Is the Apple iPad Pro 12.9" (M2) the BEST Tablet for Graphic Design in 2023? Our Expert Opinion

The world of graphic design is rapidly evolving, and with it, the tools of the trade. No longer confined to desktop workstations, designers are increasingly seeking portable and powerful solutions. This brings us to the Apple iPad Pro 12.9" (M2), a device that's been generating a lot of buzz in the design community. But the big question remains: Is the iPad Pro 12.9" (M2) the BEST tablet for graphic design in 2023?

In this comprehensive review, we'll delve deep into its capabilities, exploring its strengths and weaknesses from the perspective of a graphic design professional. We’ll compare it to competitors, assess its performance with industry-standard software, and ultimately, provide you with our expert opinion to help you make an informed decision.

Why Graphic Designers are Turning to Tablets

Before diving into the specifics of the iPad Pro, let's understand why tablets, in general, are gaining popularity among graphic designers:

• Portability: Design on the go – whether you're commuting, working from a coffee shop, or meeting with clients.
• Direct Interaction: The ability to draw and manipulate designs directly on the screen provides a more intuitive and natural workflow.
• Software Compatibility: A growing number of professional-grade design applications are now available for tablets.
• Client Presentations: Easily showcase your work and get instant feedback in a visually engaging way.
• Digital Sketching & Brainstorming: Tablets are fantastic for quickly sketching out ideas, exploring concepts, and brainstorming.

The Apple iPad Pro 12.9" (M2): A Closer Look

The 2022 Apple iPad Pro 12.9" is a powerhouse device boasting several impressive features:

• M2 Chip: Apple's M2 chip offers a significant performance boost over previous generations, delivering faster processing speeds, improved graphics performance, and enhanced machine learning capabilities.
• Liquid Retina XDR Display: The 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display boasts stunning color accuracy, incredible brightness (up to 1600 nits peak brightness in HDR), and a smooth 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate.
• Apple Pencil (2nd Generation) Support: The iPad Pro seamlessly integrates with the Apple Pencil 2, offering pressure sensitivity, tilt recognition, and low latency for a realistic drawing experience.
• ProMotion Technology: Dynamically adjusts the display's refresh rate up to 120Hz for incredibly smooth scrolling, responsiveness, and fluid animations.
• Thunderbolt/USB 4 Port: Enables fast data transfer, connecting to external displays, and compatibility with a wide range of accessories.
• Advanced Camera System: A wide and ultra-wide camera system allows for high-quality photos and videos, ideal for capturing inspiration and showcasing your work.
• iPadOS: The iPad's operating system has evolved to become more versatile and powerful, offering features like multitasking, Stage Manager, and a growing library of professional apps.

Performance in Design Software: Does the M2 Live Up to the Hype?

The M2 chip is a game-changer for graphic designers. We tested the iPad Pro with several industry-standard applications to assess its performance:

• Adobe Photoshop: The iPad Pro handles large, layered Photoshop files with ease. Tasks like applying complex filters, performing intricate selections, and manipulating images are incredibly smooth. The M2 chip noticeably reduces lag and processing times compared to previous iPad models.
• Adobe Illustrator: Vector graphics editing in Illustrator is a breeze on the iPad Pro. The responsiveness of the Apple Pencil allows for precise drawing and intricate detailing. Complex illustrations with numerous paths and effects render quickly.
• Procreate: This popular digital painting app shines on the iPad Pro. The combination of the M2 chip, the Liquid Retina XDR display, and the Apple Pencil creates an incredibly immersive and responsive painting experience. We experienced no noticeable lag, even with high-resolution canvases and numerous layers.
• Affinity Designer: A powerful alternative to Adobe Illustrator, Affinity Designer performs exceptionally well on the iPad Pro. The M2 chip enables smooth handling of complex vector illustrations and raster-based image editing tasks.

Strengths of the iPad Pro 12.9" (M2) for Graphic Design

• Unmatched Performance: The M2 chip provides a significant performance boost for demanding design tasks.
• Stunning Display: The Liquid Retina XDR display offers exceptional color accuracy, brightness, and sharpness, making it a joy to work with.
• Excellent Apple Pencil Integration: The Apple Pencil 2 provides a natural and responsive drawing experience.
• Growing Ecosystem of Design Apps: The iPadOS app store offers a wide range of professional-grade design applications.
• Portability and Versatility: The iPad Pro is a powerful and portable tool that can be used for a variety of design tasks, from sketching and brainstorming to creating finished artwork.
• Excellent Color Accuracy: Essential for designers who need to ensure their work looks accurate across different devices. The iPad Pro boasts wide color gamut support, including P3.

Weaknesses of the iPad Pro 12.9" (M2) for Graphic Design

• Price: The iPad Pro is an expensive device, especially when you factor in the cost of the Apple Pencil and other accessories.
• iPadOS Limitations: While iPadOS has improved significantly, it still lacks some of the features and flexibility of a full desktop operating system. File management, in particular, can sometimes be clunky.
• Apple Pencil Required (Extra Cost): The Apple Pencil is almost essential for graphic design, adding a significant cost to the overall setup.
• Software Subscription Costs: Many professional-grade design apps, such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, require monthly or annual subscriptions.
• Limited Port Selection: While the Thunderbolt/USB 4 port is versatile, some users may find the lack of additional ports limiting.

Alternatives to the iPad Pro 12.9" (M2)

• Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra: A strong contender with a large AMOLED display and S Pen support. It offers a more open Android experience and a potentially lower price point.
• Microsoft Surface Pro 9: Offers the full functionality of a Windows laptop in a tablet form factor. While the pen experience might not be as refined as the Apple Pencil, it provides access to the full suite of desktop design applications.
• Wacom Cintiq Series: These are dedicated pen displays that connect to your computer, offering a professional-grade drawing experience. However, they lack the portability of a tablet.

Who is the iPad Pro 12.9" (M2) BEST Suited For?

The iPad Pro 12.9" (M2) is an excellent choice for:

• Mobile Professionals: Graphic designers who need a powerful and portable device for working on the go.
• Digital Illustrators and Painters: Artists who rely on drawing and painting as part of their workflow.
• Designers Integrated into the Apple Ecosystem: Users who already own other Apple devices and appreciate the seamless integration between them.
• Those Willing to Invest in Quality: Designers who prioritize performance, display quality, and a premium user experience.

Conclusion: Is it the BEST?

So, is the Apple iPad Pro 12.9" (M2) the BEST tablet for graphic design in 2023? The answer, as with most things, is: it depends.

If you prioritize power, portability, a stunning display, and an excellent drawing experience, and you're comfortable with the price tag and iPadOS limitations, then the iPad Pro 12.9" (M2) is undoubtedly one of the best choices available. It excels in demanding design tasks and offers a truly immersive and enjoyable creative experience.

However, if you require the full functionality of a desktop operating system, prefer a more open platform, or are on a tighter budget, then alternatives like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra or the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 might be a better fit.

Ultimately, the best tablet for you depends on your individual needs, workflow, and budget. We encourage you to carefully consider the pros and cons of each device before making a decision. The iPad Pro 12.9" (M2) sets a high bar, but a fully informed decision is always the best path to a happy and productive design experience.