IPad Pro 10.5 (2017): Review, Specs, And More

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the iPad Pro 10.5-inch released in 2017. Even though it's not the newest kid on the block anymore, this iPad still packs a serious punch. We'll cover everything from its design and performance to its display, camera, and what makes it a solid choice, especially if you're eyeing a blend of power and portability. So, buckle up and let’s get started!

Design and Build Quality

The iPad Pro 10.5 boasts a sleek and premium design that screams Apple. Crafted from a single block of aluminum, the build quality is top-notch, providing a sturdy and durable feel in your hands. The slim bezels around the display give it a modern look, maximizing the screen real estate without compromising the device's overall size. Available in colors like Space Gray, Silver, Gold, and Rose Gold, there's a style to suit everyone's taste. The physical buttons are tactile and responsive, and the inclusion of a Touch ID sensor offers a secure and convenient way to unlock your device and authenticate purchases.

Despite its larger screen compared to the 9.7-inch iPad Pro, the 10.5-inch model remains incredibly portable. It's thin and light enough to slip into a bag or carry around all day without feeling weighed down. The chamfered edges add to the comfortable in-hand feel, making it a pleasure to use for extended periods. The smart connector on the side allows you to easily attach accessories like the Smart Keyboard, instantly transforming your iPad into a productivity powerhouse. Apple truly nailed the balance between form and function with this design, creating a device that looks as good as it performs. The attention to detail is evident in every aspect, from the precisely aligned speaker grills to the seamlessly integrated antenna lines. The iPad Pro 10.5 isn't just a tablet; it's a statement of elegance and sophistication, showcasing Apple's commitment to quality craftsmanship.

Display: A Visual Delight

The display on the iPad Pro 10.5 is a true standout feature. It features a fully laminated display with an anti-reflective coating, making it a joy to use in any lighting conditions. The wide color gamut support ensures vibrant and accurate colors, bringing photos, videos, and games to life with stunning clarity. But what truly sets this display apart is ProMotion technology. ProMotion automatically adjusts the refresh rate up to 120Hz, resulting in incredibly smooth scrolling, responsive Apple Pencil input, and an overall more fluid user experience. Whether you're browsing the web, sketching artwork, or watching movies, the iPad Pro 10.5 delivers a visually immersive experience that's hard to beat.

The higher refresh rate makes a noticeable difference in everyday tasks. Animations are smoother, transitions are more seamless, and even simple things like swiping through home screens feel more responsive. Gamers will especially appreciate the reduced latency, giving them a competitive edge in fast-paced games. The True Tone technology automatically adjusts the color temperature of the display to match the ambient lighting, reducing eye strain and making it more comfortable to use for long periods. The combination of ProMotion, wide color gamut, and True Tone technology creates a display that's not only beautiful but also incredibly practical. If you're a creative professional, the iPad Pro 10.5 is an excellent tool for tasks like photo editing, graphic design, and digital illustration. The accurate color reproduction ensures that your work looks its best, and the responsive Apple Pencil support allows you to create with precision and control. The display truly elevates the overall user experience, making the iPad Pro 10.5 a top contender in the tablet market.

Performance: Still a Powerhouse

Under the hood, the iPad Pro 10.5 is powered by Apple's A10X Fusion chip, which delivers blazing-fast performance for demanding tasks. Whether you're editing 4K videos, playing graphics-intensive games, or multitasking between multiple apps, this iPad can handle it all with ease. The A10X Fusion chip features a six-core CPU and a twelve-core GPU, providing plenty of power for both CPU-intensive and GPU-intensive tasks. The 4GB of RAM ensures smooth multitasking, allowing you to switch between apps without experiencing any lag. The iPad Pro 10.5 is a true workhorse, capable of handling anything you throw at it.

Even by today's standards, the A10X Fusion chip holds its own against newer processors. It's more than capable of running the latest iPadOS updates and handling most apps and games without breaking a sweat. The performance is especially noticeable when compared to older iPads or Android tablets in the same price range. The iPad Pro 10.5 offers a premium experience that's hard to match. The combination of the powerful processor, ample RAM, and optimized software makes it a joy to use for both work and play. If you're looking for a tablet that can keep up with your demanding lifestyle, the iPad Pro 10.5 is an excellent choice. It's a versatile device that can handle everything from basic tasks like browsing the web and checking email to more demanding tasks like video editing and 3D modeling. The iPad Pro 10.5 truly shines when paired with accessories like the Smart Keyboard and Apple Pencil, transforming it into a productivity powerhouse.

Camera Capabilities

The iPad Pro 10.5 features a 12-megapixel rear camera that captures stunning photos and videos. The camera is equipped with optical image stabilization, which helps to reduce blur and shake, resulting in sharper and clearer images. It also supports 4K video recording at 30fps, allowing you to capture high-quality videos with excellent detail and clarity. The front-facing 7-megapixel FaceTime HD camera is perfect for video calls and selfies. It captures clear and detailed images, making you look your best during video conferences and online meetings.

While the iPad Pro 10.5 isn't meant to replace your smartphone or dedicated camera, it's still a capable device for capturing photos and videos on the go. The image quality is surprisingly good, especially in well-lit environments. The camera app is easy to use and offers a variety of shooting modes, including HDR, panorama, and time-lapse. The optical image stabilization is a welcome addition, especially when shooting videos. The front-facing camera is also excellent for video calls, making it a great tool for staying connected with friends, family, and colleagues. The iPad Pro 10.5 is a versatile device that can handle a variety of tasks, including photography and videography. Whether you're capturing memories with friends and family or creating content for social media, the iPad Pro 10.5 has you covered.

Audio Quality

The iPad Pro 10.5 features a quad-speaker setup that delivers immersive and high-quality audio. The speakers are located at the top and bottom of the device, creating a wide stereo soundstage that fills the room. The audio quality is excellent, with clear highs, rich mids, and deep bass. Whether you're watching movies, listening to music, or playing games, the iPad Pro 10.5 provides an enjoyable audio experience. The speakers are loud enough to fill a small room, and the sound quality is clear even at high volumes. The iPad Pro 10.5 is a great device for media consumption, thanks to its excellent display and audio quality.

The quad-speaker setup is a significant upgrade over previous iPad models, which only had two speakers. The difference in audio quality is immediately noticeable. The iPad Pro 10.5 provides a more immersive and engaging audio experience that enhances your enjoyment of movies, music, and games. The speakers are also well-suited for video calls, allowing you to hear and be heard clearly. The iPad Pro 10.5 is a great choice for anyone who values audio quality. Whether you're a music lover, movie buff, or gamer, you'll appreciate the excellent sound that this device delivers.

Battery Life: Does It Last?

The iPad Pro 10.5 offers excellent battery life, typically lasting around 10 hours on a single charge. This makes it perfect for all-day use, whether you're working, studying, or just relaxing and watching videos. The battery life will vary depending on your usage, but you can expect to get a full day's worth of use out of it under normal conditions. The iPad Pro 10.5 is a reliable device that you can count on to last throughout the day. The efficient A10X Fusion chip and optimized software contribute to the excellent battery life.

Even with heavy usage, such as playing graphics-intensive games or editing videos, the iPad Pro 10.5 can still last for several hours. The battery charges quickly, allowing you to top it up during breaks or downtime. The iPad Pro 10.5 is a great choice for anyone who needs a device that can last all day. Whether you're a student, professional, or casual user, you'll appreciate the long battery life that this device offers. The iPad Pro 10.5 is a reliable companion that won't let you down when you need it most.

Conclusion: Is It Worth It?

So, is the iPad Pro 10.5 worth it in today's market? Absolutely! Even though it was released in 2017, it still holds up incredibly well. Its powerful performance, stunning display, and excellent battery life make it a great choice for anyone looking for a versatile tablet. Whether you're a student, creative professional, or just someone who enjoys watching videos and browsing the web, the iPad Pro 10.5 has something to offer. It's a reliable and capable device that can handle a variety of tasks with ease.

While it may not have all the latest and greatest features of newer iPads, the iPad Pro 10.5 still provides a premium experience at a more affordable price point. If you're on a budget but still want a high-quality tablet, the iPad Pro 10.5 is an excellent option. It's a great value for the money and will provide you with years of reliable service. So, go ahead and treat yourself to an iPad Pro 10.5 – you won't regret it!