iPad Pro 9.7-inch review: The very best tablet out there

As usual, it’s great for consuming

Like the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, the 9.7-inch model sports four speakers, which are loud and clear. And just like its larger brethren, the high frequencies will be automatically adjusted to the topmost speakers, ensuring you get the best possible sound experience. For casual couch surfing and sitting in bed, the combination of screen and sound proves why the iPad is such a good device for consuming. That’s been true from the first iPad until now, and it’s a formula Apple has mastered over the years.

However, I did find the speakers to be annoyingly placed, especially when you’re holding the iPad Pro in landscape. Because they’re on the back, it’s so easy for the speakers to be covered by your hands, so you’ll have to be careful how you hold it when watching videos or playing games. That wasn’t as big of a problem with the larger model because there was more tablet to grasp onto.

About that Pencil…

Say what you will about its utilitarian design and baffling charging method, the Apple Pencil (dumb name!) is a fantastic stylus. For an accessory that Apple executives have berated in the past, the company has created an experience that works in perfect harmony with the iPad Pro. It doesn’t completely eliminate the disconnect between writing on a piece of glass, but it’s the closest thing I’ve used to feeling like pen and paper.

That means it’s fantastic for drawing. I’m no artist but I enjoy the occasional doodle or two, and using the iPad Pro for this purpose is immensely enjoyable. The accuracy is astounding, and the fact that it detects tilting and pressure makes it super easy to just pick up and use. All of this you know, as it’s the same experience introduced alongside the 12.9-inch iPad Pro. Users just have a smaller canvas to work with.

Here in the office, our video producer Ralph Llerenas uses his iPad Pro with the Apple Pencil every day, whether it’s to jot down notes or to share an idea. That tells you right there how easy it is to add to your workflow. Yeah, it sucks that Apple charges $99 for the accessory, but if you’re buying an iPad Pro, you need to get the Apple Pencil to push the tablet to its fullest potential.

Oh, and its camera is good

You shouldn’t spend any time talking about a tablet’s camera because that’s bad and embarrassing and should be a fineable offense, but…

The 9.7-inch iPad Pro’s camera is pretty darn good, which, I mean, we already knew since it’s the same module and arrangement included in the iPhone 6s. I didn’t spend an inordinate amount of time snapping pictures with the iPad Pro—the experience of it is just odd—but the shots I did get looked great. Here are some I uploaded to Imgur.

Because Apple is aligning this as a device for creation, it makes sense the company would include its best camera technology (along with unsightly hump!). Snap a picture, edit it in post, and send it to your favorite social media platform. Same with 4K video, which is something the 12.9-inch iPad Pro can’t do.

It also comes equipped with a 5-megapixel FaceTime camera and support for TrueTone flash, so you can be sure your selfie game is always on point.