iPad Pro M4 vs. iPad Pro M2: What’s the difference?

Apple iPad Tablets have over the years improved a lot. If you choose the iPad Pro version, you have a choice between iPad Pro M4 vs. iPad Pro M2. The M2 version was released in 2022 and comes in two sizes that is the 11-inch iPad Pro (M2) and 12.9-inch iPad Pro (M2).

The 2024 version on the other hand features the 11-inch iPad Pro (M4) and 13-inch iPad Pro (M4) version. In this post we will explain the similarities and difference to help you understand the difference and choose the best for you.

• 12.9-inch iPad Pro M2
• 13-inch iPad Pro M4
• 11-inch iPad Pro M2
• 11-inch iPad Pro M4

From the onset you will notice that the 13-inch iPad Pro (M4) maintains the sleek and slim build on Apple Tablets. It features the slimmest build at 5.1 mm which is slightly smaller compared to 5.3 mm on the 11-inch iPad Pro (M4).

Both the M4 versions are slightly longer and lighter than their corresponding versions. For example, the 11-inch iPad Pro (M2) measures 247.6 x 178.5 x 5.9mm and weighs 466 grams while 11-inch iPad Pro (M4) measures 249.7 x 177.5 x 5.3 mm and weighs 444 grams.

Similarly the 12.9-inch iPad Pro (M2) measures 280.6 x 214.9 x 6.4mm and weighs 682 g while the 13-inch iPad Pro (M4) measures 281.6 x 215.5 x 5.1 mm and weighs 579 g.

To best compare these tablets, we will consider important specifications like Build quality, Display, Processing Power, Connectivity, Budget and accesories.

13 inch iPad Pro M4 Specifications

Display

The display sizes on these tablets are similar but they are very different when you consider the screen type and specifications. the 11 inch iPad Pro M2 and M4 feature an 11 inch screen size while the 13 inch iPad Pro M4 and 12.9 inch iPad Pro M2 feature a larger 13 inch and 12.9 inch screen respectively.

Both M4 iPad sizes adoptcome with an improved Ultra Retina XDR Tandem OLED screen that achieves high brightness levels at 1000 nits SDR and 1600 nits HDR. The M2 versions only feature 600 nits brightness.

Theis is different from the 11-in M2 and 12.9-in M2 with an LED and mini-LED Liquid Retina XDR display type respectively. Screen resolution differs across all devices with 2388×1668 pixels on the M2 11-in, 2420×1668 pixels on the M4 11-in, 2732×2048 Pixels on the M2 12.9-in and 2752×2064 on the M4 13-inch iPad.

Design & build quality

From the intro, we have explained the size difference and similarities. Just to recap, M4 iPad versions feature a longer body with a light build and slim body. This makes the M4 iPad Pros sleek and more portable than the M2 coresponding versions.

If you want an iPad fro media consumption and streaming, it is important to note that the older M2 versions features more Mics than the M4 versions which have 1 Mic removed. You will however not notice the difference. For an immersive audio experience, the internal four-speaker set up is retained on both M2 and M4 versions.

Cameras and Storage

Both models have a 12MP wide rear camera with 5x digital zoom, and Smart HDR 4 for photos. It is ideal for video conferencing and Face timing thanks to its narrow f/1.8 aperture. For better shooting, they all feature a Flash option with the M2 versions using a True Tone flash and M4 versions using an improved Adaptive True Tone flash which is more versatile. 

Video recording is standard on both versions offering 4K/60fps extended dynamic range up to 30 frames per second. You will have a slo-mo 1080p/240 fps option, time-lapse recording and 3x digital zoom.

The older M2 versions featured two cameras on the back of the iPad that is a 12 MP Wide and a 10 MP Ultra Wide camera. They both shoot videos and Photos with the 10 MP Ultra wide showing a wider view of soroundings thanks to the f/2.4 lens for a 2x optical zoom.

For an unclear reason, the M4 versions have this 10 MP Ultra wide rear camera with wide aparture removed. You on nlyhave the 12 MP camera.

All versions come in a common Silver, Space Black color. The sorage on both versions is not expandable. One main difference on the storage is that the M2 versions have a 128 GB option ranging all the way to 2 TB while M4 versions start from 256 GB. For M2 versions you will have 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB/2TB while M4 versions only have 256GB/512GB/1TB/2TB storage options.

Processor and connectivity

The older M2 processors were already more powerful than other tablets. However, the new M4 chips offer more power almost as good as new Apple laptops, that is the new MacBook Pro M4 and MacBook Air M4.

For an improved experience the M2 versions featured an M2 chip set with an 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine and 8 to 16 GB RAM for multitasking. The M4 versions slightly improve this with the same 8 to 16 GB RAM, 10-core CPU, 9-core on 256/512 GB, 10-core on 1/2 TB, 10-core GPU and 16-core Neural Engine.

According to the manufacturer, the new M4 versions offers up to 1.5× CPU and 4× pro-render performance compared to M2 versions.

All M2 and M4 iPad Pro models come with USB-C, Thunderbolt and USB 4 port plus Smart connectors. For wireless connectivity they all support Bluetooth 5.3, GPS, WiFi 6E, MIMO, and 5G LTE for Cellular iPad versions.

12.9 inch iPad Pro M2 Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions