The iPad Pro has long been a favorite among tech enthusiasts and professionals alike. With the release of the new iPad Pro M4, many are wondering how it stacks up against its predecessor, the iPad Pro M2. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the key differences, new features, and improvements to help you decide if the upgrade is worth it.
Design and Build Quality
Dimensions and Weight
The iPad Pro M4 retains the sleek and modern design of the M2, with minimal changes in dimensions and weight. Both models are available in 11-inch and 13-inch variants, making them portable and easy to handle.
Material and Finish
Apple continues to use high-quality materials for the iPad Pro M4, including an aluminum chassis and a glass front. The new model is available in Space Black and Silver, offering a premium look and feel.
Display
Ultra Retina XDR Display
The iPad Pro M4 features an upgraded Ultra Retina XDR display with Tandem OLED technology, providing better color accuracy, higher brightness, and improved contrast compared to the M2’s LED/mini-LED display. This makes the M4 ideal for creative professionals who require precise color representation.
Reduced Glare
Apple has also improved the display’s anti-glare properties, making it easier to use in bright environments. This enhancement is particularly beneficial for outdoor use and reduces eye strain during extended usage.
Performance
M4 Chip
The most significant upgrade in the iPad Pro M4 is the new M4 chip. Built on a 3-nanometer architecture, the M4 chip boasts a 50% faster CPU, a 4x faster GPU, and a 20% increase in memory bandwidth compared to the M2. This results in smoother multitasking, faster app launches, and improved overall performance.
Neural Engine
The M4’s Neural Engine can perform 38 trillion operations per second, significantly enhancing AI and machine learning capabilities. This is a substantial improvement over the M2’s Neural Engine, making the M4 more efficient in handling complex tasks.
Battery Life
Despite the performance boost, the iPad Pro M4 maintains a comparable battery life to the M2. Both models offer up to 10 hours of web browsing or video playback on a single charge.
Camera and Audio
Camera System
Interestingly, the iPad Pro M4 has seen a reduction in its camera system. While the M2 featured a dual rear-camera setup with a 12MP primary sensor and a 10MP ultrawide sensor, the M4 only includes the 12MP primary sensor. This change might disappoint users who rely on the ultrawide camera for photography and videography.
Audio Quality
Both the M4 and M2 models feature a quad-speaker setup, delivering rich and immersive audio. However, the M4’s speakers have been fine-tuned to provide better clarity and deeper bass, enhancing the overall listening experience.
Software and Features
iPadOS
The iPad Pro M4 ships with iPadOS 17.5 preinstalled, while the M2 comes with iPadOS 16.6. Both models are eligible for the upcoming iPadOS 18 update, ensuring they remain up-to-date with the latest features and security enhancements.
ProRes and ProRAW Support
For creative professionals, the M4’s dedicated 8K video encode/decode engine with ProRes and ProRAW support is a game-changer. This feature significantly speeds up video editing workflows and enhances the quality of the final output.
Connectivity
Thunderbolt/USB 4
The iPad Pro M4 supports Thunderbolt/USB 4, allowing for faster data transfer speeds and the ability to connect high-bandwidth accessories. This is a notable improvement over the M2, which only supports USB-C.
5G Connectivity
One downside of the M4 is the removal of mmWave 5G connectivity, which was present in the M2. This means that the M4 may have slightly slower 5G speeds in areas where mmWave is available.
Price and Value
Cost Comparison
The iPad Pro M4 comes with a higher price tag compared to the M2. For instance, the 11-inch M4 with 256GB of storage costs $999, while the equivalent M2 model costs $899. This price increase might be a deciding factor for budget-conscious buyers.
Value Proposition
Despite the higher cost, the M4 offers significant improvements in performance, display quality, and features. For professionals and power users, these enhancements justify the additional expense. However, for casual users, the M2 remains a highly capable and more affordable option.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the iPad Pro M4 brings several noteworthy upgrades over the M2, including a more powerful chip, an improved display, and enhanced AI capabilities. While the higher price may be a deterrent for some, the M4’s advancements make it a compelling choice for those who need top-tier performance and features. Ultimately, the decision to upgrade will depend on your specific needs and budget.