Brace yourself for a richly detailed tour of Apple’s fearsome new tablet titan – the maxxed-out 2022 12.9” iPad Pro. Powered by the brand new M2 chip, this technological marvel packs enough processing muscle within its svelte chassis to handle creative workloads that traditional laptops sweat and strain under.
But the iPad Pro’s appeal extends beyond sheer potency. An awesome array of cutting-edge capabilities stand ready to serve all flavors of power users. Will Apple’s latest and greatest earn a leading role in your personal or professional workflow? Read on, dear friend, as we investigate…
Bird‘s Eye View – How the 2022 iPad Pro Fits into the Lineup
Before weighing anchor into the nitty gritty details, let’s chart exactly where the updated 2022 iPad Pro models fit into Apple’s tablet armada:
iPad (9th gen, 2021) – The everyman‘s tablet. Apple‘s most affordable iPad option offers strong value with an A13 Bionic chip, 10.2" screen, Touch ID, and Apple Pencil support. Perfect for light productivity and entertainment.
iPad Mini (2021) – With an 8.3" edge-to-edge display and A15 chip, the revamped iPad Mini splits the difference between portability and performance. Tailor-made for mobility but gives up some screen real estate.
iPad Air (2022) – Powered by Apple‘s zippy M1 processor, the latest iPad Air brings a vivid 10.9" Liquid Retina screen, USB-C connectivity, 5G and Wi-Fi 6 into a super svelte chassis with plenty of accessory options. The Air finds balance between affordability and ample capability for creative pros, students, and multitaskers.
12.9” iPad Pro (2022) – Need workstation-class performance and a stunningly gorgeous XDR mini-LED display crammed into a deceptively thin 1.5 pound chassis? Then lift your gaze to the pinnacle of Apple engineering prowess – the no-holds-barred 12.9” iPad Pro with bleeding-edge Apple M2 silicon. Pricey yes, but an absolute darling amongst creative professionals.
While the entire iPad lineup brings admirable strengths to the table, make no mistake – the 2022 12.9” Pro sitting at the top of the food chain was engineered specifically with highly demanding professionals in mind. This industrial design marvel stands in a class of its own, a shining beacon calling power users towards the promise of no-compromise mobility.
But does real-world usage reflect Apple’s soaring ambitions? Let’s investigate key categories in detail to find out!
Blazing Performance – Inside Apple’s Stunning M2 Silicon
The heart and soul of the 2022 iPad Pro experience is Apple’s newest system-on-chip (SoC) – the extraordinarily capable M2. Fabbed on TSMC’s cutting-edge 5nm semiconductor manufacturing process, M2 derives much of its beefy performance uplift from a substantially expanded cache subsystem feeding its 8 CPU cores, 10 GPU cores and 16-core Neural Engine. Let’s break down exactly where users experience these improvements:
CPU – Breezing through Intensive Workloads
- 8 high-efficiency cores deliver up to 15% quicker response in single and multi-threaded apps
- Doubled L2 cache reduces memory access times; up to 50% gain over M1 in this critical area
- Boosts productivity in professional apps like LumaFusion, Photoshop and Blender
| Benchmark | Single-Core Score | Multi-Core Score |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 5 (CPU) | 1,995 M1 → 2,015 M2 | 7,198 M1 → 8,753 M2 |
| Increase (M2 vs. M1) | 18% gain | 8.5% bump |
GPU – Smoother Graphics, Faster Exports
- 10 cores achieve up to 35% quicker vector and matrix operations
- Tangibly improves game frame rates, 3D render times
- Fabulous for animators, architects and complex data visualization
Neural Engine
- 16 tightly integrated cores handle 15.8 TOPS (trillion operations per second)
- 40% gain over M1 translates to rapid ML tasks: upscaling imagery, video analysis, augmented reality
- Speedy Excel macros, quick photo edits, fast search indexing/organization
Image Signal Processor
- All-new advanced ISP enables professional workflows like ProRes video capture
- Quickly processes tens of billions of pixel transformations per second
Augmenting raw compute, the M2 SoC doubles system memory bandwidth to 100GB/s over M1, enabling snappier response shuffling data between the unified pool of RAM and crazy-fast internal storage.
All told, the 2022 iPad Pro’s blazing performance unlocks desktop-class productivity and creativity in an ultra-portable package.
But the story continues beyond just day-to-day working speed…let’s discuss how the M2 future-proofs iPad Pro for coming years.
Future-Proof Growth – Long Runway Ahead
Glancing at Apple’s silicon roadmap, we know the M2 chip forms the technological bedrock for Macs and iPads alike over the next 3-4 years. This critically matters for professional users investing heavily into an extremely capable tablet they expect to remain performant and relevant over an extended lifespan.
The key insight here is that Apple explicitly designed M2 as a scalable architecture. We already saw how M1 Pro and M1 Max chips successfully built upon M1’s foundations to deliver MacBook Pro models with up to 10 CPU cores and 32 GPU cores. M2 allows Apple to repeat this winning formula, incrementally dialing up performance and core counts to address future professional needs while retaining critical power efficiency advantages inherent to its Arm DNA.
While M2 already massively outperforms typical laptops, I expect modified variants like M2 Pro and M2 Max to push performance even higher in future iPad Pro revisions. Carefully elevating thermal design power (TDP) will allow more cores to be lit up simultaneously.
The critical takeaway? M2 provides the 2022 12.9” Pro enormous headroom to incorporate even beefier successors while retaining its svelte, fanless chassis. Accessorized with a Magic Keyboard, this tablet can easily operate as a primary device for pros now, then gracefully evolve across 3+ upgrade cycles as professionals ratchet up project complexity.
Thanks to Apple silicon’s scalability, buyers enjoy exceptional future-proofing.
P3 Pixel Paradise – Analyzing the Peerless XDR Display
While certainly impressive under the aluminum hood, the M2 chip plays second fiddle to the iPad Pro display for tugging heart strings. Front and center lies a temptation few can resist – a 12.9” Liquid Retina XDR dazzler positively dripping with the highest pixel density, most ravishing dynamic range and liquid smooth motion ever bestowed upon a tablet.
Let’s dig in…
Resolution – Imperceptibly Crisp
- 2732 x 2048 native pixels are densely packed at 264 PPI
- Cannot discern individual pixels regardless of distance. Retina caliber at 15 inches!
- Ensures impeccably crisp text and intricate UI elements
10-bit Color Depth + P3 Gamut
- All colors selectable from a palette of over 1 billion possible shades
- 25% larger gamut than standard sRGB displays – colors are extraordinarily vibrant
1600 Peak Brightness / 1,000,000:1 Contrast Ratio
- Mini-LED backlight surges up to 1600 nits for spectacular highlights
- 384 edge-lit local dimming zones produce cavernous 1,000,000:1 dynamic contrast
- Dolby Vision & HDR video content astounds; photos come to life
Augmenting the panel, a variable refresh ProMotion system intuitively scales between 24 Hz – 120 Hz on the fly, reducing power draw while eliminating visual tearing artifacts modern displays often exhibit. The result is a profoundly immersive visual experience luring you ever deeper with incredibly sharp details, mesmerizing motion and decadent contrast.
While serious creatives may still prefer a CalMAN color-certified reference display, I strongly suspect all but the most color-obsessed professionals will cherish the XDR panel’s near perfect balance of technical capability and lavish consumer appeal.
Stay Connected – Wireless Upgrades Expand Possibilities
With historically lackluster tablet network connectivity often hampering mobile productivity, Apple pulled out all the stops for 2022 iPad Pro owners by baking in best-in-class wireless capabilities across the board.
Let‘s investigate the key upgrades:
Wi-Fi 6E – Next-Gen Wireless
- Reduced interference and latency versus Wi-Fi 6
- 6GHz band and faster 160MHz channels unlock quicker access near routers
- Better accommodates professional use cases like video calls, presentations
5G Cellular – Multi-Gigabit Data OTF
- Optional 5G modem caters up to 4Gbps downlink speeds!
- Mostly benefits users continually away from modern Wi-Fi networks
- Allows smooth video calls, high-res cloud access on cellular networks
| Wi-Fi 6E | 4G LTE | 5G | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Download | 9.6 Gbps | 2 Gbps | 4 Gbps |
| Max Upload | 3.6 Gbps | 316 Mbps | 210 Mbps |
Undeniably, upgrading to iPad Pro‘s 5G connectivity enables usage scenarios simply not practical over congested 4G LTE – particularly for teams collaborating across geo-distributed locations. But again, we pay handsomely for this flexibility. Most buyers should carefully evaluate whether daily driving demands exploiting multi-gigabit speeds. If not, saving $200 sticking with Wi-Fi 6E remains reasonable.
Regardless of networking preferences, the latest iPad Pro fortifies Apple’s commitment towards market-leading wireless capabilities.
Level Up Productivity– Magic Keyboard & Apple Pencil
While undeniably formidable standalone, the utility and flexibility of iPad Pro expands tremendously when accessorizing it with members of Apple’s accessory armada.
Allow me to spotlight a classic duo sure to elevate any iPad Pro experience.
Magic Keyboard
- Magnetically couples to iPad Pro while powering on and linking via Bluetooth
- Comfortable, backlit keys with 1mm travel; large navigation touchpad
- Fully adjustable floating cantilever design
- Offers pass-through charging to iPad Pro
By marrying the iPad Pro with this keyboard folio, users gain laptop-grade productivity on demand – then slim back down to tablet mode when mobility calls. It’s a heavyweight accessory that utterly convinces iPadOS can serve as a primary computing platform. Just be prepared to shell out a hefty $349 for the 12.9” Pro version.
Apple Pencil (2nd Generation)
- Magnetically charges wirelessly while magnetically docking to iPad Pro side
- Ultra low latency makes writing feel natural; perfect for sketching concepts
- Tilt & pressure sensitivity advanced creative capabilities
Priced at $129, the latest Apple Pencil remains beloved for low-latency creative sketching, annotating documents, or jotting handwritten notes. For artists and designers already leveraging iPad Pro‘s gorgeous XDR panel as a digital canvas, Apple Pencil represents the perfect complement conveying pen-to-paper freedom.
So whether optimizing for productivity or creative flexibility, Apple‘s ruggedized accessories meaningfully augment iPad versatility across disciplines.
Closing Perspectives – How Other Tablets Compare
Stepping back, it’s clear the 2022 12.9” iPad Pro stands proudly atop the tablet landscape as a no-compromise workhorse, pushing boundaries on performance, display technology and accessory flexibility. But while decidedly impressive, buyers should thoughtfully evaluate whether its premium price and bleeding edge features provide good value for their specific needs.
Let‘s discuss how competitive Windows 2-in-1 convertible tablets like Microsoft Surface Pro 9 may better suit some shoppers:
Detachable keyboard & kickstand – Surface Pro permits flexible angle adjustment and removes entirely for pure tablet experience. Some may prefer over Apple‘s magnetic keyboard coupling.
Touch first UI – Windows 11 UI feels better optimized for tablets than desktop-first iPadOS. Superior touch scaling.
Thunderbolt 4 + USB ports – Surfaces offer additional connectivity like SD card reader and USB-A. Helpful plugging in a wider array of peripherals.
There are certainly areas where iPad Pro‘s engineering excellence clearly wins out – nearly 2x CPU performance, massively quicker graphics, higher brightness, etc. But for general purpose business use emphasizing Microsoft ecosystem interoperability, Surfaces present compelling offerings similar to a premium Ultrabook.
Evaluating tablets stretching downwards in pricing, Apple‘s current-gen iPad Air M1 also deserves attention from cost-conscious shoppers eyeing strong all-round capability.
Ultimately, defining your individual performance, mobility and budget needs before shopping simplifies identifying which solutions best address personal workstyles. While decidedly impressive, even the superb 2022 12.9” iPad Pro won‘t represent peak value for every buyer.
Final Analysis – A Tablet Titan, But Not For Everyone
After closely scrutinizing Apple’s technological marvel, I confidently crown the maxed-out 2022 12.9” iPad Pro as the apex tablet for demanding professionals. Simply put, no alternative mobile device available today can match its triumphant blend of wafer thin industrial design, chart-topping performance, stellar connectivity and lavishly brilliant display.
For creative workloads intensive in GPU compute, media processing or machine learning, M2 emphatically delivers desktop-class muscle.
Of course, such bleeding-edge engineering elicits flagship pricing. The 2TB cellular configuration reviewed here will set you back an eye-watering $2,399. That climbs even higher when factoring essential accessories like Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard.
Given the substantial financial outlays involved, I mostly recommend the new iPad Pro to creative professionals and performance devotees already leveraging iPadOS workflows daily. Casual users simply won‘t tap into enough of this tablet’s formidable capabilities to justify spending so extravagantly. The 128GB Wi-Fi config still brings supercar acceleration for over $350 less.
At the end of day, Apple‘s big-screen tablet behemoth earns my highest acclaim as an aspirational technology showcase successfully stretching boundaries on what tablets can accomplish. While certainly not inexpensive, I firmly believe the 2022 12.9” iPad Pro‘s long future assured by M2 silicon merits serious consideration as a laptop-displacer amongst mobile power users for years to come.
