iPad Pro review: It may be Apple’s leap of faith to a laptop

For those looking for a tablet, the Apple iPad has become the go-to device. Apple has, however, been pitching the iPad Pro as a laptop replacement. The latest iPad Pro is powered by the M1 processor, found in the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. Further, it gets Thunderbolt connectivity that puts the iPad Pro on par with laptops.

It comes in two display sizes — 11.1-inch and 12.9-inch. The difference between the two is the Liquid Retina XDR display — found only on the 12.9-inch version. Apple is clearly targeting content creators with this feature as it gives the iPad an excellent display option. The design remains as good as ever.

It is easy to hold, not too heavy, and the sides squared off with flat edges give it an elegant look. The M1 processor makes the iPad Pro a different animal. This is a blazing-fast iPad for day-to-day tasks. Even if you are editing photos or videos, the iPad Pro hardly breaks a sweat — it is on par with the MacBooks.


The 11-inch iPad Pro starts at Rs 71,900 for the Wi-Fi model and Rs 85,900 for the Wi-Fi + Cellular model. The 12.9-inch iPad Pro starts at Rs 99,900 for the Wi-Fi model and Rs 1,13,900 for the Wi-Fi + Cellular model. With the Magic Keyboard, which retails at Rs 27,900, this is a laptop replacement that costs more than the MacBook Air.

The iPad Pro is a compelling device that has more features than the MacBook. It has better speakers, FaceID, works with Apple Pencil, the front camera is way superior and a much better display than any MacBook.

Can it be a laptop replacement? It certainly can if you are ready to splash the cash. The iPad Pro is a testament to the fact that Apple still makes the best tablet and is very close to making a device that may replace your laptop altogether. Buy the iPad Pro if you want the ultimate tablet experience and a device that can moonlight as a very good laptop.