Hey everyone! Let's dive into whether the Apple iPad Pro 11-inch 4G 1TB (2018) still holds up in today's tech landscape. Back in 2018, this device was a powerhouse, boasting cutting-edge features and impressive performance. But, technology moves fast, so is it still a relevant choice in 2024? We'll break down its key features, performance, and how it stacks up against newer models to help you make an informed decision.

Design and Display: A Look Back

The iPad Pro 11-inch (2018) sports a sleek and modern design that still looks pretty fresh. It features slim bezels and a Liquid Retina display that offers vibrant colors and sharp details. The fully laminated display with ProMotion technology, which supports a 120Hz refresh rate, makes scrolling and animations incredibly smooth. This high refresh rate is a significant advantage, especially if you're used to standard 60Hz displays, providing a more responsive and fluid user experience. The overall build quality is excellent, with an aluminum unibody that feels premium and durable. Even by today's standards, the design remains attractive and functional, making it a device you won't be ashamed to pull out in public. The screen resolution of 2388 x 1668 pixels delivers a pixel density of 264 pixels per inch (ppi), ensuring that text and images appear crisp and clear. Whether you're watching videos, browsing the web, or working on detailed graphics, the display offers a visually pleasing experience. Additionally, the anti-reflective coating helps to minimize glare, making it easier to use in brightly lit environments. The combination of these features contributes to a display that is both beautiful and practical, enhancing the overall usability of the iPad Pro.

Performance: How Does It Hold Up?

Under the hood, the 2018 iPad Pro is powered by Apple's A12X Bionic chip. This chip was a beast when it was released, and it's still quite capable today. The A12X Bionic features an octa-core CPU and a 7-core GPU, providing plenty of power for most tasks. Whether you're multitasking, editing photos and videos, or playing graphic-intensive games, the iPad Pro can handle it with ease. The 1TB of storage is a massive amount, allowing you to store tons of files, apps, and media without worrying about running out of space. This is particularly useful for creative professionals who work with large files. In real-world usage, you'll find that the iPad Pro remains responsive and fluid, even with multiple apps open. Apps launch quickly, and switching between them is seamless. The A12X Bionic chip is optimized for machine learning tasks, which means it can handle complex calculations and algorithms efficiently. This is beneficial for tasks like image recognition, natural language processing, and augmented reality experiences. While it may not be as blazing fast as the latest iPad Pro models with the M-series chips, the 2018 version still offers a very satisfying user experience. It's more than capable of handling everyday tasks and even demanding workloads, making it a viable option for many users. The performance of the A12X Bionic chip ensures that the iPad Pro remains a relevant and useful device, even several years after its release.

4G Connectivity: Staying Connected on the Go

The inclusion of 4G connectivity is a significant advantage for those who need to stay connected while on the move. With cellular data, you can access the internet, check your email, and stream videos without relying on Wi-Fi. This is particularly useful for travelers, field workers, and anyone who needs to be productive outside of the office or home. The 4G LTE support on the iPad Pro allows for fast download and upload speeds, ensuring that you can stay connected and productive wherever you are. Setting up cellular data is easy, and you can choose from a variety of data plans offered by different carriers. The iPad Pro also supports eSIM, which allows you to activate a cellular plan without needing a physical SIM card. This makes it easy to switch between different carriers or plans, especially when traveling internationally. The convenience of 4G connectivity cannot be overstated, as it provides a reliable and consistent internet connection in situations where Wi-Fi is not available. Whether you're attending a meeting, working on a project, or simply browsing the web, the 4G-enabled iPad Pro ensures that you can stay connected and productive, no matter where you are.

Battery Life: Still Going Strong?

The iPad Pro 11-inch (2018) offers excellent battery life, typically lasting around 10 hours on a single charge. This is more than enough for a full day of work or entertainment. Whether you're browsing the web, watching videos, or working on documents, you can count on the iPad Pro to last through your daily activities. The battery life is also impressive considering the powerful performance of the A12X Bionic chip and the vibrant display. Apple has optimized the hardware and software to maximize battery efficiency, ensuring that you get the most out of each charge. When the battery does eventually run low, charging is relatively quick with the included USB-C power adapter. The long battery life of the iPad Pro is a significant advantage, especially for users who are frequently on the go. You can use the iPad Pro throughout the day without worrying about constantly searching for a power outlet. This makes it an ideal device for travel, meetings, and other situations where access to power may be limited. The combination of powerful performance and long battery life makes the iPad Pro a versatile and reliable device for both work and play.

Camera and Audio: Capturing Memories and Sound

The iPad Pro 11-inch (2018) features a 12MP rear camera that captures high-quality photos and videos. While it may not be on par with the latest iPhone cameras, it's still more than capable for most needs. The camera also supports Smart HDR, which helps to improve the dynamic range of your photos, and 4K video recording at up to 60fps. The front-facing 7MP TrueDepth camera is perfect for FaceTime calls and selfies. It also supports Face ID, which allows you to unlock your iPad Pro securely and quickly. The audio quality on the iPad Pro is excellent, thanks to its four-speaker audio system. The speakers are loud and clear, providing an immersive listening experience. Whether you're watching movies, listening to music, or playing games, the iPad Pro delivers rich and detailed sound. The combination of a capable camera and excellent audio makes the iPad Pro a great device for multimedia consumption and creation. You can easily capture photos and videos, edit them on the go, and share them with friends and family. The high-quality speakers also enhance the overall entertainment experience, making it a joy to watch movies and listen to music.

Software and Features: iPadOS Evolution

The iPad Pro 11-inch (2018) originally shipped with iOS 12, but it has since been updated to iPadOS. iPadOS is specifically designed for iPads and offers a range of features that enhance productivity and multitasking. Some of the key features of iPadOS include Slide Over, Split View, and Drag and Drop. These features make it easy to work with multiple apps simultaneously, allowing you to be more productive. iPadOS also supports the Apple Pencil, which is a great tool for taking notes, drawing, and sketching. The Apple Pencil integrates seamlessly with iPadOS, providing a natural and intuitive writing experience. The software support for the iPad Pro is excellent, with Apple regularly releasing updates that improve performance, add new features, and enhance security. This ensures that the iPad Pro remains up-to-date and compatible with the latest apps and services. The combination of iPadOS and the Apple Pencil makes the iPad Pro a versatile and powerful tool for both work and creativity.

Is It Worth Buying in 2024?

So, is the Apple iPad Pro 11-inch 4G 1TB (2018) still worth buying in 2024? The answer depends on your needs and budget. If you're looking for a powerful and versatile tablet that can handle most tasks with ease, the iPad Pro is still a solid choice. The A12X Bionic chip is capable, the display is beautiful, and the 4G connectivity is a major plus. However, if you need the absolute latest and greatest performance, or if you plan to use your iPad for very demanding tasks like video editing or 3D rendering, you may want to consider a newer model with an M-series chip. Ultimately, the iPad Pro 11-inch (2018) remains a compelling option for many users, offering a great balance of performance, features, and value. If you can find it at a good price, it's definitely worth considering.