives who need serious performance on the go. Let's break down what makes this iPad Pro tick, covering everything from its stunning display to its blazing-fast performance, and whether it still holds up in today's tech landscape. So, grab your favorite beverage, sit back, and let's get started!

Design and Build Quality: Sleek and Sturdy

When it comes to design, Apple rarely misses the mark, and the iPad Pro 11-inch (2018) is no exception. The first thing you'll notice is its sleek, minimalist aesthetic. The edge-to-edge Liquid Retina display is framed by slim bezels, giving it a modern and immersive look. The rounded corners and flat edges provide a comfortable grip, making it easy to hold whether you're sketching, reading, or just browsing the web. The build quality is top-notch, with a sturdy aluminum unibody that feels incredibly premium. This iPad Pro is available in two elegant finishes: Space Gray and Silver.

Despite its large display, the iPad Pro 11-inch remains surprisingly compact and lightweight. It measures just 5.9mm thin and weighs around 468 grams (1.03 pounds), making it incredibly portable. You can easily slip it into a backpack or messenger bag without feeling weighed down. The absence of a physical home button contributes to its streamlined design, replaced by Apple's intuitive gesture-based navigation.

One of the standout design features is the inclusion of USB-C, a welcome change from the Lightning port found on previous iPad models. This allows for faster charging and data transfer speeds, as well as compatibility with a wide range of accessories. The Smart Connector on the rear of the device enables seamless connectivity with the Smart Keyboard Folio and other accessories, while the magnetic connector on the side is designed for the second-generation Apple Pencil. Overall, the design of the iPad Pro 11-inch (2018) is a masterclass in balancing aesthetics, functionality, and portability.

Display: A Visual Feast

The display on the Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (2018) is nothing short of spectacular. The 11-inch Liquid Retina display boasts a resolution of 2388 x 1668 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 264 pixels per inch. This means that images and text appear incredibly sharp and detailed, making it a joy to consume content. Whether you're watching movies, editing photos, or reading articles, the display delivers stunning clarity and vibrancy. The color accuracy is also excellent, with wide color gamut coverage that ensures colors are rendered faithfully and accurately.

One of the key features of the display is ProMotion technology, which automatically adjusts the refresh rate up to 120Hz. This results in incredibly smooth scrolling, responsive touch input, and reduced latency when using the Apple Pencil. The difference is immediately noticeable, making everything feel more fluid and natural. The display also supports True Tone technology, which automatically adjusts the color temperature based on ambient lighting conditions. This helps to reduce eye strain and makes the display more comfortable to view in different environments.

The iPad Pro 11-inch (2018) display also features an anti-reflective coating, which significantly reduces glare and reflections. This makes it easier to use the iPad Pro outdoors or in brightly lit environments. The display is also laminated, which means that there is no air gap between the glass and the LCD panel. This results in improved clarity and reduced parallax, making it feel like you're directly interacting with the content on the screen. In summary, the display on the iPad Pro 11-inch (2018) is one of the best in the business, offering stunning visuals, smooth performance, and excellent usability.

Performance: Powerhouse Performance

Under the hood, the Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (2018) is powered by the A12X Bionic chip, a powerhouse of processing performance. This chip features an 8-core CPU and a 7-core GPU, delivering incredible speed and responsiveness. Whether you're multitasking, gaming, or editing videos, the iPad Pro handles everything with ease. The A12X Bionic chip is also equipped with a Neural Engine, which accelerates machine learning tasks such as image recognition and natural language processing.

With 1TB of internal storage, you'll have plenty of space to store all your files, photos, and videos. The 4GB of RAM ensures smooth multitasking and seamless performance even when running multiple apps simultaneously. The iPad Pro 11-inch (2018) also supports Gigabit-class LTE, allowing you to stay connected on the go. The inclusion of 4G connectivity means you can access the internet, stream videos, and stay productive even when you're away from Wi-Fi.

The A12X Bionic chip delivers desktop-class performance, making the iPad Pro 11-inch (2018) a viable alternative to a traditional laptop for many tasks. It can handle demanding applications such as Adobe Photoshop, Procreate, and Final Cut Pro with ease. The iPad Pro also supports augmented reality (AR) applications, allowing you to experience immersive AR experiences. The combination of powerful hardware and advanced software makes the iPad Pro 11-inch (2018) a true powerhouse for creative professionals and power users.

Software and Features: iOS at Its Best

The Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (2018) runs on iOS, Apple's mobile operating system. iOS is known for its intuitive interface, smooth performance, and robust security features. The iPad Pro benefits from all the latest iOS features, including multitasking, Split View, Slide Over, and drag-and-drop functionality. These features make it easy to work on multiple apps simultaneously and enhance productivity.

One of the standout features of iOS on the iPad Pro is the Apple Pencil support. The second-generation Apple Pencil attaches magnetically to the side of the iPad Pro and charges wirelessly. It offers incredibly low latency and precise input, making it a joy to use for drawing, sketching, and note-taking. The Apple Pencil also supports tilt and pressure sensitivity, allowing you to vary the thickness and opacity of your strokes.

The iPad Pro 11-inch (2018) also features Face ID, Apple's facial recognition technology. Face ID allows you to securely unlock your iPad Pro, authenticate purchases, and sign in to apps using just your face. It's fast, reliable, and more secure than Touch ID. The iPad Pro also supports Apple Pay, allowing you to make contactless payments using your iPad Pro.

Camera: Decent Snappers

The camera system on the Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (2018) is surprisingly capable. It features a 12MP rear camera with an f/1.8 aperture, allowing you to capture detailed photos and videos. The camera also supports Smart HDR, which improves the dynamic range of your photos. The rear camera can record 4K video at up to 60 frames per second, as well as 1080p slow-motion video at up to 240 frames per second.

The front-facing 7MP TrueDepth camera is perfect for video calls and selfies. It also supports Face ID, allowing you to securely unlock your iPad Pro using facial recognition. The front camera can record 1080p video at 30 frames per second and supports Portrait mode, which blurs the background to create a professional-looking portrait.

While the camera system on the iPad Pro 11-inch (2018) may not be as advanced as the cameras on the latest iPhones, it's more than capable for most tasks. Whether you're scanning documents, taking photos of whiteboards, or video conferencing with colleagues, the iPad Pro's cameras deliver excellent performance.

Battery Life: All-Day Power

The Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (2018) offers excellent battery life, allowing you to get through a full day of work or play without needing to recharge. Apple claims that the iPad Pro can last up to 10 hours on a single charge when browsing the web, watching videos, or listening to music. In real-world use, I found that the iPad Pro easily lasted through a full day of moderate to heavy use.

The iPad Pro 11-inch (2018) charges via USB-C, and Apple includes an 18W USB-C power adapter in the box. This allows for faster charging compared to the Lightning port on previous iPad models. The iPad Pro also supports USB-C Power Delivery, which means you can use a USB-C power bank to charge your iPad Pro on the go.

Pros and Cons

To summarize, here's a quick rundown of the pros and cons of the Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (2018):

Pros:

  • Stunning Liquid Retina display with ProMotion technology
  • Powerful A12X Bionic chip for desktop-class performance
  • 1TB of internal storage for storing all your files
  • 4G connectivity for staying connected on the go
  • Excellent battery life
  • Face ID for secure authentication
  • USB-C for faster charging and data transfer
  • Support for Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard Folio

Cons:

  • Relatively expensive compared to other tablets
  • No headphone jack
  • Accessories like the Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard Folio are sold separately

Is It Still Worth It in 2024?

So, the big question: is the Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (2018) still worth buying in 2024? The answer is a resounding yes, especially if you can find it at a good price. While it may not have the latest and greatest features of the newer iPad Pro models, it still offers excellent performance, a stunning display, and a premium design. The A12X Bionic chip is still plenty powerful for most tasks, and the 1TB of storage is more than enough for most users.

If you're a creative professional or power user who needs a portable and powerful tablet, the iPad Pro 11-inch (2018) is an excellent choice. It's perfect for photo editing, video editing, graphic design, and more. The Apple Pencil support is also a major plus for artists and designers. However, if you're a casual user who primarily uses a tablet for browsing the web, watching videos, and playing games, you may be better off with a less expensive iPad model.

Final Verdict

The Apple iPad Pro 11-inch 4G 1TB (2018) remains a top-tier tablet that continues to impress. Its powerful performance, stunning display, and premium design make it a standout device for professionals and creatives. While newer models have since been released, the 2018 iPad Pro still offers an exceptional user experience and tremendous value, especially if you can snag it at a discounted price. Whether you're creating digital art, editing videos, or staying productive on the go, this iPad Pro is a reliable and capable companion. So there you have it, folks! Hope this deep dive helped you make a more informed decision. Until next time!