IPad Pro 11 (2nd Gen) 128GB: Review & Should You Buy?

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the iPad Pro 11 (2nd Generation) with 128GB of storage. This sleek tablet hit the market with a bang, promising pro-level performance in a compact form factor. But does it still hold up in today's fast-paced tech world? Let's break it down and see if it's the right choice for you.

Design and Display: Beauty and Brilliance

The iPad Pro 11 (2nd Gen) boasts a stunning edge-to-edge Liquid Retina display. We're talking vibrant colors, incredible clarity, and ProMotion technology that makes scrolling and animations buttery smooth. The 11-inch size is perfect for portability – it's big enough to comfortably work on, yet small enough to easily slip into a bag. The slim bezels give it a modern, immersive feel, making everything from watching movies to editing photos a visual treat. The design is classic Apple: minimalist, elegant, and built with premium materials. It feels solid and well-made in your hands, exuding that signature iPad Pro quality. The fully laminated display reduces reflections, which is a huge plus when using it outdoors or in brightly lit environments. The anti-reflective coating truly makes a difference, ensuring that you can always see what you're working on without annoying glare. Plus, the rounded corners and flat edges give it a sleek and modern aesthetic that's both functional and stylish. Whether you're a creative professional or just someone who enjoys consuming content on the go, the display is a major selling point.

Performance: Power That Packs a Punch

Under the hood, the A12Z Bionic chip delivers serious power. This chip, coupled with 6GB of RAM, handles everything from demanding creative tasks to graphics-intensive games with ease. Multitasking is a breeze, and you can switch between apps without any lag. The A12Z Bionic chip features an 8-core CPU and an 8-core GPU, which provides a significant performance boost compared to previous generations. This allows for seamless video editing, 3D modeling, and augmented reality experiences. Even with multiple apps running in the background, the iPad Pro 11 (2nd Gen) maintains its responsiveness and speed. The Neural Engine also enhances performance by accelerating machine learning tasks, such as facial recognition and image processing. This makes the iPad Pro incredibly efficient and intelligent, adapting to your usage patterns and optimizing performance accordingly. Whether you're a student taking notes, a designer creating artwork, or a business professional managing projects, the iPad Pro has the power to handle it all. The combination of the A12Z Bionic chip, ample RAM, and advanced software optimization makes this tablet a true powerhouse.

Storage: 128GB - Is It Enough?

The 128GB of storage is a decent starting point for most users. If you primarily use your iPad for browsing, streaming, and light productivity, you'll likely find it sufficient. However, if you plan on storing a lot of large files, such as 4K videos, high-resolution photos, or extensive creative projects, you might want to consider a higher storage option. Cloud storage is always an option to supplement the internal storage, but it requires a reliable internet connection. For photographers and videographers who work with large files on a regular basis, 128GB might feel restrictive. Consider how much storage you typically use on your current devices and factor in any potential increase in usage. If you're unsure, it's always better to err on the side of caution and opt for a larger storage capacity. Remember, you can't upgrade the storage after you purchase the iPad, so it's important to make the right decision upfront. Weigh your storage needs carefully to ensure that the 128GB option meets your requirements. The 128GB model provides a good balance for many users, but it's essential to assess your individual needs to avoid running out of space down the line.

Camera: More Than Just a Tablet Camera

The iPad Pro 11 (2nd Gen) features a dual-camera system on the rear, consisting of a 12MP wide camera and a 10MP ultrawide camera. This setup allows for versatile photography and videography, including capturing stunning landscapes and group shots. The image quality is excellent, with accurate colors and plenty of detail. The camera also supports Smart HDR, which enhances the dynamic range and ensures that your photos look their best. The front-facing 7MP TrueDepth camera is perfect for video calls and selfies, with excellent image quality and support for Portrait mode. The iPad Pro's camera system is surprisingly capable for a tablet. The rear cameras can record video in 4K resolution at up to 60 frames per second, making it a great tool for creating professional-quality videos. The ultrawide camera also allows you to capture a wider field of view, which is ideal for shooting in tight spaces. The front camera also supports Center Stage, which automatically adjusts the framing during video calls to keep you in the center of the frame. This is a particularly useful feature for video conferencing and online learning. The iPad Pro's camera system is not only functional but also packed with features that enhance the overall user experience. Whether you're capturing memories, creating content, or staying connected with friends and family, the iPad Pro's cameras deliver impressive results. For a tablet, the camera is surprisingly competent.

Audio: Immersive Sound Experience

The iPad Pro 11 (2nd Gen) boasts a four-speaker audio system that delivers immersive sound. The speakers are strategically placed to provide a wide stereo soundstage, making movies, music, and games sound incredibly rich and detailed. The audio quality is excellent, with clear highs, balanced mids, and deep bass. The iPad Pro's audio system is also surprisingly loud, making it suitable for use in noisy environments. Whether you're watching a movie, listening to music, or playing a game, the iPad Pro's audio system enhances the overall entertainment experience. The four-speaker setup creates a three-dimensional soundscape that makes you feel like you're right in the middle of the action. The speakers automatically adjust the audio output based on the orientation of the iPad, ensuring that you always get the best possible sound quality. The iPad Pro also supports Dolby Atmos, which provides an even more immersive audio experience when using compatible headphones or speakers. The audio quality is so good that you can even use the iPad Pro as a portable speaker for small gatherings. Whether you're a music lover, a movie buff, or a gamer, the iPad Pro's audio system will not disappoint. The immersive sound is a definite highlight.

iPadOS: Optimized for Productivity

iPadOS takes full advantage of the iPad Pro's hardware, offering a range of features optimized for productivity and creativity. Multitasking is seamless, with support for Split View and Slide Over, allowing you to work with multiple apps simultaneously. The Files app provides easy access to your files, and the redesigned Home screen widgets offer at-a-glance information. iPadOS also supports the Apple Pencil, making it a powerful tool for note-taking, sketching, and drawing. The Apple Pencil integrates seamlessly with iPadOS, allowing you to quickly jot down notes, create artwork, and annotate documents. The Scribble feature allows you to handwrite text in any text field, which is automatically converted to typed text. iPadOS also supports external keyboards and trackpads, transforming the iPad Pro into a laptop-like device. The operating system is constantly evolving, with regular updates that add new features and improvements. iPadOS is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, making it easy to learn and use. Whether you're a student, a creative professional, or a business user, iPadOS provides the tools and features you need to be productive on the go. The optimized software is a key strength.

Connectivity and Battery Life: Staying Connected and Powered Up

The iPad Pro 11 (2nd Gen) offers excellent connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 6 and optional cellular connectivity. Wi-Fi 6 provides faster wireless speeds and improved network performance, while cellular connectivity allows you to stay connected even when you're away from Wi-Fi. The iPad Pro also features a USB-C port for charging and connecting accessories. The battery life is impressive, with up to 10 hours of usage on a single charge. This allows you to work, play, and create on the go without worrying about running out of power. The battery life may vary depending on your usage patterns, but overall, the iPad Pro provides excellent battery performance. The USB-C port supports fast charging, allowing you to quickly recharge the battery when needed. The iPad Pro also supports Bluetooth 5.0, which provides faster and more reliable wireless connections. Whether you're connecting to a Wi-Fi network, using cellular data, or connecting accessories, the iPad Pro offers a range of connectivity options to suit your needs. The connectivity and battery life are both solid.

Alternatives: What Else Is Out There?

Before you commit, let's consider some alternatives. The newer iPad Pro models offer even more power and advanced features, such as the M1 chip and a Liquid Retina XDR display. However, they also come with a higher price tag. The iPad Air (4th or 5th Gen) is a great mid-range option that offers excellent performance and features at a more affordable price. If you're looking for a smaller tablet, the iPad mini (6th Gen) is a great choice. It offers a compact design and powerful performance, making it perfect for on-the-go use. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S series is another popular alternative, offering similar features and performance to the iPad Pro. Consider your budget, your needs, and your preferences when choosing a tablet. The market is full of excellent options.

Conclusion: Is the iPad Pro 11 (2nd Gen) 128GB Still Worth It?

So, is the iPad Pro 11 (2nd Gen) 128GB still worth buying? Absolutely! It offers a fantastic combination of power, portability, and features. The A12Z Bionic chip is still incredibly capable, the display is stunning, and iPadOS is optimized for productivity. While newer models offer some improvements, the 2nd Gen iPad Pro remains a compelling option, especially if you can find it at a good price. If you're looking for a powerful and versatile tablet for creative work, productivity, or entertainment, the iPad Pro 11 (2nd Gen) 128GB is definitely worth considering. It's a great device that continues to deliver a premium experience.