M4 iPad Pro Review - Two Weeks Later: A Game-Changer or Just Another Iteration?

Introduction: The Tablet That Aims to Redefine Standards

Two weeks into using the M4 iPad Pro, and one thing is crystal clear Apple is on a mission to blur the lines between tablets and laptops. But does it succeed? With its ultra-thin design, groundbreaking OLED display, and AI-focused M4 chip, the latest iPad Pro is Apple’s most ambitious tablet yet. However, its jaw-dropping price tag raises a critical question: Is it worth the upgrade, or should you hold on to your current device? Let’s dive in.

Design – Slimmer, Sleeker, and Surprisingly Robust

The Thinnest Device Yet

At just 5.1mm, the 13-inch M4 iPad Pro has claimed the title of Apple’s thinnest device to date. Whether you're binge-watching your favorite series or jotting down notes, the reduced weight and thickness make it an absolute delight to handle. Apple didn’t just shave off millimeters they’ve also added a reinforced rib structure to combat any “bendgate” concerns.

Humorous Note: This iPad is so thin that it could moonlight as a bookmark. Just don’t forget where you left it!

The Relocated Camera

One small yet impactful design tweak is the shift of the front camera to the landscape side. If you’ve ever awkwardly rotated your iPad for a FaceTime call, this change is your new best friend. It’s a small adjustment but makes a world of difference in daily use.

Display – OLED Excellence

Tandem OLED Technology

Apple’s new tandem OLED display stacks two OLED layers, offering unparalleled brightness, contrast, and energy efficiency. Whether you're watching HDR content or editing photos, the visuals are so vivid they practically leap off the screen.

Comparison: If the previous mini-LED display was a Picasso painting, this OLED screen is a 4K live stream of the artist at work.

Real-World Applications

• Streaming: Movies and TV shows look stunning, even in bright sunlight.
• Professional Use: Photographers and video editors will love the accuracy and depth.
• Gaming: High refresh rates paired with vibrant visuals make it a portable gaming powerhouse.

Performance – Meet the AI-Powered M4 Chip

Blazing Fast, But Is It Necessary?

The M4 chip is a marvel of engineering. Benchmarks show a noticeable boost in speed compared to the M2, but here’s the catch: most users won’t push this chip to its limits. Video editing, gaming, and multitasking run flawlessly but they already did on the M2.

AI Features Await

The M4’s real potential might only shine with iPadOS 18, which promises a slew of AI-driven features. For now, it feels like overkill for the average user.

Humorous Take: Think of the M4 chip as owning a Ferrari in a world full of speed bumps.

Accessories – A Pro's Paradise

Apple Pencil Pro

The new Apple Pencil Pro builds on its predecessor with subtle but meaningful upgrades:

• Squeeze Gestures: Quickly change line thickness or color.
• Barrel Roll: Simulates real-world drawing tools.
• Find My Integration: Misplace it? Your iPad has your back.

Real Talk: While these features are nice, they’re more “cherry on top” than revolutionary.

Magic Keyboard

The revamped Magic Keyboard is closer than ever to a laptop experience:

• Larger, glass trackpad
• Function keys for media control
• Aluminum palm rest for added durability

What’s Missing?

No Ultra Wide Camera

Apple has dropped the Ultra Wide rear camera, but honestly, who’s using a tablet for serious photography?

mmWave 5G

The absence of mmWave 5G isn’t a dealbreaker. Sub-6GHz 5G is fast enough for downloads, streaming, and gaming.

User Insight: Unless you’re standing in the middle of a city with perfect mmWave coverage, this omission won’t affect you.

Pricing and Value

Starting at $999 (11-inch) and $1,299 (13-inch)

Apple continues to push premium pricing, with configurations reaching well over $2,000 for 1TB+ models. While the hardware justifies the cost, iPadOS’s limitations make it hard to recommend as a laptop replacement for everyone.

Should You Upgrade?

Who Should Buy It?

• Creative Professionals: The OLED display and Apple Pencil Pro make it a dream for artists and designers.
• Power Users: If you’re editing videos or gaming on the go, the M4 chip won’t let you down.

Who Can Skip It?

• Casual Users: If you own an M2 or even an M1 iPad Pro, there’s little here to justify an upgrade.
• Budget-Conscious Buyers: Consider alternatives like the iPad Air or last-gen models for a similar experience at a lower cost.

The Best iPad Pro Yet

There’s no denying that the M4 iPad Pro is an incredible piece of technology. From its OLED display to its AI-driven processor, Apple has set a new standard for what a tablet can achieve. But with great power comes great expense, and unless you’re a power user, the M4 might feel more like a luxury than a necessity.

Ready to experience the future of tablets? Explore the M4 iPad Pro today and decide if it’s the right upgrade for you!

FAQs About the M4 iPad Pro

1. Is the M4 iPad Pro worth upgrading from the M2 iPad Pro?

If you’re coming from an M2 iPad Pro, the upgrade depends on your needs. The M4 offers a stunning OLED display, a slight performance boost, and new accessories, but for casual users, the differences might not justify the price. However, if you're using an older iPad with an LCD or mini-LED display, the upgrade is a game-changer, especially for professionals who value exceptional screen quality and processing power.

2. What makes the OLED display on the M4 iPad Pro so special?

The OLED display uses advanced tandem OLED technology, stacking two OLED layers for better brightness, contrast, and efficiency. This results in unparalleled picture quality, making it ideal for watching HDR content, photo editing, and gaming. Compared to mini-LED or LCD displays, the OLED shines with deeper blacks, vivid colors, and zero blooming.

3. Can the M4 iPad Pro replace a MacBook for professional work?

While the M4 iPad Pro offers incredible hardware and iPadOS is increasingly powerful, it still falls short of macOS for certain workflows. Tasks like multitasking, file management, and running professional desktop software are limited by iPadOS. However, for creatives using apps like Procreate, Final Cut Pro, or Logic Pro, the M4 iPad Pro is a strong contender.

4. What are the new features of the Apple Pencil Pro?

The Apple Pencil Pro introduces:

• Squeeze gestures: Access menus or adjust settings without leaving your workspace.
• Barrel roll functionality: Mimics real drawing tools for varying line thickness.
• Find My integration: Easily locate your Pencil if it’s misplaced.
• Haptic feedback: Provides subtle vibrations for a more tactile writing experience.

5. Why did Apple move the front camera to the landscape side?

The new front camera placement caters to users who use the iPad with a keyboard in landscape mode. This change makes video calls more natural and less awkward, enhancing the iPad’s usability as a productivity device.

6. How does the M4 iPad Pro perform in gaming and creative tasks?

With its M4 chip, the iPad Pro handles even the most demanding tasks like 3D rendering, video editing, and gaming with ease. Games run smoothly, and apps like Final Cut Pro are lightning-fast. While the M4 is overkill for everyday tasks, it future-proofs your tablet for years to come.

7. What’s the difference between the 11-inch and 13-inch M4 iPad Pro models?

• Size and Portability: The 11-inch model is more portable, while the 13-inch provides a larger canvas for creatives.
• Display Quality: Both have OLED screens, but the 13-inch has a larger, more immersive experience.
• Price: The 11-inch starts at $999, and the 13-inch at $1,299, with similar features across both sizes.

8. Is the Magic Keyboard worth it for the M4 iPad Pro?

Yes, if you plan to use the iPad as a productivity tool. The updated Magic Keyboard offers:

• A larger, glass trackpad for smoother navigation.
• Aluminum palm rests for added comfort.
• Function keys to control media and settings seamlessly.
  However, the high price may deter casual users.

9. What storage option should I choose for the M4 iPad Pro?

If you’re a professional user handling large files or multitasking heavily, the 1TB or 2TB models with 16GB RAM and an extra CPU core are ideal. For casual users, the 128GB or 256GB options should suffice.

10. Why did Apple remove the Ultra Wide camera and mmWave 5G?

Apple likely removed these features due to limited use cases. Most users don’t rely on the rear camera for serious photography, and mmWave 5G is still not widely available. The omission helps streamline the iPad Pro’s design and possibly reduce costs.