Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the iPad Pro 10.5-inch 64GB, Space Gray model from 2017. This tablet was a real game-changer when it first hit the market, and it's still a solid option for many users. If you're considering picking one up, or if you just want to know more about it, you've come to the right place. Let's break down everything you need to know, from its design and performance to its display and battery life. We'll also touch on whether it's still a worthwhile purchase in today's world of rapidly advancing tech.

Design and Build Quality

When it comes to the design of the iPad Pro 10.5, Apple truly nailed it. The sleek, minimalist aesthetic is classic Apple, and the build quality is top-notch. The aluminum unibody design feels incredibly premium in your hands, and it's surprisingly lightweight for its size. Holding it, you immediately appreciate the attention to detail. The rounded edges make it comfortable to hold for extended periods, whether you're reading, watching videos, or creating content. The Space Gray finish gives it a sophisticated, professional look that's perfect for both work and play.

The bezels, while not as thin as those on newer iPads, are still reasonable and provide a comfortable grip without accidentally triggering the touchscreen. The physical buttons – the power button and volume controls – are tactile and responsive. The inclusion of a Smart Connector on the side allows you to easily attach accessories like the Smart Keyboard, turning your iPad into a productivity powerhouse. The overall design is not just about aesthetics; it's about functionality and usability, making it a joy to use every day. The iPad Pro 10.5 manages to strike a perfect balance between form and function, making it a standout device in its category. The design has truly stood the test of time and it continues to impress even by today's standards.

Display and Visual Experience

The display on the iPad Pro 10.5 is one of its standout features. The 10.5-inch Retina display boasts a resolution of 2224 x 1668 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 264 ppi. What does all that tech jargon mean for you? Simply put, it means the screen is incredibly sharp and detailed. Whether you're browsing the web, watching movies, or editing photos, everything looks crisp and vibrant. The color accuracy is also superb, making it ideal for creative professionals who need to see accurate colors for their work. The display supports the P3 wide color gamut, which means it can display a broader range of colors than standard displays, resulting in richer and more lifelike visuals.

But the real game-changer is the ProMotion technology. This dynamically adjusts the refresh rate of the display up to 120Hz. This makes scrolling, swiping, and animations feel incredibly smooth and responsive. It's something you have to see to truly appreciate. Once you've used a device with a high refresh rate display, it's hard to go back. The reduced latency also makes the Apple Pencil feel more natural and responsive, making it a fantastic tool for artists, designers, and note-takers. The display is also incredibly bright, making it easy to see even in bright sunlight. The anti-reflective coating further enhances visibility by reducing glare. Overall, the display on the iPad Pro 10.5 is a visual treat and contributes significantly to the overall user experience. It's bright, sharp, color-accurate, and incredibly smooth, making it a joy to use for any task.

Performance and Specifications

Under the hood, the iPad Pro 10.5 is powered by Apple's A10X Fusion chip. This chip is a beast, even by today's standards. The A10X Fusion chip features a six-core CPU and a 12-core GPU, delivering incredible performance for both everyday tasks and demanding applications. Whether you're browsing the web, streaming videos, playing games, or editing photos and videos, the iPad Pro 10.5 handles it all with ease. Multitasking is a breeze, thanks to the 4GB of RAM. You can have multiple apps open at the same time and switch between them seamlessly without experiencing any slowdowns. The 64GB of storage provides ample space for your apps, files, and media. However, if you plan to store a lot of large files, such as videos or high-resolution photos, you might want to consider a model with more storage.

The iPad Pro 10.5 also supports Gigabit-class Wi-Fi, ensuring fast and reliable internet connectivity. This is crucial for streaming videos, downloading files, and browsing the web. The inclusion of Bluetooth 4.2 allows you to connect wireless accessories such as headphones, speakers, and keyboards. The A10X Fusion chip isn't just about raw power; it's also incredibly efficient. The iPad Pro 10.5 delivers excellent battery life, allowing you to use it for hours on end without needing to recharge. Overall, the performance of the iPad Pro 10.5 is impressive. It's fast, responsive, and capable of handling demanding tasks with ease. The A10X Fusion chip provides plenty of power for both everyday use and more intensive workloads, making it a versatile device for a wide range of users. The performance is really great.

Software and User Experience

The iPad Pro 10.5 originally shipped with iOS 10, but it has since been updated to the latest versions of iPadOS. iPadOS is designed specifically for the iPad, taking full advantage of its larger display and unique features. The user interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, making it accessible to users of all skill levels. One of the standout features of iPadOS is its multitasking capabilities. You can run two apps side-by-side in Split View, or you can use Slide Over to quickly access a third app without leaving your current app. This makes it easy to work on multiple tasks at the same time, boosting your productivity.

iPadOS also includes a range of features designed specifically for the Apple Pencil. You can use the Apple Pencil to take notes, sketch, draw, and annotate documents. The low latency and pressure sensitivity of the Apple Pencil make it feel like you're writing on paper. The Files app provides a central location for accessing all of your files, whether they're stored on your iPad, in iCloud Drive, or on a third-party cloud storage service. This makes it easy to manage your files and keep them organized. The App Store offers a vast selection of apps optimized for the iPad, ranging from productivity tools to creative apps to games. Overall, the software experience on the iPad Pro 10.5 is excellent. iPadOS is intuitive, feature-rich, and designed to take full advantage of the iPad's hardware capabilities. The software really complements the hardware.

Camera Capabilities

The iPad Pro 10.5 features a 12-megapixel rear-facing camera with an f/1.8 aperture. This camera is capable of capturing high-quality photos and videos in a variety of lighting conditions. The image quality is impressive, with sharp details, accurate colors, and low noise. The camera also supports optical image stabilization, which helps to reduce blur in photos and videos. The iPad Pro 10.5 can record 4K video at 30 frames per second, allowing you to capture stunningly detailed videos. The front-facing 7-megapixel FaceTime HD camera is perfect for video calls and selfies. It captures clear and detailed images, even in low light.

The iPad Pro 10.5 also includes a range of camera features, such as panorama mode, burst mode, and HDR. The camera app is easy to use and provides a range of settings for adjusting the image quality and shooting mode. While the iPad Pro 10.5 isn't primarily designed as a camera, it's capable of capturing excellent photos and videos. The rear-facing camera is particularly impressive, delivering image quality that rivals many smartphones. The front-facing camera is also great for video calls and selfies. Overall, the camera capabilities of the iPad Pro 10.5 are more than adequate for most users. It's a good camera for taking quick snaps.

Battery Life

Apple claims that the iPad Pro 10.5 offers up to 10 hours of battery life on a single charge. In real-world testing, this claim holds up pretty well. You can easily get a full day of use out of the iPad Pro 10.5 with moderate usage. Even with more intensive tasks, such as gaming or video editing, you can still expect to get several hours of battery life. The battery life is really awesome. The iPad Pro 10.5 charges via the Lightning port, and it supports fast charging. This means you can quickly recharge the battery when it's running low. The battery life of the iPad Pro 10.5 is one of its strongest points. It's reliable, long-lasting, and supports fast charging, making it a great device for on-the-go use.

Is It Still Worth Buying in 2024?

So, the big question: is the iPad Pro 10.5 still worth buying in 2024? Well, it depends on your needs and budget. While it's not the latest and greatest iPad on the market, it's still a capable device that can handle most tasks with ease. If you're looking for a budget-friendly iPad for everyday use, such as browsing the web, streaming videos, and checking email, the iPad Pro 10.5 is a great option. However, if you need the latest features and the best performance, you might want to consider a newer iPad. The newer iPads have faster processors, better displays, and more advanced features, such as Face ID and USB-C connectivity.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to buy the iPad Pro 10.5 depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you're looking for a capable and affordable iPad, it's still a great option. But if you need the latest features and the best performance, you might want to consider a newer model. It really depends on what you are looking for. I hope this review helps you in your decision-making process! Good luck!