9.7-inch iPad Pro review: A week on the move

Apple’s 9.7-inch iPad Pro packs the power of the 12.9-inch model into the same size case as the iPad Air. Prices start at NZ$1050—more than many laptops—but Apple claims it’s more powerful.

After a week using it as my main, though not only, computer, it’s clear some users will find it more useful than a laptop.

iPad Pro in an iPad Air skin

At first glance, there’s little difference between the 9.7-inch iPad Pro and the iPad Air 2. They share the same dimensions, 6mm thickness, and weight (about 445g for the cellular model). The most obvious external change is the camera lens bump, but in practice, it’s unnoticeable.

While both have a 2048×1536 resolution, the iPad Pro offers a wider colour range and a brighter screen.

Screen improvements

Placed side by side, the difference in display quality is clear. The iPad Pro delivers richer colours and greater vibrancy, which is particularly useful for photography and video editing.

Another new feature is True Tone, which detects ambient lighting and adjusts the display’s colour temperature accordingly. This is especially noticeable in low-light conditions, reducing blue light exposure that can affect sleep.

Audio and camera upgrades

Like its larger sibling, the 9.7-inch iPad Pro has improved speakers. While it doesn’t match the larger model’s sound due to its smaller size, the audio is crisp, making music and FaceTime calls sound excellent.

Apple has also upgraded the camera. The rear camera now matches the iPhone 6, featuring a 12MP sensor with flash and the ability to shoot 4K video. The front camera is a 5MP sensor, significantly improving FaceTime call quality. It is the same as the camera on the iPhone 6S.

Performance

Technical-minded reviewers often wax lyrical about the processors, graphics chips and Ram inside phones and tablets.

The 9.7-inch iPad Pro runs on the same A9X processor as the larger model. Apple claims it’s nearly twice as fast as the iPad Air 2 and more powerful than most laptops. In real-world use, everything runs smoothly, with noticeably faster app performance and media playback.

More tablet than laptop

Unlike the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, which feels like a laptop alternative, the smaller model retains more of a tablet experience. It works well with a keyboard, but it’s more comfortable as a traditional tablet. The Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover pairs nicely, though Apple’s Smart Keyboard wasn’t available in New Zealand at the time of review.

Portability is another advantage. The smaller size makes it even easier to use in tight spaces like airplane tray tables.

Apple Pencil and Microsoft Office

The Apple Pencil works with the 9.7-inch iPad Pro, making it a great tool for artists or annotating images. However, without system-wide handwriting recognition, it’s less useful for note-taking.

A bonus is that Microsoft Office is free on this model. While the full version requires an Office 365 subscription on larger devices, Microsoft provides a free licence for screens under 10 inches. Office apps run well on the iPad Pro, making it a viable productivity device.

Is the 9.7-inch iPad Pro worth buying?

If you mainly browse, view photos and read PDFs, upgrading to the 9.7-inch iPad Pro may not be worth the cost, especially from an iPad Air 2. However, for those using an iPad for work, the Pro is a logical step. It won’t replace a laptop for everyone, but it’s a compelling option.

By the time you add a keyboard, the 9.7-inch iPad Pro is still cheaper than a MacBook Air or a comparable Windows Ultrabook. The 12.9-inch version is a better laptop alternative, but for those upgrading from an older iPad, the 9.7-inch iPad Pro offers noticeable improvements in power and display quality.