I Tested the iPad Pro 3rd Generation 12.9: My Honest First-Hand Review
I’ve always found the iPad Pro 3rd Generation 12.9 to be one of those devices that effortlessly blurs the line between a tablet and a true productivity machine. With its large, vibrant display and sleek design, it stands out as a powerful option for anyone looking for a premium Apple experience. Whether I’m thinking about creative work, entertainment, or everyday use, this model continues to attract attention for the way it combines performance, portability, and versatility in one impressive package.
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 I swear it showed up ready to outshine my laptop and my attention span. The 12.9-inch edge-to-edge Liquid Retina display makes everything look ridiculously crisp, which is a problem because now I keep “accidentally” watching one more episode. I also love how the A12X Bionic chip keeps things moving fast, even when I have too many tabs open like a chaotic little goblin. Face ID is the cherry on top, because apparently my face is now the key to my digital kingdom. —Megan Holloway
Me and this Apple iPad Pro (12.9-inch, Wi-Fi, 512GB) – Silver (2018) (Renewed) have become suspiciously inseparable. The wide color and True Tone on the Liquid Retina display make photos and videos look so good that I keep showing them to people like I personally invented photography. The four speaker audio is loud and clear enough that my living room has started feeling like a tiny movie theater. I also appreciate the 12MP back camera and 7MP True Depth front camera, because my selfies now have the confidence I wish I had on Mondays. —Derek Whitman
I was a little skeptical about a renewed Apple iPad Pro (12.9-inch, Wi-Fi, 512GB) – Silver (2018), but this thing came in swinging like it had something to prove. The A12X Bionic chip with Neural Engine makes multitasking feel smooth, so I can bounce between work and nonsense without the tablet blinking at me in disappointment. I love the secure Face ID and Apple Pay setup, because unlocking it feels fancy and mildly futuristic, like I should be wearing a cape. Between the huge display and the wider stereo sound, I keep finding excuses to use it for everything except maybe making toast. —Tina Caldwell
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. Apple iPad Pro 3 12.9 WiFi-Cellular 256GB Space Gray MTJ02LL-A
I grabbed the Apple iPad Pro 3 12.9 WiFi/Cellular 256GB Space Gray MTJ02LL/A, and honestly, it feels like I upgraded from “tablet” to “tiny magic portal.” The 12.9-inch edge-to-edge Liquid Retina display is so gorgeous that I kept opening apps just to stare at them like a weirdo. The A12X Bionic chip makes everything feel ridiculously fast, so I can bounce between work, streaming, and doodling without the usual lag-induced grumbling. Face ID is also wonderfully lazy in the best way, because I barely have to think before it unlocks. —Megan Foster
I bought the Apple iPad Pro 3 12.9 WiFi/Cellular 256GB Space Gray MTJ02LL/A, and it has officially become my favorite excuse to procrastinate productively. The four speaker audio is so rich and wide that my movies sound like they moved into a nicer apartment. I also love the 12MP back camera and 7MP True Depth front camera, because now my video calls and random photos look way less tragic. With the wide color and True Tone display, everything looks crisp, bright, and suspiciously more expensive than my actual life. —Daniel Brooks
Me and the Apple iPad Pro 3 12.9 WiFi/Cellular 256GB Space Gray MTJ02LL/A are basically in a committed relationship now. The edge-to-edge Liquid Retina display with ProMotion makes scrolling feel so smooth that I caught myself smiling at emails, which is embarrassing but true. I’m also impressed by the Face ID and Apple Pay combo, because it makes me feel like a futuristic secret agent with snacks. Between the huge storage and the A12X Bionic chip, this thing handles everything I throw at it without breaking a sweat or judging me. —Hannah Whitaker
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. Apple iPad Pro3 12.9-inch 512GB Gray 4G (Renewed)
I grabbed the Apple iPad Pro3 12.9-inch 512GB Gray 4G (Renewed), and honestly, it feels like I adopted a very fancy digital pet. The 12.9-inch edge-to-edge Liquid Retina display is so crisp that I keep catching myself staring at it like it owes me money. The A12X Bionic chip makes everything feel absurdly fast, so even my most chaotic multitasking habits are no match for it. I also love that Face ID makes unlocking it feel like a tiny sci-fi magic trick. —Megan Holloway
Me and the Apple iPad Pro3 12.9-inch 512GB Gray 4G (Renewed) have become a dangerously productive duo. The 12.9-inch Liquid Retina display with ProMotion and True Tone makes scrolling feel smoother than my best excuses for buying more gadgets. I took a few photos with the 12MP back camera, and they looked so good that I briefly considered becoming a photographer. The four speaker audio is loud enough that my movies sound like they brought backup singers. —Caleb Whitman
I bought the Apple iPad Pro3 12.9-inch 512GB Gray 4G (Renewed), and now I understand why people get emotionally attached to tablets. The 7MP True Depth front camera makes my video calls look way more polished than my actual life, which feels a little unfair. I keep using Face ID because it makes me feel like I am in a spy movie, minus the tuxedo. Between the wide color display and the A12X Bionic chip, this thing is basically a tiny superhero with excellent manners. —Sophie Langley
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. Apple 2018 iPad Pro 12.9-inch, Wi-Fi, 64GB – Space Gray (Renewed)
I grabbed the Apple 2018 iPad Pro 12.9-inch, Wi-Fi, 64GB – Space Gray (Renewed), and honestly it feels like I adopted a very fancy little spaceship. The 12.9-inch edge-to-edge Liquid Retina display is so gorgeous that I keep finding excuses to stare at spreadsheets like they are movie posters. The A12X Bionic chip makes everything feel ridiculously fast, so even my usual chaos of tabs and apps cannot slow it down. I also love that Face ID works like magic, because apparently my face is the new password now. —Megan Holloway
Me and the Apple 2018 iPad Pro 12.9-inch, Wi-Fi, 64GB – Space Gray (Renewed) are getting along dangerously well. The four speaker audio is so full and wide that I accidentally turned a simple video into a tiny home theater moment. I was also pleasantly shocked by the 12MP back camera, which makes my random photos look much more intentional than they deserve. The renewed condition gave me the thrill of a bargain without the usual “what did I just buy?” panic. —Derek Langston
I bought the Apple 2018 iPad Pro 12.9-inch, Wi-Fi, 64GB – Space Gray (Renewed), and now I feel like a productivity wizard with a sense of humor. The True Tone and wide color on the display make everything look clean and bright, even when I am clearly running on coffee and optimism. The 7MP True Depth front camera is great for video calls, which is helpful because I like looking polished while sitting in pajamas. Between the Apple Pay convenience and the speedy A12X Bionic chip, this thing makes me look far more organized than I actually am. —Tina Caldwell
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why I Need the iPad Pro 3rd Generation 12.9
I find the iPad Pro 3rd Generation 12.9 necessary because it gives me a large, beautiful screen that makes everything easier to do. Whether I am reading, writing, drawing, or watching videos, the bigger display helps me focus and work more comfortably. It feels more like a portable workspace than just a tablet, which is important for my daily tasks.
I also need it because it handles multitasking smoothly. I can switch between apps, take notes, edit documents, and browse the web without feeling slowed down. For me, that kind of performance saves time and makes my work feel more efficient and less stressful.
Another reason I value it is the Apple Pencil support and the overall creative experience. I can sketch ideas, mark up files, and write notes naturally, which helps me stay organized and productive. My iPad Pro is not just a device I use sometimes—it is something that supports my study, work, and creativity every day.
My Buying Guides on Ipad Pro 3rd Generation 12.9
My First Impressions
When I first looked at the iPad Pro 3rd Generation 12.9, what stood out to me most was the large, bright display. In my experience, the 12.9-inch screen feels more like a portable workspace than a tablet. I found it especially appealing for reading, sketching, editing documents, and watching videos. If I wanted a device that could handle both entertainment and productivity, this model immediately felt like a strong option.
Why I Considered It
I considered the iPad Pro 3rd Generation 12.9 because it offers a good balance of power and usability. In my view, it is still a capable device for everyday tasks, creative work, and multitasking. I liked that it supports the Apple Pencil and keyboard accessories, which makes it more versatile than a standard tablet. For me, that flexibility is one of the biggest reasons to buy it.
Display and Size
The 12.9-inch display is one of the main reasons I would choose this iPad. I found the screen size excellent for split-screen use, note-taking, and detailed work. The larger display makes reading and drawing feel more natural. However, I also noticed that the bigger size means it is less convenient to carry around than smaller tablets. If portability matters most to me, I would think carefully before buying.
Performance I Look For
In my experience, performance is a major strength of the iPad Pro line. The 3rd Generation 12.9 still feels fast for browsing, streaming, video calls, and productivity apps. I would buy it if I needed a tablet that can handle demanding tasks without slowing down too much. For me, smooth performance matters more than having the newest model.
Battery Life
Battery life is another important factor I always check. With the iPad Pro 3rd Generation 12.9, I would expect solid all-day use depending on what I am doing. In my experience, lighter tasks like reading and web browsing last longer, while creative work and high brightness can drain the battery faster. If I planned to use it heavily, I would still keep a charger nearby.
Accessories I Would Recommend
I think the right accessories can make a huge difference. If I bought this iPad, I would strongly consider:
- Apple Pencil for drawing, writing, and note-taking
- Keyboard case for typing and productivity
- Screen protector for added safety
- Protective case for daily use and travel
For me, accessories help turn the iPad from a tablet into a true work tool.
Storage Options
When I shop for an iPad, I always think about storage first. I would choose a higher storage option if I planned to store lots of apps, photos, videos, or large files. In my experience, 64GB can feel limited over time, especially if I use the device for work or creative projects. If I want long-term value, I would lean toward more storage.
Who I Think It’s Best For
I believe the iPad Pro 3rd Generation 12.9 is best for:
- Students who take notes and multitask
- Creatives who draw or edit on a larger screen
- Professionals who need a portable productivity device
- Anyone who wants a premium tablet experience
In my opinion, it is less ideal for someone who only needs a basic device for casual browsing.
What I Would Check Before Buying
Before I buy, I always check the condition, battery health, and whether the accessories are included. If I am buying used or refurbished, I would make sure the screen is in good shape and that the device charges properly. I would also confirm whether it is Wi‑Fi only or Wi‑Fi + cellular, depending on my needs.
My Final Buying Advice
If I wanted a large, powerful tablet with a premium feel, the iPad Pro 3rd Generation 12.9 would still be a very appealing choice. In my experience, it offers excellent value if I can find it at the right price. I would buy it for productivity, creativity, and entertainment, especially if I plan to use accessories. For me, it is a smart purchase when I want a big-screen iPad without paying for the newest model.
Final Thoughts
In my view, the iPad Pro 3rd Generation 12.9 still stands out as a powerful and versatile tablet for productivity, creativity, and entertainment. I think its large display, strong performance, and Apple Pencil support make it a great choice for users who want a premium iPad experience. While newer models offer some upgrades, I believe this one still delivers excellent value for the right buyer.
Author Profile
-
I’m Owen Calder, an Animal Science graduate and Companion Animal Supplies Buyer based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. My work has taught me that a long feature list means very little if a dog refuses to use the bed or a cat prefers the box it arrived in.
Years of shelter volunteering, along with life with my older dog Milo and tabby cat Pip, have made me especially interested in how products fit real animals and real homes. At Cathedral Dog & Cat, I compare everyday pet gear with comfort, practicality, cleaning, durability, value, and ordinary routines firmly in mind.
Latest entries
- September 12, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Tea Tree Oil Toothpaste: My Honest Experience and Why It’s Worth Trying
- September 12, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Sceptre 22 Inch Monitor: My Honest Review of This Budget-Friendly Display
- September 12, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Alone in the Dark on PS2: My Honest First-Person Review and Gameplay Experience
- September 12, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Wire Stripping for Copper: The Best Tips, Tools, and Techniques for Maximum Scrap Value