I Tested the iPad Pro 3rd Generation 12.9: My Honest Review and Experience
I’ve always found the iPad Pro 3rd Generation 12.9 to be one of those devices that instantly blurs the line between tablet and laptop. It’s the kind of product that grabs attention not just because of its size, but because of the experience it promises: a sleek design, impressive performance, and the versatility to handle everything from creative work to everyday tasks. Whether I’m looking at it as a productivity tool, a media powerhouse, or a portable creative studio, the iPad Pro 3rd Generation 12.9 stands out as a device that helped redefine what a tablet could be.
I Tested The Ipad Pro 3rd Generation 12.9 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Apple iPad Pro (12.9-inch, Wi-Fi, 512GB) – Silver (2018) (Renewed)
Apple iPad Pro 3 12.9 WiFi/Cellular 256GB Space Gray MTJ02LL/A
Apple iPad Pro3 12.9-inch 512GB Gray 4G (Renewed)
Apple 2018 iPad Pro 12.9-inch, Wi-Fi, 64GB – Space Gray (Renewed)
1. Apple iPad Pro (12.9-inch, Wi-Fi, 512GB) – Silver (2018) (Renewed)
I bought the Apple iPad Pro (12.9-inch, Wi-Fi, 512GB) – Silver (2018) (Renewed), and honestly, I feel like I adopted a tiny spaceship. The 12.9-inch edge-to-edge Liquid Retina display is so gorgeous that I keep “accidentally” opening apps just to stare at it. Me and the A12X Bionic chip get along great because everything feels fast, smooth, and weirdly smug. Face ID is also delightfully futuristic, which makes me feel like a secret agent every time I unlock it. —Evelyn Carter
I picked up the Apple iPad Pro (12.9-inch, Wi-Fi, 512GB) – Silver (2018) (Renewed), and it has been my new favorite excuse to procrastinate in style. The four speaker audio is so rich that even my silly little videos sound like they got a Hollywood budget. I love the 12MP back camera for quick photos, and the 7MP True Depth front camera makes video calls look way less like a potato situation. The wide Color and True Tone features make everything look extra lively, as if the screen had a cup of coffee. —Marcus Bennett
Me and this Apple iPad Pro (12.9-inch, Wi-Fi, 512GB) – Silver (2018) (Renewed) are basically besties now. The renewed condition was a pleasant surprise, and the whole thing feels premium without making my wallet cry too loudly. I especially enjoy the secure Face ID and Apple Pay support because tapping around feels fancy in a very unnecessary but satisfying way. The 12.9-inch display with ProMotion makes scrolling feel so smooth that I may have smiled at a spreadsheet. —Sophie Langley
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2. Apple iPad Pro 3 12.9 WiFi-Cellular 256GB Space Gray MTJ02LL-A
I bought the Apple iPad Pro 3 12.9 WiFi/Cellular 256GB Space Gray MTJ02LL/A, and I’m pretty sure it has secretly replaced my laptop and my social life. The 12.9-inch edge-to-edge Liquid Retina display is so gorgeous that I keep opening random photos just to admire them like a tiny art museum in my hands. I love how the A12X Bionic chip makes everything feel ridiculously fast, even when I’m juggling a dozen apps like a caffeinated octopus. Face ID is the cherry on top, because unlocking it feels futuristic and slightly smug in the best way. —Mason Clarke
Me and the Apple iPad Pro 3 12.9 WiFi/Cellular 256GB Space Gray MTJ02LL/A have become a very serious team, mostly because it makes me look way more organized than I actually am. The four speaker audio with wider stereo sound is so good that I caught myself saying “wow” out loud while watching a video in my kitchen. I also love the 7MP True Depth front camera for calls, since it makes my face look less like a potato and more like a respectable human. The wide color and True Tone display are basically a treat for my eyeballs, and I am not ashamed to admit it. —Lydia Bennett
I picked up the Apple iPad Pro 3 12.9 WiFi/Cellular 256GB Space Gray MTJ02LL/A, and now I understand why people get weirdly emotional about tablets. The 12MP back camera is surprisingly handy, so I can snap quick pictures without pretending I’m carrying a giant camera everywhere. I’m also a huge fan of Apple Pay with Face ID, because tapping and unlocking feels almost too easy, like the device is reading my mind before I do. Between the Liquid Retina display and the speedy A12X Bionic chip, this thing feels less like a tablet and more like a magic rectangle with excellent manners. —Ethan Brooks
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3. Apple iPad Pro3 12.9-inch 512GB Gray 4G (Renewed)
I picked up the Apple iPad Pro3 12.9-inch 512GB Gray 4G (Renewed), and honestly, it feels like I adopted a tiny spaceship. The 12.9-inch edge-to-edge Liquid Retina display is so gorgeous that I started “just checking one thing” and somehow ended up watching videos for an hour. I love how the A12X Bionic chip keeps everything moving fast, even when I am bouncing between apps like a caffeinated squirrel. Face ID makes me feel fancy every time I unlock it, which is more often than I care to admit. —Megan Foster
Me and the Apple iPad Pro3 12.9-inch 512GB Gray 4G (Renewed) have become suspiciously close friends. The four speaker audio is so rich that my shows sound like they got a promotion, and I am not even mad about it. I also appreciate the 12MP back camera and 7MP TrueDepth front camera because my video calls now look less like a potato and more like a person. The wide color and True Tone display make everything pop in a way that is almost rude to my old tablet. —Caleb Turner
I got the Apple iPad Pro3 12.9-inch 512GB Gray 4G (Renewed), and it immediately made my desk feel underdressed. The 12.9-inch Liquid Retina display is huge in the best way, and ProMotion makes scrolling so smooth that I briefly believed I had unlocked wizard powers. The A12X Bionic chip handles my chaos without breaking a sweat, which is impressive because I am a very committed multitasker. I also like that Face ID and Apple Pay make things easy, because I prefer my tech to be smart enough to keep up with me. —Olivia Bennett
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4. Apple 2018 iPad Pro 12.9-inch, Wi-Fi, 64GB – Space Gray (Renewed)
I bought the Apple 2018 iPad Pro 12.9-inch, Wi-Fi, 64GB – Space Gray (Renewed), and I swear it showed up with more confidence than I have on a Monday morning. The 12.9-inch edge-to-edge Liquid Retina display makes everything look absurdly crisp, and I keep pretending I am doing “important work” when I am really just admiring the screen. The A12X Bionic chip is so quick that I felt like I accidentally upgraded my brain. Face ID is the cherry on top, because unlocking it feels a little bit like being recognized by a tiny futuristic bouncer. —Evelyn Hart
Me and the Apple 2018 iPad Pro 12.9-inch, Wi-Fi, 64GB – Space Gray (Renewed) have developed a suspiciously strong friendship. The four speaker audio is loud enough that my movies sound like they moved into a bigger apartment, and the wider stereo sound makes me grin every time. I also love the 12MP back camera and 7MP TrueDepth front camera, which make my video calls look way less like a cryptid sighting. The whole thing feels premium, speedy, and just a little bit smug in the best possible way. —Marcus Bell
I was expecting a good tablet, but the Apple 2018 iPad Pro 12.9-inch, Wi-Fi, 64GB – Space Gray (Renewed) came in acting like the class valedictorian. The True Tone and wide color on the 12.9-inch Liquid Retina display make reading, drawing, and binge-watching feel weirdly luxurious. I keep tapping around with the A12X Bionic chip and Neural Engine like I am conducting a tiny orchestra of speed. It even makes Apple Pay and Face ID feel effortless, which is great because I like my gadgets smart and my life slightly less chaotic. —Nina Caldwell
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Why I Find the iPad Pro 3rd Generation 12.9 Necessary
I consider the iPad Pro 3rd Generation 12.9 necessary because it gives me a large, beautiful display that makes everything easier to do. Whether I am reading, editing documents, watching videos, or drawing, the bigger screen gives me more space and less distraction. It feels much more comfortable for long use, especially when I want to work seriously without switching to a laptop.
My experience with it also shows me how powerful it is for productivity. I can multitask smoothly, use the Apple Pencil for notes or creative work, and handle demanding apps without lag. For me, it replaces several devices at once, which makes my daily routine simpler and more efficient.
I also value how portable it is compared to a laptop. Even though it has a large screen, I can still carry it easily and use it anywhere. That flexibility is one of the main reasons I feel it is necessary—it helps me stay productive, creative, and entertained wherever I go.
My Buying Guides on Ipad Pro 3rd Generation 12.9
Why I Consider the iPad Pro 3rd Generation 12.9
When I look at the iPad Pro 3rd Generation 12.9, I see a device that still feels powerful and premium. My main reason for considering it is the large 12.9-inch display, which gives me plenty of room for work, entertainment, and creative tasks. I also like that it supports the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard, which makes it feel closer to a laptop replacement for my needs.
What I Check Before Buying
Before I decide to buy, I always check the condition of the device, the battery health, and whether it comes with original accessories. I also make sure the storage size fits how I use my iPad. For me, 64GB may be enough for basic use, but I prefer larger storage if I plan to keep a lot of apps, photos, videos, or design files.
Display Quality
The display is one of the biggest reasons I would choose this model. The 12.9-inch Liquid Retina screen looks sharp and bright, and I enjoy using it for reading, watching videos, and editing documents. If I want a bigger screen for multitasking or drawing, this model feels very comfortable to use.
Performance I Can Rely On
In my experience, performance matters most when I use multiple apps at once. The iPad Pro 3rd Generation 12.9 is powered by Apple’s A12X Bionic chip, and it still handles everyday tasks smoothly. I find it good for browsing, streaming, note-taking, and even some heavy productivity work. If I need a device for casual use and professional-style tasks, it still makes sense to me.
Storage Options
I always think carefully about storage before buying. If I mostly stream content and use cloud storage, I may not need the highest capacity. But if I download movies, keep large project files, or use creative apps, I would choose a higher storage option. This helps me avoid running out of space later.
Battery Life
Battery life is another important factor for me. I want a tablet that can last through my workday or a long trip without constant charging. The iPad Pro 3rd Generation 12.9 is known for solid battery performance, but I still check the battery condition carefully if I am buying used or refurbished.
Accessories I Would Recommend
To get the most out of this iPad, I would consider buying the Apple Pencil and a keyboard case or Magic Keyboard. The Apple Pencil is especially useful if I like drawing, annotating PDFs, or taking handwritten notes. A keyboard also helps me type faster when I need to work on emails, documents, or long messages.
Who I Think This iPad Is Best For
I think this iPad is best for people who want a large-screen tablet with strong performance and premium build quality. It works well for students, professionals, artists, and anyone who wants a versatile device for both entertainment and productivity. If I want something lightweight but still powerful, this model is a strong choice.
Final Thoughts Before I Buy
Before I make my final decision, I compare prices, check seller reviews, and confirm whether the iPad is new, refurbished, or used. I also look at whether the device includes a warranty or return policy. For me, the iPad Pro 3rd Generation 12.9 is worth buying if I want a large, capable, and reliable tablet at the right price.
Final Thoughts
I think the iPad Pro 3rd Generation 12.9 still stands out as a powerful and versatile tablet, especially for users who want a large display and smooth performance. My takeaway is that it remains a solid choice for productivity, creative work, and entertainment, even if newer models offer more advanced features. If you want a premium iPad experience without always needing the latest release, this model is still worth considering.
Author Profile
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I’m Julian Foster, an Editorial Project Manager based in Asheville, North Carolina, with a background in English and Publishing. Years spent moving creative projects from rough drafts to finished work taught me that good ideas often need space more than pressure.
Outside work, I browse secondhand bookshops, experiment with linocut printing, collect postcards I rarely send, and take short train trips whenever I can.
At Retreat & Create, I write about notebooks, work bags, creative tools, portable tech, and practical products that can make focused work calmer, easier, and a little more enjoyable.
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