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Top new 9.7″ iPad Pro features + a few not-so-great features [Video]

The 9.7″ iPad Pro is an interesting new device. Fitting squarely between the 12.9″ iPad Pro and the 9.7″ iPad Air 2, it can be difficult to determine what the device actually is. Is it an “iPad Air 3″ or is it an iPad Pro mini? Well, to be honest, it’s a little bit of both.

The new iPad Pro will feel very familiar to current iPad Air 2 owners. For those of you that already own a 12.9” iPad Pro, the smaller version might feel like a downgrade in some ways. Certainly, it’s a downgrade in the most obvious area — size. But in other ways, primarily camera capability, it’s a huge upgrade.

Of course, iPad Air 2 owners who are envious of the iPad Pro’s ability to use the Apple Pencil have a definite reason to eye the 9.7″ Pro. The new iPad Pro also works with Apple’s new smaller Smart Keyboard accessory. In other words, there’s a lot to consider when it comes to the 9.7″ iPad Pro. Have a look at some of our favorite new features, along with a few of the disappointments that we encountered.

Top new 9.7″ iPad Pro features

Improved display

At first glance, you may come away with the impression that the 9.7″ iPad Pro’s display is the same as the display found in the iPad Air 2. While it is the same from a size and resolution standpoint, the iPad Pro’s screen features several improvements that make it the most advance display in the entire lineup.

For starters, the display features a wider color gamut, which improves color saturation. The screen is also brighter than the iPad Air 2, and while I no longer have an Air 2 in my possession, it definitely seems to be brighter from what I can recall. Apple says that the iPad Pro is 25% brighter than the iPad Air 2, which is no small difference.

Along with that brightness, the new display features improved anti-glare properties. At the iPhone SE press event, Apple SVP of Worldwide Marketing Phil Schiller stated that the iPad Pro is 40% less reflective than the Air 2. Combined with its higher 500 nits of brightness, the iPad Pro is as sun-friendly as any device in Apple’s lineup.

Video review

True Tone Display

Apple is using the launch of the 9.7″ iPad Pro as a way to usher in its new True Tone Display. The True Tone Display is basically a way to make reading the contents on the display more natural in various ambient settings.

The True Tone Display uses four-channel ambient light sensors to automatically adjust the display to a most ideal color temperature and intensity based on ambient light. So if you step outside into natural sunlight, and come inside and sit under fluorescent light, you’ll notice the display change automatically to match the light in your environment.

See also:

12-megapixel iSight camera

The iPad has never been great for shooting photos or videos, but the 9.7″ iPad Pro is beyond competent when it comes to its camera. Like the iPhone SE and iPhone 6s, the smaller iPad Pro features a 12-megapixel sensor with an ƒ/2.2 aperture. This is a major improvement over the 12.9″ iPad Pro and iPad Air 2’s 8-megapixel sensor with ƒ/2.4 aperture.

True Tone Flash

The lack of a flash has always been an asterisk for iPad photography, but the 9.7″ iPad Pro is the first iPad to remedy this issue. The True Tone Flash is the same type of flash featured on the iPhone, and is a welcomed addition to the iPad lineup.

4K video

To tell the truth, I found it puzzling that the 12.9″ iPad Pro didn’t ship with the ability to shoot in 4K, because one of its major selling points revolved around editing multiple streams of 4K video. The 9.7″ iPad Pro resolves this issue by allowing users to both shoot and edit 4K video on the same device.

As I’ll later talk about, one of my major grievances with the 9.7″ iPad Pro is the fact that it doesn’t do USB 3 file transfers. If there’s any positive spin that you can put on such an oversight, it’s that you may not need to transfer large 4K files when the device itself can shoot in 4K.

Improved FaceTime HD camera

The FaceTime HD camera in the larger iPad Pro is the same terrible 1.2-megapixel FaceTime HD camera found in the just-released iPhone SE and previous iPad Air models. It was one of my major gripes in my iPhone SE review, and it’s one of my major issues with the big iPad Pro as well.

I’m happy to say that the FaceTime HD camera in the smaller iPad Pro sports the same specs as the one in the iPhone 6s. That means you get a 5-megapixel camera with an Æ’/2.2 aperture. The upgrade also packs in Apple’s Retina Flash technology for better low light selfies, and Apple’s popular Live Photos feature.

Rose gold

If you own a rose gold iPhone 6s or a rose gold iPhone SE, then the having the same color on the iPad Pro is a nice complement. I currently have an iPhone SE and an iPhone 6s — both in rose gold — but I wasn’t sure how I’d like having such a big device covered in pink. Surprisingly, it doesn’t look all that bad. It’s big and pink, but it doesn’t look egregiously tacky as you might expect.

Apple Pencil & Smart Keyboard

I’m not an artist, and I prefer to do my typing on my MacBook Pro with Retina Display, but if you’re in the market for either of these accessories, then the 9.7″ iPad Pro is the cheapest way to get in the game. Both the Smart Keyboard, which has been redesigned to fit the Pro’s smaller form factor, and the Apple Pencil can help increase productivity and artistry.

Speed

The 9.7″ iPad Pro features the same beastly A9X processor as its bigger brother. In my opinion, speed was never a problem with the iPad Air 2, but for some of the more intense apps and games, having more processing power can only be a good thing.

Sound

Outside of the 12.9″ iPad Pro’s extra-large screen, its most impressive feature is its speakers. Both Pro tablets feature four speakers that automatically adjust for stereo sound as you reorient the screen. The speakers are so much louder and more impressive than the iPad Air 2 or any iPad or iPhone prior to the iPad Pro. The sound quality on the 9.7″ iPad Pro is a major upgrade from the iPad Air 2, which makes it worth considering if audio is important to you.

Untethered Hey Siri

For whatever reason, the ability to use Siri without being plugged into a power source is not possible on the larger iPad Pro. The feature is available on the 9.7″ iPad Pro, although both devices feature A9X processors with embedded M9 motion coprocessors.

Not-so-good features of the 9.7″ iPad Pro

Less RAM

The 9.7″ iPad Pro features 2GB of RAM. While that’s the same amount of RAM featured in the iPad Air 2, it’s half the RAM featured in the bigger 12.9″ iPad Pro. That’s a little disappointing, but honestly 2GB of RAM has been the sweet spot for iOS devices, and I see it as being sufficient enough for the time being.

No USB 3.0 support

As we demonstrated in our review of Apple’s new Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter, the iPad Pro can take advantage of USB 3 speeds for transferring photos and videos from a camera. Users can also take advantage of faster USB 3 speeds by using the USB 3 Lightning to SD Card Camera Reader. Sadly, the 9.7″ iPad Pro is relegated to USB 2.0 speeds only, which is a major disappointment for anyone needing professional video and photography workflows.

Camera bump

With the upgrade in iSight camera optics, the dreaded camera bump makes appearance as well. This is a camera bump that’s similar to the one found on the iPhone 6s. There’s even a spot for the camera bump to rest in inside of the 9.7″ iPad Pro’s box, which is quite amusing. Fortunately, the camera bump doesn’t cause the iPad Pro to rock at all when placed on a flat surface. It’s still perfectly fine for drawing on with an Apple Pencil.

No faster charging

The 12.9″ iPad Pro can charge faster by using a Lightning to USB-C Cable mated with Apple’s 29W Power Adapter. Our tests showed that using the upgraded adapters significantly improved charging times. Sadly, the 9.7″ iPad Pro cannot take advantage of faster charging. It’s not all bad though, as the smaller Pro doesn’t require nearly the amount of juice to charge adequately like the larger iteration.

Should iPad Air 2 owners upgrade to the 9.7″ iPad Pro?

You should consider upgrading if…

  • You want to use the Apple Pencil or Smart Keyboard
  • Sound quality is important to you
  • You wish to take photos or videos with your iPad
  • You often use your iPad outdoors
  • You want a rose gold iPad

Should 12.9″ iPad Pro owners “upgrade” to the 9.7″ iPad Pro?

You should consider “upgrading” if…

  • The 12.9″ form-factor is too unwieldy
  • You wish to take photos or videos with your iPad
  • You don’t care about USB 3 speeds
  • You don’t use Split View multitasking often
  • You want a rose gold iPad

Conclusion

At first glance, the 9.7″ iPad Pro might seem like a product that neither iPad Air 2 or 12.9″ iPad Pro owners would be interested enough in to seriously consider. However, as you can see from this walkthrough, that would be a mistake.

There are significant reasons to consider going with the smaller iPad Pro. It’s more powerful than the iPad Air 2, features support for the Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard, and it’s a much better camera than either the iPad Air 2, or the larger iPad Pro.

While it’s true that the smaller iPad Pro does indeed feel like the natural successor to the iPad Air 2, that’s inevitable given its size. If having the size of the 12.9″ iPad Pro isn’t a must, then the smaller version is quite the compelling product. Besides, being an “iPad Air 3” isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as up until the iPad Pro, the iPad Air 2 was still the tablet to beat.

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Comments

  1. sardonick - 8 years ago

    Camera is a joke. If it’s not going to be excellent, it should be omitted. It’s just fodder. Otherwise, it’s a great tablet and a nice improvement over the air line.

    • Jeff Benjamin - 8 years ago

      But it’s the same as the 6s camera…which is great imo. Both cameras on the 9.7″ pro are extremely good for a tablet, or even a phone. Or perhaps you were referring to the 12.9 incher?

    • taoprophet420 - 8 years ago

      Why are the cameras a joke. For someone who uses it for video calls on FaceTime and Skype daily like I do it’s a nice addition. I switch between both cameras and besides sound is one of the biggest reasons considering updating from the Air 2.

    • Oflife - 8 years ago

      I just bought a Pro 9.7 and it is pretty good. Fast, great speakers and the Pencil is excellent. However, the camera, like all those on iOS devices pales when compared to those from Samsung and LG, both of which are not only better quality, but offer stereo audio recording (that ironically sounds great through the iPad Pro’s speakers!) but you can PAUSE recording when shooting, such as when someone blows their nose or you want to move position without any jirky footage in the same shoot. Plus, the iPad camera field of view is awful, no wide angle capability at all, so recording in a room or a scene outdoors is very limited. My Galaxy Note 4 is my camera, until the Note 6 arrives, and my iPad Pro will be focusing on why I bought it, to use drawing apps, such as TouchDraw, which is excellent. I just don’t understand the point of a camera in a device that cannot be used ‘on demand’ like a phone or regular camera that is in ones pocket/purse/handbag or around ones neck!

      Apple should have left out the rear camera and invested the money in:

      a) More RAM
      b) A USB-C port on opposite side to Lightning port
      c) Smudge free display – I don’t know what Apple have done, but my previous iPads (1st gen Mini and all before that) would not smudge due to Apple’s special coating that must be missing from the 9.7 Pro.

  2. Thanks for the pros/cons. Looking at upgrading and this review helped.

  3. taoprophet420 - 8 years ago

    Jeff do you see the wider color gamut compared to the Air 2? Ben said to him he just saw over saturation and. It more color.

    • Jeff Benjamin - 8 years ago

      Sadly, I don’t have an Air 2 to compare side by side with, which is why I kept comments on that feature to a minimum.

    • mjp (@mjp80mpls) - 8 years ago

      I think the combination of the color gamut, brighter screen, and less reflectivity is a drastic upgrade from my iPad Air 2. I wasn’t sure if I would keep it or stick with my air 2. I ended up keeping it because of the screen. It completely sold me. I also picked up an Apple Pencil. Wow. Just shocked at how well the pencil works.

  4. el3v3nty - 8 years ago

    I’m REALLY tempted to switch from iPad air 2, but I’m havent seen/experienced 1) apple pencil 2) true-tone display (and HOW does it work differently vs. night shift).

    iPad pro 9.7 would definitely be a MUST BUY @ $499 but idk if these upgrades mentioned above warrant an upgrade just yet.

  5. valanchan - 8 years ago

    9.7″ is not a “pro” size.

    I it is a great consumption size, as shown from people’s unwillingness to upgrade from their existing iPads. The 11″ MacBook Air is perceived as too small for any serious productive work. In which case a 9.7″ screen would be viewed similarly.

    A 11+” will be released soon.

  6. Anthony Vernon - 8 years ago

    When Apple released the smaller IPad Pro, I felt frustration with the fact that apple gave its smaller pro so much better specs. I.E. I would take the camera improvement with the bump any day over its current 8mp. And the 4K video thing realIy pinches a nerve. For the money spent on the device I don’t feel Ike I got my bang for a buck. really do feel like Apple released a unfinished product because it was near the holiday season and a bigger iPad is really appealing for people eyeing a true laptop replacement. Next time I will not rush to buy Apples latest and greatest not until there product line becomes more fluid.

  7. Jake Becker - 8 years ago

    I agree some of the spec difference in the 12″ vs the 9″ is gross. I think Apple could have hit a major home run with the 12″ especially with how great Pencil is, but instead the 9″ feels like the finished, smaller version. It’s this kind of thing, rather than the daily iOS complaining, that makes me worry about Apple.

    • jaredinyosemite - 8 years ago

      I remember the day when Apple would just do a spec bump to the existing top of the line to be more on par with a product right below it, such as this case as an example. Instead it looks like we will have to wait until the next update to the 12.9 to get these specs.

  8. mudz78 - 8 years ago

    Great review, mate. Thanks a lot.

  9. motilon79 - 8 years ago

    What is the typical battery charging time for the 9.7″ iPad Pro?

  10. cydianerd - 8 years ago

    Apple is keep confusing the world with its half-cooked iPad updates. They have done enough dame with short releases of iPad 3 and iPad 4, all with just lightening bolt change. C’mon guys!

  11. annabelle307 - 8 years ago

    I did sell my iPad Air 2 and replaced it with a Rose Gold 128GB version Pro 9.7.
    I felt a little guilty for doing so considering I was perfectly happy with the Air 2 & wasn’t sure if I was just drooling at the Rose Gold option lol.
    But for the reasons the writer explains, I made the upgrade.
    Initially wanted to go with the 256GB version since I blow through storage. Wound up with a 128 cellular version for $879. (Couldn’t justify going over $1000 lol).
    I use my iPad as a TV… in & out of hospital a lot so felt the larger pro would be too big.
    Speaker quality better than any iPad I’ve owned (this is my 6th).
    Camera is better than Air 2 as is the display. I don’t see much of a difference in the speed but at end of day, I’m glad I traded up.
    So if you’re considering holding on the to Air 2 or get a Pro 9.7, the writer makes valid points.
    For me- it’s the speakers & camera (and Rose Gold to match SE lol).
    Only major issue is being unable to find a case that fits properly. Not liking “Pro 9.7” stickers slapped on Air 2 cases that block the speakers & camera.
    Of course the Air cases DO fit but many block 2 of the speakers… hopefully more cases start coming out soon.
    Unlike the SE, which does fit nicely into 5/5S cases, the Pro 9.7 is tricky. The major stores are selling Air 2 cases as “Pro 9.7” cases & upon questioning, store reps will say, “But it DOES technically fit”.
    So very happy with decision to go from Air 2 to Pro 9.7.
    It wasn’t an easy decision but if speakers and camera upgrade are your thing, then yet… it’s worth the upgrade.
    Thanks for reading. I’m happy!!

  12. David Kaplan - 8 years ago

    Photography on the iPad is pointless, you’re more worried about dropping the thing than getting a good picture, and for good reason. The marketing garbage about how big the viewfinder is…. that’s Phil Schillerian BS. Would’ve rather them kept the same camera without the bump. To have benefits and drawbacks between the Pro line seems absurd. If you’re buying the 12.9 Pro it should be better in every way or the same besides screen size. The 12.9 should have the same screen benefits of the 9.7.

    • annabelle307 - 8 years ago

      I agree. While I’m happy with the camera on Pro 9.7 over Air 2, I don’t use iPad as my camera. Commented earlier that I’m in & out of hospital quite often & taking videos of my dad & sending them to family members. So I guess whatever your needs are- mine aren’t too strict on camera but do see a clearer video & helpful flash for my needs. But agreed… price tag justifies that larger Pro camera I kinda think. I was so torn on going from Air 2 to this lol.

  13. James W (@Ipkissmog) - 8 years ago

    I’ve an iPad 2nd gen – would you go iPad Air2 or iPad Pro 9.7?

    I use it for business for presentations via pdf/powerpoint, minor gaming, skype to family etc.

    • annabelle307 - 8 years ago

      I agree. While I’m happy with the camera on Pro 9.7 over Air 2, I don’t use iPad as my camera. Commented earlier that I’m in & out of hospital quite often & taking videos of my dad & sending them to family members. So I guess whatever your needs are- mine aren’t too strict on camera but do see a clearer video & helpful flash for my needs. But agreed… price tag justifies that larger Pro camera I kinda think. I was so torn on going from Air 2 to this lol.

    • annabelle307 - 8 years ago

      Whoops posted my prior comment to someone else… sorry :)

  14. Matt Hone - 8 years ago

    The True Tone display really is good – it’s noticeable worse when you turn it off. Yesterday I was using my iPad for a while and then looked across at my phone, and the difference in colour temperature etc was very jarring. Not sure if it is easier on the eyes but it definitely makes the display look less artificial.

  15. Considering getting this and selling my 12.9″. But the problem is I still have a 7.9 mini and love it for reading iBooks and surfing the web in portrait orientation.
    I feel like the combination of the larger pro and a mini is better than the compromise the 9.7 would give me in both reading and content creation use cases.
    Also for on the go a mini seems even more reasonable. But yes, I do sometimes dislike holding the 13″ iPad in my hands… It’s more of a table- and laptop iPad.

  16. Doug Klein - 8 years ago

    Jeff,
    Very helpful review. Would you recommend 128 or 256 storage? I use my iPads to teach music creation to the kids with terminal cancer at Children’s Hospital here in East Tennessee. Also, I too love rose gold but dislike the white screen border.

    • Jeff Benjamin - 8 years ago

      128 should be more than enough in most cases. I guess it depends on what you’re storing on the iPad, and how long you plan on keeping it. But 128 is very generous.

  17. This will be remembered as the most pointless iPad ever 😊

  18. joeriveranyc - 8 years ago

    I’m coming from an iPad 2 (not an Air 2, much older) so my new 9.7″ Pro seems unbelievably fast and responsive to me. It’s been a dream using it so far. My only complaints:

    + The screen is lovely overall—especially the anti-glare—but the color seems to skew a little green to my eye and perhaps a bit over-saturated (with and without Tru Tone on). This is especially apparent when viewing very graphic content like the app icons on the home screen. Would be lovely (though it’ll never happen) to be able to professionally calibrate this puppy.
    + The camera bump is indeed crappy, my finger always manages to rest on it and smudge the lens — but taking photos with an iPad feels silly anyway.
    + The smart cover doesn’t fit well, it hangs over the edge, making it hard to get to the volume controls by touch. Strange design choice by Apple.

    All quibbles, though. Overall, this is the happiest I’ve been with an Apple product in quite a while.

  19. An iPad is not a camera, so why bother to upgrade from the previous one on the iPad Air 2 which was perfectly adequate. And that awful bump! If you want to take photos like a pro, just get a DSLR camera, you will not look so stupid like people who go around taking photos with their iPads.
    What about it having only 2 Ram! The trouble with Apple is that they only upgrade a little at a time to maximise their sales. Next year, they will fix the camera bump and add another 2 RAM. They will not make the perfect product, because if they do, people would not upgrade.

  20. Michael Elmer - 8 years ago

    That whole thing about the iPad Pro 12.9 inch not having the ability to use Siri unless you’re plugged in is a load of crap. I have the 12.9 inch iPad Pro, and I just tried it- and it works :) Not that it’s a huge deal, I never use Siri. But for those of you who really do use it, don’t let this detract you from getting it.

Author

Avatar for Jeff Benjamin Jeff Benjamin

Jeff is the head of video content production for 9to5. He initially joined 9to5Mac in 2016, producing videos, walkthroughs, how-tos, written tutorials, and reviews. He takes pride in explaining things simply, clearly, and concisely. Jeff’s videos have been watched hundreds of millions of times by people seeking to learn more about today’s tech. Subscribe to 9to5Mac on YouTube to catch Jeff’s latest videos.