iPad Pro 1st Gen 11-inch WiFi Cellular 512GB Silver(MU1M2B/A)
iPad Pro 1st Gen 11-inch WiFi Cellular 512GB Silver is priced at Kes 117,000 here at Novelty Tech Solution in Nairobi, Kenya
Overview & Key Positioning
The first-generation 11-inch iPad Pro (2018) represented a major shift in Apple’s tablet philosophy. It featured an edge-to-edge Liquid Retina display, Face ID, and was powered by the incredibly powerful A12X Bionic chip. The MU1M2B/A model specifically combines the maximum 512GB storage with cellular connectivity, making it a top-tier configuration for professionals on the go at the time of its release.
Key Selling Points (at launch):
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All-Screen Design: The first iPad Pro without a Home Button.
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Face ID: Biometric authentication that works in both portrait and landscape.
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Desktop-Class Performance: The A12X Bionic chip rivaled many laptops.
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USB-C Port: Replaced Lightning, enabling broader connectivity and charging.
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ProMotion Technology: A 120Hz refresh rate display for smoother scrolling and drawing.
Full Specifications
Category | Specification |
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Model Identifier | MU1M2B/A (iPad Pro 11-inch, 1st Gen, 512GB, Silver, Cellular) |
Apple Model Number | A1980 (Cellular model) |
Release Year | November 2018 (Discontinued in 2020) |
Storage Capacity | 512GB (Maximum available for this model) |
Color | Silver |
Connectivity | Wi-Fi + Cellular (Supports Gigabit-class LTE and GPS) |
Display | 11-inch Liquid Retina LED-backlit IPS LCD • Resolution: 2388 x 1668 pixels at 264 ppi • Technology: ProMotion (120Hz adaptive refresh rate), Wide Color (P3), True Tone • Brightness: 600 nits max |
Chip | Apple A12X Bionic with 64-bit architecture + Apple M12 coprocessor • CPU: 8-core (4 performance + 4 efficiency) • GPU: 7-core custom Apple GPU |
Operating System | Shipped with iOS 12. Latest compatible OS is iPadOS 17 (likely the final major update). |
Cameras | Rear: 12MP Wide camera (ƒ/1.8 aperture), Smart HDR, 4K video @ 60fps Rear (2nd): None (Dual-camera system started with 2020 model) Front: 7MP TrueDepth camera (ƒ/2.2 aperture), Portrait mode, Animoji, 1080p video |
Biometrics | Face ID via TrueDepth camera system |
Port | USB-C (Reversible connector, supports charging and data transfer) |
Audio | Four speaker audio, Stereo recording, No headphone jack |
Accessory Support | Apple Pencil (2nd Generation) (Magnetic attachment, pairing, and charging) Smart Keyboard Folio (Uses the Smart Connector) |
Battery | All-day battery life (up to 10 hours of surfing the web on Wi-Fi or watching video). |
Dimensions & Weight | • Height: 247.6 mm • Width: 178.5 mm • Weight: 468 grams (Wi-Fi + Cellular) |
Key Features Explained
1. A12X Bionic Chip (Desktop-Class Performance)
In 2018, the A12X was a monster. It was the first iPad chip to be marketed as “faster than 92% of portable PCs.” It provided incredible power for:
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Multitasking: Running multiple apps side-by-side smoothly.
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Photo & Video Editing: Handling complex tasks in apps like Lightroom and LumaFusion.
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AR Experiences: Powering advanced augmented reality applications.
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Gaming: Delivering console-quality graphics.
2. ProMotion Display (120Hz Refresh Rate)
This technology makes the entire interface feel incredibly fluid and responsive. It’s especially beneficial for:
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Apple Pencil Use: Reduces latency, making drawing and note-taking feel like using real pen and paper.
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Scrolling: Makes scrolling through web pages and documents exceptionally smooth.
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Video Playback: Provides smoother motion for compatible content.
3. USB-C Port
This was a significant change from the Lightning port used in previous iPads. It allowed for:
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Faster Charging: Support for higher-wattage chargers.
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Broad Connectivity: Ability to connect to external displays (up to 5K), cameras, and other peripherals.
4. Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) Support
This model introduced support for the 2nd Gen Apple Pencil, which attaches magnetically to the side of the iPad for wireless pairing and charging. This was a major usability improvement over the first-generation Pencil.
Target Audience (Then and Now)
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In 2018: This was a device for creative professionals (artists, designers, musicians), developers, and power users who needed a powerful, portable computer replacement.
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Today (2024): As a used/refurbished device, it remains a very capable tablet for:
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Students for note-taking and media consumption.
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Artists on a budget for digital art.
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General users who want a large, high-quality screen for web browsing and videos.
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Pros and Cons (Modern Perspective)
Pros:
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Still Very Powerful: The A12X Bionic chip remains capable for most tasks, including light photo/video editing.
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Excellent Display: The ProMotion 120Hz screen is still a premium feature.
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Great Accessory Support: Works with the excellent 2nd Gen Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard Folio.
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USB-C Port: Offers modern connectivity.
Cons:
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No Longer Receiving Major Updates: iPadOS 17 is likely its last major OS update. It will miss out on future features.
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Older Camera System: Lacks the Ultra Wide camera, LiDAR Scanner, and Center Stage feature found in newer models.
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Battery Health: As a 5-6 year old device, battery life may be significantly degraded if not replaced.
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Outperformed by Newer Models: Modern iPad Pro models (M-series chips) are significantly more powerful.
Conclusion
The iPad Pro 11-inch 1st Gen (MU1M2B/A) was a groundbreaking device that set the design language for all iPad Pros that followed. While it is now a legacy product, its high-end specifications—especially the 512GB storage and cellular connectivity—make it a compelling budget-friendly “Pro” option on the used market. For users who don’t need the absolute latest features and are comfortable with an older OS, it can still deliver an excellent experience for productivity and creativity, particularly with the 2nd Gen Apple Pencil. However, buyers should be cautious about battery life and the end of its software support cycle.
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