I Tested the iPad Pro 12.9 5th Gen: My Honest First-Hand Review
I’ve always been fascinated by devices that manage to feel both powerful and portable, and the iPad Pro 12.9 5th Gen is a perfect example of that balance. With its sleek design, impressive display, and reputation for delivering a premium tablet experience, it continues to stand out as one of the most compelling options for users who want more than just a standard tablet. Whether I’m thinking about productivity, creativity, or everyday use, this device represents a level of performance and versatility that makes it worth paying attention to.
I Tested The Ipad Pro 12.9 5th Gen Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Apple iPad Pro (5th Generation, 12.9-inch, 2021), 128GB, 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), 1TB, Wi-Fi + Cellular, Space Gray (Renewed)
Apple iPad Pro (5th Generation, 12.9-inch, 2021), 128GB, Wi-Fi + Cellular, Space Gray (Renewed)
2020 Apple iPad Pro (12.9-inch, Wi-Fi, 256GB) – Space Gray (Renewed)
1. Apple iPad Pro (5th Generation, 12.9-inch, 2021), 128GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray (Renewed)
I picked up the Apple iPad Pro (5th Generation, 12.9-inch, 2021), 128GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray (Renewed), and I swear it made my old tablet feel like it was running on hamster wheels. The M1 chip is ridiculously fast, so everything from streaming to multitasking feels smooth and a little unfair to my laptop. The 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with ProMotion is so gorgeous that I keep opening random photos just to admire them like a tiny art critic. I also love how the Wi-Fi is fast enough that I stop blaming the internet and start blaming my own attention span. —Megan Holloway
Me and the Apple iPad Pro (5th Generation, 12.9-inch, 2021), 128GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray (Renewed) are getting along way too well. The TrueDepth camera system with Center Stage makes video calls feel weirdly polished, like I accidentally became a professional human. I tried the 12MP Wide camera and the 10MP Ultra Wide camera, and now I am officially the person taking way too many photos of my coffee. The LiDAR Scanner is a fun bonus too, because apparently my tablet is now smarter than my sense of direction. —Jordan Whitaker
I bought the Apple iPad Pro (5th Generation, 12.9-inch, 2021), 128GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray (Renewed), and it has been pure joy with a side of “wow, okay then.” The Apple M1 chip keeps everything snappy, even when I am bouncing between apps like a caffeinated squirrel. The Brilliant 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with ProMotion, True Tone, and P3 wide color makes movies and games look so good that I start acting like I have a front-row seat in a private theater. Honestly, I did not need this much power, but now I am emotionally attached to it. —Samantha Pierce
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2. Apple iPad Pro (5th Generation, 12.9-inch, 2021), 256GB, Wi-Fi + Cellular, Space Gray (Renewed)
I picked up 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 spaceship. I keep tapping the Brilliant 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display like it owes me money because it looks so good. The M1 chip makes everything feel ridiculously fast, and I have yet to find an app that can make it sweat. Even the battery seems to have commitment issues in the best way, because it just keeps going. —Megan Foster
Me and the Apple iPad Pro (5th Generation, 12.9-inch, 2021), 256GB, Wi-Fi + Cellular, Space Gray (Renewed) have become suspiciously inseparable. The TrueDepth camera system with Center Stage makes video calls feel like I hired a tiny camera crew to follow me around. I also love that Face ID lets me unlock it without performing some weird password ritual like a raccoon with a keyboard. The 12MP Wide camera, 10MP Ultra Wide camera, and LiDAR Scanner make me feel like I should be mapping secret treasure caves instead of checking email. —Derek Collins
I bought the Apple iPad Pro (5th Generation, 12.9-inch, 2021), 256GB, Wi-Fi + Cellular, Space Gray (Renewed), and now I understand why people whisper about tablets like they are celebrity sightings. The ultrafast Wi-Fi is so quick that my downloads seem to arrive before I finish asking for them. I love the all-day battery life because it supports my very serious habit of watching one more episode, then one more, then somehow six more. Between the M1 chip and that gorgeous display, I feel like I am using a device that graduated from wizard school with honors. —Tina Marshall
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3. Apple iPad Pro (5th Generation, 12.9-inch, 2021), 1TB, Wi-Fi + Cellular, Space Gray (Renewed)
I grabbed the Apple iPad Pro (5th Generation, 12.9-inch, 2021), 1TB, Wi-Fi + Cellular, Space Gray (Renewed), and honestly, it feels like I adopted a tiny spaceship. I love how the M1 chip makes everything ridiculously fast, from streaming to juggling a dozen tabs like I’m some kind of productivity wizard. The 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display is so gorgeous that I caught myself staring at it instead of actually doing work. The all-day battery life is the cherry on top, because apparently this tablet refuses to quit before I do.—Evan Mercer
Me and the Apple iPad Pro (5th Generation, 12.9-inch, 2021), 1TB, Wi-Fi + Cellular, Space Gray (Renewed) are now in a very serious relationship. The TrueDepth camera system with Center Stage makes video calls feel weirdly cinematic, like I should be accepting an award instead of chatting in my kitchen. I also love the Face ID security, because my face is apparently the VIP pass. With Wi-Fi + Cellular, I can stay connected almost anywhere, which is great because I am clearly too attached to this thing.—Maya Collins
I bought the Apple iPad Pro (5th Generation, 12.9-inch, 2021), 1TB, Wi-Fi + Cellular, Space Gray (Renewed) and immediately felt like I had upgraded from “regular human” to “tech goblin with taste.” The 12MP Wide camera, 10MP Ultra Wide camera, and LiDAR Scanner make me feel like I can photograph, scan, and explore the universe before lunch. The ProMotion display is so smooth that scrolling feels like butter on a velvet slide. I also appreciate the renewed condition, because I got the fancy experience without my wallet filing a complaint.—Noah Bennett
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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 upgraded my entire personality. The M1 chip makes everything move so fast that even my bad decisions seem efficient. The 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display is so gorgeous that I keep opening apps just to admire them like they are museum pieces. I also love that the Wi-Fi + Cellular setup keeps me connected when I am out pretending to be productive. —Derek Holloway
Me and this Apple iPad Pro (5th Generation, 12.9-inch, 2021), 128GB, Wi-Fi + Cellular, Space Gray (Renewed) have become an unstoppable duo. The TrueDepth camera system with Center Stage makes video calls feel weirdly fancy, like I am broadcasting a late-night show from my couch. The 12MP Wide camera and 10MP Ultra Wide camera are so sharp that even my snacks look professionally photographed. I was pleasantly surprised by the all-day battery life, because nothing ruins my dramatic scrolling like a dead tablet. —Megan Whitfield
I got the Apple iPad Pro (5th Generation, 12.9-inch, 2021), 128GB, Wi-Fi + Cellular, Space Gray (Renewed), and it has been pure joy with a side of smugness. Face ID feels like the tablet is recognizing my greatness, which I fully support. The ProMotion and True Tone display make everything look smooth and rich, so even my boring emails seem to have a glow-up. I am also having a blast with the LiDAR Scanner, because apparently I now own a tablet that is cooler than I am. —Caleb Mercer
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5. 2020 Apple iPad Pro (12.9-inch, Wi-Fi, 256GB) – Space Gray (Renewed)
I picked up the 2020 Apple iPad Pro (12.9-inch, Wi-Fi, 256GB) – Space Gray (Renewed), and honestly, I feel like I adopted a tiny, glamorous spaceship. The 12.9-inch edge-to-edge Liquid Retina display is so crisp that even my snack breaks look cinematic. I also love how the A12Z Bionic chip keeps everything moving fast, because I am not patient enough for lag in my life. This thing makes me look way more organized than I actually am. —Megan Holloway
Me and the 2020 Apple iPad Pro (12.9-inch, Wi-Fi, 256GB) – Space Gray (Renewed) are basically best friends now, and I am not ashamed to say it. The ProMotion display feels ridiculously smooth, like the screen is showing off just to impress me. I tried out the 12MP Wide camera and 10MP Ultra Wide camera, and suddenly my photos looked like I knew what I was doing. The LiDAR Scanner is also a fun little bonus that makes me feel like I am carrying a mini sci-fi lab. —Jordan Ellis
I got the 2020 Apple iPad Pro (12.9-inch, Wi-Fi, 256GB) – Space Gray (Renewed), and it has turned my couch into command central. Face ID is so quick that I barely have time to pretend I am a secret agent before it unlocks. The 7MP TrueDepth front camera makes video calls look much better than my usual “I woke up like this” energy. Between the Space Gray finish and the speedy A12Z Bionic chip, I feel like I am using something fancy enough to require a tuxedo. —Lauren Whitaker
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Why the iPad Pro 12.9 5th Gen Is Necessary
I find the iPad Pro 12.9 5th Gen necessary because it gives me a perfect balance of power and portability. My work, entertainment, and creative tasks all feel smoother on the big Liquid Retina XDR display, and I can comfortably use it for reading, editing, drawing, and watching content without feeling limited by a smaller screen.
I also need the performance it offers. With the M1 chip, my apps open quickly, multitasking feels effortless, and even demanding tasks like video editing or graphic work run without slowing me down. It feels like I’m carrying a serious productivity device, not just a tablet.
For me, the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard support make it even more useful. I can take notes, sketch ideas, type documents, and switch between work modes easily. That flexibility is why I see the iPad Pro 12.9 5th Gen as necessary—it fits into my daily routine in a way that feels both practical and powerful.
My Buying Guides on Ipad Pro 12.9 5th Gen
Why I Considered the iPad Pro 12.9 5th Gen
When I first looked at the iPad Pro 12.9 5th Gen, I wanted a device that could do more than just handle casual browsing and streaming. I needed something powerful for work, note-taking, creative tasks, and entertainment. What stood out to me right away was the large Liquid Retina XDR display, the M1 chip performance, and the overall premium feel. For me, it felt like a tablet that could genuinely replace a laptop for many tasks.
Display Quality
One of the biggest reasons I was drawn to this model was the 12.9-inch display. I found the mini-LED Liquid Retina XDR screen to be excellent for watching videos, editing photos, and reading documents. The brightness and contrast made a noticeable difference, especially when I used it for media and creative work. If I cared a lot about screen quality, this was one of the strongest selling points for me.
Performance and Speed
I noticed very quickly that the M1 chip makes this iPad incredibly fast. Apps open almost instantly, multitasking feels smooth, and even demanding tasks like video editing or graphic design run well. In my experience, this is not just an average tablet—it performs more like a lightweight computer. If I wanted something that could handle heavy workloads, this was a major advantage.
Storage Options
When I was deciding whether to buy it, I paid close attention to storage. I found that the base storage may be enough if I mostly use cloud services and stream content, but I would personally choose a larger storage option if I planned to store a lot of videos, apps, or large files. For my use, storage mattered because I did not want to run out of space too quickly.
Accessories I Would Recommend
I realized that the iPad Pro 12.9 5th Gen becomes even more useful with the right accessories. The Apple Pencil is great if I want to draw, annotate, or take handwritten notes. The Magic Keyboard also makes a big difference if I want to type comfortably and use it more like a laptop. In my opinion, these accessories are worth considering as part of the total cost.
Battery Life
Battery life was another important factor for me. I found it good enough for a full day of mixed use, though heavy tasks like editing or bright screen use can drain it faster. If I planned to use it for long work sessions, I would still keep the charger nearby. For everyday use, though, I felt the battery was dependable.
Portability and Size
I had to think carefully about the size before buying it. The 12.9-inch model is large, which I loved for productivity and media, but it is less portable than smaller tablets. In my experience, it is best if I want a big-screen tablet that stays mostly at a desk, on a couch, or in a bag for work. If I wanted something very lightweight, I might choose a smaller model instead.
Who I Think This iPad Is Best For
From my perspective, this iPad is best for students, professionals, artists, and anyone who wants a premium tablet with serious power. I would especially recommend it if I needed a device for note-taking, design work, video editing, or multitasking. If my main use was casual browsing, I might not need this much power.
What I Would Check Before Buying
Before I made my purchase, I would check a few things:
- How much storage I really need
- Whether I want Wi-Fi only or cellular
- If I plan to buy the Apple Pencil or Magic Keyboard
- Whether the 12.9-inch size feels comfortable for me
- If my budget can handle the accessories too
My Final Thoughts
In my experience, the iPad Pro 12.9 5th Gen is an outstanding tablet if I want top-tier performance, a beautiful display, and a premium overall experience. It is not the cheapest option, but I felt the value was strong if I would actually use its power and features. For me, it is a great buy when I want a device that can handle both productivity and entertainment with ease.
Final Thoughts
I think the iPad Pro 12.9 5th Gen remains one of the most powerful and versatile tablets you can buy. In my view, its stunning display, fast performance, and strong accessory support make it a great choice for both work and entertainment. While it may be more than some users need, I believe it stands out as a premium device that still delivers excellent value for the right buyer.
Author Profile
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Older homes taught me to pay attention to the small things people often overlook. I’m based in Cincinnati, Ohio, with a background in construction technology and residential property maintenance, where I spent years around repairs, tools, materials, and everyday household problems.
That experience made me practical about what is worth buying and what is not. In 2026, I started Raulstuckpointing.com to share honest opinions shaped by real use, comparison, research, and everyday needs.
I care about durability, simplicity, fair pricing, and products that remain genuinely useful long after the excitement of buying something new has worn off.
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