IPad Pro M4 Vs. M2: Which Should You Buy?

by Jhon Lennon 42 views

So, you're thinking about getting a new iPad Pro, huh? Awesome! But now you're stuck trying to figure out if you should go for the latest and greatest M4 model or if the M2 version is still a solid choice. Don't sweat it, guys! I'm here to break down the key differences between the iPad Pro M4 and the iPad Pro M2 to help you make the right decision. We'll dive deep into performance, display tech, battery life, and all the other important stuff so you can confidently choose the iPad that best fits your needs and budget. Let's get started!

Design and Display: A Visual Feast

Let's kick things off with the design and display, because, let's face it, that's the first thing you'll notice! Both the M2 and M4 iPad Pro models come in the same 11-inch and 12.9-inch sizes, maintaining that sleek, modern iPad Pro look we all know and love. You've still got those slim bezels and the premium build quality that makes the iPad Pro feel like a true flagship device. However, there's a major difference in the display tech that sets these two apart. The M4 iPad Pro boasts a brand-new Ultra Retina XDR display with Tandem OLED technology. Yeah, that's a mouthful, but what does it actually mean? Well, it means you're getting two OLED panels stacked on top of each other, resulting in incredible brightness, deeper blacks, and stunning contrast. We're talking about a peak brightness of 1600 nits for HDR content! Colors pop like never before, and everything just looks more vibrant and realistic. The M2 iPad Pro, on the other hand, features a Liquid Retina XDR display, which is still fantastic, don't get me wrong! It uses mini-LED backlighting to achieve high brightness and great contrast, but it doesn't quite reach the same level of visual brilliance as the M4's OLED display. For everyday tasks, you might not notice a huge difference, but if you're a creative professional working with HDR photos and videos, or if you just appreciate the best possible image quality, the M4 iPad Pro's display is a game-changer. The M4 iPad Pro is also thinner and lighter than the M2 iPad Pro, which may be important to some users. If you care about having the thinnest and lightest tablet possible, the M4 iPad Pro is the way to go.

Performance: M4 Takes the Crown

Alright, let's talk about what's under the hood. The performance is where the M4 iPad Pro really shines. The M4 chip is a significant upgrade over the M2, offering a substantial boost in both CPU and GPU performance. We're talking about a chip built on a 3-nanometer process, with a more advanced architecture that delivers faster processing speeds and improved power efficiency. In real-world use, this translates to snappier multitasking, smoother graphics in demanding games, and faster rendering times for video editing and 3D modeling. The M4 also features a more powerful Neural Engine, which accelerates machine learning tasks like image recognition and natural language processing. If you're a professional who relies on your iPad Pro for demanding tasks, the M4 will definitely give you a noticeable performance edge. The M2 is no slouch, though! It's still a very capable chip that can handle most tasks with ease. It's perfect for everyday use, like browsing the web, streaming videos, and working on documents. It can even handle some light photo and video editing without breaking a sweat. However, if you're pushing your iPad to the limit with complex projects or resource-intensive apps, the M4 will provide a smoother and more responsive experience. The M4 also has hardware-accelerated ray tracing, which is a feature that is not available on the M2. This allows for more realistic and immersive graphics in games and other applications. The M4 iPad Pro also has a faster memory bandwidth than the M2 iPad Pro, which can further improve performance in some tasks. If you're a gamer or a creative professional, the M4 iPad Pro is the clear winner.

Other Features: What Else is New?

Beyond the display and performance, there are a few other key differences between the M4 and M2 iPad Pro models that are worth considering. First up, the M4 iPad Pro has a redesigned front-facing camera that's now located on the landscape edge of the device. This is a huge improvement for video calls, as it makes it much more natural to look at the camera while you're talking. The M2 iPad Pro has its front-facing camera on the portrait edge, which can be a bit awkward during video conferences. The M4 iPad Pro also supports the new Apple Pencil Pro, which offers advanced features like barrel roll, haptic feedback, and customisable gestures. If you're an artist or designer who uses the Apple Pencil extensively, the Apple Pencil Pro can significantly enhance your workflow. The M2 iPad Pro is compatible with the 2nd generation Apple Pencil, which is still a great stylus, but it doesn't have all the bells and whistles of the Pro version. Another difference is that the base storage option for the 13-inch M4 iPad Pro is 256GB, while the base storage for the M2 iPad Pro was 128GB. This means you'll have more room for your files and apps right out of the box with the M4 model. Finally, the M4 iPad Pro supports Wi-Fi 6E, which offers faster wireless speeds than the Wi-Fi 6 supported by the M2 iPad Pro. This can be beneficial if you have a Wi-Fi 6E router and you regularly transfer large files over your wireless network.

Battery Life: Power to Last

Battery life is always a crucial factor when choosing a new device. The good news is that both the M2 and M4 iPad Pro models offer excellent battery life, easily lasting through a full day of typical use. Apple claims that both models can provide up to 10 hours of web browsing on Wi-Fi or watching video. In real-world testing, these claims seem to hold up pretty well. You can expect to get a solid day of work or play out of either iPad Pro without needing to reach for a charger. Of course, battery life can vary depending on your usage patterns. If you're constantly running demanding apps or playing graphics-intensive games, you'll likely see shorter battery life. However, for most users, both the M2 and M4 iPad Pro will provide ample battery life to get them through the day. The M4 chip's improved power efficiency may give it a slight edge in some scenarios, but the difference is likely to be minimal. Ultimately, battery life shouldn't be a major deciding factor between these two iPads.

Price: The Bottom Line

Let's talk about the price. As you might expect, the M4 iPad Pro is more expensive than the M2 iPad Pro. The exact price difference will vary depending on the configuration you choose, but you can generally expect to pay a premium for the latest and greatest technology. If you're on a tight budget, the M2 iPad Pro is still a great option that offers excellent value for the money. It's a very capable device that can handle most tasks with ease. However, if you're willing to spend a bit more, the M4 iPad Pro offers significant improvements in performance, display quality, and other features. It's the best iPad Pro you can buy, and it's worth the investment if you want the best possible experience. Keep an eye out for deals and discounts, as you may be able to find the M2 iPad Pro at a lower price now that the M4 model is available. Ultimately, the best iPad Pro for you will depend on your individual needs and budget. Weigh the pros and cons of each model carefully, and choose the one that best fits your requirements.

Which iPad Pro Should You Buy?

Okay, so after all that, which iPad Pro should you actually buy? Here's a quick recap to help you decide:

Buy the iPad Pro M4 if:

  • You want the best possible display quality with the Ultra Retina XDR display.
  • You need the fastest performance for demanding tasks like video editing, 3D modeling, or gaming.
  • You want the latest features like the landscape front-facing camera and Apple Pencil Pro support.
  • You're willing to pay a premium for the best possible experience.

Buy the iPad Pro M2 if:

  • You're on a budget and want to save some money.
  • You don't need the absolute best performance and are happy with a still-very-capable device.
  • You don't need the latest display technology or the advanced features of the Apple Pencil Pro.
  • You primarily use your iPad for everyday tasks like browsing the web, streaming videos, and working on documents.

Ultimately, both the M2 and M4 iPad Pro are fantastic devices. The M4 is the clear winner in terms of performance and display quality, but the M2 is still a great option that offers excellent value for the money. Consider your needs and budget carefully, and choose the iPad Pro that's right for you!