The M4 iPad Pro and M2 iPad Pro offer different features and performance levels. The M4 iPad Pro comes with an advanced M4 chip, providing a 50% faster CPU and four times faster GPU compared to the M2 iPad Pro. It also features tandem OLED technology, offering superior colors and contrast, making it ideal for media consumption and creative work.
Additionally, the M4 iPad Pro is slimmer and lighter, adding to its portability without sacrificing power. On the other hand, the M2 iPad Pro still holds its ground with its ultrawide camera, which has been removed in the M4 model. This makes the M2 appealing for users who prioritize versatile photography options.
The decision between the M4 and M2 iPad Pro often comes down to specific needs—whether you value cutting-edge performance and display quality or the flexibility of additional camera features. ### Key Takeaways
- M4 iPad Pro has a 50% faster CPU and better graphics.
- M4 iPad Pro features advanced OLED display technology.
- M2 iPad Pro has an ultrawide camera that the M4 lacks.
Key Distinctions Between Apple’s Top-Tier Tablets
The M4 iPad Pro, released in 2024, and the M2 iPad Pro, released in 2022, are Apple’s flagship tablets, each offering unique advantages depending on your needs and budget. Let’s delve into a side-by-side comparison to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Display
In terms of design, the M4 iPad Pro takes the lead with a slimmer and lighter build. It’s Apple’s thinnest product to date, making it more portable. Both models, however, share the same screen sizes (11-inch and 12.9-inch) and Liquid Retina XDR display technology, ensuring stunning visuals with rich colors and deep blacks.
| Feature | iPad Pro M4 | iPad Pro M2 |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 11-inch: 247.6 x 178.5 x 5.3 mm 12.9-inch: 280.6 x 214.9 x 5.1 mm | 11-inch: 247.6 x 178.5 x 5.9 mm 12.9-inch: 280.6 x 214.9 x 6.4 mm |
| Weight | 11-inch: 466 g 12.9-inch: 682 g | 11-inch: 466 g 12.9-inch: 684 g |
| Display | Liquid Retina XDR ProMotion True Tone P3 wide color | Liquid Retina XDR ProMotion True Tone P3 wide color |
Performance
Under the hood, the M4 iPad Pro boasts a more powerful chip, resulting in a significant performance boost over the M2. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app launches, and improved responsiveness in demanding tasks like video editing and 3D rendering.
Connectivity
Both models support Wi-Fi 6E and 5G cellular connectivity for fast and reliable internet access. However, the M4 iPad Pro ditches the physical SIM card slot in favor of eSIM technology, offering greater flexibility for international travelers.
Camera
While both models feature impressive camera systems for tablets, the M2 iPad Pro has a slight edge with its ultra-wide rear camera, enabling wider shots and group photos. The M4 iPad Pro, on the other hand, excels in video recording with its ProRes video capture capability, ideal for professional videographers.
Battery Life
Both models offer up to 10 hours of web browsing or video playback on Wi-Fi, ensuring all-day productivity and entertainment. In real-world use, battery life will vary depending on your usage patterns and settings.
Price
The M4 iPad Pro comes with a higher price tag due to its enhanced features and performance. The M2 iPad Pro, however, remains a compelling option for those seeking a powerful tablet at a more affordable price.
The Verdict
Ultimately, the choice between the iPad Pro M4 and M2 depends on your individual needs and priorities. If you demand the utmost performance and the latest features, the M4 iPad Pro is the way to go. However, if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option that still delivers exceptional performance and a stunning display, the M2 iPad Pro remains a top contender.
In summary:
- M4 iPad Pro: Slimmer, lighter, more powerful, but pricier.
- M2 iPad Pro: Slightly thicker and heavier, but more affordable and still very capable.
Consider your budget, desired features, and intended use cases to determine which iPad Pro model best suits your needs.
Comparison of iPad Pro M4 and iPad Pro M2
The new M4 iPad Pro brings several upgrades over the M2 model, offering superior performance, display quality, and support for advanced features.
Design and Display
The M4 iPad Pro is slimmer and lighter than the M2 model. It features a tandem OLED display, which offers better colors and contrast compared to the LCD display of the M2 iPad Pro. This new screen also provides higher resolution and peak brightness, improving visibility in bright environments. Both models come in 11-inch and 12.9-inch sizes, but the M4’s advanced screen tech makes it more appealing for media consumption.
Performance and Hardware
The M4 chip in the latest iPad Pro delivers a 50% faster CPU and a four times faster GPU than the M2 chip. This boost enables advanced features like ray tracing and better multitasking. The M4 model also offers up to 10 cores, compared to the M2’s maximum of 8 cores. This means better performance for apps and games. Both models support iOS 17, ensuring a smooth user experience.
Camera and Video Capabilities
The M4 iPad Pro has removed the ultrawide camera, which is still present in the M2 model. The main wide camera and TrueDepth front camera remain, but the M4 focuses on better image processing and video capabilities. The M4 can handle ProRes video recording, making it more suitable for professional video editing. The LIDAR scanner is available on both models for augmented reality applications.
Connectivity and Accessories
The M4 iPad Pro supports the latest connectivity options like Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and Thunderbolt for fast data transfer. Both models support the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard, but the M4 also introduces hover functionality for the Apple Pencil Pro, offering more precise input. USB-C ports are available on both, but the M4’s USB 4 support allows for faster charging and better accessory compatibility.
The M4 iPad Pro is a clear upgrade in terms of design, performance, and connectivity. The choice between the M4 and M2 will depend on your need for the latest features and advanced tech.
Frequently Asked Questions
The M4 iPad Pro has several upgrades over the M2 iPad Pro, including improvements in design, performance, and display technology.
What are the main differences in specifications between the iPad Pro with M4 chip and the M2 chip?
The M4 iPad Pro features a more advanced M4 chip with 10 computing cores. This chip provides a 50% faster CPU and a four times faster GPU compared to the M2 model. The M4 also offers tandem OLED technology for the display, enhancing colors and contrast.
How does the battery life compare between the new iPad Pro models with M4 and M2 chips?
Both the M4 and M2 iPad Pro models offer similar battery life under normal usage. Apple has not significantly altered the battery performance in the new M4 model, maintaining efficient energy consumption despite the added performance.
Is there a significant size or weight difference between the iPad Pro with M4 chip and the one with the M2 chip?
The M4 iPad Pro is slightly slimmer and lighter than the M2 model. This difference might not be noticeable in day-to-day use but contributes to a more portable experience.
What improvements have been made in the iPad Pro with M4 chip compared to the M2 version?
The M4 iPad Pro includes an enhanced M4 chip with more computing cores, tandem OLED display technology for better visual quality, and design refinements making it slimmer and lighter. It also supports more advanced graphical features like ray tracking.
Can users expect noticeable performance changes when upgrading from an iPad Pro with an M2 chip to one with an M4 chip?
Yes, users should see considerable performance boosts. The M4 chip offers more computing power and a significantly faster GPU. These improvements make it better for tasks like gaming, video editing, and multitasking.
In terms of display and graphics, how do the iPad Pro models with M4 and M2 chips compare?
The M4 iPad Pro has a tandem OLED screen, which offers superior color accuracy and contrast compared to the LCD on the M2 model. Additionally, the M4 chip’s improved GPU enhances graphics performance, making visuals crisper and more fluid.
