Apple iPad Pro 13-inch (M4) vs Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch (M2)
The clear winner is the Apple iPad Pro 13-inch (M4). It delivers a generational leap in performance, display technology, and ultra-thin design that makes the previous-generation 12.9-inch M2 model feel dated by comparison. With an 8.2/10 overall score versus the older model's 5.5/10, the M4 iPad Pro isn't just an upgrade—it's a complete redefinition of what a professional tablet can be.
Specs Comparison
| Feature | iPad Pro 13" (M4) | iPad Pro 12.9" (M2) |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 13-inch Ultra Retina XDR (Tandem OLED) | 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR (mini-LED) |
| Resolution | 2752 x 2064 (264 ppi) | 2732 x 2048 (264 ppi) |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz ProMotion (exact rate unpublished) | 120Hz ProMotion (exact rate unpublished) |
| Processor | Apple M4 (up to 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU) | Apple M2 (8-core CPU, 10-core GPU) |
| RAM | 8GB or 16GB | 8GB or 16GB |
| Storage Options | 256GB to 2TB | 128GB to 2TB |
| Thickness | 5.1mm | 6.4mm |
| Weight | 579g (Wi-Fi) | 682g (Wi-Fi) |
| Front Camera | 12MP Landscape Ultra Wide | 12MP Landscape Ultra Wide |
| Rear Camera | 12MP Wide + LiDAR | 12MP Wide + 10MP Ultra Wide + LiDAR |
| Battery | 38.99Wh (up to 10 hours) | 40.88Wh (up to 10 hours) |
| Starting Price | $999 | $799 (now discontinued) |
Display Technology: Tandem OLED vs Mini-LED
The single biggest reason to choose the 13-inch M4 iPad Pro is its revolutionary Tandem OLED display. Apple has ditched the mini-LED backlight entirely in favor of two stacked OLED panels that deliver true blacks, infinite contrast, and stunning HDR performance that the older 12.9-inch model simply cannot match. The M4 version reaches peak brightness of 1600 nits for HDR content and 1000 nits sustained full-screen brightness—noticeably brighter and more consistent than the M2's mini-LED array.
Colors pop with ridiculous vibrancy while maintaining perfect accuracy for professional photo and video work. The older M2 iPad Pro's display, while excellent for its time, now looks comparatively washed out with blooming around bright objects against dark backgrounds. If you're doing any color-critical work, the M4 model is non-negotiable. The slightly larger 13-inch screen also gives you more real estate without making the device feel bulky thanks to dramatically reduced bezels.
Performance: M4 Crushes M2 in Every Benchmark
Apple's M4 chip represents a massive leap over the M2. With a 10-core CPU (up from 8) and hardware-accelerated ray tracing in the GPU, the new iPad Pro handles demanding creative workloads with ridiculous ease. Video editing in 4K ProRes, 3D modeling, and running multiple intensive apps simultaneously feel effortless on the M4 while the M2 begins to thermal throttle and slow down under sustained loads.
Real-world tests show the M4 delivering nearly 50% better CPU performance and up to 4x faster GPU performance in graphics-heavy tasks. The neural engine in the M4 is also vastly superior, making AI-powered features in Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro feel instantaneous. The older M2 iPad Pro is still capable for most users, but it already feels two generations behind. If you want future-proof performance that will handle the next 4-5 years of pro apps, the M4 is the only choice.
Design and Portability: Thinner, Lighter, and More Premium
At just 5.1mm thin, the 13-inch M4 iPad Pro is Apple's thinnest product ever made. It's dramatically lighter and more comfortable to hold for long periods than the 6.4mm thick M2 model. The new design feels like holding a sheet of glass and aluminum rather than a traditional tablet. The landscape-oriented front camera finally makes sense for video calls when the iPad is docked, something the older model handled awkwardly.
The M4 version also introduces the new Apple Pencil Pro with squeeze and barrel roll gestures that feel genuinely useful for artists and note-takers. While the M2 iPad Pro supported the older Pencil, it lacks these advanced capabilities. The reduction in weight and thickness makes the new model far more portable despite the larger screen size—a rare and impressive engineering achievement.
Who Should Buy Which
Buy the 13-inch iPad Pro (M4) if:
- You do professional creative work (photo, video, 3D, music production)
- You want the absolute best display technology available in a tablet
- Future-proofing and maximum performance matter to you
- You're willing to pay a premium for the latest technology
- You value portability and a premium, ultra-thin design
Buy the 12.9-inch iPad Pro (M2) if:
- You're on a tight budget and can find it heavily discounted
- Your needs are mostly media consumption and light productivity
- You already own one and don't need the latest features
- The performance difference won't impact your specific workflow
For most users, especially professionals, the M4 model is worth the investment. The older M2 version only makes sense as a budget clearance purchase at this point.
Final Verdict
The Apple iPad Pro 13-inch (M4) is the undisputed champion in this comparison. Here's why it dominates:
- Revolutionary Tandem OLED display destroys the older mini-LED in every measurable way
- M4 chip delivers massive performance gains that will last for years
- Ultra-thin and light design makes the previous model feel bulky
- Future-proof features and accessories like Apple Pencil Pro
- Despite neither company publishing exact refresh rates, the M4's display feels smoother and more responsive
The 12.9-inch M2 iPad Pro was a great device in its day, but that day has passed. With an overall score of 8.2/10 versus 5.5/10, the new 13-inch M4 model isn't just better—it's in a completely different league. If you're serious about getting the best tablet on the market, stop reading reviews and buy the M4 iPad Pro immediately. The gap between these two generations is larger than Apple has delivered in years.
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