Apple iPad (10th generation) vs Apple iPad Pro M4 11-inch
The Verdict
Apple's 10th-gen iPad delivers solid performance with its A14 Bionic chip, adequate for everyday tasks and creative work with Apple Pencil support. Its 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display handles most content competently at 60Hz refresh rates. However, iPad Pro M4 11-inch commands nearly double the price through genuinely transformative upgrades: the Tandem OLED Ultra Retina XDR display reaches 120Hz with exceptional contrast and brightness, while the M4 processor with 8-16GB RAM substantially outpaces A14 performance for professional applications. Both share 10-hour battery life and comparable cameras, but Pro's Thunderbolt connectivity, Wi-Fi 6E, and superior build quality justify premium positioning. For casual consumption and basic productivity, the 10th-gen iPad remains excellent value. Professionals, designers, and power users should invest in the Pro M4, whose display and performance gap merits the investment.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple iPad (10th generation) if…
- →Affordable entry point into the iPad lineup
- →Modern all-screen design with Touch ID in the power button
- →Landscape front camera great for FaceTime
Buy the Apple iPad Pro M4 11-inch if…
- →Gorgeous Tandem OLED panel with excellent HDR performance
- →Extremely thin and portable design
- →Apple M4 delivers desktop-class performance
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple iPad (10th generation)
Pros
- Affordable entry point into the iPad lineup
- Modern all-screen design with Touch ID in the power button
- Landscape front camera great for FaceTime
- Solid A14 Bionic performance for everyday use
- Long iPadOS software support
Cons
- Only supports 1st gen Apple Pencil with awkward USB-C adapter
- 60Hz display feels dated
- Just 64GB on the base model
- USB-C limited to slow USB 2.0 speeds
- No laminated display or anti-reflective coating
Apple iPad Pro M4 11-inch
Pros
- Gorgeous Tandem OLED panel with excellent HDR performance
- Extremely thin and portable design
- Apple M4 delivers desktop-class performance
- Compatible with Apple Pencil Pro and new Magic Keyboard
- Thunderbolt / USB 4 connectivity
Cons
- Premium pricing for the smaller screen variant
- Accessories are sold separately and pricey
- iPadOS multitasking still feels limited compared to macOS
- No Face ID in landscape limitations remain in some apps
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple iPad (10th generation) | Apple iPad Pro M4 11-inch |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iPadOS 16 | iPadOS 17 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 477 g (Wi-Fi) | 444 g (Wi-Fi) |
| Dimensions | 248.6 x 179.5 x 7.0 mm | 249.7 x 177.5 x 5.3 mm |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 10 hours web on Wi-Fi | Up to 10 hours web on Wi-Fi |
| Cameras | ||
| Rear | 12 MP wide | 12 MP wide |
| Front camera | 12 MP ultrawide (landscape) | 12 MP ultrawide (landscape) |
| Display | ||
| Size | 10.9 inches | 11 inches |
| Type | Liquid Retina LED-backlit IPS | Tandem OLED Ultra Retina XDR |
| Resolution | 2360 x 1640 | 2420 x 1668 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz ProMotion |
| Storage | ||
| Storage options | 64 GB, 256 GB | 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB |
| Expandable storage | ||
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 4 GB | 8 GB (256GB/512GB) / 16 GB (1TB/2TB) |
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic | Apple M4 |
| Connectivity | ||
| USB | USB-C (USB 2.0) | Thunderbolt / USB 4 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Cellular | ||
| Stylus Support | ||
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This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
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