Along with the new iPhones, Apple has also announced its fresh duo of tablets named iPad Pro and iPad mini 4. While the latter is a standard update to its predecessor, the former is a gigantic slate that packs a 12.9-inch display and is capable of running two full-sized apps side by side.
iPad Pro
Its large panel bears a resolution of 2732 x 2048 pixels, resulting in a pixel density count of 264ppi which is same as that of the iPad Air 2. The new iPad Pro is capable of offering 10 hours of battery backup via its Wi-Fi model and up to 9 hours through its LTE variant.
It of course features a TouchID fingerprint sensor, while it even grabs four speakers that are placed on its four side surfaces. Apple’s new A9x chip powers it from within, and is said to offer twice the memory bandwidth, twice the flash storage speed, 1.8 times better overall performance and twice the GPU power than its predecessor.
Sized at 305.7 x 220.6 x 6.9 mm, it tips the scales at 713gms (Wi-Fi) or 723gms (LTE). The iPad Pro’s major highlight is its stylus named Apple Pencil that will be sold separately at $99. Apart from the usual features of a stylus, it also offers the ability draw on documents, emails and add notes to word/excel documents. Strangely enough, Microsoft itself turned up at the Apple event to explain that MS Office has been optimized for it.
The PC-maker must definitely have had a splash of nostalgia when Apple showcased the second iPad Pro accessory – its Smart Keyboard. Just like the accompanying keyboard of the Surface tablets, this one too acts as a case and renders a fully functional keyboard when unfolded. It will cost $169.
An 8MP iSight camera and a 1.2MP FaceTime camera find their way into this machine as well. Although, we doubt whether anyone would be brave enough to use such a gigantic device to click pictures or shoot videos.
iPad mini 4
The iPad mini 4 retains its predecessor’s 7.9-inch 2048 x 1536 pixel IPS LCD display, but manages to be slimmer and lighter at the same time. This iOS 9-running gadget runs on the iPad Air 2’s A8x chipset and comes fitted with a TouchID fingerprint scanner on its body.
This device also gets an update in the camera department, even as an 8MP iSight snapper makes its way onto its rear surface. Its 1.2MP FaceTime hasn’t changed however. This new iPad still offers 10 hours of battery life, moreover.
Price and availability
Apple will start selling the iPad Pro this November in silver, space gray and gold options. Its 32GB Wi-Fi model will cost $799, while its 128GB Wi-Fi variant will go for $949. An LTE model will be sold as well, but only in the form of a 128GB storage option priced at $1079.
The iPad mini 4 on the other hand, will grab the same pricing as its predecessor. A 16GB model will set you back by $399, a 64GB variant will ship at $499 and a 128GB version will cost $599. You can add $130 to every model to turn into an LTE supporting device.