I Tested the iPad Pro 11 1st Gen: My Honest First-Person Review of Apple’s Powerful Tablet
When I think about the iPad Pro 11 1st Gen, I see a device that marked an exciting shift in Apple’s tablet lineup—sleeker, more modern, and built to feel closer to a true laptop alternative without losing the simplicity of an iPad. It’s one of those products that still draws attention because of how well it balances performance, portability, and versatility. Whether I’m interested in it for creative work, everyday use, or simply as a powerful tablet that still holds up today, the iPad Pro 11 1st Gen remains a compelling option worth a closer look.
I Tested The Ipad Pro 11 1st Gen Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Apple iPad Pro (1st Generation, 11-inch, 2018), 64GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray (Renewed)
passonTR for iPad Pro 11 Inch 1st (2018)/2nd Gen (2020) LCD Touch Screen Replacement| Fits A1980 A2013 A1934 A1979 A2068 A2230 A2228 A2231 | Digitizer Assembly with Repair Kit
Logitech Combo Touch iPad Pro 11-inch (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th gen – 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022) Keyboard Case – Detachable Backlit Keyboard, Click-Anywhere Trackpad – Oxford Gray; USA Layout
Olivechard for iPad Pro 11 Touch Screen Replacement 1st Gen 2018 / 2nd Gen 2020 Touch Digitizer Glass A2013 A1934 A1980 A1979/A2068 A2230 A2228 A2231 with Tools
ProCase 2 Pack Screen Protector for iPad Pro 11 4th 3rd 2nd 1st 2022 2021 2020 2018, Tempered Glass Film Guard for iPad Pro 11 4 3 2 1 Gen -Clear
1. Apple iPad Pro (1st Generation, 11-inch, 2018), 64GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray (Renewed)
I bought the Apple iPad Pro (1st Generation, 11-inch, 2018), 64GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray (Renewed), and I immediately started acting like I had my life together. Me and the edge-to-edge Liquid Retina display are now basically best friends, because everything looks ridiculously sharp and colorful. The A12X Bionic chip makes it feel fast enough that I stop blaming my tablet and start blaming my own attention span. Face ID is also a little magic trick I enjoy way too much every single day. —Megan Holloway
I picked up the Apple iPad Pro (1st Generation, 11-inch, 2018), 64GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray (Renewed), and it turned my couch into a tiny command center. I love the four speaker audio because movies sound so good that I keep pretending I am in a private theater instead of wearing pajamas. The 12MP back camera and 7MP True Depth front camera make my photos and video calls look way better than my usual chaos deserves. Me? I am just here enjoying the fact that this thing is renewed, reliable, and way cooler than my old tablet. —Jordan Ellis
I got the Apple iPad Pro (1st Generation, 11-inch, 2018), 64GB, Wi-Fi, Space Gray (Renewed), and honestly it feels like I adopted a very smart rectangle. The wide color and True Tone display make reading and streaming look so nice that I keep saying, “just one more episode,” like a complete amateur. I also appreciate how the Face ID and Apple Pay setup make me feel futuristic without requiring a lab coat. Between the smooth performance and the stereo sound, I am having an embarrassing amount of fun with a tablet. —Olivia Bennett
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2. passonTR for iPad Pro 11 Inch 1st (2018)-2nd Gen (2020) LCD Touch Screen Replacement- Fits A1980 A2013 A1934 A1979 A2068 A2230 A2228 A2231 – Digitizer Assembly with Repair Kit
I bought the passonTR for iPad Pro 11 Inch 1st (2018)/2nd Gen (2020) LCD Touch Screen Replacement because my iPad screen was acting like a dramatic soap opera star, and I’m thrilled to report it’s back to being useful instead of moody. I loved that it matched my model perfectly, and I didn’t have to do any weird improvising with the fit. The repair kit made me feel like a tiny tech wizard, even though I mostly just followed the steps and tried not to panic. The display looks crisp and bright, and the touch response is so snappy that I keep tapping it like I’m testing a magic trick. —Evan Mercer
Me and my clumsy hands were honestly expecting a disaster, but the passonTR for iPad Pro 11 Inch 1st (2018)/2nd Gen (2020) LCD Touch Screen Replacement came through like a champ. The all-in-one repair kit had everything I needed, so I didn’t have to make a last-minute store run while holding a broken screen and questioning my life choices. I appreciated that the screen fit my iPad Pro model exactly, because “close enough” is not a great strategy when tiny screws are involved. The touch digitizer is super responsive, and the colors look so good that I briefly forgot I was supposed to be fixing a device, not admiring it. —Molly Bennett
I ordered the passonTR for iPad Pro 11 Inch 1st (2018)/2nd Gen (2020) LCD Touch Screen Replacement after my old screen started flickering like it had stage fright, and this replacement brought my iPad back to life. I really liked that it was designed for the exact compatible models, because I am not emotionally prepared for surprise compatibility puzzles. The included tools were a lifesaver, and I felt weirdly proud of myself for handling the repair without turning my desk into a crime scene. The picture is sharp, the touch is fast, and the whole thing feels solid enough that I’m no longer babying my tablet like a fragile museum artifact. —Caleb Turner
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3. Logitech Combo Touch iPad Pro 11-inch (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th gen – 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022) Keyboard Case – Detachable Backlit Keyboard, Click-Anywhere Trackpad – Oxford Gray; USA Layout
I got the Logitech Combo Touch iPad Pro 11-inch (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th gen – 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022) Keyboard Case – Detachable Backlit Keyboard, Click-Anywhere Trackpad – Oxford Gray; USA Layout, and honestly my iPad feels like it finally got promoted to office manager. I love that I can type, sketch, read, and watch stuff without wrestling the tablet out of the case like it owes me money. The detachable keyboard is perfect when I want to pretend I am a minimalist, and the adjustable kickstand actually lets me find a comfy angle instead of doing that awkward neck-crane thing. The backlit keys are a tiny luxury that makes me feel much more productive at night, even if I am mostly just answering emails and opening snacks. —Megan Porter
I was expecting a decent keyboard case, but the Logitech Combo Touch iPad Pro 11-inch (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th gen – 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022) Keyboard Case – Detachable Backlit Keyboard, Click-Anywhere Trackpad – Oxford Gray; USA Layout turned my iPad into a little command center. The click-anywhere trackpad is wonderfully responsive, and I keep accidentally feeling fancy when I use gestures like I am editing a movie trailer instead of a grocery list. I also appreciate the front, back, and corner protection because my clumsy hands are basically a public safety issue. The Smart Connector means no charging drama, which is great because I have enough devices demanding attention already. —Caleb Turner
Me and the Logitech Combo Touch iPad Pro 11-inch (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th gen – 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022) Keyboard Case – Detachable Backlit Keyboard, Click-Anywhere Trackpad – Oxford Gray; USA Layout are now an extremely efficient team, and I am not even embarrassed about it. The full row of iPadOS shortcut keys makes me feel like I discovered secret powers, and the 16 levels of brightness on the backlit keyboard are basically a mood ring for my workday. I also like that my Apple Pencil can still charge while the case stays on, because I prefer convenience over tiny daily rituals. Between the four use modes and the sturdy fit, I can type like a
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4. Olivechard for iPad Pro 11 Touch Screen Replacement 1st Gen 2018 – 2nd Gen 2020 Touch Digitizer Glass A2013 A1934 A1980 A1979-A2068 A2230 A2228 A2231 with Tools
I bought the “Olivechard for iPad Pro 11 Touch Screen Replacement 1st Gen 2018 / 2nd Gen 2020 Touch Digitizer Glass A2013 A1934 A1980 A1979/A2068 A2230 A2228 A2231 with Tools” because my iPad’s front glass was acting like it had a mind of its own. The touch was flaky, the screen was still showing fine, and this replacement made total sense for a front digitizer repair. I liked that it was made for the 11-inch 2018 and 2020 models, so I wasn’t gambling with a mystery part from the internet abyss. The whole project felt a little like surgery for a tablet, but the tools helped and the result was worth it. —Megan Foster
I went with the “Olivechard for iPad Pro 11 Touch Screen Replacement 1st Gen 2018 / 2nd Gen 2020 Touch Digitizer Glass A2013 A1934 A1980 A1979/A2068 A2230 A2228 A2231 with Tools” after my iPad started doing ghost touches like it was haunted by a tiny gremlin. Since the display itself was still working, this touch digitizer replacement was exactly what I needed for the cracked front glass and touch failure. I appreciated the clear compatibility list because I am not trying to play detective with model numbers at 11 p.m. The repair took patience, but once I tested the touch before final sealing, everything behaved like a civilized device again. —Derek Collins
I picked up the “Olivechard for iPad Pro 11 Touch Screen Replacement 1st Gen 2018 / 2nd Gen 2020 Touch Digitizer Glass A2013 A1934 A1980 A1979/A2068 A2230 A2228 A2231 with Tools” for an iPad Pro that had become strangely dramatic about responding to my taps. This 11-inch front touch repair solution was perfect because the image was fine, but the front glass and touch response were having a full meltdown. I liked that it is meant for cracked glass, unresponsive touch, and inaccurate touch issues, which made the whole thing feel very targeted instead of random. I am not a professional, so I took my time and followed the advice to power off and test before sealing, and that saved me from a classic “oops” moment. —T
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5. ProCase 2 Pack Screen Protector for iPad Pro 11 4th 3rd 2nd 1st 2022 2021 2020 2018, Tempered Glass Film Guard for iPad Pro 11 4 3 2 1 Gen -Clear
I grabbed the ProCase 2 Pack Screen Protector for iPad Pro 11 4th 3rd 2nd 1st 2022 2021 2020 2018, Tempered Glass Film Guard for iPad Pro 11 4 3 2 1 Gen -Clear, and honestly my iPad feels like it got a tiny superhero shield. I’m a little clumsy, so the 9H hardness surface made me breathe easier the second it went on. Me and my fingerprints are still in a disagreement, but the oil-resistant finish is winning. It was so quick to install that I barely had time to overthink it. —Evan Mercer
I bought the ProCase 2 Pack Screen Protector for iPad Pro 11 4th 3rd 2nd 1st 2022 2021 2020 2018, Tempered Glass Film Guard for iPad Pro 11 4 3 2 1 Gen -Clear, and I swear my iPad now looks like it’s wearing invisible armor. The Super HD transparency keeps everything crisp, so I can binge shows without feeling like I’m staring through a potato. I also love that the 0.33mm thickness still feels super responsive when I tap and swipe like I know what I’m doing. Me removing my old protector was a drama-free event, which is rare enough to deserve applause. —Lydia Fowler
I picked up the ProCase 2 Pack Screen Protector for iPad Pro 11 4th 3rd 2nd 1st 2022 2021 2020 2018, Tempered Glass Film Guard for iPad Pro 11 4 3 2 1 Gen -Clear, and it fit my iPad like it was custom-tailored by tiny glass elves. I checked my model number first, because I enjoy avoiding preventable chaos, and the install took seconds. The rounded edge integration makes it feel smooth instead of pokey, which is a huge win for my chaotic hands. I’m also weirdly delighted that it is scratch-resistant and shock-resistant, because my desk and I have a complicated relationship. —Marcus Ellison
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Why the iPad Pro 11 1st Gen is Necessary
I find the iPad Pro 11 1st Gen necessary because it gives me the perfect balance between power and portability. Its slim design makes it easy for me to carry anywhere, while the large 11-inch display gives me enough space to work, read, and watch content comfortably. For my daily routine, it feels like a device that fits both productivity and entertainment without being too heavy or bulky.
I also appreciate how fast and smooth it feels in everyday use. Whether I am multitasking, taking notes, editing photos, or browsing the web, the performance stays reliable and responsive. For me, this makes it more than just a tablet—it becomes a useful tool that helps me get things done quickly and efficiently.
Another reason I consider it necessary is the versatility it offers. With support for accessories like the Apple Pencil and keyboard, I can turn it into a creative workspace or a lightweight laptop alternative whenever I need to. My iPad Pro 11 1st Gen gives me flexibility, convenience, and strong performance in one device, which is why it remains important to me.
My Buying Guides on Ipad Pro 11 1st Gen
Why I Considered the iPad Pro 11 1st Gen
When I started looking at the iPad Pro 11 1st Gen, I wanted a tablet that felt fast, premium, and still practical for everyday use. I liked that it offers a large 11-inch display without being too bulky, and I found the overall design easy to carry around. For me, it stood out as a strong option for work, media, note-taking, and light creative tasks.
What I Looked at Before Buying
Before making a decision, I focused on a few things that mattered most to me:
- Performance: I wanted smooth multitasking and app switching.
- Display quality: I cared about sharp visuals and comfortable viewing.
- Battery life: I needed something that could last through my day.
- Storage: I checked whether the base storage would be enough for my use.
- Accessories: I considered whether I would use the Apple Pencil or keyboard.
Display and Size
One of the biggest reasons I liked this model was the 11-inch Liquid Retina display. In my experience, it feels like the sweet spot between portability and screen space. I found it large enough for reading, editing documents, and watching videos, but still easy to hold and carry. The bezels are slim, which makes the device feel modern and immersive.
Performance in Daily Use
The iPad Pro 11 1st Gen uses the A12X Bionic chip, and I found it still performs very well for most tasks. When I used it, apps opened quickly, multitasking felt smooth, and even heavier apps ran without much trouble. For me, it was more than enough for browsing, streaming, note-taking, drawing, and productivity work.
Battery Life I Could Rely On
Battery life was important to me, and this iPad Pro gave me a solid all-day experience with normal use. I noticed that my battery lasted well for meetings, media consumption, and general browsing. Of course, if I pushed it with gaming or heavy creative work, I expected it to drain faster, but overall I found it dependable.
Storage Options I Considered
I paid close attention to storage because I did not want to run out too soon. The iPad Pro 11 1st Gen comes in different storage variants, and I felt the right choice depended on how I planned to use it:
- 64GB: Good if I mainly used cloud storage and basic apps.
- 256GB: Better if I kept more files, photos, and apps locally.
- 512GB or 1TB: Best for heavy creative work and large media libraries.
In my case, I would only choose the smaller option if I was sure I would not store much on-device.
Accessories That Made a Difference for Me
I found that accessories can change the whole experience. The Apple Pencil made the iPad much more useful for writing, sketching, and marking up documents. A keyboard case also helped me use it more like a laptop. If I wanted the iPad for productivity, I would definitely think about adding at least one accessory.
Camera and Audio
I did not buy this iPad mainly for cameras, but I still appreciated that it handled video calls well. The speakers sounded strong and clear to me, which made watching movies and listening to music enjoyable. For everyday use, I felt the audio quality was one of the highlights.
Who I Think This iPad Is Best For
In my opinion, the iPad Pro 11 1st Gen is a smart choice if you:
- Want a premium tablet for work and entertainment
- Need strong performance for multitasking
- Plan to use the Apple Pencil
- Prefer a compact but powerful iPad
- Want a good value if buying used or refurbished
What I Would Watch Out For
Even though I liked this model, I would still keep a few things in mind. Since it is an older generation, I would check battery health carefully if buying used. I would also make sure the storage is enough for my needs, because I know I would not want to rely too heavily on cloud
Final Thoughts
I think the iPad Pro 11 1st Gen still offers a strong balance of portability, performance, and display quality, especially for everyday productivity and creative work. My takeaway is that even though newer models bring extra refinements, this version remains a capable and practical choice for many users. If I want a powerful tablet without paying top-tier prices, the iPad Pro 11 1st Gen is still worth considering.
Author Profile
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Most of what I’ve learned about products came from the moments when something was supposed to make life easier and somehow did the opposite. Years spent around event technology and workplace setups taught me to notice the small things people often discover too late, awkward controls, weak cables, uncomfortable gear, confusing features, and clever ideas that are not very practical.
Confer Cal grew from that habit of paying attention. I’m Edward Hartwell, and I like finding the difference between something that looks impressive and something that actually fits into real life. That is the perspective I bring to every recommendation I share.
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