Apple iPad Pro Review (2026)

The Apple iPad Pro is a top choice for students thanks to its powerful performance and excellent display. It offers seamless integration wit...

Apple iPad Pro
Apple
4.3★★★★★ Premium

Best for: Creative work and advanced studies

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Photo: P1898 / CC BY 4.0 — via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

The Apple iPad Pro is an excellent choice for students seeking a powerful and versatile tablet that seamlessly integrates with their academic life. With its stunning Liquid Retina display and ProMotion technology, it delivers an exceptional visual experience for reading, note-taking, and multimedia consumption. Its lightweight design makes it portable, allowing students to easily carry it around campus.

Equipped with the M1 chip, the iPad Pro offers outstanding performance for multitasking and running demanding applications, making it suitable for a variety of subjects, from graphic design to programming. The Apple Pencil support enhances productivity, enabling students to annotate PDFs, sketch ideas, and take handwritten notes effortlessly. Overall, the iPad Pro combines functionality with elegance, providing great value for students.

In-depth review

Design & build

The Apple iPad Pro boasts a sleek and modern design, characterized by its thin profile and lightweight construction. Available in two sizes, 11-inch and 12.9-inch, the iPad Pro is designed for portability, making it an ideal choice for students who need to carry their devices around campus. The aluminum chassis not only provides durability but also gives the tablet a premium feel that reflects Apple's commitment to quality.

The Liquid Retina display (or Liquid Retina XDR for the 12.9-inch model) offers vibrant colors and sharp images, making it perfect for viewing digital textbooks, presentations, and videos. The minimal bezels enhance the immersive experience, while the True Tone technology adjusts the screen's color temperature based on ambient lighting, ensuring visual comfort during long study sessions.

Performance for students

Equipped with the M1 chip, the iPad Pro delivers exceptional performance that can easily handle multitasking and demanding applications. Whether you're running complex software for graphic design, video editing, or even coding, the iPad Pro performs seamlessly. With up to 16GB of RAM, students can switch between apps without any lag, making it perfect for those who need to juggle multiple tasks simultaneously.

The Apple Pencil (2nd generation) and Magic Keyboard compatibility further enhance productivity, allowing students to take notes, sketch, or type with ease. The iPad Pro’s support for advanced features like Split View and Slide Over makes it easier to work with multiple applications side by side, improving efficiency in completing assignments.

Battery & everyday use

The battery life of the iPad Pro is impressive, offering up to 10 hours of usage on a single charge, which is more than sufficient for a day of classes and study sessions. Students can comfortably use the device throughout the day without worrying about finding a charger. Additionally, the fast charging capability allows users to quickly recharge during breaks.

In everyday use, the iPad Pro excels in various scenarios, from taking notes in lectures to streaming lectures and engaging in online classes. The device's versatility makes it easy to adapt to different educational needs, though it should be noted that the reliance on apps for certain functions may require students to invest in additional software or subscriptions.

Value for money

While the iPad Pro offers cutting-edge technology and performance, its price point is notably higher compared to other tablets on the market. Students on a tight budget may find the initial investment to be a significant consideration. However, when factoring in the longevity and functionality of the device, many users find it to be worth the cost. The iPad Pro can effectively replace a traditional laptop for most academic tasks, potentially justifying its premium price.

Moreover, with regular software updates and strong resale value, the iPad Pro holds its worth well over time, making it a reasonable investment for students who prioritize performance and reliability.

Who should buy it

The Apple iPad Pro is an excellent choice for students who require a powerful and versatile device for their studies. It is particularly suited for those studying in creative fields such as graphic design, architecture, and multimedia arts, where the device’s capabilities can be fully utilized. Additionally, students who frequently take digital notes or engage in online coursework will benefit from the iPad's portability and performance.

However, it may not be the best option for students who primarily need a tablet for basic tasks like web browsing or streaming, as more affordable alternatives exist that can adequately meet those needs. Ultimately, the iPad Pro is ideal for those who seek a high-performance device that supports an array of academic and creative endeavors.

Key specifications

Display12.9-inch Liquid Retina
ProcessorApple M1 chip
RAM8GB or 16GB
Storage128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB
Battery LifeUp to 10 hours
Weight1.5 pounds
Operating SystemiPadOS

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Powerful performance for multitasking
  • Stunning display for media and reading
  • Lightweight and portable design
  • Excellent Apple Pencil support

Cons

  • Higher price point
  • Limited compatibility with non-Apple accessories

What buyers are saying

The Apple iPad Pro has garnered a wide range of feedback from buyers, highlighting both its strengths and areas for improvement. Here is a synthesis of common themes found in buyer feedback.

What buyers love
  • Exceptional display quality with vibrant colors and sharp resolution.
  • Powerful performance, making it ideal for multitasking and demanding applications.
  • Sleek design and portability, allowing for easy use on the go.
  • Robust ecosystem of apps tailored for creative and professional use.
Common complaints
  • High price point, making it less accessible for some users.
  • Lack of additional ports and connectivity options.
  • Battery life concerns during intensive use.

This is an editorial summary of common themes in buyer feedback for this type of product — individual experiences vary. Check live ratings and verified reviews on the retailer before buying.

Check price on Amazon →
As an Amazon Associate and affiliate partner, ScholarshipsAds earns from qualifying purchases. Specs and rating are editorial; prices and availability may change.