In-Depth Review of the iPad Pro with M4 Chip

‘Why is everyone so obsessed with iPads?’ We get it if you too are obsessing over the same question. However, if you’ve ever partnered with an iPad Pro for your everyday hustle, you would know why.
Apart from the fact that anything from Apple holds a prestige value, or as we like to call it ‘flaunt factor’, iPads are a huge deal among no-shit business-only professionals. Be it for organizing, illustration, general multitasking, or even management, this champ is always there for you.
But is the latest iPad Pro really a big deal as they make it out to be? Does putting in a new M4 chipset transform this gadget’s game? Should you really take a risk worth $1000?
We understand the turmoil in your head, so we came up with this genius+honest review on the brand-new iPad Pro with an M4 chipset. So head below and skim through.
iPad Pro M4 (2024) - Overview
Launched on May 15, 2024, the latest iPad Pro has features bigger and better than ever, making it an ultimate heartthrob. Starting from its gorgeous design (11-inch and 13-inch models); the slim structure and light weight make this device extremely practical and easy to handle. Its gorgeous display is a first from Apple and mind you, the visuals are breathtakingly beautiful.
Regardless, it all boils down to the gadget's performance, for which the company brought forward its genius M4 chipset. This new processor is an extension of the M3, and it's the star of the show. The AI feature is also spot-on, giving you a glimpse of the future.
Below are the specs of the iPad Pro 2024
Specs | iPad Pro with M4 Chipset |
Platform | iPadOS 17.5.1, iPADOS 18.2 |
GPU | 10-core Graphics |
CPU | 9-core 4.4 GHz, 10-core 4.4 GHz |
RAM | 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB |
Storage | 8 GB, 16 GB |
WiFi | Wireless Wi-Fi 6E 5G |
Pros & Cons of the iPad Pro 2024
Pros | Cons |
Large screen size with lightweight and thin dimensions. | Minimum accessories are included in the package. |
Super fast processing with the M4 chip. | Processor performance is dependent on storage upgrades. |
Landscape front camera with Center Stage for ease of use. | Only one USB-C port |
Enhanced battery life. |
Review of the iPad Pro 2024
Performance
The M4 chipset is the main element of this tablet without which it won’t function, hence it's the first object of our scrutiny. In case you’re new, an M-processor in iOS devices is the same as a processor in Android devices. This latest processor in the M processor lineup packs in a CPU featuring 9-cores or 10-cores alongside a high-tier GPU.
But that’s all basic stuff; what’s special about the M4 chip is its Neural Engine with AI processing. The AI capabilities of the M4 exceed that of its predecessors by a great extent. All AI-related functions are now processed at a rate of 38 trillion operations per second - talk about speed. We also noticed fast memory bandwidth and overall function acceleration in this gadget which was subpar in earlier iPad versions.
Visuals
The display makes up around 95% of the device as it's practically the face of the gadget. As far as the screen of this one is concerned, we’re happy to report that everything is picture-perfect. Both models feature a flawless, glossy Tandem screen with a resolution of 2420x1668 pixels and 2752x264 pixels in the 11 and 13-inch respectively. There’s also the SDR brightness level of 561 nits and 596 nits which is okayish.
What we consider a big deal is the Ultra Retina XDR nature of the display. Regular OLED displays have this built-in defect of color visibility from certain angles. With this XDR screen, you can enjoy decent brightness and maximum color accuracy. The precise balance between darkness and lightness of the hues in the device makes it a perfect weapon for graphic designers and illustrators.
Appearance
How thin is too thin? Apple has lost it as the 11 and 13-inch models measure a measly 5.3mm and 5.1mm in thickness. Yes, we do appreciate the feathery lightweights of 0.98 pounds (11”) and 1.28 pounds (13”) but what’s there to hold on to? Without a padded case, handling this aluminum frame is a nightmare for clumsies. However, the silver lining of this weight and thickness is the ability to read without sore arms.
Moving on to other aspects of its appearance, like color; you can find this tablet in space gray, silver, and space black (which looks more like a charcoal shade). The charming minimalistic back cover has the iconic bitten fruit sitting glamorously in the middle. There are speakers on the sides with a power key, volume key, and one USB port C (which is disappointing). It also features a magnetic strip for the Pencil - a forever favorite. Overall, there isn’t much difference in the design compared to the previous model, there are enhancements though.
Accessories
The entire concept of iPads is built on minimalism and perfection, but we, as buyers, hate it when the company minimizes the accessories package that comes in the box. Buying an iPad worth more than a grand and all you get is a USB Charger Cable, a power adapter, and a polishing cloth for the display glass - sad!
Although to be fair, a Pencil is way too precious to be thrown in the box simply as an ‘accessory’. This Pencil takes your iPad experience to a whole new level by allowing you to respond to the tablet. By using this site gadget with the tab, you can communicate with it by annotating, drawing, marking, and editing freehand.
The same goes for the Magic Keyboard. Okay, we get it, it's a tablet, not a laptop so what’s the need for a keyboard, but with Apple, it's all about comfort. An iPad+Magic Keyboard is the slighter, lighter, and cozier equivalent of a mini laptop, not a Macbook though. Since it is not included in the box, most users have no idea what they’re missing out on. And when they do discover it, they have to buy it separately which feels like an extra load on their pockets.
Camera
Usually, people ignore checking out the camera properties when buying an iPad or any tablet, but the iPad Pro M4 has it all nonetheless. There are two cameras built-in to this tablet; a 12MP front landscape and a 12MP rear camera. Originally, the front camera was portrait-oriented, but this time, the company relocated it to landscape and we’re not complaining because it’s that good.
Diving a bit into the details, the back camera has a wide lens with an F1.8 setting for ultrasonic focusing. It also has a zoom x5 ability which you can use to spy on others like a pro. With image stabilization, say goodbye to blurry motion images, especially if you’re using tools like a tripod. Plus, you can capture your favorite moments using the 4K ProRes video.
Battery
Gadgets by Apple Inc. are notorious for their charging span and this is something we’ve experienced first-hand but this time, it’s different. Featuring an exceptional rechargeable lithium polymer battery of 31.29 watt-hours and 38.99 watt-hours in the 11-inch and 13-inch models respectively, this device lasts almost an entire day.
Generally, one 100% cycle is said to last for up to 10 hours; however, if you tweak your settings and interface a bit, you can drag it a few more hours. By reducing the brightness of your screen by a minimum of 50%, turning off Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Cellular, and reducing background app refresh, you can actually tug your charging for up to 13 hours and even 16 sometimes (if you’re lucky).
If you want to go a bit overboard and save your battery long-term, you can also try force-quitting GPS and limiting the use of apps that drain the charge the most. To view this app list, you’ll have to visit the Battery section in Settings. Back to the point, we are impressed by this progress Apple!
Final Verdict
It's not every day that you upgrade an iPad Pro so it's better to stay conscious than cry later. So, is this gut-wrenchingly expensive tablet a yay or a nay? We’d say a yay not just because of its improved looks and sleek body, but because of the particulars that you can benefit from at home or work. If you’re stuck with the previous version, just imagine how good it would be to not worry about the battery charge for once.
Wouldn’t it feel effortless to take selfies or video calls without having to hold the iPad a certain way? And don’t get us started on the M4 chipset - it’s revolutionary! The AI, OLED display, and software make this the game changer of game changers. Despite the fact that it lacks an extra port and a few quintessential side gadgets, we’d say this baby is a nine-on-ten, and so worth the upgrade.