Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2020) Review: Fine-tuning for the Flagship

[Redaktion]

Even though the iPad Pro 12.9 (2020) is cheaper than its predecessor, it comes with superior hardware. For example, Apple has equipped its tablet for professional users with a stronger SoC as well as a new 12-MP camera with a LiDAR sensor. The device is still holding on to the claim of being able to fullly replace a traditional laptop.

https://www.notebookcheck.net/Apple-iPad-Pro-12-9-2020-Review-Fine-tuning-for-the-Flagship.465642.0.html

[sukablyad]

Disappointed with the reviewer failing to mention the abysmal contrast: 2018 ipad has 50% higher contrast!!!! And w t f is wrong with the kb? 400€!!!

[jodiuh]

Disappointed with the reviewer failing to mention the abysmal contrast: 2018 ipad has 50% higher contrast!!!! And w t f is wrong with the kb? 400€!!!

Having spent a considerable amount of time with the cellular 12.9 2020, I cannot agree more with your comment. It's worthless for watching letterbox content and an embarrassment for a $1500+ device.

That said, having a portable 120hz display that can be used as a main in a MacBook sidecar configuration wirelessly along with the mouse support allow for some wonderfully efficient use cases if each device has it's own mouse and the keyboard can be shared between them. It's quite simple to switch back and forth between apps on the iPad and the sidecar display.

IMO, the 6 GB of RAM can be "felt" compared to the 2018 11" with 4 GB and the A12's still quite snappy.

That said, I think most of us would have preferred a decent display and at least an A13. If the new iPhones release with A14 this year, the iPad's 2 generations behind. Then just how miffed will a lot of us feel if they do in fact decide to purchase this "gimped" 2020 iPad if 2021 sees a new display tech and an A14 in a new Pro model.

I'm almost sad to think that Apple may decide to add a higher end Pro model to their lineup, but that's what it seems like may happen. :/ I hope I'm wrong!

Overall, it's an incredible machine to use and whilst their's some bummers, there's simply no other option like it for those of us that can actually maximize their usage of it.

Thanks for the review guys!

[Jakob Denmark]

Disappointed with the reviewer failing to mention the abysmal contrast: 2018 ipad has 50% higher contrast!!!! And w t f is wrong with the kb? 400€!!!

The reviewer doesn't mention it because you cant conclude jach shlt from it.
it can vary a lot from one unit to the next, not to mention from one reviewer's test gear to the next, if they cycle between different people.
All the other Ipad pro 12.9 tests, like 2017, and 2018 are done by Daniel, this review is done by Manual.
Not to mention Daniel gets a 1975/1 contrast ratio on the Ipad Pro 12.9 256GB LTE while others testing the same Ipad Pro 12.9 like gsmarena are getting a contrast ratio at 1600/1 on the same version Ipad Pro 2018.. that almost a 400nits different from the same Ipad Pro-version
and the official contrast ratio on the 2018 Ipad Pro according to Apple is around the 1600/1

To sum up' dont put to much, value to certain things that can be highly variable, hence numerous aspects.
Took a brief look around the web for contrast ratio test, but sadly could not find many, but they are likely the same panel as 2018...

[Gloria]

So the iPad Pro 12.9 2020 4th gen has Pwm only in screen brightness lower than 13? There is no pwm frequency above that?