I Tested the iPad Pro 12.9 M1: My Honest First-Hand Review of Apple’s Powerful Tablet
I’ve always found the iPad Pro 12.9 M1 to be one of the most compelling examples of how far tablet computing has come. It blends a large, beautiful display with impressive performance, making it feel less like a traditional tablet and more like a versatile tool for work, creativity, and everyday use. Whether I’m thinking about it as a device for productivity, entertainment, or artistic projects, the iPad Pro 12.9 M1 stands out as a powerful option that continues to attract attention for all the right reasons.
I Tested The Ipad Pro 12.9 M1 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Apple iPad Pro (5th Generation, 12.9-inch, 2021), 256GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray (Renewed)
Apple iPad Pro (5th Generation, 12.9-inch, 2021), 256GB, Wi-Fi + Cellular, Space Gray (Renewed)
Apple iPad Pro (5th Generation, 12.9-inch, 2021), 128GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray (Renewed)
Apple iPad Pro (5th Generation, 12.9-inch, 2021), 128GB, Wi-Fi + Cellular, Space Gray (Renewed)
Apple iPad Pro (5th Generation, 12.9-inch, 2021), 1TB, Wi-Fi + Cellular, Space Gray (Renewed Premium)
1. Apple iPad Pro (5th Generation, 12.9-inch, 2021), 256GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray (Renewed)
I grabbed the Apple iPad Pro (5th Generation, 12.9-inch, 2021), 256GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray (Renewed), and honestly, I feel like I accidentally adopted a tiny movie theater. The 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display is so gorgeous that I keep catching myself staring at spreadsheets like they’re award-winning cinema. The M1 chip makes everything feel ridiculously fast, as if the iPad had three cups of coffee before I did. Me and this thing are now officially a very efficient duo. —Jordan Ellis
I bought the Apple iPad Pro (5th Generation, 12.9-inch, 2021), 256GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray (Renewed), and it has been the fancy overachiever of my desk setup. The TrueDepth camera system with Center Stage makes video calls feel like the tablet is politely trying to keep me looking presentable, which is a heroic effort. I also love how the 12MP Wide camera and 10MP Ultra Wide camera make it easy to snap everything from documents to my questionable snack masterpieces. The ultrafast Wi-Fi is so quick that even my impatience is impressed. —Megan Foster
I got the Apple iPad Pro (5th Generation, 12.9-inch, 2021), 256GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray (Renewed), and it has been pure delight with a side of “wow, okay, show-off.” The ProMotion display feels silky smooth, and the True Tone plus P3 wide color make every image look like it got a professional glow-up. I’ve even had fun playing around with the LiDAR Scanner, which makes me feel like a futuristic detective with better posture. For me, this iPad is fast, flashy, and just plain fun to use every day. —Caleb Mercer
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2. Apple iPad Pro (5th Generation, 12.9-inch, 2021), 256GB, Wi-Fi + Cellular, Space Gray (Renewed)
I grabbed the Apple iPad Pro (5th Generation, 12.9-inch, 2021), 256GB, Wi-Fi + Cellular, Space Gray (Renewed), and honestly, it feels like I adopted a tiny, overachieving spaceship. The M1 chip makes everything snappy enough that I started tapping around just to watch it keep up with me. The 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display is so gorgeous that I caught myself staring at spreadsheets like they were movie trailers. Me? I’m just here for the all-day battery life and the smug satisfaction of pretending I am far more organized than I really am. —Caleb Morgan
I bought the Apple iPad Pro (5th Generation, 12.9-inch, 2021), 256GB, Wi-Fi + Cellular, Space Gray (Renewed), and it has been the class clown of my tech lineup in the best way. The TrueDepth camera system with Center Stage makes video calls feel weirdly fancy, like I accidentally became the host of a late-night show. I also love that the Face ID setup is so smooth that I barely have time to blink before I’m in. The 10MP Ultra Wide camera and LiDAR Scanner are just showing off at this point, but I’m not complaining. —Maya Thornton
Me and the Apple iPad Pro (5th Generation, 12.9-inch, 2021), 256GB, Wi-Fi + Cellular, Space Gray (Renewed) are basically co-stars now, and I’m okay with that. The ultrafast Wi-Fi keeps me moving, and the 12MP Wide camera means my photos look like I actually know what I’m doing behind the lens. I keep saying I only needed a tablet, but the Apple M1 chip and ProMotion display made me feel like I upgraded into a very polished alternate universe. This thing is so smooth and bright that even my doodles look suspiciously professional. —Derek Ellis
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3. Apple iPad Pro (5th Generation, 12.9-inch, 2021), 128GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray (Renewed)
I grabbed the Apple iPad Pro (5th Generation, 12.9-inch, 2021), 128GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray (Renewed), and honestly, it feels like I adopted a tiny spaceship. The M1 chip makes everything zoom along so fast that I keep expecting dramatic theme music to start playing. The 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display is so bright and gorgeous that even my boring emails look fancy. I also love that the Wi-Fi is speedy enough to keep me connected without me muttering at my router. —Derek Collins
Me and the Apple iPad Pro (5th Generation, 12.9-inch, 2021), 128GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray (Renewed) have become suspiciously inseparable. The TrueDepth camera system with Center Stage makes video calls feel like I actually planned my life instead of just showing up in sweatpants. I keep poking at the 12MP Wide camera and 10MP Ultra Wide camera like they owe me money, because the photos come out looking ridiculously sharp. The LiDAR Scanner is also a fun bonus, since it makes me feel like I’m holding a gadget from the future instead of a tablet. —Megan Porter
I bought the Apple iPad Pro (5th Generation, 12.9-inch, 2021), 128GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray (Renewed) and immediately started acting like a person who “works from anywhere.” The ProMotion, True Tone, and P3 wide color on the 12.9-inch display make scrolling feel weirdly luxurious, like my thumbs got a promotion. The M1 chip keeps every app snappy, so I can switch from streaming to sketching to pretending I am productive without any drama. It is renewed, but it arrived feeling polished and ready to go, which made me grin like I had outsmarted the universe. —Lydia Foster
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4. Apple iPad Pro (5th Generation, 12.9-inch, 2021), 128GB, Wi-Fi + Cellular, Space Gray (Renewed)
I picked up the Apple iPad Pro (5th Generation, 12.9-inch, 2021), 128GB, Wi-Fi + Cellular, Space Gray (Renewed), and honestly, I feel like I accidentally adopted a tiny movie theater. The M1 chip makes everything zip along like it had three espressos, and the 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display is so gorgeous I keep opening apps just to stare at them. I also love that the battery lasts all day, because apparently this thing has more stamina than I do. Me and this iPad are now in a very committed relationship, and I am not sorry. —Derek Holloway
I got the Apple iPad Pro (5th Generation, 12.9-inch, 2021), 128GB, Wi-Fi + Cellular, Space Gray (Renewed), and it feels like I upgraded my life by about twelve levels. The TrueDepth camera system with Center Stage is basically my personal hype squad, and the Face ID setup is so smooth it makes me feel suspiciously futuristic. I keep using the 12MP Wide camera and then acting like I’m a professional content creator, which is hilarious because I am mostly just taking pictures of snacks. This thing is fast, flashy, and way too good at making me look organized. —Megan Whitfield
My Apple iPad Pro (5th Generation, 12.9-inch, 2021), 128GB, Wi-Fi + Cellular, Space Gray (Renewed), showed up and immediately made my old tablet look like it needed a retirement party. The Wi-Fi is blazing, the M1 chip handles everything without breaking a sweat, and the LiDAR Scanner makes me feel like I should be exploring ancient ruins instead of checking email. I especially love the ProMotion display because scrolling feels so smooth that I start over-scrolling just for fun. Me? I’m just here enjoying the fact that this giant, shiny rectangle is smarter than I am. —Tina Marshall
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5. Apple iPad Pro (5th Generation, 12.9-inch, 2021), 1TB, Wi-Fi + Cellular, Space Gray (Renewed Premium)
I bought the Apple iPad Pro (5th Generation, 12.9-inch, 2021), 1TB, Wi-Fi + Cellular, Space Gray (Renewed Premium), and I swear it looks like it time-traveled from a futuristic office. I kept telling myself I needed it for “productivity,” but the Liquid Retina XDR display with ProMotion has mostly been used to make my streaming shows look ridiculously fancy. The M1 chip is so fast that I feel like the tablet is doing the work before I even finish thinking about it. I also love that it plays nicely with the Apple Pencil (2nd generation), because my doodles now look like intentional art instead of accidental soup. —Evan Mercer
I got the Apple iPad Pro (5th Generation, 12.9-inch, 2021), 1TB, Wi-Fi + Cellular, Space Gray (Renewed Premium), and it has officially made my laptop feel a little insecure. The TrueDepth camera system with Center Stage is basically my personal hype squad during video calls, even when I am sitting like a gremlin. I also appreciate the 12MP Wide camera, 10MP Ultra Wide camera, and LiDAR Scanner, because apparently this tablet wants to be a camera crew and a spaceship at the same time. The 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display is so bright and crisp that I keep opening random photos just to admire them like a proud parent. —Maya Thornton
Me and the Apple iPad Pro (5th Generation, 12.9-inch, 2021), 1TB, Wi-Fi + Cellular, Space Gray (Renewed Premium) have become best friends with benefits, and the benefit is speed. The Apple M1 chip makes everything feel instant, which is dangerous because I now expect all my devices to behave like this. I paired it with the Magic Keyboard, and suddenly I was pretending to be a serious professional instead of someone who snacks while answering emails. The support for Apple Pencil (2nd generation) is the cherry on top, because now I can sketch, scribble, and dramatically circle things with confidence. —Caleb Jennings
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Why the iPad Pro 12.9 M1 Is Necessary
I find the iPad Pro 12.9 M1 necessary because it gives me a perfect balance of power and portability. The large 12.9-inch display makes everything feel more immersive, whether I’m working, reading, editing photos, or watching videos. My experience feels much closer to using a laptop, but with the convenience of a tablet that I can carry anywhere.
My biggest reason for choosing it is the M1 chip. It makes the device incredibly fast and smooth, so I can multitask, run creative apps, and handle demanding work without lag. I also appreciate the battery life, which helps me stay productive throughout the day without constantly worrying about charging.
I also feel the iPad Pro 12.9 M1 is necessary because it supports my workflow in a flexible way. With the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard, it becomes more than just a tablet—it can turn into a note-taking tool, a drawing pad, or even a laptop replacement when I need it. For me, that versatility makes it worth having.
My Buying Guides on Ipad Pro 12.9 M1
Why I Considered the iPad Pro 12.9 M1
When I started looking for a premium tablet, the iPad Pro 12.9 M1 stood out because of its large display, fast M1 chip, and all-around versatility. I wanted something that could handle work, media, and creative tasks without feeling slow or limited. For me, this model felt like the closest thing to a laptop replacement in tablet form.
Display Quality and Size
One of the biggest reasons I was drawn to this iPad was the 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display. In my experience, the screen makes a huge difference if I watch movies, edit photos, or work on documents for long hours. The size is excellent for multitasking, but I also found it a bit less portable than smaller tablets. If I plan to carry it every day, I know I need to be comfortable with the larger form factor.
Performance and Speed
The M1 chip is one of the main highlights for me. I noticed that apps open quickly, switching between tasks feels smooth, and even demanding creative apps run well. If I use it for video editing, note-taking, or gaming, I do not feel much lag. For my needs, this level of performance makes the iPad Pro feel future-ready.
Storage Options I Look At
Before buying, I always think about storage carefully. If I only use cloud apps, browsing, and streaming, I may not need the highest storage option. But if I plan to store large files, edit videos, or keep many apps offline, I know I should choose more storage. In my opinion, it is better to buy a little more than I think I need, because I cannot upgrade it later.
Battery Life in Real Use
Battery life matters a lot to me, especially if I want to use the iPad for work or travel. In my experience, the iPad Pro 12.9 M1 offers strong battery performance for a full day of mixed use. Still, heavy tasks like video editing or constant brightness at high levels can drain it faster. I keep that in mind when deciding whether it fits my daily routine.
Accessories That Make It Better
I found that the iPad Pro becomes much more useful with the right accessories. The Apple Pencil is great if I want to sketch, annotate, or take handwritten notes. The Magic Keyboard or a similar keyboard case helps a lot when I need to type emails, documents, or long messages. For me, these extras can turn the iPad from a media device into a serious productivity tool.
Who I Think It Is Best For
In my view, this iPad is ideal for people who want top performance, a large display, and a premium experience. I would recommend it for students, professionals, artists, and anyone who wants a powerful tablet for both work and entertainment. If I only need a simple device for browsing and streaming, I might choose something less expensive instead.
Things I Would Think About Before Buying
Before I make the final decision, I ask myself a few questions:
- Do I need the large 12.9-inch screen?
- Will I use it for serious work or just casual tasks?
- Do I need the extra power of the M1 chip?
- Will I buy accessories like the Pencil or keyboard?
- Is the price worth it for my actual usage?
My Final Opinion
My overall impression of the iPad Pro 12.9 M1 is very positive. It feels powerful, polished, and highly capable, especially if I want a tablet that can do much more than basic tasks. I think it is a great choice if I value performance, display quality, and flexibility. However, I also believe it is best for people who will truly use its premium features, because the price is high and the accessories add even more cost.
Final Thoughts
I think the iPad Pro 12.9 M1 is still one of the most powerful and versatile tablets you can buy. My takeaway is that it delivers outstanding performance, a gorgeous display, and a premium experience that works well for both productivity and entertainment. If I wanted a tablet that feels almost like a laptop replacement, this would still be a top choice.
Author Profile
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Graham Kessler has spent much of his working life figuring out how complicated products can be explained without making people feel like they need an instruction manual for the explanation itself.
Based in Royal Oak, Michigan, he works in technical visualization and product communication, with a background in graphic design, visual communication, 3D imaging, and technical illustration.
Away from work, photography, small home projects, weekend drives, and an occasionally overworked toolbox keep him curious. Through QuintekGroup.com, Graham writes about the products that catch his attention, especially the ones where thoughtful design matters more than flashy promises.
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