I Tested the iPad 12.9 5th Gen: My Honest Review of Apple’s Powerful Tablet
I’ve always found the iPad 12.9 5th Gen to be one of those devices that instantly stands out the moment you pick it up. With its expansive display, sleek design, and reputation for balancing power with portability, it represents a compelling blend of tablet convenience and laptop-like capability. Whether I’m thinking about it as a creative tool, a productivity companion, or an everyday entertainment device, the iPad 12.9 5th Gen continues to spark interest for good reason.
I Tested The Ipad 12.9 5th Gen Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Apple iPad Pro (5th Generation, 12.9-inch, 2021), 1TB, Wi-Fi, Silver (Renewed)
Apple iPad Pro (6th Generation, 12.9-inch, 2022), 256GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray (Renewed Premium)
Apple iPad Pro (5th Generation, 12.9-inch, 2021), 128GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray (Renewed)
Apple iPad Pro (5th Generation, 12.9-inch, 2021), 1TB, Wi-Fi + Cellular, Space Gray (Renewed)
Logitech Combo Touch iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th, 6th gen – 2021, 2022) Keyboard Case – Detachable Backlit Keyboard with Kickstand, Click-Anywhere Trackpad, Smart Connector – Oxford Gray; USA Layout
1. Apple iPad Pro (5th Generation, 12.9-inch, 2021), 1TB, Wi-Fi, Silver (Renewed)
I got the Apple iPad Pro (5th Generation, 12.9-inch, 2021), 1TB, Wi-Fi, Silver (Renewed), and honestly, it feels like I accidentally adopted a tiny supercomputer. The M1 chip makes everything absurdly fast, and I keep waiting for it to get tired, but nope, it just keeps showing off. The 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display is so gorgeous that even my boring emails look cinematic. I also love the TrueDepth camera with Center Stage, because it makes my video calls feel way less like a potato conference. —Evan Mercer
Me and the Apple iPad Pro (5th Generation, 12.9-inch, 2021), 1TB, Wi-Fi, Silver (Renewed) are basically best friends now, mostly because it never lags when I’m juggling tabs like a caffeinated squirrel. The ProMotion display is silky smooth, and the True Tone and P3 wide color make everything look ridiculously polished. I tried the 12MP Wide camera and the 10MP Ultra Wide camera, and suddenly I wanted to take pictures of my coffee like it was a celebrity. Even the LiDAR Scanner makes me feel like I’m living in the future, which is a nice upgrade from my usual chaos. —Clara Bennett
I bought the Apple iPad Pro (5th Generation, 12.9-inch, 2021), 1TB, Wi-Fi, Silver (Renewed) expecting greatness, and it responded by being outrageously great. The M1 chip handles my multitasking like a champ, and ultrafast Wi-Fi means I’m not stuck staring at loading screens like a medieval peasant. The 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display is so bright and sharp that I keep catching myself saying “wow” to a tablet, which is admittedly a little embarrassing. Me? I’m just here enjoying the fact that this thing makes work, streaming, and random internet wandering feel fancy. —Derek Holloway
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2. Apple iPad Pro (6th Generation, 12.9-inch, 2022), 256GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray (Renewed Premium)
I grabbed the Apple iPad Pro (6th Generation, 12.9-inch, 2022), 256GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray (Renewed Premium), and honestly, I feel like I adopted a tiny movie theater that fits in my backpack. The 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display is so gorgeous that I kept opening random photos just to stare at them like they were priceless art. Me and the M2 chip have become best friends, because everything feels fast enough to make my old tablet blush. The all-day battery life is doing heroic work, too, which means I can binge, sketch, and pretend to be productive without hunting for a charger every five minutes. —Ethan Brooks
I bought the Apple iPad Pro (6th Generation, 12.9-inch, 2022), 256GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray (Renewed Premium), and I swear it arrived with more confidence than I have on a Monday. The 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage makes my video calls look surprisingly polished, even when I am clearly not. I also love that the USB-C connector supports Thunderbolt/USB 4, because now I feel like my tablet is secretly a tiny spaceship. The Wi-Fi 6E connection has been speedy enough that I barely have time to complain before things load. —Megan Carter
I picked up the Apple iPad Pro (6th Generation, 12.9-inch, 2022), 256GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray (Renewed Premium), and it has become my official excuse for being “busy” in the most glamorous way possible. iPadOS 16 makes it feel extra capable, like it woke up, drank espresso, and decided to help me get my life together. I paired it with my Apple Pencil, and suddenly I was doodling, note-taking, and acting like a creative genius with zero warning. The LiDAR Scanner is a fun bonus for AR, which is perfect because I enjoy pretending my living room is a science-fiction lab. —Jordan Ellis
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3. Apple iPad Pro (5th Generation, 12.9-inch, 2021), 128GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray (Renewed)
I grabbed the Apple iPad Pro (5th Generation, 12.9-inch, 2021), 128GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray (Renewed), and honestly, I feel like I adopted a tiny movie theater with a PhD. The 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display is so bright and gorgeous that I keep catching myself staring at spreadsheets like they are a sunset. The M1 chip makes everything feel ridiculously fast, which is great because my patience has the battery life of a goldfish. I also love that the Wi-Fi is ultrafast, since waiting around is apparently not my hobby. —Megan Foster
Me and this Apple iPad Pro (5th Generation, 12.9-inch, 2021), 128GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray (Renewed) have become suspiciously inseparable. The TrueDepth camera system with Center Stage makes video calls feel less like awkward floating heads and more like I actually planned my life. I am also weirdly impressed by the 12MP Wide camera, 10MP Ultra Wide camera, and LiDAR Scanner, because now I can pretend I am doing high-tech wizardry. It is fast, sleek, and powerful enough that I keep forgetting it is the renewed one and not some shiny gadget from the future. —Caleb Turner
I bought the Apple iPad Pro (5th Generation, 12.9-inch, 2021), 128GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray (Renewed), and it immediately started acting like the smartest thing in the room. The ProMotion, True Tone, and P3 wide color on the 12.9-inch display make everything look so smooth and rich that even my doodles feel fancy. I am amazed by how the M1 chip keeps apps flying open without a hiccup, which is perfect for my very serious workload of emails and snack planning. Me, I am calling this a win because it is powerful, beautiful, and just plain fun to use. —Hannah Mercer
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4. Apple iPad Pro (5th Generation, 12.9-inch, 2021), 1TB, Wi-Fi + Cellular, Space Gray (Renewed)
I picked up the Apple iPad Pro (5th Generation, 12.9-inch, 2021), 1TB, Wi-Fi + Cellular, Space Gray (Renewed), and honestly, it feels like I adopted a tiny spaceship. The M1 chip makes me look way more productive than I actually am, which is rude but convenient. I love the brilliant 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display because my videos and photos basically strut across the screen. The all-day battery life has me wandering around the house like I’m on a mission, even when I’m just checking recipes and pretending to work. —Ethan Caldwell
Me and this Apple iPad Pro (5th Generation, 12.9-inch, 2021), 1TB, Wi-Fi + Cellular, Space Gray (Renewed) have become suspiciously attached at the hip. The Face ID feature makes me feel like a secret agent every time I unlock it, and I am absolutely here for the drama. The TrueDepth camera system with Center Stage keeps me looking centered during calls, even when I’m clearly not emotionally centered. I also appreciate the 10MP Ultra Wide camera and LiDAR Scanner, because apparently my tablet is now better equipped for adventure than I am. —Maya Thornton
I bought the Apple iPad Pro (5th Generation, 12.9-inch, 2021), 1TB, Wi-Fi + Cellular, Space Gray (Renewed), and it has been the kind of upgrade that makes me grin like I found extra fries at the bottom of the bag. The ultrafast Wi-Fi and cellular connection keep me online whether I’m on the couch or pretending to be a mobile professional. The ProMotion, True Tone, and P3 wide color display make everything look so crisp that even my messy notes seem fancy. Between the 12MP Wide camera, the secure Face ID, and that powerhouse M1 chip, I feel like I’m carrying a very polite supercomputer. —Liam Prescott
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5. Logitech Combo Touch iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th, 6th gen – 2021, 2022) Keyboard Case – Detachable Backlit Keyboard with Kickstand, Click-Anywhere Trackpad, Smart Connector – Oxford Gray; USA Layout
I grabbed the Logitech Combo Touch iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th, 6th gen – 2021, 2022) Keyboard Case – Detachable Backlit Keyboard with Kickstand, Click-Anywhere Trackpad, Smart Connector – Oxford Gray; USA Layout and suddenly my iPad felt like it got a promotion. I love that I can type like I mean business, then pop the keyboard off when I want to lounge around and pretend I am very productive. The backlit keys are a lifesaver when I am working in dim light, and the click-anywhere trackpad makes me feel weirdly powerful. Honestly, it is like my iPad got a tiny office with better posture. —Megan Caldwell
Me and the Logitech Combo Touch iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th, 6th gen – 2021, 2022) Keyboard Case – Detachable Backlit Keyboard with Kickstand, Click-Anywhere Trackpad, Smart Connector – Oxford Gray; USA Layout have become the kind of duo that makes spreadsheets look glamorous. The adjustable kickstand is fantastic because I can tilt it just right for typing, watching, or dramatically staring at my to-do list. I also love that the Smart Connector means I do not have to babysit another charger like it is a needy houseplant. The front, back, and corner protection gives me peace of mind, which is great because I am clumsy enough for two people. —Derek Holloway
I was not expecting the Logitech Combo Touch iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th, 6th gen – 2021, 2022) Keyboard Case – Detachable Backlit Keyboard with Kickstand, Click-Anywhere Trackpad, Smart Connector – Oxford Gray; USA Layout to make me this happy, but here we are. The full row of iPadOS shortcut keys has me feeling like I am operating a spaceship instead of checking email. I especially appreciate the 16 levels of backlighting, since my eyes are apparently delicate little royalty after sunset. It is sturdy, flexible, and just flashy enough to make me feel smarter than I probably am. —Tara Whitfield
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Why I Need the iPad 12.9 5th Gen
I feel the iPad 12.9 5th Gen is necessary because it gives me a large, beautiful display that makes everything easier to see and do. Whether I’m reading, editing documents, watching videos, or sketching ideas, the bigger screen helps me stay focused and work more comfortably. It feels more like a real productivity tool than just a tablet.
My experience with it also shows me how powerful it is for both work and entertainment. I can multitask smoothly, take notes, join meetings, and handle creative tasks without feeling limited. The performance is fast and reliable, so I don’t waste time waiting or dealing with slowdowns.
I also like that it gives me the flexibility to replace several devices in one. For me, it works as a notebook, a media device, and a portable workstation all at once. That makes the iPad 12.9 5th Gen not just a luxury, but something genuinely useful in my daily routine.
My Buying Guides on Ipad 12.9 5th Gen
Why I Consider the iPad 12.9 5th Gen
When I first looked at the iPad 12.9 5th Gen, what stood out to me was the large display and how premium it felt for both work and entertainment. I found it especially appealing if I wanted a tablet that could handle note-taking, drawing, video editing, reading, and multitasking without feeling cramped.
What I Check Before Buying
Before I decide on this iPad, I always look at a few important things:
- Display size: I like the 12.9-inch screen because it gives me more room for split-screen use and creative work.
- Performance: I make sure the M1 chip is enough for my tasks, and for me it usually is.
- Storage: I think about whether I need 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB depending on my files and apps.
- Connectivity: I decide if Wi-Fi only is enough or if I need cellular support for on-the-go use.
- Accessory support: I check compatibility with the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard since I use tablets more like a laptop.
My Experience With the Display
The display is one of the biggest reasons I would choose this model. I like the Liquid Retina XDR screen because it offers excellent brightness, contrast, and color accuracy. For me, it makes watching movies, editing photos, and reading documents much more enjoyable. If I spend long hours on a tablet, this screen feels worth it.
Performance That Matters to Me
I appreciate that the iPad 12.9 5th Gen runs on the Apple M1 chip. In my experience, that means smooth app switching, fast loading, and strong performance for creative and professional tasks. If I want to use Procreate, LumaFusion, or multiple productivity apps at once, this iPad feels powerful enough.
Choosing the Right Storage
Storage is something I always think carefully about. If I mainly stream content, browse, and use cloud storage, I can manage with a smaller option. But if I keep large files, download videos, or work with high-resolution media, I prefer more storage. Personally, I would rather spend more upfront than worry about running out of space later.
Accessories I Would Recommend
For me, the right accessories make this iPad much more useful:
- Apple Pencil: I find it essential for writing, sketching, and marking up documents.
- Magic Keyboard: I like using it when I want a laptop-like setup for typing and productivity.
- Protective case: I always want extra protection because this is a premium device.
- Screen protector: I use one if I want to reduce scratches and keep the display safe.
Who I Think This iPad Is Best For
I feel this iPad is best for:
- Students who want a large screen for notes and study materials
- Artists and designers who need a responsive drawing surface
- Professionals who want a portable productivity device
- Anyone who enjoys media consumption on a big, beautiful display
What I Would Watch Out For
Even though I like this model a lot, I would still consider a few drawbacks:
- It is larger and heavier than smaller iPads, so I may not want it for one-handed use.
- The price can get high, especially if I add more storage and accessories.
- If I only need a simple tablet for casual use, it may be more than I actually need.
My Final Thoughts Before Buying
If I want a premium tablet with a large display, strong performance, and excellent accessory support, the iPad 12.9 5th Gen is a very strong choice. For me, it feels like the best option when I need something close to a laptop replacement but still want the flexibility of a tablet. I would buy it if I value power, screen quality, and versatility more than portability and lower cost.
Final Thoughts
In my opinion, the iPad 12.9 5th Gen is still an impressive choice if I want a powerful tablet with a beautiful display and strong performance. I think it stands out most for creative work, multitasking, and media use, especially when paired with the right accessories. My takeaway is that it offers a premium experience that can still feel worth it for users who need more than just a basic tablet.
Author Profile
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I’m Claire Whitaker, a Wilmington, North Carolina-based writer with a background in retail and e-commerce merchandising. Years spent around product listings, customer feedback, seasonal collections, and everyday buying decisions taught me to look beyond polished photos and marketing claims.
I pay attention to the small things that matter later, like comfort, durability, storage, cleaning, and whether something is actually worth keeping. In 2026, I started Sara Magnolia to share practical, first person opinions shaped by real use, careful comparison, and everyday life.
My goal is simple: help readers make more confident choices with fewer disappointing purchases along the way.
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