IPad Pro 2017: Still Worth It In 2024?

Hey guys! Thinking about grabbing an iPad Pro 2017 in 2024? You're in the right place! We're gonna dive deep and figure out if this older tablet still holds its own. Buying tech can be tricky, especially when you're looking at something a few years old. We'll break down the iPad Pro 2017's specs, performance, and whether it's still a smart buy in today's tech landscape. We'll be looking at everything from the processor and display to the software support and overall value proposition. Let's be real, the tech world moves fast! But does the iPad Pro 2017 have what it takes to keep up? Let's find out! This article will help you decide if the iPad Pro 2017 is still a good buy for your needs in 2024. Considering that many people are on the market for an iPad, the iPad Pro 2017 might still be an option to consider.

So, what's the deal? Is it worth your hard-earned cash? We'll cover all the important stuff: performance, screen quality, battery life, and software updates. By the end of this guide, you'll have a clear picture of whether the iPad Pro 2017 is the right tablet for you in 2024. We'll also look at what you could get for the same money if you’re open to other options. We're going to compare the iPad Pro 2017 to newer models, giving you a full perspective. Get ready to have all your questions answered, and maybe even get a surprise or two! This comprehensive guide will help you determine if the iPad Pro 2017 is still a viable option, considering its age and the advancements in tablet technology since its release. Let's get started and see if the iPad Pro 2017 deserves a spot in your tech arsenal. It's time to find out if this older tablet still has what it takes to compete in the fast-paced world of technology. This detailed analysis will provide you with all the necessary information to make an informed decision and avoid buyer's remorse.

iPad Pro 2017: Specs and Features Overview

Alright, let's get into the nitty-gritty of the iPad Pro 2017. This bad boy came in two sizes: a 10.5-inch and a 12.9-inch. The larger model is great for creators, while the smaller one is more portable. Both had some serious power under the hood for their time. The 10.5-inch model replaced the 9.7-inch iPad Pro, offering a larger screen in a similar footprint thanks to thinner bezels. This was a significant design upgrade. The display quality was fantastic; both models boasted True Tone technology, automatically adjusting the screen's color temperature to match the ambient lighting. This made for a more comfortable viewing experience, especially when reading or using the tablet in different lighting conditions. The screen was also incredibly bright and vibrant, making it a joy to use for watching videos, browsing the web, or working on creative projects. Now let's talk about the processor!

The iPad Pro 2017 was powered by the A10X Fusion chip. This chip was a beast back then, and it still holds up pretty well today for many everyday tasks. It has a six-core CPU and a 12-core GPU, which delivered impressive performance for its time. This meant fast app loading, smooth multitasking, and the ability to handle demanding games and creative apps without breaking a sweat. You could comfortably run multiple apps at once, switch between them quickly, and enjoy a responsive experience overall. The tablet also supported the first-generation Apple Pencil, which was a game-changer for artists, designers, and anyone who enjoys taking handwritten notes. The integration with the Pencil was seamless, offering low latency and a natural feel that made drawing and writing on the screen feel incredibly intuitive. We can't forget about the storage options.

Storage options ranged from 64GB to 512GB, providing plenty of space for apps, files, and media. The higher storage options are a great choice for those who create videos, store large media libraries, or download lots of games. The cameras were decent for a tablet. The 12MP rear camera could capture good-quality photos and videos, and the 7MP front camera was fine for video calls. They weren't the best cameras on the market, even back then, but they were certainly functional. Battery life was pretty standard for an iPad; you could expect around 10 hours of use on a single charge, depending on what you were doing. This was enough for a full day of work or entertainment for most users. This overall performance and its features are a good reason to buy the iPad Pro 2017 even now.

Performance in 2024: How Does It Hold Up?

So, can the iPad Pro 2017 still cut it in 2024? The short answer is: it depends. For basic tasks like web browsing, email, social media, and streaming videos, the iPad Pro 2017 performs admirably. It's still snappy and responsive, and you probably won't notice any significant lag. These everyday tasks are easily handled by the A10X Fusion chip. You can open multiple apps, switch between them quickly, and browse the web without any frustrating delays. However, if you're a power user or a heavy gamer, the iPad Pro 2017 might start to show its age. The A10X Fusion chip, while still capable, isn't as powerful as the latest chips found in newer iPads. Games with demanding graphics might not run as smoothly, and you might experience some frame drops or longer loading times.

For professional users or creatives, the performance of the iPad Pro 2017 might also be a limiting factor. If you frequently use demanding apps like video editors, graphic design software, or 3D modeling tools, you might find that the iPad Pro 2017 struggles to keep up. Exporting large video files, rendering complex graphics, or multitasking with multiple resource-intensive apps can be slow. If these are key aspects of your workflow, you might find yourself wanting a more powerful device. But if your usage is lighter, you will not have any problems using the iPad Pro 2017. Software updates also play a crucial role. The iPad Pro 2017 is now several years old, and while it still receives software updates, it won't get them forever. You should keep in mind that the latest iPadOS features might not be available on this older model. The older the device, the sooner it will stop receiving software updates. This is something to consider when comparing it to other options. We'll delve deeper into software support later. The performance is still enough to fulfill your basic tasks.

Screen Quality and Display: Still a Visual Treat?

Let's talk about the display of the iPad Pro 2017. The screen is one of the best parts! The 10.5-inch and 12.9-inch models both had fantastic displays, even by today's standards. They are vibrant, sharp, and bright. The True Tone technology is a game-changer. It automatically adjusts the screen's color temperature to match the ambient lighting. This makes for a more comfortable viewing experience, especially when reading or using the tablet in different lighting conditions. You'll notice that the screen adapts to your environment, reducing eye strain and making the colors appear more natural. The displays also have a high refresh rate.

This makes everything feel smoother and more responsive. Scrolling is silky smooth, and animations appear fluid. This is especially noticeable when playing games or watching fast-paced content. The displays also support a wide color gamut, which means they can reproduce a wider range of colors, making images and videos look more vibrant and realistic. Whether you're watching movies, editing photos, or browsing the web, the display quality of the iPad Pro 2017 is still excellent. The high resolution ensures that text is crisp, and images are detailed. The screen is bright enough to use comfortably outdoors, and the viewing angles are wide, so you can share your screen with others without any issues. The screen has a good quality, is bright, and can be used in different conditions. Overall, the display quality of the iPad Pro 2017 remains a significant selling point, even in 2024. This is one aspect where the tablet still holds its own against newer models, offering a premium viewing experience that is sure to please. The screen is perfect to watch videos.

Battery Life: How Long Does It Last?

Okay, let's look at the battery life of the iPad Pro 2017. Battery life is a critical factor for any tablet, especially if you plan to use it on the go. The iPad Pro 2017 offers a respectable battery life. You can expect around 10 hours of use on a single charge for typical usage. This includes web browsing, watching videos, and using productivity apps. This is enough to get you through a full day of work or entertainment for most users. However, if you're a heavy user who spends a lot of time gaming or using demanding apps, you might find that the battery drains a bit faster.

In our experience, the battery life is pretty consistent with what Apple advertised. The iPad Pro is a device that will be used for a long time. With moderate use, you can probably get through a full workday. Keep in mind that the battery life can degrade over time, as with any device. If you're buying a used iPad Pro 2017, make sure to check the battery health. You can usually do this in the settings menu. If the battery health is significantly degraded, you might want to factor in the cost of a battery replacement. A healthy battery is essential for a good user experience. Also, the battery life will depend on the brightness settings, the apps being used, and other factors. Turning down the screen brightness, closing background apps, and limiting the use of battery-intensive features can help extend the battery life. Overall, the battery life of the iPad Pro 2017 is good, but not exceptional. With proper care and usage, it should provide enough power for your daily needs. Battery life is an important consideration when assessing the value of an older device. The iPad Pro 2017 is still a good option for most users.

Software Support and Updates: What to Expect

Software support is a key consideration when deciding whether to buy an older device like the iPad Pro 2017. Apple is known for providing long-term software support for its devices, but eventually, even the best-supported devices reach the end of their update cycle. The iPad Pro 2017 is still receiving software updates. It runs the latest versions of iPadOS, which means you have access to the latest features, security patches, and performance improvements. However, it's essential to understand that this support won't last forever. Apple typically supports its iPads for around five to seven years. The iPad Pro 2017 was released in 2017, so it's already past its prime.

This means that future software updates might not be guaranteed. Eventually, the iPad Pro 2017 will stop receiving new versions of iPadOS. This is something to keep in mind, as you will eventually miss out on the latest features and security enhancements. The lack of updates can also affect the compatibility of the device with new apps. As apps get updated to support the latest versions of iOS, older devices may not be able to run them or may experience performance issues. However, for now, the iPad Pro 2017 is still getting the updates. While it's not the newest iPad, it still receives security updates. But don't expect it to receive updates forever. This is an important factor to consider when comparing it to other options. This could influence the value of the iPad Pro 2017 in the long term. If you prioritize having the latest features and long-term software support, you might want to consider a newer model. Overall, it is still a good option to take into account.

Value for Money: Is the iPad Pro 2017 a Good Deal?

So, is the iPad Pro 2017 a good value for your money in 2024? This depends on a few factors, including the price, your needs, and what else is available. If you can find a used iPad Pro 2017 at a reasonable price, it can still be a good deal, especially for basic tasks. The older models are typically priced lower than the newer models. It's important to compare prices with other tablets in the same price range. Consider what you can get for the same money. For example, you might be able to find a newer, entry-level iPad for a similar price. These newer models might have a slightly better processor, longer battery life, and guaranteed software support. They might not have the same screen quality or features as the iPad Pro 2017, but they would offer a more up-to-date experience. Also, the iPad Pro 2017 is a good option if you want to use the Apple Pencil.

If you need the features that come with the Apple Pencil (such as drawing, taking notes, or other creative work), the iPad Pro 2017 might still be a good option, if the price is right. The display is also a good plus of the device. The 10.5-inch and 12.9-inch screens are still quite good. It is important to evaluate your needs. If you need a tablet primarily for browsing the web, checking email, streaming videos, and using social media, then the iPad Pro 2017 can still handle those tasks without any issues. However, if you're a power user or a heavy gamer, a newer iPad might be a better investment. Another key factor is the condition of the tablet. The value of a used device depends on its physical condition. Check for any scratches, dents, or other signs of wear and tear. Also, make sure that the battery is in good health. A battery replacement can add to the overall cost. Overall, the iPad Pro 2017 can still be a good value, but you need to carefully evaluate your needs and compare prices with other options on the market. Do your homework and compare prices.

Alternatives to Consider

Let's consider some alternatives to the iPad Pro 2017. If you're not set on the iPad Pro 2017, there are several other tablets you might want to consider. We can compare the iPad Pro 2017 to newer iPads, other tablets, and even some budget options. First, the iPad Air series is a great option. The iPad Air offers a balance of performance and features. It often has a more powerful processor than the iPad Pro 2017. Also, it has better software support and a modern design. It's a great choice if you want something that's powerful but still relatively affordable. Next, there are the base model iPads. These are the most affordable iPads. They are a good choice if you're on a budget or if you only need a tablet for basic tasks. They might not have the same display quality or features as the iPad Pro 2017, but they offer great value for their price.

Then, there are the newer iPad Pros. If you want the best performance and features, the latest iPad Pro models are the way to go. They come with the latest processors, displays, and features. They are more expensive, but they offer the best possible iPad experience. If you are not into the Apple ecosystem, you can consider other brands like Samsung or Amazon. Samsung offers a range of Android tablets. These offer different features and specifications. Amazon also offers the Fire tablets. They're very affordable, but they are more limited in terms of features. They are great for watching videos and browsing the web. They are a great alternative. When choosing an alternative, consider your budget, your needs, and what you plan to use the tablet for. Each of these options has its own pros and cons. Evaluate the pros and cons and make an informed decision. So, while the iPad Pro 2017 remains a good option, it's worth considering these alternatives before making a purchase. Make sure to compare prices and features to find the best fit. Your choices will depend on your budget and requirements.

Conclusion: Is the iPad Pro 2017 Still a Viable Choice?

So, is the iPad Pro 2017 still a good buy in 2024? The answer isn't a simple yes or no. It depends on your needs, budget, and expectations. If you can find a used iPad Pro 2017 at a good price, and you only need it for basic tasks like browsing the web, checking email, streaming videos, and using social media, then it can still be a viable option. The display quality is still excellent, and the performance is adequate for these tasks. However, if you're a power user, a heavy gamer, or a creative professional who needs the latest features and long-term software support, then a newer iPad or another tablet might be a better choice. The iPad Pro 2017 is now several years old, and its performance and features are starting to show their age compared to newer models. If you want to use the Apple Pencil, the iPad Pro 2017 can still be a good option.

Before making a purchase, carefully consider all the factors we've discussed: performance, screen quality, battery life, software support, and the price. Be sure to compare the iPad Pro 2017 with other options on the market, including newer iPads and other tablets. The best way to make a decision is to assess your own needs and expectations, and then make a choice that aligns with your budget and usage patterns. If you decide to go for the iPad Pro 2017, make sure it's in good condition. Also, make sure the battery is still in good health. Consider your usage to make the right choice. Is it the right choice for you? Overall, the iPad Pro 2017 still has some value in 2024, but it's not the best choice for everyone. Your choice should depend on your specific needs and budget. Remember to do your research, compare options, and make an informed decision. Good luck with your purchase, and I hope this article helped you.