Deciding between the iPad Pro M5 vs M4 depends on whether the latest upgrades justify the price difference. Both models deliver exceptional performance for creative work, gaming, and productivity, but the M5 chip brings notable improvements in processing power and efficiency.
The M4 iPad Pro remains a powerhouse device that handles demanding tasks with ease. The M5 version offers incremental upgrades that may matter more to professionals and power users than casual tablet owners.
We'll compare performance, display quality, and pricing to help you determine if upgrading to the M5 is worth it or if the M4 still offers the best value.
Find the perfect case for your iPad Pro M5, M4, or any other model in our complete iPad series collection.
iPad Pro M5 vs M4: Performance and Specs
The M5 chip brings some real gains over the M4, especially with AI and graphics. Both base and higher-end models now have more RAM, which helps if you’re juggling a lot of apps or running heavy stuff.
Chip Performance and Speed Improvements
The M5 chip is about 15% faster in multithreaded CPU tasks than the M4. You’ll find a 9-core CPU in the 256GB and 512GB models, or a 10-core CPU in the 1TB and 2TB versions—same as the M4, though.
Apple built the M5 with TSMC's third-gen 3nm process (N3P), which is a step up from the M4’s second-gen 3nm. Memory bandwidth jumps from 120 GB/s on M4 to 153 GB/s on M5—a 27.5% bump.
AI tasks are where the M5 really flexes. Large language models load 3.6× faster. Adobe Premiere Pro’s AI speech enhancement is 2.9× faster. Every GPU core now has a neural accelerator, which wasn’t the case on the M4.
You’ll still get Thunderbolt 4 support and compatibility with pro apps on both. But the M5 doubles SSD read/write speeds, so big file transfers and exports move along quicker.
Graphics and Gaming Capabilities
The M5’s graphics get up to 30% faster than the M4. Ray tracing is 45% quicker, thanks to a new ray tracing engine. The M5 also delivers 4× peak GPU compute performance for AI tasks, and the improved shader cores and dynamic caching help with efficiency. Blender ray-traced rendering? That’s 1.7× faster now.
Both models handle ProRes video encoding and decoding. Topaz Video Enhance AI runs 1.8× faster on the M5, which is handy for video editors and 3D artists.
External display support gets a real upgrade: the M5 can push up to 120Hz, while the M4 tops out at 60Hz. Adaptive Sync also helps cut down on screen tearing during games.
RAM and Multitasking Power
The 256GB and 512GB M5 models come with 12GB RAM (up from 8GB on the M4). The 1TB and 2TB versions stick with 16GB on both.
That extra RAM means you can keep more demanding apps open without slowdowns. iPadOS 26 actually uses the extra memory for on-device AI. The M5 handles bigger files and more browser tabs more smoothly.
With memory bandwidth up to 153 GB/s, your apps grab data faster. That helps with editing high-res photos or working on giant spreadsheets.
Both chips have a 16-core Neural Engine. The M5 adds neural accelerators to each GPU core, so AI-heavy graphics tasks finish faster.
M5 iPad Pro vs M4 Display and Design
The M5 and M4 iPad Pro look almost identical, but Apple made a few tweaks to the display and charging. The body is still the same ultra-thin aluminum slab as before.
Screen Technology and Brightness
Both models use the Ultra Retina XDR display with Tandem OLED tech. The 11-inch M5 is 11.1 inches (the M4 was 11.0), but you’ll barely notice. The 13-inch models are exactly the same size.
Resolution is 2420×1668 at 264 ppi on the 11-inch. You get 1,000 nits of typical brightness and 1,600 nits peak for HDR. ProMotion brings up to 120Hz refresh rates for smooth scrolling.
Displays are laminated, anti-reflective, with True Tone and P3 wide color. If you go for 1TB or 2TB storage, you can add nano-texture glass for less glare. Both support Apple Pencil hover and the landscape Center Stage camera.
The main upgrade is external monitor support: the M5 can do up to 120Hz, while the M4 sticks to 60Hz.
Build Quality and Dimensions
Physically, nothing’s changed. The 11-inch models are 249.7 × 177.5 × 5.3 mm, weighing 444g (Wi-Fi) or 446g (cellular).
Both use recycled aluminum, flat edges, and have the same ports. Side by side, you really can’t tell them apart.
Battery Life Comparison
Apple rates both for up to 10 hours of web or video on Wi-Fi, or 9 hours on cellular. No surprises there.
The M5 adds official fast charging: 50% in 30 minutes with Apple’s 40W Dynamic Power Adapter or any USB-C adapter at 60W+. The M4 didn’t have this official spec, but it still charged via USB-C with Thunderbolt 4 and USB 4.
Apple M5 vs M4 Tablet: Price and Value
Apple didn’t change the price for the M5—same as the M4. The 11-inch starts at $999, and the 13-inch at $1,299. So you’re not paying extra for the new chip if you’re buying fresh.
Pricing Across Storage Options
Prices are identical across both M4 and M5. The 11-inch: $999 (256GB), $1,199 (512GB), $1,599 (1TB), $1,999 (2TB). The 13-inch: $1,299 (256GB), $1,499 (512GB), $1,899 (1TB), $2,299 (2TB).
Add $200 for any cellular model. The M5’s new C1X cellular chip makes that extra cost a bit more reasonable than before.
One sneaky value add: the 256GB and 512GB M5 models now come with 12GB RAM instead of 8GB. That’s helpful for multitasking and future-proofing, and you don’t pay more for it.
Who Should Upgrade from M4
If you grabbed an M4 iPad Pro in the last year, you should probably skip the M5. The performance bump isn’t big enough to justify the upgrade cost.
Heavy users who depend on GPU-accelerated AI tools or need 120Hz external display support might have a reason to move up. The M5 is 3.6× faster for AI token processing and doubles SSD speeds, which can shave off time in certain workflows.
If you mostly use your iPad for web, streaming, notes, or basic creative apps, the M4 already nails it. The M5 won’t make those things noticeably faster.
Best Deals and Trade-In Options
Apple’s trade-in value for M4 models usually lands between $500 and $800, depending on condition and storage. You’d pay $400 to $700 out of pocket to jump to M5.
Some third-party retailers knock $100 to $200 off the M4, which makes it a better value for new buyers. Watch for those sales as stores clear inventory.
If you’re still rocking an iPad Pro from 2020 or earlier, either the M4 or M5 will feel like a huge leap. Waiting for M4 discounts gets you almost the same performance for less.
Protect your iPad Pro M4 with our premium cases designed specifically for the M4 model.
Conclusion: iPad Pro M5 vs M4
The iPad Pro M5 offers meaningful improvements in AI performance, connectivity, and external display support, but the M4 remains an excellent device for most users. If you're pushing your iPad with heavy creative work or AI applications, the M5 justifies the upgrade cost.
For casual users and those with an M4, the performance gains won't dramatically change your daily experience. Consider your specific workflow needs and budget before making the jump to the latest model.
Not sure which iPad Pro model you currently own? Check our guide to help identify your device: iPad Model Number Check.
Frequently Asked Questions: iPad Pro M5 vs M4
The M5 iPad Pro brings chip and connectivity upgrades, but the M4 still handles most things just fine. Both support Apple Pencil Pro and work with Apple Intelligence features.
What is the difference between the iPad Pro M5 and M4?
The M5 chip is faster for AI tasks, base models now include 12GB RAM (up from 8GB), and all models get upgraded connectivity with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6. The M5 features faster SSD speeds and supports 120Hz external displays, while minimum screen brightness drops to 1 nit. Design, cameras, OLED display, Apple Pencil Pro support, and Apple Intelligence features remain identical between both models.
What's the difference between M4 and M5?
The M5 chip delivers 15% faster multithreaded CPU performance, 30% better graphics, and 45% improved ray tracing using TSMC's third-gen 3nm process. Neural Accelerators in every GPU core boost AI workloads by over 4× for peak GPU compute performance. Memory bandwidth increases from 120 GB/s to 153 GB/s with a third-gen ray tracing engine.
Is it worth to upgrade from iPad Pro M4 to M5?
Most M4 owners don't need to upgrade since it handles everyday and professional tasks effortlessly. The M5 matters if you run heavy AI apps like Topaz Video Enhance AI or need 120Hz external display support. Users with 2022 or earlier iPad Pros will benefit significantly from either model, but casual users won't notice much difference in daily use.
Is M5 quicker than M4?
The M5 delivers 15% better multithreaded CPU performance, 30% faster graphics, and significantly better AI processing—3.6 times faster for large language models. Everyday tasks like browsing and email feel identical since the M4 already excels at basics. Video editing, photo work, gaming, and Apple Intelligence features run noticeably smoother on the M5 with its faster GPU and SSD.
