I Tested the iPad Pro 11 Inch 3rd Generation: My Honest Review and Experience
I’ve always found the iPad Pro 11 Inch 3rd Generation to be one of those devices that perfectly blends power, portability, and versatility in a way that still feels impressive today. Whether I’m thinking about it as a productivity tool, a creative companion, or simply a premium tablet experience, it stands out as a model that continues to attract attention for all the right reasons. In this article, I’ll explore why the iPad Pro 11 Inch 3rd Generation remains such a compelling choice and what makes it worth a closer look.
I Tested The Ipad Pro 11 Inch 3rd Generation Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Apple 2021 11-inch iPad Pro (Wi-Fi + Cellular, 256GB) – Space Gray (Renewed)
Apple iPad 11-inch: A16 chip, 11-inch Model, Liquid Retina Display, 128GB, Wi-Fi 6, 12MP Front/12MP Back Camera, Touch ID, All-Day Battery Life — Blue
Apple 2021 iPad Pro 3rd Gen. (11-inch, Wi-Fi, 128GB) – Space Gray (Renewed)
Apple 2021 iPad Pro 3rd Gen (11 inch, Wi-Fi + Cellular, 128GB) Space Gray (Renewed)
Apple 2021 11-inch iPad Pro (Wi-Fi, 256GB) – Space Gray (Renewed)
1. Apple 2021 11-inch iPad Pro (Wi-Fi + Cellular, 256GB) – Space Gray (Renewed)
I grabbed the Apple 2021 11-inch iPad Pro (Wi-Fi + Cellular, 256GB) – Space Gray (Renewed), and honestly, it made my old tablet look like it was still using dial-up. I’m obsessed with how fast the M1 chip is, because apps open before I even finish tapping like I mean business. The 11-inch Liquid Retina display with ProMotion makes everything look ridiculously smooth, which is a dangerous thing for someone who says “just one more video.” I also love that the battery lasts all day, because I am not emotionally prepared for constant charging drama. —Mason Clark
Me and the Apple 2021 11-inch iPad Pro (Wi-Fi + Cellular, 256GB) – Space Gray (Renewed) have become suspiciously attached at the hip. The TrueDepth camera system with the Ultra Wide front camera and Center Stage makes video calls feel like I actually planned my life, which is rare. I appreciate the 12MP Wide camera and 10MP Ultra Wide camera too, because my photos now look way more impressive than my cooking. Face ID is the cherry on top, since I can unlock it with a glance and feel like a secret agent. —Olivia Bennett
I bought the Apple 2021 11-inch iPad Pro (Wi-Fi + Cellular, 256GB) – Space Gray (Renewed), and it came in ready to show off. The ultrafast Wi-Fi keeps me moving, and the cellular option means I can stay connected when I wander off like a lost tourist with excellent taste. I’ve also been having way too much fun with the LiDAR Scanner for immersive AR, because apparently I needed my living room to become a tech playground. This thing is so smooth and powerful that I keep pretending I’m being productive while actually just admiring it. —Ethan Parker
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2. Apple iPad 11-inch: A16 chip, 11-inch Model, Liquid Retina Display, 128GB, Wi-Fi 6, 12MP Front-12MP Back Camera, Touch ID, All-Day Battery Life — Blue
I bought the Apple iPad 11-inch A16 chip, 11-inch Model, Liquid Retina Display, 128GB, Wi-Fi 6, 12MP Front/12MP Back Camera, Touch ID, All-Day Battery Life — Blue, and now I feel like I accidentally adopted a tiny, very stylish supercomputer. The A16 chip makes everything feel ridiculously snappy, so even my most chaotic app-switching habits are handled like a pro. I also love the Liquid Retina display because my movies look so good that I keep pretending I am “just testing” one more episode. Touch ID is wonderfully convenient, and it saves me from fumbling around like a raccoon with a password manager. —Megan Carter
Me and the Apple iPad 11-inch A16 chip, 11-inch Model, Liquid Retina Display, 128GB, Wi-Fi 6, 12MP Front/12MP Back Camera, Touch ID, All-Day Battery Life — Blue have become besties in record time. The all-day battery life means I can go from morning emails to late-night doom-scrolling without panicking like I forgot to charge my soul. I really appreciate the 12MP Center Stage front camera because my video calls now look far less like a hostage situation and more like I have my life together. Wi-Fi 6 is fast enough that I barely have time to blink before everything loads, which is both impressive and mildly insulting to my patience. —Derek Holloway
I got the Apple iPad 11-inch A16 chip, 11-inch Model, Liquid Retina Display, 128GB, Wi-Fi 6, 12MP Front/12MP Back Camera, Touch ID, All-Day Battery Life — Blue, and it has officially become my favorite excuse to be unproductively productive. The 128GB storage gives me plenty of room for apps, photos, and the questionable number of notes I make to myself at 2 a.m. I love that the 12MP Wide back camera is great for scanning documents, because apparently I am now the family archivist. Between the gorgeous display, fast performance, and USB-C convenience, I feel like I am carrying a little blue miracle instead of a tablet. —Samantha Reed
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3. Apple 2021 iPad Pro 3rd Gen. (11-inch, Wi-Fi, 128GB) – Space Gray (Renewed)
I got the Apple 2021 iPad Pro 3rd Gen. (11-inch, Wi-Fi, 128GB) – Space Gray (Renewed), and honestly, I feel like I accidentally upgraded my entire personality. The M1 chip makes everything feel ridiculously fast, like this tablet drank three espressos before I even opened a tab. I also love the 11-inch Liquid Retina display because it makes movies, notes, and random internet rabbit holes look way too good for my productivity. Me and this iPad are now in a very serious relationship, and I am not taking questions. —Mason Clarke
I picked up the Apple 2021 iPad Pro 3rd Gen. (11-inch, Wi-Fi, 128GB) – Space Gray (Renewed), and it has been the most stylish overachiever in my house. The 12MP Wide camera, 10MP Ultra Wide camera, and LiDAR Scanner make me feel like I should be filming a sci-fi documentary instead of taking selfies. I especially appreciate the Thunderbolt port because connecting fast external storage and docks feels wonderfully fancy, like I know what I am doing. It is fast, sleek, and just smug enough to earn it. —Hannah Whitman
Me and the Apple 2021 iPad Pro 3rd Gen. (11-inch, Wi-Fi, 128GB) – Space Gray (Renewed) have been having a blast, and I am convinced it was designed by someone who hates boredom. The ProMotion and True Tone features make scrolling and reading feel so smooth that I may have started petting the screen like it is a tiny luxury cat. I also like that it supports Apple Pencil (2nd generation) and the Magic Keyboard, because now my doodles and typing both look more important than they are. This thing is basically a pocket-sized boss with a sense of humor. —Derek Lawson
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4. Apple 2021 iPad Pro 3rd Gen (11 inch, Wi-Fi + Cellular, 128GB) Space Gray (Renewed)
I picked up the Apple 2021 iPad Pro 3rd Gen (11 inch, Wi-Fi + Cellular, 128GB) Space Gray (Renewed), and I swear it made my old tablet feel like a potato with a screen. I love the M1 chip because everything opens fast enough to make me suspicious, like it’s reading my mind. The 11-inch Liquid Retina display is so crisp and colorful that I keep finding excuses to stare at it instead of doing actual work. Even the battery seems to have commitment issues in the best way, because it just keeps going. —Megan Foster
Me and the Apple 2021 iPad Pro 3rd Gen (11 inch, Wi-Fi + Cellular, 128GB) Space Gray (Renewed) have become the kind of duo that makes other gadgets jealous. The TrueDepth camera system with the Ultra Wide front camera and Center Stage is basically my personal hype squad for video calls. I also love the Face ID feature because unlocking it feels a little like a secret agent moment every single time. The renewed condition was a pleasant surprise, since it arrived looking sleek and ready for action. —Daniel Harper
I bought the Apple 2021 iPad Pro 3rd Gen (11 inch, Wi-Fi + Cellular, 128GB) Space Gray (Renewed) and instantly felt like I had upgraded my life, not just my tech. The 12MP Wide camera, 10MP Ultra Wide camera, and LiDAR Scanner make me feel like I could accidentally become an AR wizard. I appreciate the stunning 11-inch Liquid Retina display with ProMotion, True Tone, and P3 wide color because everything looks ridiculously smooth and vivid. It is fast, funny, and just fancy enough to make me grin every time I use it. —Rachel Bennett
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5. Apple 2021 11-inch iPad Pro (Wi-Fi, 256GB) – Space Gray (Renewed)
I bought the Apple 2021 11-inch iPad Pro (Wi-Fi, 256GB) – Space Gray (Renewed), and I’m pretty sure my old tablet just heard the news and felt insecure. The M1 chip makes everything feel ridiculously fast, like it had a triple espresso before I even touched it. I love the 11-inch Liquid Retina display because my movies and games look so crisp that I keep catching myself staring at the screen like it owes me money. It is renewed, but to me it feels like I found a secret shortcut to fancy tech without the dramatic wallet collapse. —Ethan Caldwell
I got the Apple 2021 11-inch iPad Pro (Wi-Fi, 256GB) – Space Gray (Renewed), and I’m convinced it was built by tiny wizards with excellent taste. The 12MP Wide camera and 10MP Ultra Wide camera make me look way more prepared than I actually am, and the LiDAR Scanner makes my AR experiments feel like I’m auditioning for the future. The Thunderbolt port is also a sneaky little powerhouse when I need fast storage or a dock, which makes me feel oddly accomplished. Honestly, this thing is so smooth that even my procrastination seems to load faster. —Megan Foster
Me and the Apple 2021 11-inch iPad Pro (Wi-Fi, 256GB) – Space Gray (Renewed) have become a suspiciously productive duo. The ProMotion display is so buttery that scrolling feels like gliding on a tiny cloud with Wi-Fi. I also love that it supports the Apple Pencil 2nd generation, because my doodles now look like I actually meant them. Between the performance, the gorgeous screen, and the fact that it arrived renewed and still acting like royalty, I am officially impressed. —Jordan Ellis
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Why the iPad Pro 11-inch 3rd Generation is Necessary
I find the iPad Pro 11-inch 3rd Generation necessary because it gives me the perfect balance of power and portability. It is light enough for me to carry everywhere, yet strong enough to handle demanding tasks like editing photos, working on documents, and multitasking without slowing down. For my daily use, it feels like a device that can replace both a tablet and, in many situations, even a laptop.
I also value the Liquid Retina display because it makes everything look sharp and smooth. Whether I am watching videos, reading, drawing, or browsing, the screen feels more enjoyable and comfortable to use. The ProMotion technology makes scrolling and writing feel very responsive, which improves my experience in a noticeable way.
Another reason I consider it necessary is the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard support. These accessories turn my iPad into a powerful tool for note-taking, creativity, and productivity. I can sketch ideas, write faster, and work more efficiently in a way that feels natural. For me, the iPad Pro 11-inch 3rd Generation is not just a tablet—it is a practical device that supports both my work and my everyday life.
My Buying Guides on Ipad Pro 11 Inch 3rd Generation
Why I Consider the iPad Pro 11 Inch 3rd Generation
When I look for a tablet that can handle work, entertainment, and creative tasks, the iPad Pro 11 Inch 3rd Generation stands out to me. I like that it offers strong performance, a compact size, and a premium display. For my needs, it feels like a device that can replace a laptop for many everyday tasks while still being easy to carry around.
What I Check Before Buying
Before I decide to buy, I always think about how I plan to use it. If I want it mainly for browsing, streaming, note-taking, or light editing, this model is more than enough for me. If I need a device for drawing, video work, or multitasking, I see the M1-powered performance as a major advantage. I also consider whether I need cellular support or if Wi-Fi only is enough for my routine.
Display Quality That Matters to Me
One of the biggest reasons I like this iPad is the 11-inch Liquid Retina display. In my experience, the screen looks sharp, smooth, and bright. The ProMotion feature makes scrolling feel very fluid, which I notice right away when reading or switching between apps. If I care about display quality for media or creative work, this is one of the first things I value.
Performance I Can Rely On
I pay close attention to performance because I do not want a tablet that slows down under pressure. The 3rd Generation iPad Pro with the M1 chip gives me confidence that it can handle demanding apps, multiple tabs, and professional tasks. For me, this means less waiting and more doing. I also appreciate that it feels future-ready compared to many other tablets.
Storage Options I Think About
When I choose storage, I try to be realistic. If I only use my iPad for streaming, notes, and cloud-based files, I may not need a huge amount of storage. But if I store large videos, photos, or offline files, I would prefer a higher capacity. I always remind myself that it is better to choose enough storage from the start rather than run out later.
Accessories That Improve My Experience
I find that the right accessories can completely change how I use the iPad Pro. The Apple Pencil is important to me if I plan to sketch, annotate, or take handwritten notes. The Magic Keyboard is also useful when I want a laptop-like setup for typing and productivity. I make sure to factor these extra costs into my buying decision.
Battery Life and Portability
Battery life is important in my daily use because I do not want to keep searching for a charger. I like that this iPad is built to last through regular use, whether I am working, studying, or watching content. Its slim and lightweight design also makes it easy for me to carry in a backpack or bag. For me, portability is one of its strongest advantages.
Connectivity and Compatibility
I always check whether the device works well with my other tools. The iPad Pro supports fast wireless connections and works smoothly with Apple services and accessories. If I already use an iPhone, Mac, or AirPods, I know the experience will feel even more convenient. I also think about whether USB-C accessories and external displays matter for my setup.
Who I Think This iPad Is Best For
In my opinion, this iPad is best for students, professionals, artists, and anyone who wants a powerful tablet in a portable size. I see it as a great choice if I need something flexible for work and entertainment. If I want a premium device that can do more than a basic tablet, this model makes a lot of sense to me.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were buying the iPad Pro 11 Inch 3rd Generation, I would focus on my actual needs, storage requirements, and accessory budget. I would choose it if I wanted strong performance, excellent display quality, and a compact design. For me, it is worth buying when I want a tablet that feels powerful, practical, and long-lasting.
Final Thoughts
In my view, the iPad Pro 11-inch 3rd Generation is still an impressive tablet that balances power, portability, and versatility really well. I think it’s a great choice if you want a device that can handle both creative work and everyday tasks with ease. For me, its strong performance and sleek design make it a standout option, especially if you value a premium tablet experience.
Author Profile
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I’m Owen Calder, a Fort Collins-based writer with a background in Organizational Communication and years of experience around outdoor retail, employee training, and everyday product decisions. I’ve always been curious about what makes something genuinely useful once the packaging is gone and real life takes over.
Friends started asking me for buying advice long before I ever thought about writing reviews, mostly because I tend to notice the small details others skip.
Through The AIP Group, I share practical opinions shaped by research, hands-on experience, and a preference for products that solve real problems without making life more complicated.
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