Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch M2 vs Apple iPad Pro 13-inch M4: Which Should You Buy in 2026?
Quick Verdict
Winner: Apple iPad Pro 13-inch M4 — 8.5/10
The iPad Pro 13-inch M4 wins on display brightness (1000 nits tandem OLED per Apple), thinner profile (5.1 mm), and M4 efficiency gains over the 2022 M2 model. The 12.9-inch M2 remains viable for media consumption at lower cost but trails in weight (682 g vs 579 g) and future display tech. M4 takes the win with superior design and performance metrics from sources like Notebookcheck.
See the interactive comparison →Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch M2 Overview
The Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch M2 is a compelling option in the Tablet space, offering a solid balance of performance and value.
Pros
- Lower price on remaining stock
- Still supports Apple Pencil 2 and Magic Keyboard
- Excellent 120Hz ProMotion display
Cons
- Only 8GB RAM limits future-proofing
- Thicker and heavier than M4 model
Apple iPad Pro 13-inch M4 Overview
The Apple iPad Pro 13-inch M4 brings its own strengths to the table, making it a worthy contender in this comparison.
Pros
- Ultra-thin 5.1 mm design
- Brighter 1000 nits tandem OLED display
- Faster M4 chip with better efficiency
Cons
- Higher starting price
- No major RAM increase over M2
Head-to-Head Comparison
Here is how the Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch M2 and Apple iPad Pro 13-inch M4 stack up on key specifications and our scored criteria:
Both products excel in different areas. The Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch M2 tends to lead in Lower price on remaining stock, while the Apple iPad Pro 13-inch M4 stands out for Ultra-thin 5.1 mm design.
Who Should Buy What
Buy the Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch M2 if…
- You want lower price on remaining stock
- You want still supports apple pencil 2 and magic keyboard
- You want excellent 120hz promotion display
Buy the Apple iPad Pro 13-inch M4 if…
- You want ultra-thin 5.1 mm design
- You want brighter 1000 nits tandem oled display
- You want faster m4 chip with better efficiency
Our Recommendation
If you can only choose one, we recommend the Apple iPad Pro 13-inch M4. The iPad Pro 13-inch M4 wins on display brightness (1000 nits tandem OLED per Apple), thinner profile (5.1 mm), and M4 efficiency gains over the 2022 M2 model. The 12.9-inch M2 remains viable for media consumption at lower cost but trails in weight (682 g vs 579 g) and future display tech. M4 takes
Run the interactive comparison →Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch M2 or Apple iPad Pro 13-inch M4?
The iPad Pro 13-inch M4 wins on display brightness (1000 nits tandem OLED per Apple), thinner profile (5.1 mm), and M4 efficiency gains over the 2022 M2 model. The 12.9-inch M2 remains viable for media consumption at lower cost but trails in weight (682 g vs 579 g) and future display tech. M4 takes the win with superior design and performance metrics from sources like Notebookcheck.
What are the scores for Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch M2 and Apple iPad Pro 13-inch M4?
Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch M2 scores 6.5/10 and Apple iPad Pro 13-inch M4 scores 8.5/10 in our independent evaluation.
What are the main advantages of the Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch M2?
Lower price on remaining stock. Still supports Apple Pencil 2 and Magic Keyboard. Excellent 120Hz ProMotion display.
What are the main advantages of the Apple iPad Pro 13-inch M4?
Ultra-thin 5.1 mm design. Brighter 1000 nits tandem OLED display. Faster M4 chip with better efficiency.
Is the Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch M2 worth the price?
The Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch M2 offers strong value for its price point, especially for users who prioritize performance and build quality.
Who should buy
Buyers who prioritize Apple's strengths and want the best in this category.
Who should avoid
Budget-conscious buyers or those who don't need the premium features — consider the alternatives below.
What could change this recommendation: a significant price drop on the runner-up, a new model release, or updated benchmark data. This page is re-verified periodically.
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We'll alert you when Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch M2 or Apple iPad Pro 13-inch M4 hits a new low — or when our recommendation changes.