Apple iPad Pro 5th Gen (12.9-inch, 2021)

The updated display is mostly very good ; Excellent for HDR content ; So much power ; Design remains the best of any tablet

Some display blooming in various situations ; A lot of power but not much to really take advantage of it ; 128GB storage is stingy at the price

Incredible performance ; Beautiful display on 12.9-inch model ; Stunning design ; Center Stage works great ; USB 4/Thunderbolt 3 port

Nearly MacBook priced ; No Mini-LED on 11-inch model

“The iPad Pro takes the previous-generation iPad, and gives it meaningful updates that will make what was already the best tablet even better.”

Phenomenal power ; Fantastic display ; Strong battery life

An almighty price ; 128GB storage feels limited ; Lackluster color options

The new iPad Pro 12.9-inch for 2021 is the best tablet money can buy, with top-end power, a fantastic display, a whole host of new smaller upgrades and an all-round experience that makes it a must-have for both Apple fans and those who want an...

Stunning picture quality ; Great sound with headphones ; Hugely powerful

Expensive for a tablet

It might be aimed primarily at creative types, but the new iPad Pro 12.9 is also the best tablet there’s ever been if portable cinema is your thing

Gorgeous Mini LED screen ; Desktop-level CPU ; Excellent cameras and audio ; Stellar 5G performance

No real multiple monitor support ; iPadOS makes multitasking difficult ; Major apps missing from the platform

The 2021 edition of the 12.9-inch iPad Pro is just as powerful as a Mac, but its operating system keeps it so tightly leashed that much of its potential goes unrealized.

Stunning mini-LED HDR display ; Extremely fast and powerful ; 5G now available ; Has the best tablet app ecosystem

No change in typical brightness ; iPadOS can be limiting ; Face ID is awkward at times

The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021) is just Apple showing off. The mini-LED screen is beautiful, and it's stunningly fast… it's the peak of tablets currently, no question. But it's also more than most people will need.

Mini LED screen is better and brighter ; Ease of use ; Camera improvements ; 5G connectivity

Center Stage (camera tracking) can be hit and miss ; Software feels like it's holding it back

This iPad continues the Pro's transition to a laptop - and is the closest replacement experience to date. The hardware is now there, the only holdback is the software situation.

XDR display can get bright and vivid ; M1 chip is outrageously fast ; Slim, durable chassis ; Thunderbolt 3 and USB4 support ; Improved front-facing camera with Center Stage ; 5G wireless speeds

Display has some limitations ; iPadOS can feel restricting ; Expensive

Apple's iPad Pro 2021 brings display, processor and connectivity upgrades to what was already the world's best (and most expensive) tablet.

Excellent screen ; Great battery life ; Quality cameras

iPadOS can't unleash M1's power ; Expensive ; Not true multi-monitor support

The new iPad Pro is overkill for most people, but for those who need its immense power or just want a large-screen iPad with a fabulous display, it's the best of the best.

Brilliant Mini-LED display ; M1 chip is very powerful ; Battery life still great

Expensive once you add a keyboard ; iOS still has its frustrations

Putting that aside for one moment, however, it’s quite clear that the iPad Pro 12.9in is a fabulous piece of hardware and categorically the best tablet you can buy. It’s as powerful as the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, it has great battery life for a...