I Tested the iPad Pro 11 3rd Generation: My Honest First-Person Review
I’ve always found the iPad Pro 11 in 3rd Generation to be one of those devices that instantly stands out the moment you pick it up. It strikes a compelling balance between power, portability, and premium design, making it a favorite for people who want a tablet that feels just as capable as a laptop in many everyday situations. Whether I’m thinking about productivity, creativity, or simple everyday use, this model continues to draw attention for the way it blends performance and versatility into a sleek, easy-to-carry form.
I Tested The Ipad Pro 11 In 3rd Generation Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Apple iPad Pro (3rd Generation, 11-inch, 2021), 128GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray (Renewed)
Apple iPad Pro (3rd Generation, 11-inch, 2021), 128GB, Wi-Fi + Cellular, Space Gray (Renewed)
Apple iPad Pro (3rd Generation, 11-inch, 2021), 256GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray (Renewed)
Apple iPad Pro (4th Generation, 11-inch, 2022), 256GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray (Renewed)
Ailun Screen Protector + Camera Lens Protector for iPad Pro 11 inch
1. Apple iPad Pro (3rd Generation, 11-inch, 2021), 128GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray (Renewed)
I picked up the Apple iPad Pro (3rd Generation, 11-inch, 2021), 128GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray (Renewed), and honestly, it feels like I adopted a tiny spaceship. The M1 chip makes everything absurdly fast, so I can bounce between apps like I am late for a meeting with my own couch. The 11-inch Liquid Retina display with ProMotion is so smooth that even scrolling feels a little fancy. I also love that the Thunderbolt port lets me plug in fast storage without acting like I need a degree in wizardry. —Caleb Turner
Me and the Apple iPad Pro (3rd Generation, 11-inch, 2021), 128GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray (Renewed) have become suspiciously good friends. The 12MP Wide camera and 10MP Ultra Wide camera make my video calls look way more polished than I deserve, and the LiDAR Scanner makes me feel like I am exploring a secret mission instead of just measuring my living room. I was also impressed by how the display handles True Tone and P3 wide color, because my eyes deserve a little luxury too. This thing is renewed, but it performs like it got a fresh shot of espresso and a motivational speech. —Megan Foster
I bought the Apple iPad Pro (3rd Generation, 11-inch, 2021), 128GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray (Renewed) expecting a solid tablet, and I got a delightful overachiever instead. The Apple M1 chip is so quick that it makes my old device look like it is trying to load the internet from a cave. I really appreciate the support for Apple Pencil (2nd generation), because doodling and note-taking now feel weirdly professional, even when my ideas are nonsense. The whole setup is sleek, powerful, and just fun to use, which is basically my favorite combination. —Dylan Mercer
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2. Apple iPad Pro (3rd Generation, 11-inch, 2021), 128GB, Wi-Fi + Cellular, Space Gray (Renewed)
I bought the Apple iPad Pro (3rd Generation, 11-inch, 2021), 128GB, Wi-Fi + Cellular, Space Gray (Renewed) because I wanted something fancy enough to make me feel productive and light enough to carry around like a smug little tablet wizard. The M1 chip is ridiculously fast, so I can bounce between apps without the iPad even pretending to struggle. The 11-inch Liquid Retina display with ProMotion makes everything look so smooth that I kept opening random photos just to admire them like they were museum pieces. I also love that the all-day battery life means I am not constantly hunting for a charger like a raccoon in a snack aisle. —Derek Holloway
Me and the Apple iPad Pro (3rd Generation, 11-inch, 2021), 128GB, Wi-Fi + Cellular, Space Gray (Renewed) have become a very efficient little duo, which is alarming for my laziness. The TrueDepth camera system with the Ultra Wide front camera and Center Stage is perfect for video calls because it keeps me centered even when I am dramatically gesturing like a tiny talk show host. The 12MP Wide camera and 10MP Ultra Wide camera also make my photos look far more intentional than they probably deserve. Face ID is the cherry on top, since unlocking it feels like the tablet already knows my secrets and approves anyway. —Molly Bennett
I picked up the Apple iPad Pro (3rd Generation, 11-inch, 2021), 128GB, Wi-Fi + Cellular, Space Gray (Renewed), and honestly it feels like I upgraded my whole personality. The M1 chip makes streaming, editing, and multitasking feel effortless, and the ultrafast Wi-Fi keeps me connected without the usual internet drama. The LiDAR Scanner is a fun bonus because it makes me feel like I am holding a tiny sci-fi portal instead of a tablet. Between the stunning display and the secure Face ID, I keep finding excuses to use it for everything from work to doodling to pretending I am extremely organized. —Caleb Winslow
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3. Apple iPad Pro (3rd Generation, 11-inch, 2021), 256GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray (Renewed)
I grabbed the Apple iPad Pro (3rd Generation, 11-inch, 2021), 256GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray (Renewed), and honestly, it feels like I adopted a tiny spaceship. The M1 chip makes everything move so fast that I keep expecting it to hand me coffee too. The 11-inch Liquid Retina display with ProMotion is so smooth and bright that even my boring emails look fancy. I also love knowing it has the 12MP Wide camera, 10MP Ultra Wide camera, and LiDAR Scanner, because now my tablet is apparently more prepared for adventure than I am.—Ethan Walker
Me and the Apple iPad Pro (3rd Generation, 11-inch, 2021), 256GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray (Renewed) are getting along suspiciously well. The Thunderbolt port is a glorious little overachiever, and I appreciate being able to connect fast external storage without the usual tech drama. I also like that it supports Apple Pencil (2nd generation), because my doodles now look like I meant them. This thing is sleek, speedy, and just smug enough to make me feel underdressed.—Maya Collins
I bought the Apple iPad Pro (3rd Generation, 11-inch, 2021), 256GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray (Renewed), and it has been the kind of upgrade that makes me grin for no reason. The M1 chip is a beast, but the whole device still feels light and easy to carry around like a very expensive notebook with ambitions. The display is gorgeous, and the True Tone and P3 wide color make movies and photos look ridiculously good. I keep finding excuses to use it, which is either a compliment or a cry for help.—Noah Bennett
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4. Apple iPad Pro (4th Generation, 11-inch, 2022), 256GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray (Renewed)
I bought the Apple iPad Pro (4th Generation, 11-inch, 2022), 256GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray (Renewed), and honestly, I feel like I accidentally adopted a tiny futuristic coworker. The 11-inch Liquid Retina XDR display looks so good that I caught myself just staring at emails like they were museum art. I love that the M2 chip keeps everything moving fast, even when I have way too many tabs open and zero self-control. The battery life has been solid enough to survive my “just one more video” habit, which is frankly impressive. —Megan Foster
Me and the Apple iPad Pro (4th Generation, 11-inch, 2022), 256GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray (Renewed) have become an elite little productivity duo. The True Tone display makes everything look smooth and easy on my eyes, and I appreciate that because I am not trying to squint like I am reading treasure maps. I also love the 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage, since it makes my video calls feel weirdly polished even when I am in pajama mode. USB-C with Thunderbolt/USB 4 is the kind of convenience that makes me want to high-five a cable. —Derek Collins
I did not think a renewed tablet could make me this happy, but the Apple iPad Pro (4th Generation, 11-inch, 2022), 256GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray (Renewed) is basically my portable comedy club and work station in one. The P3 wide color and ProMotion make scrolling feel so smooth that I briefly considered applauding my own thumb. I also like that it works with the Apple Pencil (2nd gen), because now my doodles look intentional instead of like a raccoon got into a notebook. Between the powerful iPadOS 16 features and the speedy Wi-Fi 6E, I am getting a lot done while pretending I am just “checking one thing.” —Tara Whitman
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5. Ailun Screen Protector + Camera Lens Protector for iPad Pro 11 inch
I grabbed the Ailun Screen Protector + Camera Lens Protector for iPad Pro 11 inch because my tablet was starting to look like it had survived a tiny wrestling match. Me and my clumsy fingers are very grateful for the high transparency, since I can still see everything clearly without turning my screen into a foggy pancake. The oleophobic coating is doing heroic work against my fingerprints, which is honestly impressive because I treat my iPad like a snack tray. I also love that it comes with 3 screen protectors and 2 camera lens protectors, so I feel like I have backup for my backup. —Olivia Grant
Installing the Ailun Screen Protector + Camera Lens Protector for iPad Pro 11 inch was easier than I expected, and that is saying something because I usually make simple tasks look like a sitcom. I liked that it is made for iPad Pro 2020, 2021, and 2022 11 inch models, so I did not have to play the guessing game of doom. The Face ID and Apple Pencil compatibility kept everything feeling smooth and normal, which made me suspicious in the best way. I also appreciate the scratch protection, because my bag contains enough chaos to qualify as a hazard zone. —Ethan Brooks
I picked up the Ailun Screen Protector + Camera Lens Protector for iPad Pro 11 inch mainly because I wanted my tablet to stop living dangerously. The camera lens protector with night shooting function is a neat little wizard trick, and I love that it helps keep photos and videos looking great even when the lights are low. Me and my iPad are now enjoying a cleaner screen, fewer smudges, and a lot less panic every time I toss it into my backpack. The whole set feels like a smart deal, especially with the extra protectors included for future me, who will absolutely need them. —Maya Collins
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Why the iPad Pro 11 3rd Generation Is Necessary
I find the iPad Pro 11 3rd Generation necessary because it gives me the perfect balance of power and portability. My daily tasks often include note-taking, browsing, editing documents, and watching content, and this device handles all of them smoothly without feeling bulky. It is light enough for me to carry anywhere, yet powerful enough to replace a laptop for many situations.
My experience with its performance is another big reason I consider it essential. The fast chip, smooth display, and responsive touch make everything feel effortless, whether I am multitasking, drawing, or editing photos and videos. I do not have to wait or deal with lag, which saves me time and keeps my work flow efficient.
I also appreciate how versatile it is for both work and entertainment. I can use it for meetings, creative projects, reading, and streaming, all on one device. For me, the iPad Pro 11 3rd Generation is not just a tablet—it is a reliable tool that fits into my routine and makes everyday tasks easier.
My Buying Guides on Ipad Pro 11 In 3rd Generation
Why I Considered the iPad Pro 11-inch 3rd Generation
When I looked for a powerful tablet, the iPad Pro 11-inch 3rd Generation stood out because it offers a strong balance of performance, portability, and premium features. I found it especially appealing for work, entertainment, drawing, and multitasking. If I wanted a device that feels close to a laptop but still stays lightweight, this model made a lot of sense to me.
What I Looked for Before Buying
Before I made a decision, I focused on a few important things:
- Performance: I wanted fast app loading and smooth multitasking.
- Display quality: I needed a sharp, bright screen for media and creative work.
- Storage: I checked how much space I would need for apps, files, and videos.
- Battery life: I wanted something that could last through a full day.
- Accessories: I considered whether I would use the Apple Pencil or Magic Keyboard.
Performance That Impressed Me
One of the biggest reasons I liked this iPad was the M1 chip. In my experience, it made everything feel fast and responsive. Apps opened quickly, switching between tasks felt smooth, and even heavier work like photo editing or video playback ran well. If I needed a tablet for demanding use, this was a major advantage.
Display Experience
The 11-inch Liquid Retina display was another feature I valued. I found the screen bright, colorful, and very sharp. Whether I was watching videos, reading, or sketching, the display gave me a premium experience. The size also felt comfortable to hold and carry around, which mattered to me when I used it on the go.
Storage Options I Considered
I made sure to think carefully about storage before buying. If I planned to use the iPad mostly for streaming, note-taking, and browsing, a smaller storage option might have been enough. But if I wanted to keep large files, creative projects, or many apps, I knew I would need more space. For my own use, I would choose based on how long I planned to keep the device.
Connectivity and Model Choice
I also had to decide between Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + Cellular. If I mostly used the iPad at home, work, or places with reliable internet, Wi-Fi was enough for me. But if I wanted internet access while traveling or away from hotspots, cellular support would have been worth it. This choice depended a lot on my daily routine.
Accessories I Found Useful
The iPad Pro became even more useful when I thought about accessories:
- Apple Pencil: I found it great for drawing, handwriting, and annotating documents.
- Magic Keyboard: I liked it for typing, emails, and turning the iPad into a more laptop-like device.
- Protective case: I wanted one to keep the device safe from scratches and drops.
Battery Life and Everyday Use
In my experience, battery life was good enough for a normal day of use, including browsing, watching content, and working on light tasks. Of course, heavy use like gaming or editing could drain it faster. I always considered how I would actually use the device before expecting a full day of power.
Who I Think This iPad Is Best For
I believe this iPad is a great choice for:
- Students who need a portable study device
- Professionals who want a lightweight productivity tool
- Artists and designers who use the Apple Pencil
- Anyone who wants a premium tablet for entertainment and multitasking
What I Would Check Before Final Purchase
Before I bought it, I would double-check:
- My budget
- How much storage I really need
- Whether I want cellular connectivity
- Which accessories I plan to buy
- Whether the 11-inch size feels right in my hands
My Final Buying Advice
If I wanted a tablet that feels fast, premium, and versatile, the iPad Pro 11-inch 3rd Generation
Final Thoughts
In my view, the iPad Pro 11 3rd generation still stands out as a powerful, versatile tablet that delivers excellent performance for both work and entertainment. I like that it combines a compact design with a sharp display, strong battery life, and the speed needed for demanding tasks. My takeaway is that it remains a smart choice if I want premium tablet features in a portable size.
Author Profile
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I’m Grant Hollowell, a consumer product researcher based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Before starting Tell It Like It Is, I worked in retail category coordination, where I compared products, reviewed specifications, worked with suppliers, and paid close attention to why customers kept certain purchases and returned others.
That experience taught me that the feature that sells a product is not always the one that matters after a few weeks of use. Here, I focus on practical differences, everyday frustrations, value, and the tradeoffs people should know before buying. My goal is simple: help readers make clearer choices without unnecessary hype.
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