iPad Pro M4 Review 2025: Apple’s Most Powerful Tablet with Desktop-Class Performance

Overall Rating: 4.6/5 stars | Price: Starting at $999 | Release Date: May 2024

Comprehensive review by NexSpect Team | Last updated: May 2025

Quick Answer: Is the iPad Pro M4 Worth It?

The iPad Pro M4 is Apple’s most powerful tablet, featuring desktop-class M4 chip performance, stunning OLED display technology, and professional-grade capabilities. It’s worth buying if you need laptop-replacement functionality, professional creative work, or premium tablet experience. Skip if basic iPad features meet your needs or you prefer traditional laptops.

iPad Pro M4 Specifications

Display & Design

Screen sizes: 11-inch and 13-inch Ultra Retina XDR OLED
Resolution: 2420 x 1668 (11″) / 2752 x 2064 (13″)
Refresh rate: 120Hz ProMotion with adaptive refresh
Brightness: 1000 nits sustained, 1600 nits peak HDR
Build: All-screen design, aluminum construction
Thickness: 5.3mm (11″) / 5.1mm (13″) – thinnest Apple device ever
Weight: 444g (11″) / 579g (13″)

Performance & Storage

Processor: Apple M4 chip with 9-core CPU, 10-core GPU
RAM: 8GB (standard), 16GB (1TB+ models)
Storage options: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB
Neural Engine: 16-core for AI processing
Operating system: iPadOS 18

Connectivity & Features

Port: USB-C with Thunderbolt 4 support
Wireless: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
Cellular: 5G option available
Camera: 12MP rear with LiDAR, 12MP ultra-wide front
Audio: Four-speaker system with spatial audio
Apple Pencil: Pro support with hover detection
Magic Keyboard: Full-size backlit keyboard support

iPad Pro M4 Performance Review

M4 Chip Performance Analysis The M4 processor delivers desktop-class performance in tablet form:

Single-core performance: 3,800+ Geekbench score
Multi-core performance: 14,500+ Geekbench score
GPU performance: Matches entry-level MacBook Pro models
Neural Engine: 38 TOPS for AI workloads

Real-World Performance Applications Professional video editing in Final Cut Pro runs smoothly with 4K ProRes footage. 3D modeling applications like Blender handle complex scenes without thermal throttling. Photo editing with multiple RAW files processes instantly in Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop.

Gaming and Graphics Performance Console-quality games run at maximum settings with stable frame rates. The 10-core GPU handles ray tracing effects in supported games. Graphics-intensive applications benefit from hardware-accelerated rendering.

iPad Pro M4 Display Review & Analysis

OLED Technology Implementation The Ultra Retina XDR OLED display represents Apple’s first OLED implementation in iPads:

True blacks with infinite contrast ratio
Improved color accuracy across wider color gamut
Reduced blooming compared to mini-LED predecessors
Better viewing angles and outdoor visibility

Display Quality Assessment Professional color work benefits from 99% DCI-P3 coverage and Delta E < 1 accuracy. HDR content displays with proper tone mapping and peak brightness handling. The 120Hz ProMotion provides smooth scrolling and responsive Apple Pencil input.

Screen Size Comparison

11-inch model: Portable for travel, adequate for most tasks
13-inch model: Better for professional work, closer to laptop experience

iPad Pro M4 vs iPad Pro M2: Key Differences

Major Improvements in M4 Generation

Processor: M4 chip offers 50% faster CPU, 40% faster GPU than M2
Display: OLED technology replaces mini-LED with better contrast
Design: Significantly thinner profile, reduced weight
Apple Pencil: Enhanced Pro model with advanced features
Camera: Improved computational photography capabilities
AI Features: Enhanced machine learning performance

Should You Upgrade from iPad Pro M2? Upgrade recommended for creative professionals requiring maximum performance, users wanting OLED display benefits, or those needing latest Apple Pencil Pro features. Current M2 users with basic needs can skip this generation.

iPad Pro M4 Pros and Cons

Advantages

Desktop-class M4 performance exceeds most laptops
Stunning OLED display with professional color accuracy
Incredibly thin and lightweight design
Excellent battery life for intensive tasks
Superior build quality and premium materials
Comprehensive app ecosystem for professional work
Strong resale value and long software support
Versatile form factor with keyboard/pencil accessories

Disadvantages

High starting price at $999 for base model
iPadOS limitations compared to macOS functionality
Accessories sold separately increase total cost significantly
Limited external monitor support compared to laptops
File management remains restrictive for some workflows
No traditional laptop ports beyond single USB-C
Expensive storage upgrade pricing

iPad Pro M4 Battery Life Analysis

Battery Performance Results

Video streaming: 10-12 hours continuous playback
Professional applications: 6-8 hours intensive use
General productivity: 8-10 hours mixed usage
Standby time: Multiple days with minimal drain

Charging Specifications

Fast charging: 50% in 45 minutes with 30W adapter
Full charge: 90 minutes with optimal charger
USB-C charging compatible with MacBook chargers
No wireless charging support

iPad Pro M4 Price and Configuration Options

Pricing Structure

11-inch model: $999 (256GB), $1,199 (512GB), $1,599 (1TB), $1,999 (2TB)
13-inch model: $1,299 (256GB), $1,499 (512GB), $1,899 (1TB), $2,299 (2TB)
Cellular models: +$200 for 5G connectivity
Essential accessories: Magic Keyboard ($299-349), Apple Pencil Pro ($129)

Best Value Configuration 512GB models offer optimal storage-to-price ratio for most professional users. 1TB+ models include 16GB RAM upgrade beneficial for demanding workflows.

Who Should Buy iPad Pro M4?

Ideal Users

Creative professionals requiring portable powerhouse performance
Digital artists and designers using advanced illustration software
Video editors working with 4K footage on location
Business professionals needing laptop replacement functionality
Students in design, architecture, or engineering programs
Content creators requiring high-quality display for editing
Users wanting premium tablet experience with desktop capabilities

Not Recommended For

Casual users satisfied with standard iPad features
Budget-conscious buyers seeking basic tablet functionality
Users preferring traditional laptop keyboard/trackpad experience
Individuals requiring extensive file management capabilities
Users needing multiple external monitor support
Those wanting comprehensive port selection

iPad Pro M4 vs Competition

vs Microsoft Surface Pro 10

iPad Pro wins: Performance, display quality, build design, battery life
Surface Pro wins: Full Windows OS, integrated kickstand, included keyboard

vs Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra

iPad Pro wins: App ecosystem, performance consistency, build quality
Samsung wins: S Pen included, Android flexibility, lower price

vs MacBook Air M3

iPad Pro wins: Touch interface, Apple Pencil support, portability
MacBook Air wins: Full macOS, traditional laptop experience, included keyboard

iPad Pro M4 Accessories Guide

Essential Accessories

Magic Keyboard: Full laptop-like experience with trackpad
Apple Pencil Pro: Advanced features for creative work
Magic Keyboard Folio: Lighter alternative for 11-inch model

Recommended Add-ons

USB-C hub for expanded connectivity
External storage for large file workflows
High-quality screen protector for Apple Pencil use
Portable stand for desktop-style usage

Final Verdict: iPad Pro M4 Review Score

Overall Score: 4.6/5

Performance: 5/5
Display: 5/5
Design: 4.5/5
Battery: 4/5
Value: 3.5/5

The iPad Pro M4 delivers exceptional performance and display quality in an incredibly thin design. It successfully bridges the gap between tablets and laptops for many professional workflows while maintaining tablet convenience and versatility.

Bottom Line: Excellent choice for creative professionals and power users wanting desktop-class performance in tablet form. Consider standard iPad models if basic tablet features meet your needs and budget constraints matter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can iPad Pro M4 replace a laptop completely? A: For many users, yes, especially with Magic Keyboard attachment. However, some professional workflows still require traditional desktop operating systems.

Q: How much better is M4 performance compared to M2? A: Approximately 50% faster CPU and 40% faster GPU performance, with significant improvements in AI processing capabilities.

Q: Is the OLED display worth the upgrade? A: Yes, the improved contrast, color accuracy, and reduced blooming provide noticeable benefits for professional and entertainment use.

Q: Which size iPad Pro M4 should I choose? A: 11-inch for portability and travel, 13-inch for professional work requiring larger screen real estate.

Q: Does iPad Pro M4 support external monitors? A: Yes, but with limitations compared to Mac computers. Single external display support with specific resolution restrictions.

Q: How long will iPad Pro M4 receive software updates? A: Apple typically provides 6-7 years of iPadOS updates for Pro models, ensuring long-term software support.

This review provides comprehensive analysis based on extensive specification research and industry expert insights. Performance data sourced from verified benchmark results and professional application testing.

Keywords: iPad Pro M4 review, iPad Pro M4 specs, iPad Pro M4 performance, iPad Pro M4 price, iPad Pro M4 vs iPad Pro M2, best iPad 2025, iPad Pro M4 display, iPad Pro M4 OLED