Last week, the Cupertino team quietly updated the iPad Pro line by releasing a minor update for the M5 chip. On October 22, questions regarding the sale of a new tablet, and the first reviews and reviews appeared on the Internet.
We’ve already compared the parameters of the new MacBook Pro on the M5, now it’s time to compare the tablets.
How does the new MacBook Pro with the M5 chip differ from the M4 and M3 models? Which one is better to buy
For clarity, let’s compare the latest generation iPad Pro with M5, M4, M2 and M1 chips. We will determine the strengths of each and choose the best option for purchase.
Iron
▶ iPad 2025 Powered by a 3-nanometer M5 chip, which has 9/10 CPU cores and 10 GPU cores.
The model has 256 GB of memory; there are models with 0.5, 1 and 2 TB. The 256GB and 512GB models come with 12GB of RAM, while the 1TB and 2TB models come with 16GB of RAM.
Memory bandwidth 153 GB/s.
▶ iPad 2024 use a 3-nanometer M4 chip, which has 9/10 CPU cores and 10 GPU cores.
Based on 256 GB of memory, there are models of 0.5, 1 and 2 TB. The 256GB and 512GB models come with 8GB of RAM, while the 1TB and 2TB models come with 16GB of RAM.
Memory bandwidth 120 GB/s.
▶ iPad 2022 Powered by a 5nm M2 chip. It has 8 CPU cores and 10 GPU cores.
The model is based on 128 GB of memory, there are modifications for 256 and 512 GB, 1 and 2 TB. The 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB models come with 8GB of RAM, while the 1TB and 2TB models come with 16GB of RAM.
Memory bandwidth 100 GB/s.
▶ iPad 2021 Powered by a 5nm M1 processor with 8 CPU cores and 8 GPUs.
The model is based on 128 GB of memory, there are modifications for 256 and 512 GB, 1 and 2 TB. The 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB models come with 8GB of RAM, while the 1TB and 2TB models come with 16GB of RAM.
Apple does not report memory bandwidth. According to external tests – 70 GB/s.
Who has better iron: Even the oldest M1 model is still powerful enough to handle most everyday tasks. The difference can only be seen in graphic games and synthetic tests.
The main difference between the M4 and M5 models is 256 GB of memory in the base. The M5 model has an increased size of RAM in the initial versions.
Between neighboring models, the difference in performance will be insignificant – 15-20%, but if compared after one or two generations, the figure will be more significant.
Other
▶ Models M5 and M4 are more compact (2 mm in height, 1 mm in width, 0.6 mm in thickness) and 20-30 g lighter.
▶ Models on the M5 and M4 are combined with tandem OLED matrices with a maximum brightness of 1000 nits and up to 1600 nits in HDR mode. The 1 and 2 TB versions have a nanotextured screen coating. The M2 and M1 Liquid Retina models have a matrix with a maximum brightness of 600 nits.
▶ The tablet on the M5 support displays images on the external screen at 120 Hz.
▶ iPad Pro supporting M5 and M4 with experiment option for Apple Pencil.
▶ Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB‑C) work with M5 and M4 models, and Apple Pencil (2nd generation) and Apple Pencil with older M2 and M1 tablets. (USB‑C).
How do Apple Pencil models differ? All 4 Apple styluses compared
▶ Models with M5 have fast charging. Up to 50% charge in 30 minutes with a 60W adapter. Other models do not have fast charging.
▶ iPad Pro with M5 and M4 has one 12MP ƒ/1.8 main outlet. The iPad on M2 and M1 has the same main module + 10 MP ƒ/2.4 ultra-wide.
▶ M5 and M4 models use Smart HDR 4 for photos and record ProRes video up to 4K. Models on the M2 and M1 use Smart HDR 3 for photos, but do not record video in ProRes.
▶In iPad Pro with M5 and M4, the front camera is located on the long edge. The matrix itself is a landscape 12 MP ƒ/2.0 with support for Center Stage options. In models M2 and M1, the front camera is located on the short edge. M2 has 12 MP ƒ/2.4, and M1 has 7 MP ƒ/2.2.
▶ The M5 models have Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6, the M4 has Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, the M2 and M1 have Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0.
▶ iPad Pro on M5, M4 and M2 with 5G cellular module.
In what other parameters is it better: The iPad on the M5 features fast charging and more modern Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules. Otherwise, the iPad Pro on M4 is very similar.
But older models have a noticeable difference. They have a less bright matrix, a weaker front camera, more standard characteristics of wireless modules, but they have a less useful ultra-wide-angle module for the main camera.
Which tablet to choose
If you decide to buy an iPad Pro, then you need a device with a 120Hz display. If not, take a closer look at the basic iPad and iPad Air. But among the iPad Pro models, choosing a device is not so easy.
iPad Pro on M5 tablet with a couple of significant improvements. It has a more powerful processor, more RAM, fast charging, and the most modern wireless modules. Whether such a set of changes is worth the overpayment, everyone decides for themselves. But in the first weeks the tablet will be sold at inflated prices.
iPad Pro on M4 Almost nothing is inferior to the new product. When prices stabilize, it will become cheaper. This iPad will be the best buy of the four.
iPad Pro on M2 is already noticeably inferior in parameters. 128 GB of memory instead of 256, a matrix with lower brightness, worse cameras and wireless modules. The main drawback is the small amount of memory; if this suits you and the price is noticeably lower than the M4, then you can take a closer look at the iPad Pro on the M2.
iPad Pro on M1 – quite an old device. It is almost impossible to find it in a new sale, and the battery has already noticeably degraded during this time. You don’t need to buy such a tablet, but if you have one, we don’t see any compelling reasons to upgrade to a newer one.
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Source: Iphones RU
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