M4 iPad Pro: A Comprehensive Comparative Review of Apple's Latest Tablet

1. Introduction

• This comparative product review delves into the newly launched M4 iPad Pro, juxtaposing it against its predecessor, the M2 iPad Pro. Drawing insights from a variety of expert reviews, we aim to dissect the key themes such as performance, design, AI capabilities, display technology, battery life, and overall value to provide a clear and detailed comparison.

2. Performance and Processing Power

• 2-1. M4 vs. M2 Chip: CPU and GPU Comparison

• This sub-section explores the differences between the M4 and M2 chips, focusing on CPU and GPU performance enhancements. According to reviews, the M4 chip boasts a 3-nanometer architecture with four performance cores and upgraded six efficiency cores. Apple claims that this configuration can deliver up to 1.5 times faster CPU performance over the M2.

• This quote highlights the primary hardware upgrades in the M4 chip and Apple's claims about its CPU performance.

• 8/10 rating for M4 iPad Pro

• 6/10 rating for M2 iPad Pro

• Reason: The M4 chip shows substantial improvements in CPU and GPU performance over the M2, as demonstrated by benchmark scores. However, real-world performance has yet to be tested comprehensively by users and independent reviewers.

• 2-2. Neural Engine and AI Capabilities

• This sub-section discusses the advancements in the neural processing units (NPU) of the M4 chip and their impact on AI capabilities. The M4's Neural Engine can perform 38 trillion operations, dramatically enhancing AI and machine learning tasks.

• This statement emphasizes the incredible leap in AI processing power, essential for running advanced AI features.

• 9/10 rating for M4 iPad Pro

• 6/10 rating for M2 iPad Pro

• Reason: The M4's NPU shows a substantial improvement in AI performance, significantly outpacing the capabilities of the M2. This aligns with Apple's growing focus on AI and machine learning in its devices.

• 2-3. Benchmark Scores and Real-World Performance

• This sub-section reviews the benchmark scores of the M4 chip in the new iPad Pro in comparison with the M2 chip. The M4 chip's single-core and multi-core performance metrics surpass those of the M2 by a significant margin.

• This table summarizes the single-core and multi-core benchmark scores for the M4 iPad Pro, M3 MacBook Pro, and M2 iPad Pro, showcasing the performance improvements.

• 9/10 rating for M4 iPad Pro

• 6/10 rating for M2 iPad Pro

• Reason: The benchmark scores indicate that the M4 iPad Pro has a significant edge in performance over the M2, which translates to better real-world performance in various demanding applications.

3. Design and Build Quality

• 3-1. Thinnest Design Yet

• Both the M4 iPad Pro and M2 iPad Pro are known for their sleek and modern designs. The M4 iPad Pro, however, takes this a step further by introducing a thinner overall form factor. Reviewers from various sources highlight the refinement in Apple's design, emphasizing not just the convenience, but also the aesthetic appeal of the thinner build.

• Reviewers have consistently praised the new M4 iPad Pro for its remarkably thin design, elevating user experience by adding an element of sleekness and modernity.

• 3-2. Materials and Durability

• Both models use high-quality materials; however, the M4 iPad Pro incorporates more advanced materials leading to a more durable and solid construction. The use of nano-texture glass on the display of the M4 iPad Pro is a significant upgrade, providing added protection and improved clarity.

• The materials used in the M4 iPad Pro are an enhancement over its predecessor, particularly the nano-texture glass, which reviewers noted for its durability and visual benefits.

• This table highlights the key differences between the M4 iPad Pro and the M2 iPad Pro in terms of design and materials.

• 9/10 rating for M4 iPad Pro

• 7/10 rating for M2 iPad Pro

• Reason: The M4 iPad Pro received higher praise for its innovative use of materials and enhanced durability, while the M2 iPad Pro is still recognized for its robust build quality.

• 3-3. Landscape Camera Position

• One of the notable design changes in the M4 iPad Pro is the repositioning of the front-facing camera to the landscape edge, which caters to a more natural video calling experience while in landscape mode.

• Reviews praised the repositioned front-facing camera on the M4 iPad Pro, noting the improvement in user experience for video conferencing and content creation.

• 10/10 rating for M4 iPad Pro

• 8/10 rating for M2 iPad Pro

• Reason: The innovative landscape camera position on the M4 iPad Pro scored highly due to its practical benefits, while the M2 iPad Pro, although still functional, lacks this user-centric improvement.

4. Display Technology

• 4-1. Tandem OLED vs. Mini LED

• The display technology is a crucial point of differentiation between the M4 and M2 iPad Pro. The M4 iPad Pro features a new Tandem OLED display, offering improved black levels and HDR performance, whereas the M2 iPad Pro uses the Mini LED technology. This upgrade to Tandem OLED has been highly anticipated and promises better color accuracy and a more vivid viewing experience overall.

• This table summarizes key differences between Tandem OLED and Mini LED display technologies in M4 and M2 iPad Pro.

• This quote highlights the anticipated superiority of the OLED panel, positioning the M4 iPad Pro as a more compelling option compared to earlier models and even some current MacBooks.

• 4-2. Ultra Retina XDR Display Capabilities

• The Ultra Retina XDR Display of the M4 iPad Pro provides users with superior brightness and contrast ratios, together with better outdoor visibility, making it a significant enhancement over the M2 iPad Pro's display.

• 9/10 rating for M4 iPad Pro

• 8/10 rating for M2 iPad Pro

• Reason: The M4 iPad Pro warrants a higher rating due to its enhanced brightness, contrast ratios, and improved HDR capabilities, which the Ultra Retina XDR Display supports.

• 4-3. Nano-Texture Option Enhancements

• Apple has introduced a Nano-Texture option in the M4 iPad Pro, specifically for the 1TB and 2TB models, which helps in reducing glare and improving visibility.

• Key improvements with the Nano-Texture option:

• Significantly reduced glare

• Better readability in bright environments

• Enhanced outdoor use visibility

• This direct quote from Mashable underscores the practical benefits of the Nano-Texture coating, especially for professionals and enthusiasts who use their devices in varied lighting conditions.

5. Camera and Audio Features

• 5-1. Updated Camera Specs and Features

• The M4 iPad Pro features noticeable updates and some downgrades in its camera setup compared to the M2 iPad Pro.

• TechCrunch highlights a significant change where Apple has removed the ultra-wide camera, which was previously used for video recording and promoted heavily in the M2 model. Instead, the M4 iPad Pro now features the LiDAR Scanner occupying this space.

• Mashable mentions improvements in the 12MP wide camera, especially in low-light performance and detail, making the photography experience better despite the removal of the ultra-wide lens.

• 8/10 rating for M4 iPad Pro

• 9/10 rating for M2 iPad Pro

• Reason: While the M4 iPad Pro improves on the quality of its primary camera, the removal of the ultra-wide lens is seen as a downgrade for those who utilized it, making the older M2 model slightly better for versatile camera use.

• 5-2. Audio Quality and Microphone Configuration

• The audio setup and microphone configuration in the M4 iPad Pro have undergone subtle changes, impacting the overall performance.

• Mashable appreciates the quad-speaker setup, which delivers impressive audio quality, capturing electronic synths and guitar riffs richly and smoothly.

• Mashable points out the reduction in the number of microphones but notes that the overall audio quality remains 'perfectly crisp' during activities like FaceTime chats.

• 9/10 rating for M4 iPad Pro

• 9/10 rating for M2 iPad Pro

• Reason: Both devices receive high marks for audio quality with slight demerits for the M4 due to the reduction in microphones. However, the user experience in audio performance remains top-tier for both products.

• 5-3. Removal of Ultra-Wide Camera Lens

• Apple's decision to remove the ultra-wide camera from the M4 iPad Pro is a significant change from the M2 iPad Pro.

• TechCrunch provides insight into Apple's shift in focus, which suggests that Apple no longer aims to market the iPad Pro for wide-angle video recording purposes, leaving this role to the iPhone 15 Pro.

• Mashable emphasizes the impact of this change on functionalities such as spatial video recording, which requires both main and ultra-wide cameras, thus limiting the new iPad’s capabilities.

• 7/10 rating for M4 iPad Pro

• 9/10 rating for M2 iPad Pro

• Reason: The removal of the ultra-wide camera lens in the M4 is a step back for users who rely on this feature, making the M2 model more favorable for users needing comprehensive camera functionalities.

6. Value and Market Position

• 6-1. Pricing and Variants

• A significant focus in the reviewers' commentary has been on the pricing and variants of the M4 iPad Pro compared to the M2 iPad Pro. Experts seem divided on whether the pricing adjustments justify the feature upgrades, particularly given the premium pricing associated with the new OLED display and M4 chip.

• 7/10 rating for M4 iPad Pro

• 8/10 rating for M2 iPad Pro

• Reason: The M4 iPad Pro's enhanced features commend a higher price, but some reviewers feel that the cost is not justified given the similar battery life to the M2 despite its advanced components.

• Quotes indicate a mixed perception among reviewers; while acknowledging the advanced technological enhancements, some feel it doesn't contribute substantial new value for everyday or professional use.

• 6-2. Feature Set Justification for Costs

• The M4 iPad Pro introduces several new features and performance upgrades that have been designed to make it a more appealing option for professionals. However, reviewers seem to evaluate these features variably when assessing whether the price increase is justified.

• 8/10 rating for M4 iPad Pro

• 7/10 rating for M2 iPad Pro

• Reason: The M4 iPad Pro offers a next-gen OLED display and substantial performance leaps with the M4 chip, but some reviewers find the cost to belong to the premium end without proportional practical benefits over the M2.

• Key features discussed in reviews

• M4 chip

• Enhanced AI capabilities

• Performance boost

• OLED display

• Improved brightness and contrast

• Thinner Design

• Longer battery life claims

• 6-3. Comparison with Other Tablets in the Market

• When compared with other tablets on the market, the M4 iPad Pro holds its ground firmly due to the new M4 chip and OLED display advancements. However, its market position reflects a tablet aimed at high-end consumers and professionals, which narrows its appeal somewhat.

• 9/10 rating for M4 iPad Pro

• 8/10 rating for M2 iPad Pro

• Reason: With the M4 iPad Pro's advanced tech upgrades, it stands out against competitors. Nevertheless, the high price tag might deter casual users.

• The focus on AI and advanced display technology positions the M4 iPad Pro as a leader in the high-tech sector, appealing primarily to tech enthusiasts and professionals.

• This table summarizes the comparison among M4 iPad Pro, M2 iPad Pro, and other market-leading tablets, highlighting their key specifications and relative price positions.

7. Conclusion

• This comparative product review delves into the newly launched M4 iPad Pro, juxtaposing it against its predecessor, the M2 iPad Pro. Drawing insights from a variety of expert reviews, we aim to dissect the key themes such as performance, design, AI capabilities, display technology, battery life, and overall value to provide a clear and detailed comparison.

8. Source Documents

• https://lifehacker.com/tech/we-already-know-how-well-apples-m4-chip-performsWe Already Know How Well Apple's M4 Chip Performs
• https://bgr.com/tech/i-was-not-prepared-for-the-oled-ipad-pro-m4-chip-rumor-but-it-makes-complete-sense/OLED iPad Pro specs: M4 chip to power AI features
• https://bgr.com/tech/apple-is-making-a-mistake-by-holding-the-ipad-pro-back/M4 iPad Pro would be even better with Mac multitasking
• https://bgr.com/tech/m4-ipad-pro-has-2-important-day-one-updates-you-need-to-download/M4 iPad Pro update: Don't forget to add these two improvements
• https://bgr.com/tech/m4-ipad-pro-has-7-exclusive-features-but-theres-one-that-apple-removed/M4 iPad Pro has 7 exclusive features, but there’s one that Apple removed
• https://sea.mashable.com/apple-ipad-pro-13-inch-2024/32554/apple-ipad-pro-2024-13-inch-review-the-battery-life-is-bonkersApple iPad Pro 2024 (13-inch) review: The battery life is bonkers
• https://bgr.com/tech/we-need-to-talk-about-how-amazing-the-m4-ipad-pros-battery-life-is/We need to talk about how amazing the M4 iPad Pro’s battery life is
• https://bgr.com/tech/new-evidence-suggests-oled-ipad-pros-surprise-m4-upgrade-is-real/iPad Pro 2024: New evidence points to Apple M4 CPU
• https://bgr.com/tech/i-hope-the-iphone-16-gets-this-big-hardware-upgrade-from-the-oled-ipad-pro/I hope the iPhone 16 gets this major hardware upgrade from the OLED iPad Pro
• https://9to5mac.com/2024/05/07/everything-announced-at-let-loose-event/Here's what Apple announced at its iPad-focused ‘Let loose’ event