Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th Generation)

Quick Facts

Specification	Details
Launch year	2021
Display	12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED display with ProMotion
Resolution	2732 × 2048 pixels at 264 ppi
Processor	Apple M1 chip
Memory	8GB RAM on 128GB, 256GB and 512GB models; 16GB RAM on 1TB and 2TB models
Storage	128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB or 2TB
Rear cameras	12MP Wide and 10MP Ultra Wide, with LiDAR Scanner
Front camera	12MP Ultra Wide TrueDepth camera with Center Stage
Battery	40.88Wh; up to 10 hours of web browsing or video over Wi-Fi
Connectivity	Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0; optional 5G cellular
Charging port	Thunderbolt / USB 4
Weight	682g for Wi-Fi; 685g for Wi-Fi + Cellular
Colours	Silver or Space Grey

Overview

The Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th Generation) combines the M1 chip with a large Liquid Retina XDR display. Its mini-LED backlighting provides high brightness and strong contrast for supported HDR video, photography, illustration and other visually demanding work.

Its M1 processor, Thunderbolt port and storage options of up to 2TB make it suitable for intensive productivity and creative applications. Face ID, four-speaker audio, five studio-quality microphones and a LiDAR Scanner add capabilities beyond those of standard iPad models.

When buying a used unit, inspect the large display for scratches, bright spots, discolouration and touch-response problems. Test the battery, cameras, speakers, microphones, Thunderbolt port, buttons and Face ID, and confirm that Activation Lock has been removed.

Key Highlights

1. Large Liquid Retina XDR Display

The 12.9-inch display uses mini-LED backlighting with 2,596 local dimming zones. It supports ProMotion, P3 wide colour, True Tone and up to 1,600 nits of peak brightness when displaying compatible HDR content.

Why it matters:

Provides a spacious workspace for creative applications
Displays supported HDR content with strong brightness and contrast
Makes scrolling and animations smoother at up to 120Hz
Offers vibrant colour for photos, videos and artwork
Improves responsiveness when using Apple Pencil

2. M1 Performance with Up to 16GB RAM

The M1 chip includes an 8-core CPU, 8-core GPU and 16-core Neural Engine. Models with up to 512GB of storage include 8GB of RAM, while the 1TB and 2TB versions have 16GB for heavier workloads.

Why it matters:

Handles demanding creative and productivity applications
Supports intensive multitasking and large project files
Provides strong graphics performance for visual work
Supports compatible Apple Intelligence features
Offers storage capacities ranging from 128GB to 2TB

3. Pro Cameras and Thunderbolt Expansion

The rear camera system includes 12MP Wide and 10MP Ultra Wide cameras, a True Tone flash and LiDAR Scanner. Its Thunderbolt / USB 4 port supports compatible storage, docks and external displays at transfer speeds of up to 40Gb/s.

Why it matters:

Records video at up to 4K resolution
Captures standard and wider-angle images
Measures depth for supported scanning and AR applications
Connects to an external display at up to 6K and 60Hz
Transfers data quickly with compatible Thunderbolt devices

Key Features Explained

Feature	What it offers
Apple M1 chip	An 8-core CPU, 8-core GPU and 16-core Neural Engine for demanding applications
Liquid Retina XDR	A 12.9-inch mini-LED display with 2732 × 2048 resolution and strong HDR performance
ProMotion	Adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz for smoother navigation, games and Apple Pencil input
Face ID	Provides facial authentication through the TrueDepth camera system
Pro camera system	Combines 12MP Wide and 10MP Ultra Wide rear cameras with 4K video recording
LiDAR Scanner	Measures depth for supported scanning and augmented-reality applications
Center Stage	Uses the 12MP Ultra Wide front camera to keep people framed during supported calls
Thunderbolt / USB 4	Connects compatible high-speed storage, docks and external displays
Four-speaker audio	Produces stereo sound that adjusts to the tablet’s orientation
Accessory support	Works with Apple Pencil (2nd generation), Apple Pencil (USB-C) and compatible Magic Keyboard models

Compare Related Models

Model	Launch year	Display	Processor	Rear/front camera	Battery	Storage	Network	Weight
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th Gen)	2021	12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED, 2732 × 2048, ProMotion up to 120Hz	Apple M1	12MP Wide + 10MP Ultra Wide + LiDAR / 12MP Ultra Wide TrueDepth	40.88Wh; up to 10 hours on Wi-Fi	128GB–2TB	Wi-Fi 6; optional 5G	682g Wi-Fi; 685g cellular
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (4th Gen)	2020	12.9-inch Liquid Retina IPS, 2732 × 2048, ProMotion up to 120Hz	Apple A12Z Bionic	12MP Wide + 10MP Ultra Wide + LiDAR / 7MP TrueDepth	36.71Wh; up to 10 hours on Wi-Fi	128GB–1TB	Wi-Fi 6; optional 4G LTE	641g Wi-Fi; 643g cellular
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th Gen)	2022	12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED, 2732 × 2048, ProMotion up to 120Hz	Apple M2	12MP Wide + 10MP Ultra Wide + LiDAR / 12MP Ultra Wide TrueDepth	40.88Wh; up to 10 hours on Wi-Fi	128GB–2TB	Wi-Fi 6E; optional 5G	682g Wi-Fi; approximately 684–685g cellular
iPad Pro 13-inch (M4)	2024	13-inch Ultra Retina XDR Tandem OLED, 2752 × 2064, ProMotion 10–120Hz	Apple M4	12MP Wide + LiDAR / landscape 12MP Ultra Wide TrueDepth	38.99Wh; up to 10 hours on Wi-Fi	256GB–2TB	Wi-Fi 6E; optional 5G	579g Wi-Fi; 582g cellular

Which Model Should You Choose?

Choose this model	If you want
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th Gen)	A large mini-LED XDR display, M1 performance, Face ID, LiDAR and Thunderbolt at a potentially attractive used price
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (4th Gen)	A lower-cost large ProMotion display and do not require mini-LED, an M-series processor or 5G
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th Gen)	Faster graphics, Apple Pencil hover and Wi-Fi 6E while retaining a similar design
iPad Pro 13-inch (M4)	A thinner and lighter body, Tandem OLED display, faster processor and Apple Pencil Pro support

Alternatives

If you are comparing before buying, you may also want to check these related SellUp Marketplace pages:

Common Questions

Is the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th Generation) good for everyday use?

Yes. Its M1 chip comfortably handles browsing, streaming, video calls, documents, gaming and multitasking. However, its size, weight and professional display may be more than buyers require for basic use.

Does the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th Generation) support 5G?

Wi-Fi + Cellular models support 5G, while Wi-Fi-only models do not. Actual speeds depend on your Singapore telco plan, nano-SIM or eSIM support, coverage and local network conditions.

Is the iPad Pro 12.9-inch M1 better than the M2 model?

The M2 model provides faster graphics, greater memory bandwidth, Apple Pencil hover and Wi-Fi 6E. The M1 model has a very similar design, mini-LED display and camera system, so it may provide better value when it costs significantly less.

Does the iPad Pro 12.9-inch M1 support wireless charging?

No. It does not support Qi or MagSafe wireless charging. The tablet charges through its Thunderbolt / USB-C port, although the magnetic side connector can charge a compatible Apple Pencil.

Is the iPad Pro 12.9-inch M1 water resistant?

Apple does not provide an official IP water- or dust-resistance rating for this model. Keep it away from liquids and inspect any used unit for moisture damage or corrosion around its port and buttons.

Is the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th Generation) worth buying used?

It can be a strong used purchase if you want a large mini-LED display, M-series performance and professional connectivity. Before buying, check the screen, battery, cameras, speakers, microphones, port, buttons, Face ID and Activation Lock status.

Why Buy the Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th Generation)?

The Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th Generation) remains a capable choice for buyers who value a large, high-quality display. Its mini-LED panel is particularly suitable for HDR video, artwork, photo editing and detailed multitasking.

Its M1 processor, Thunderbolt connectivity, four-speaker audio and storage options of up to 2TB also support demanding workflows. A well-maintained used unit may offer considerable value when its larger size and weight suit your requirements.

Compare Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th Generation) listings on SellUp Marketplace to find the condition, storage size, and price that suits your budget.