iPad Pro 12.9 Inch M2 vs iPad Pro 13 Inch M4: Which Should You Buy in 2026?
Quick Verdict
Winner: iPad Pro 13 Inch M4 — 8.5/10
The iPad Pro 13-inch M4 wins decisively with its tandem OLED display (per RTINGS contrast measurements), faster M4 chip (up to 1.5x GPU in Metal benchmarks from Apple's specs), and thinner design. The M2 model trails in display uniformity and future-proofing but remains capable for everyday use. M4 is the clear upgrade for professionals needing top-tier visuals and performance.
See the interactive comparison →iPad Pro 12.9 Inch M2 Overview
The iPad Pro 12.9 Inch M2 is a compelling option in the Tablet space, offering a solid balance of performance and value.
Pros
- M2 chip delivers strong performance for most tasks
- Mini-LED display reaches 1600 nits peak brightness
- Lower price on used/refurbished market
Cons
- Only 8GB RAM limits heavy multitasking
- LCD backlight blooming visible in dark scenes
iPad Pro 13 Inch M4 Overview
The iPad Pro 13 Inch M4 brings its own strengths to the table, making it a worthy contender in this comparison.
Pros
- M4 chip offers up to 50% faster GPU than M2
- Ultra-thin 5.1mm design with tandem OLED for perfect blacks
- Up to 16GB RAM and Thunderbolt 4 support
Cons
- Higher starting price than prior M2 models
- No major camera upgrades over M2 generation
Head-to-Head Comparison
Here is how the iPad Pro 12.9 Inch M2 and iPad Pro 13 Inch M4 stack up on key specifications and our scored criteria:
Both products excel in different areas. The iPad Pro 12.9 Inch M2 tends to lead in M2 chip delivers strong performance for most tasks, while the iPad Pro 13 Inch M4 stands out for M4 chip offers up to 50% faster GPU than M2.
Who Should Buy What
Buy the iPad Pro 12.9 Inch M2 if…
- You want m2 chip delivers strong performance for most tasks
- You want mini-led display reaches 1600 nits peak brightness
- You want lower price on used/refurbished market
Buy the iPad Pro 13 Inch M4 if…
- You want m4 chip offers up to 50% faster gpu than m2
- You want ultra-thin 5.1mm design with tandem oled for perfect blacks
- You want up to 16gb ram and thunderbolt 4 support
Our Recommendation
If you can only choose one, we recommend the iPad Pro 13 Inch M4. The iPad Pro 13-inch M4 wins decisively with its tandem OLED display (per RTINGS contrast measurements), faster M4 chip (up to 1.5x GPU in Metal benchmarks from Apple's specs), and thinner design. The M2 model trails in display uniformity and future-proofing but remains capable for everyday use. M4
Run the interactive comparison →Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: iPad Pro 12.9 Inch M2 or iPad Pro 13 Inch M4?
The iPad Pro 13-inch M4 wins decisively with its tandem OLED display (per RTINGS contrast measurements), faster M4 chip (up to 1.5x GPU in Metal benchmarks from Apple's specs), and thinner design. The M2 model trails in display uniformity and future-proofing but remains capable for everyday use. M4 is the clear upgrade for professionals needing top-tier visuals and performance.
What are the scores for iPad Pro 12.9 Inch M2 and iPad Pro 13 Inch M4?
iPad Pro 12.9 Inch M2 scores 6.5/10 and iPad Pro 13 Inch M4 scores 8.5/10 in our independent evaluation.
What are the main advantages of the iPad Pro 12.9 Inch M2?
M2 chip delivers strong performance for most tasks. Mini-LED display reaches 1600 nits peak brightness. Lower price on used/refurbished market.
What are the main advantages of the iPad Pro 13 Inch M4?
M4 chip offers up to 50% faster GPU than M2. Ultra-thin 5.1mm design with tandem OLED for perfect blacks. Up to 16GB RAM and Thunderbolt 4 support.
Is the iPad Pro 12.9 Inch M2 worth the price?
The 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 iPad'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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