The Bionic-powered iPad Pro is getting an early replacement as the M1-powered iPad Pro makes its debut. Other than the new chip, Apple also introduced better cameras and screens on its tablet-class machine that jacked up the prices of both the 11-inch and 12.9-inch models. For now, here’s what you need to know about the new iPad Pro.
With the arrival of the Apple M1 chip, the 2021 iPad Pro is almost as powerful as the latest MacBooks. Considering the M1 is the most powerful mobile SoC today, the new iPad Pro breezes through different tasks. Unlike the base model of the 2020 MacBook and 2021 iMac, the iPad Pro comes with an unlocked 8-core CPU and GPU already. That delivers about up to 50 percent CPU performance and up to 40 percent GPU perf compared with the last-gen. Oh, did we mention that it’s 5G-ready as well?
One of the biggest upgrades that you should know is the mini-LED-based XDR display on the 12.9-inch model. It’s basically the same panel that you see from the expensive Pro Display XDR with True Tone, 1M:1 contrast ratio, P3 wide color gamut, and a blinding 1600 nits peak brightness. However, it’s better on the iPad Pro because it’s using adaptive 120Hz ProMotion.
For the 11-inch model, however, it’s using the standard Liquid Retina panel with True Tone, 120hz ProMotion, P3, and 600 nits peak brightness.
Apple is also upgrading the cameras on the iPad Pro, now with a new 12MP ultrawide sensor for both the front and back. The back supports up to 4K@60fps video, while the front goes up to 1080p@30fps. And with TrueDepth, you just need to unlock the iPad Pro with Face ID. But the biggest feature brought by the ultrawide sensor is Center Stage. Through machine learning, the ultrawide sensor pans around as you move within the frame during between calls. Lastly, the back cam module is joined by a LiDAR scanner for real-time AR processing and faster and better low-light capture time, and the Thunderbolt port supports external storage, display, and docks that can even drive the Pro Display XRD at full 6K resolution.
There’s no exact date of arrival of the iPad Pro 2021 in the Philippines, but the 11-inch starts at ₱45,990 for the 128GB that comes in Space Gray and Silver colors, with the 12.9-inch setting you back ₱62,990. In case you didn’t know, there’s a 1TB version that costs ₱104,990 along with a 2TB for ₱128,990.
READ: 2021 iMac 24″ With New Design, 7 Colors, and M1 Chip Starts at ₱73,990
