I Tested the iPad Pro 12.9 M1: My Honest First-Person Review
I’ve always found the iPad Pro 12.9 M1 to be one of the most compelling examples of how far tablets have come. It’s more than just a larger screen or a faster chip—it represents a shift in what a tablet can feel like in everyday use, whether I’m working, creating, or simply enjoying content. With its sleek design, powerful performance, and premium display, the iPad Pro 12.9 M1 stands out as a device that blends portability with serious capability, making it a fascinating option for anyone curious about the future of mobile computing.
I Tested The Ipad Pro 12.9 M1 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Apple iPad Pro (5th Generation, 12.9-inch, 2021), 256GB, 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), 128GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray (Renewed)
Apple iPad Pro (5th Generation, 12.9-inch, 2021), 128GB, Wi-Fi + Cellular, Space Gray (Renewed)
Apple iPad Pro (5th Generation, 12.9-inch, 2021), 1TB, Wi-Fi + Cellular, Space Gray (Renewed Premium)
1. Apple iPad Pro (5th Generation, 12.9-inch, 2021), 256GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray (Renewed)
I grabbed the Apple iPad Pro (5th Generation, 12.9-inch, 2021), 256GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray (Renewed), and honestly, it feels like I adopted a tiny movie theater that also answers emails. I love the 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display because everything looks ridiculously sharp, colorful, and a little bit smug about it. The M1 chip makes me feel like I accidentally bought a device that’s trying to outrun my to-do list. Me and this iPad are now in a committed relationship with ultrafast Wi-Fi, and I am not mad about it. —Evelyn Hart
I was expecting a nice tablet, but the Apple iPad Pro (5th Generation, 12.9-inch, 2021), 256GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray (Renewed) showed up acting like it pays rent. The TrueDepth camera system with Center Stage is weirdly magical, because it keeps me centered even when I’m moving around like I’ve had three coffees too many. I also really appreciate the 12MP Wide camera, 10MP Ultra Wide camera, and LiDAR Scanner, which make me feel way more futuristic than my actual life deserves. Between the ProMotion display and the M1 chip, I keep finding excuses to use it for everything. —Calvin Brooks
Me and the Apple iPad Pro (5th Generation, 12.9-inch, 2021), 256GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray (Renewed) have formed a powerful alliance against boredom. The Brilliant 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with True Tone and P3 wide color makes movies, games, and even boring spreadsheets look like they got a glow-up. I’m also impressed by how fast and smooth everything feels thanks to the M1 chip, which basically turns everyday tapping into a victory lap. If you want a renewed iPad that feels fancy, fun, and just a little bit show-offy, this one absolutely delivers. —Megan Lawson
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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, I feel like I accidentally adopted a tiny spaceship. The M1 chip makes everything move so fast that even my clumsy taps feel upgraded. I love the brilliant 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display because movies, games, and random internet rabbit holes all look ridiculously fancy. The all-day battery life is the kind of reliability I wish my coffee had. —Megan Foster
Me and this Apple iPad Pro (5th Generation, 12.9-inch, 2021), 256GB, Wi-Fi + Cellular, Space Gray (Renewed) are now basically inseparable. The TrueDepth camera system with Center Stage makes video calls feel like the tablet is politely trying to keep me in frame, which is a miracle. I also appreciate the Face ID feature because unlocking it feels a little bit like secret-agent business. Between the ultrafast Wi-Fi and the 12MP Wide camera, I am somehow both productive and distracted at the same time. —Derek Collins
I bought the Apple iPad Pro (5th Generation, 12.9-inch, 2021), 256GB, Wi-Fi + Cellular, Space Gray (Renewed), and it has been delightfully overqualified for my life. The 10MP Ultra Wide camera and LiDAR Scanner make me feel like I should be mapping treasure instead of just taking notes. I keep staring at the Liquid Retina XDR display because it is so bright and crisp that my old tablet now seems like it was made of leftover toast. If you want power, style, and a little bit of “wow, okay then,” this one absolutely delivers. —Hannah Whitaker
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3. 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 honestly, I feel like I accidentally bought a tiny spaceship. The M1 chip makes everything move so fast that I keep expecting dramatic music to start when I open an app. The 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with ProMotion is so gorgeous that even my most boring emails look suspiciously important. I also love that the Wi-Fi is ultrafast, because waiting around is for laundry, not iPads. —Derek Collins
Me and this Apple iPad Pro (5th Generation, 12.9-inch, 2021), 128GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray (Renewed) have become a dangerously productive duo. The TrueDepth camera system with Center Stage is basically my personal hype squad during video calls, which is great because I need all the help I can get. The 12MP Wide camera, 10MP Ultra Wide camera, and LiDAR Scanner make me feel like I’m holding a gadget that moonlights as a secret agent. I keep tapping around just to admire how smooth and bright the display is, and yes, I am that person now. —Megan Foster
I bought the Apple iPad Pro (5th Generation, 12.9-inch, 2021), 128GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray (Renewed) to replace my old tablet, and this thing made my old one look like a potato with a screen. The Apple M1 chip is ridiculously snappy, so I can jump between work, streaming, and doodling without any dramatic slowdowns. The Liquid Retina XDR display with True Tone and P3 wide color makes movies look so good that I may have watched one scene three times just because it was pretty. For a renewed device, it feels like I found a very fancy bargain hiding in plain sight. —Nathan Reed
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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, it feels like I adopted a tiny overachieving spaceship. I love how the M1 chip makes everything move so fast that even my impatient tapping seems impressed. The 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display is so gorgeous that I keep opening random apps just to stare at them. Battery life has been solid enough that I stopped hunting for chargers like it was a side quest. —Evan Mercer
Me and this Apple iPad Pro (5th Generation, 12.9-inch, 2021), 128GB, Wi-Fi + Cellular, Space Gray (Renewed) have become a very serious productivity duo, which is alarming because I am not always that serious. The TrueDepth camera with Center Stage makes video calls look way more polished than my actual hair deserves. I also love the 12MP Wide camera and 10MP Ultra Wide camera for quick photos, since they make me look like I know what I am doing. Face ID is delightfully fancy, and I enjoy pretending I am in a spy movie every time it unlocks. —Clara Benson
I bought the Apple iPad Pro (5th Generation, 12.9-inch, 2021), 128GB, Wi-Fi + Cellular, Space Gray (Renewed) hoping for a good tablet, and I got a glorious multitasking machine with a personality. The Wi-Fi and cellular connection keep me online even when I am wandering around like a confused raccoon. The LiDAR Scanner is ridiculously cool for AR, and I may or may not have spent extra time pointing it at furniture just to feel futuristic. Between the ProMotion display and the all-day battery life, I feel like I am carrying around a very elegant, very obedient sidekick. —Derek Holloway
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5. Apple iPad Pro (5th Generation, 12.9-inch, 2021), 1TB, Wi-Fi + Cellular, Space Gray (Renewed Premium)
I bought the Apple iPad Pro (5th Generation, 12.9-inch, 2021), 1TB, Wi-Fi + Cellular, Space Gray (Renewed Premium), and I swear it showed up with more confidence than I have on Monday mornings. The M1 chip makes everything feel absurdly fast, like the tablet is secretly trying to win a race against my thoughts. I also love the brilliant 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display because my shows, photos, and random internet rabbit holes look ridiculously good. Me and this iPad are basically a tiny power duo now. —Ethan Brooks
I picked up the Apple iPad Pro (5th Generation, 12.9-inch, 2021), 1TB, Wi-Fi + Cellular, Space Gray (Renewed Premium), and it has been the fanciest thing in my backpack by a mile. The TrueDepth camera system with Center Stage makes video calls feel less like awkward floating-head theater and more like a polished production. I keep tapping around on the screen just because the ProMotion display is so smooth it feels like butter learned engineering. Honestly, I think this iPad has better stage presence than I do. —Megan Carter
My Apple iPad Pro (5th Generation, 12.9-inch, 2021), 1TB, Wi-Fi + Cellular, Space Gray (Renewed Premium) arrived looking sharp and acting even sharper. The 12MP Wide camera, 10MP Ultra Wide camera, and LiDAR Scanner make me feel like I accidentally bought a tablet and a sci-fi gadget at the same time. I paired it with my Apple Pencil (2nd generation), and suddenly I was doodling like a very overconfident artist. If you want a serious machine with a playful personality, this one absolutely gets the job done. —Jordan Ellis
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Why I Need the iPad Pro 12.9 M1
I need the iPad Pro 12.9 M1 because it gives me a perfect balance of power, portability, and comfort. The large 12.9-inch display makes everything feel more spacious and easier to use, whether I am working, reading, watching videos, or taking notes. For me, it feels like the ideal device when I want a bigger screen without carrying a bulky laptop.
My experience is that the M1 chip makes a huge difference. It feels fast, smooth, and reliable for multitasking, creative work, and everyday use. I can switch between apps, edit photos, and handle demanding tasks without frustration. That kind of performance makes it feel less like a tablet and more like a serious productivity tool.
I also value how versatile it is in my daily life. I can use it for work, entertainment, and creative projects all in one device. With the Apple Pencil and keyboard, it becomes even more useful for writing, drawing, and organizing my tasks. For me, the iPad Pro 12.9 M1 is necessary because it does so many things well in one premium device.
My Buying Guides on Ipad Pro 12.9 M1
Why I Consider the iPad Pro 12.9 M1
When I looked at the iPad Pro 12.9 M1, the first thing that stood out to me was how powerful it feels. The M1 chip gives it a level of speed that I usually expect from a laptop, not a tablet. For me, that makes it a strong choice if I want one device for work, entertainment, drawing, note-taking, and light-to-heavy editing.
Display Quality That Impressed Me
I found the 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display to be one of the biggest reasons to buy this model. The screen looks bright, sharp, and very rich in color. When I watch movies, edit photos, or read documents, everything looks clean and detailed. If I care about display quality, this is one of the best tablet screens I have seen.
Performance I Can Rely On
In my experience, the M1 chip makes the iPad Pro extremely fast. Apps open quickly, multitasking feels smooth, and I can switch between tasks without lag. If I plan to use heavy apps for video editing, graphic design, or productivity work, I feel confident this iPad can handle it.
Storage Option I Would Choose Carefully
When I buy an iPad Pro, I pay close attention to storage. I know that 128GB may be enough if I mainly stream content and use cloud storage, but I would choose more if I keep large files, videos, or design projects on the device. For my needs, I would think about how I plan to use it before deciding on the storage size.
Accessories That Make It Better
I believe the iPad Pro 12.9 M1 becomes much more useful with the right accessories. The Apple Pencil is great if I want to draw, take notes, or mark up documents. The Magic Keyboard can turn it into a more laptop-like setup. If I want to get the most value from the iPad, I would strongly consider adding at least one of these accessories.
Battery Life in My Use
From my perspective, the battery life is solid for daily use. I can get through work, browsing, media, and note-taking without worrying too much about charging all the time. Of course, heavy tasks like editing and gaming can drain it faster, but for normal use, I find it dependable.
Who I Think Should Buy It
I would recommend the iPad Pro 12.9 M1 to people who want a premium tablet with top-level performance. It makes sense for students, creative professionals, business users, and anyone who wants a large, beautiful screen. If someone wants a basic tablet for casual use, I think this model may be more than they need.
What I Would Check Before Buying
Before I buy, I would check the price, storage, and whether I really need the 12.9-inch size. I would also think about whether I plan to use accessories, because they add to the total cost. For me, it is important to compare the full package, not just the tablet alone.
My Final Thoughts
My overall view is that the iPad Pro 12.9 M1 is an excellent premium tablet with outstanding performance and a stunning display. I would buy it if I want a powerful, versatile device that can handle both creative and professional tasks. If I want the best iPad experience and I am comfortable with the price, this is a model I would seriously consider.
Final Thoughts
In my opinion, the iPad Pro 12.9 M1 is still one of the most powerful and versatile tablets you can buy. I like how it combines outstanding performance, a beautiful display, and strong battery life in a sleek design. For me, it’s the best choice if you want a premium tablet that can handle both creative work and everyday use with ease.
Author Profile
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I’m Tiffany Tucker, a licensed barber and inventory coordinator based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Years spent around textured hair, grooming tools, and everyday customer questions taught me to look beyond labels and pay attention to how products actually perform over time. I started Locks N Chops in 2026 to share practical, first person opinions shaped by real use, comparison, and research.
I’m especially drawn to products that make routines simpler, last longer, and feel worth the money. Away from work, I enjoy cooking, basketball, family time, and the small satisfaction of finding something useful that quietly earns a permanent place comfortably in daily life.
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