Our benchmark test scores:

Geekbench 4 CPU: 5,029 single-core; 18,042 multi-core

　　These scores destroy the competition. The iPad Pro’s Android equivalent — the Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 — scored 6,423 for its multi-core performance and 1,891 in single-core. That’s not to say the Tab S4 was slow, but the iPad Pro is leagues ahead in what it can do. You won’t run into any problems here.

　　Apple made a lot of comparisons to the Xbox One, saying the new iPad Pro could deliver better graphics performance than the console. While the list is growing, we’d like for Apple to focus on bringing more graphics-intensive AAA games to the iPad Pro to truly make use of its performance. There are certainly a lot of great games on the iPad — Civilization VI, for example — but there aren’t a lot that utilize the full power of the tablet.

　　The iPad Pro comes in a variety of storage sizes, from 64GB for the base model to 1TB. The price for the new iPad devices has jumped, and we think Apple should get rid of the 64GB option and make the 128GB the base size.

　　Image used with permission by copyright holder

For work, iOS 12 is a setback

iOS is fantastic on the iPad Pro — when used in tablet mode. It’s largely a blown up version of iOS on the iPhone, but many apps are tablet-optimized so they show content in a more useful manner. There’s also the option to multi-task through split-screen view, and you can drag-and-drop content and files between apps. It’s easy to use.

　　The front-facing camera is great for video chat and selfies look good.

　　When we want to get work done and dock the iPad Pro into the Smart Keyboard, though, iOS can feel like it hampers workflow. As mentioned, mouse support or a trackpad would go a long way to ensuring we act more precise while working, instead of constantly raising our hand to do something on the screen.

　　Your mileage may vary, but there’s no getting around it: Our workflow is noticeably slower on the iPad Pro. Laptops just provide a greater degree of freedom and versatility that iOS can’t quite match at the moment. Even the Smart Keyboard and magnetic Apple Pencil can feel clunky when traveling, as they can sometimes slip off when you pull the iPad Pro from your backpack.

　　

AR Camera

Apple didn’t say much about the camera in the iPad. Your phone camera is likely better, so you shouldn’t use the tablet to take photos. Still, it’s used for augmented reality applications, so it’s worth mentioning. It’s a 12-megapixel camera on the rear with a f/1.8 aperture, and it supports the new Smart HDR feature Apple introduced on the iPhone XS.

　　The 7-megapixel TrueDepth camera can be used to take Portrait Mode photos, so you can create and send Memojis and Animojis. Selfies look good here, and it’s a solid camera for video conferencing.

　　Julian Chokkattu/Digital TrendsWe’ve largely used the rear camera to try out AR, and there’s a healthy library of educational apps and games in the App Store. Plantale, for example, lets you look at the anatomy of a plant in great detail through augmented reality, and it even lets you create and nurture your own AR plant. It’s a great app for the kids, and there’s plenty of similar content on the App Store.

　　We had more fun checking out products in AR while shopping to see how they would look in real life — through sites like Magnolia — but finding websites that support this technology is hit and miss.

　　

Battery life

Apple said the iPad Pro should last all day, and it easily does. Using it to watch about five hours of Netflix on a plane only dropped battery life to around 75 percent. While editing photos in Adobe Lightroom CC with the Apple Pencil, battery life didn’t take too much of hit, hitting about 60 percent after a few hours. We’ve managed to stretch battery life several days using the iPad Pro like this in a pocket of a few hours at a time. Longer usage — as in if you work eight or nine hours a day with this device — will definitely see you needing to recharge daily.

　　The iPad Pro does take quite some time to fully charge up, though. It took around two full hours to go from 26 percent to 95 percent. We wish it was faster.

　　

Price, availability, and warranty information

The 11-inch iPad Pro starts at $799, and the 12.9-inch iPad Pro starts at $999. That’s a big price jump considering the 2017 10.5-inch iPad Pro cost $650. That’s without accessories like the Apple Pencil ($129) or the Smart Keyboard ($179+). Both sizes are now available for purchase from the Apple Store.

　　Apple offers a standard one-year warranty that covers manufacturer defects. You can purchase AppleCare+ for additional protection and an extended warranty.

　　

Our Take

The new iPads are expensive, yes, but there’s so much you can do with them that they are worthwhile investments. They’re excellent for entertainment consumption, they are perfect slates for artists, and they can be used to get a good degree of work done, but we don’t think they can quite replace your laptop or desktop just yet. No matter what you use it for though, this is the most beautiful and well-designed iPad to date.

　　

Is there a better alternative?

It depends. If you are looking for the best tablet money can buy, the iPad Pro (2018) is our top pick. If you must have an Android tablet, then you’ll be quite happy with the Samsung Galaxy Tab S4.

　　If you just want a tablet you can use for consuming media, and some light work, consider the excellent, $330 iPad. It now supports the Apple Pencil too (first-gen), so it’s more useful than ever, and it’s definitely the tablet most people need.

　　If you’re planning on replacing your laptop with the iPad Pro, it will mostly work, but keep in mind there are better alternatives. The new MacBook Air will likely help you get work done much faster, and it has a similar price tag at $1,199.

　　The Microsoft Surface Pro 6 is also an excellent Windows alternative for a great 2-in-1 that costs $900. While it won’t match the iPad’s tablet mode, it will undoubtedly make you feel more productive in desktop mode.

　　

How long will it last?

The iPad Pro will last you four to five years, if not more, before you’ll want to replace it. Apple’s iPads have a lengthy lifespan as they are supported through software updates for a good deal of time.

　　The back of the iPad Pro is metal, but the front screen is covered by glass and it’s capable of cracking. It’s a good idea to get a case or cover if you are not springing for the Smart Keyboard. There’s no water resistance here, so you’ll want to keep the slate away from pools.

　　

Should you buy it?

Yes. The iPad Pro is undoubtedly the best tablet you can buy, though it will put a dent in your wallet. It’s close to becoming a true laptop replacement, but iOS doesn’t allow it to get there quite yet.