iPad Pro 4th Gen 11-inch 256GB Space Grey

iPad Pro 4th Gen 11-inch 256GB (MNXF3B/A)

iPad Pro 4th Gen 11-inch 256GB is priced at Kes 135,000  here at Novelty Tech Solution in Nairobi, Kenya

Overview & Key Positioning

The 4th generation 11-inch iPad Pro (2020) built upon the revolutionary redesign of the 2018 model. Its primary upgrade was the new A12Z Bionic chip and an enhanced camera system. The MNXF3B/A model offers a balanced 256GB of storage, making it a popular choice for professionals and power users who need more space than the base model without the premium cost of the highest tiers.

Key Selling Points (at launch):

• A12Z Bionic Chip: Enhanced performance for pro apps and augmented reality.

• Dual-Camera System with LiDAR: Improved photography and new depth-sensing capabilities for AR.

• Studio-Quality Mics: Better audio recording for video calls and content creation.

• All-Screen Liquid Retina Design: Edge-to-edge ProMotion display with Face ID.

Full Specifications

Key Features Explained

1. A12Z Bionic Chip

This chip was an enhancement of the already-powerful A12X from the 2018 model:

• 8-Core GPU: The key upgrade from the A12X’s 7-core GPU, providing better graphics performance for gaming, video editing, and AR applications.

• Pro Performance: It was designed to handle demanding workflows like editing 4K video, working with complex documents, and running multiple apps simultaneously.

2. LiDAR Scanner

This was a major new addition for the 2020 Pro models. The LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) scanner measures the distance to surrounding objects up to 5 meters away.

• Enhanced AR: Makes augmented reality apps more responsive and realistic by instantly mapping a room.

• Improved Photography: Enables faster autofocus in low-light conditions for photos and videos.

3. ProMotion Display

The 11-inch display features a 120Hz refresh rate, which makes the entire interface feel exceptionally smooth and responsive. It is particularly beneficial for:

• Apple Pencil Use: Reduces latency to just 9ms, making drawing and note-taking feel incredibly natural.

• Scrolling and Gaming: Provides a smoother visual experience.

4. USB-C Port

The USB-C port allows for versatile connectivity, including charging, connecting to cameras, external displays (up to 4K), and other peripherals.

Target Audience

This model was ideal for:

• Professionals and Creatives: Graphic designers, artists, photographers, and musicians needing a powerful and portable tool.

• Students in STEM Fields: The LiDAR scanner and power made it useful for architecture, engineering, and design students.

• AR Enthusiasts: Users interested in exploring the potential of augmented reality applications.

• Power Users: Anyone wanting a high-performance tablet for multitasking, media consumption, and productivity.

Pros and Cons (Modern Perspective)

Pros:

• Strong Performance: The A12Z Bionic chip remains very capable for most tasks, including light photo/video editing and gaming.

• Excellent Display: The ProMotion 120Hz screen is still a premium feature.

• Great Accessory Ecosystem: Full support for the 2nd Gen Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard.

• Balanced Storage: 256GB is a comfortable size for many users, offering room for apps, photos, and some projects.

Cons:

• Older Chip: Outperformed by the M1 chip in the 2021 (3rd Gen) and later models.

• No Center Stage: Lacks the Ultra Wide front camera and auto-framing feature found in the 2021 models and later.

• Older Front Camera: 7MP front camera compared to the 12MP in newer models.

• Non-Thunderbolt USB-C: The USB-C port is slower than the Thunderbolt/USB4 port introduced in the 2021 models.

Comparison with Previous and Next Generation

• vs. 3rd Gen (2021): The 2021 model has a much more powerful M1 chip, a better front camera with Center Stage, and a faster Thunderbolt port. The 2020 model is still very capable but is a generation behind in peak performance.

• vs. 2nd Gen (2018): The 2020 model has a slightly more powerful GPU (8-core vs 7-core) and the addition of the LiDAR Scanner and improved microphones.

Conclusion

The iPad Pro 4th Gen 11-inch 256GB (MNXF3B/A) was a solid refinement of the popular 11-inch Pro form factor. It offered meaningful upgrades like the LiDAR Scanner and enhanced graphics, making it a future-proof choice for professionals and creatives in 2020. Today, it remains a very capable tablet for most tasks, though it has been surpassed by the performance leap of the M-series chips in newer models. For a user who finds a good deal on this model, it continues to provide an excellent balance of performance, portability, and features.