Joel Barron·

10.5-Inch iPad Pro Review [Video]

Here’s our full Apple’s 10.5-inch iPad Pro review video exploring its new features and comparing it with the previous-gen 9.7-inch variant.

At the yearly WWDC this year, Apple announced some new upgrades to their iPad Pro line. We now not only have a 12.9-inch iPad Pro, but also a new 10.5-inch iPad Pro replacing previous generation’s 9.7-inch model. Apple has managed to enlarge the display from 9.7-inches to 10.5-inches while keeping the same thinness, and barely increasing the physical length and width of the newly added iPad Pro, with the bezels having been reduced in size. Less bezels and more screen is always something I welcome on a device.

Also, you’ll be happy to know that the new line comes with 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage tiers. Hopefully, we’ll see the same in the next generation iPhones due later this year. Internally, both 10.5-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pros are powered by Apple’s A10X Fusion chip with 64-bit architecture. This new chip in the iPad Pros has six CPU cores, giving it a lot of power over the previous A9X chip. It is 40% faster while graphics wise, the new iPad Pro is 30% faster with its 12-core GPU – great for those who are video editors, render 3D images, or love to play games.

When it comes to the Retina display, this too, has gotten an upgrade. On the 10.5-inch model, because of the new size, it has a resolution of 2224 x 1668, keeping the same 264ppi density as the previous generation, though it is brighter than before with its 600 nits of brightness. Along with the new A10X processing chip, Apple has included a new technology called ProMotion, which delivers a display refresh rate of 120Hz for fluid scrolling, greater responsiveness, and smoother motion. This is quite the leap from the 60Hz refresh rate on previous generation iPad Pros.

You can definitely notice the difference when first using it whether you are jumping from app to app, scrolling through pages, watching videos, movies, or playing games. It is super smooth and I was quite impressed when comparing the two. The new ProMotion technology is also able to improve the display quality and reduce power consumption by automatically adjusting the display refresh rate to match the movement of the content. This is a plus as your battery would probably drain pretty quickly at a continuous refresh rate of 120Hz.

Just like all the iPads I’ve used in the past, you won’t have an issue when it comes to battery. Being somebody who spends a lot of time on social media, watching videos, listening to music, checking email, and playing games on occasion, this iPad Pro gets me through a day easily and still has a lot of battery left for the next day. On average, I tend to need to charge my iPad maybe once a week and that hasn’t changed with this model.

If you are an Apple Pencil user, with the smoothness of the 120Hz refresh rate on the new iPad Pro, you’ll experience almost no lag while using the accessory. The lines feel as if they are coming right out of the pencil. Those who are graphic designers or digital artists will definitely appreciate the new iPad Pro’s refresh rate.

When using the iPad Pro, I don’t expect to use it as my camera. I don’t want to be that guy holding a large piece of aluminum trying to capture a moment, but I have to say the new iPad Pro definitely has some great cameras. Actually, it has the same cameras you’ll find on the iPhone 7 – 12MP rear-facing camera and a 7MP FaceTime HD camera. So, if there is ever a need for a good quality photo or 4K video, your iPad Pro can get the job done.

Another improvement with the iPad Pro is it now has Apple’s latest 2nd-gen Touch ID fingerprint sensor that you will also find on the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus. It is twice as fast as its previous-generation part, which you’ll notice when you need to unlock your iPad, make purchases, or secure private data within apps.

Now, software-wise, the new iPad Pro comes with the current iOS 10 out of the box, but will be able to update to iOS 11 in the Fall. iOS 11 gives you several useful new features on the iPad, such as an all new dock, drag and drop, and more multitasking functionality. The release should pair very nicely with all the internal upgrades on the new iPad Pro.

Overall, do I think the new iPad Pro 10.5-inch is something to pick up or upgrade to? I would say it depends on what kind of user you are. If you currently own an iPad Pro 9.7-inch, I think you should ask yourself if the slightly larger display, better refresh rate, new camera, and more storage entices you. If not, I’d recommend sticking with the 9.7-inch iPad Pro because that is still a great tablet and you’ll still have the exact same features on both iPad Pros whether you are on iOS 10 or upgrade to iOS 11 when that drops later this year. If you are a graphic designer or digital artist and don’t have an iPad yet, this iPad Pro is a must-have. For those who occasionally consume video, movies or music, browse the web or social media, etc., I recommend going for the less expensive iPad. This new iPad Pro is a beast of a tablet and I’m confident you won’t be disappointed if you decided to buy one today.

Check out our full video review below.

RP Rating: 9.5/10

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