The iPad Pro had been looking long in the tooth. Tablets from Microsoft, Samsung, HP, and others were looking more futuristic than the iPad Pro. They often relied on facial recognition for logging in and were able to reduce their bezels by removing front-facing button which let them put larger displays in smaller overall packages.
But Apple caught up and then some. The iPad Pro is one of the best Apple products released this year right alongside the Apple Watch Series 4. The aluminum back and sides are sleek, easy to hold, and exude luxury. The iPad's display is one of the best, if not the best, tablet display even beating out tablets with OLED panels (like the Tab S4). It may not get 100% true blacks but the motion smoothing, color accuracy (not to be confused with artificially blowing colors out), contrast ratio, and brightness all makeup for that.
Face ID is smooth and works at any orientation. I have been able to unlock my iPad upside down, with the cameras to my right, cameras to my left, and cameras at the top. I don't know what Apple has done with Face ID but I wish they would do the same with the iPhones. Unlocking the tablet and making purchases is simple and has never failed me.
The processor and graphics chips (actually all on one chipset) are extremely powerful. I was able to export a 15 minute 1080p video in iMovie on my iPad Pro in just 2 minutes. Games are console-like due to the display quality and underlying hardware. Some developers are really taking advantage of the hardware.
I went with the 11" model as I have a MacBook already, something I use for heavy typing and, due to being a student needing to run specific software, I can't replace my MacBook with an iPad just yet. I had a 10.5" iPad Pro (from work) prior to this, my personal iPads range all the way back to the first generation, 2nd gen, 3rd gen, Air, and Air 2. I had a 2015 12.9" iPad Pro for a bit but the device was a little too unwieldy, it also took up more space than my 12" MacBook without really offering me any advantages (other than watching movies). I really liked my 10.5" iPad Pro and would constantly use that. The new 11" iPad Pro has the same footprint as the last gen 10.5" model while having a larger display. I think its the best compromise between device and screen size.
I also went with 256GB of storage and the cellular model. Most people don't need the cellular model but it is a nice luxury, plus you can often finance the iPads through your carrier, interest free, over 24-months. 256GB seems to be the maximum amount of storage I need even when traveling for longer periods of time. It's enough for me to store about 25 movies (purchased from the iTunes Store and ripped myself), a dozen games, and all of my productivity apps (MS Office, iMovie, etc.). It being cellular gives me near-24/7 access to all of my documents and photos.
Cellular and wi-fi browsing speeds are fast, I haven't noticed any slowdown between the two. I usually get around 60Mbps cellular and 200Mbps at home on my wi-fi network.
The rear and front-facing cameras have been improved. I still wouldn't walk around taking pictures with an iPad (it does look rather goofy and a modern flagship smartphone will still perform better) but it does the job when in a pinch. Battery life is the same 10-hours, Apple hasn't improved or reduced that. The addition of USB-C instead of Lightning does open the iPad Pro up to more accessories and chargers. The memory card reader and dock I use for my MacBook work with my iPad Pro. It also means that I can use my MacBook's charger and it will quick charge my iPad Pro. External storage still isn't supported in iOS but I'm OK with that since I'm not trying to force the iPad into replacing my main PC. I also have an external, rechargeable battery that will quick charge my iPad Pro. Now, when traveling, I only have to worry about bringing three cables (one for my Apple Watch, one for my iPhone, and one for my iPad Pro and headphones), two chargers, and one battery pack. I hope Apple put USB-C in the iPhones soon as it would really help with things.
I think the fourth biggest improvement (after the display, performance, and Face ID) is the way the new Apple Pencil works with the iPad Pro. No more having to awkwardly plug it in, find another storage compartment for it, or losing that cheap plastic cap over the Lightning port. It was easy snapping the Pencil to the side of the iPad. It automatically detected the Pencil, asked if I wanted to pair it to my iPad, and that was it. I found a case from UAG that lets me keep the Pencil attached to the side of the iPad when travelling. Battery life for the Pencil is even better, I have to charge it less than when I had my 10.5" iPad Pro. The magnets are strong enough to keep the Pencil from moving while traveling, I don't worry about it in my backpack like I had to with my older Pencil.
People have been complaining about the iPad Pros being bent. They've been posting pictures and calling this "Bendgate." I really, really hate it when people add the term "gate" at the end of the word. It's supposed to be a play on the Watergate scandals but Watergate was the name of the hotel, Richard Nixon wasn't trying to cover up something to do with water. It's a pet peeve of mine and I wish people would actually use the term correctly.
OK, moving on, I haven't had any issues with the iPad Pro bending. Mine came out of the box straight and I immediately put it in a UAG case. It's a more rugged, harder rubber case that protects against drops. It has a front flap covering the display and wraps around the entire body of the iPad. I checked my iPad Pro again, after a solid 2-3 months of use, and it still hasn't bent.
I think the main point is that you should get a case for the iPad. I understand that some people don't want cases and that's fine, it's your device and you can use it how you want. I recommend at least getting a sleeve for traveling so that you don't have to worry about the iPad bending.
All-in-all, I think this is the best iPad Pro. The display, performance, and Pencil 2 are all top notch. This is definitely a luxury tablet and it feels like one. Put the iPad in a case and that will stop it from bending. I will likely keep this iPad for a solid 2-3 years just as I did my iPad Air 2. Make sure you get AppleCare+ with it. I can't recommend Apple's extended coverage enough as it protects against drops, spills, cracks, or anything else accidental and not intentionally malicious.