Apple iPad (10th generation) vs Apple iPad Pro M4 13-inch
The Verdict
Apple's 10th-gen iPad targets budget-conscious buyers seeking a capable everyday tablet, while the iPad Pro M4 13-inch represents a premium workstation designed for professionals. Display quality separates these devices most dramatically: the Pro's Tandem OLED screen with 120Hz ProMotion delivers stunning color accuracy and responsiveness that the 10th-gen's 60Hz IPS panel cannot match. Processing power follows suit,the M4 chip with up to 16GB RAM demolishes the A14 Bionic's capabilities for creative apps, multitasking, and demanding workflows. Storage expansion reaches 2TB on the Pro versus 256GB maximum on the base model. Both share identical battery life claims and camera specs, though the Pro's larger 13-inch canvas makes its cameras more practical. USB connectivity differs substantially: the Pro includes Thunderbolt 4 supporting external displays and faster data transfer, while the 10th-gen manages basic USB-C 2.0. For casual use, note-taking, and streaming, the iPad 10 offers excellent value. Professionals requiring video editing, 3D modeling, or intensive multitasking should invest in the M4 Pro's superior capabilities.
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 13-inch if…
- →Stunning Tandem OLED display with deep blacks and 1600 nits HDR peak
- →Incredibly thin and light for a 13-inch tablet at just 5.1mm
- →Blazing-fast Apple M4 chip rivals many laptops
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 13-inch
Pros
- Stunning Tandem OLED display with deep blacks and 1600 nits HDR peak
- Incredibly thin and light for a 13-inch tablet at just 5.1mm
- Blazing-fast Apple M4 chip rivals many laptops
- Thunderbolt / USB 4 supports external displays and fast accessories
- Supports the new Apple Pencil Pro with haptics and squeeze gestures
Cons
- Very expensive, especially with Magic Keyboard and Pencil Pro
- iPadOS still limits true desktop-class workflows
- No headphone jack
- Storage is not user-expandable
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple iPad (10th generation) | Apple iPad Pro M4 13-inch |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iPadOS 16 | iPadOS 17 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 477 g (Wi-Fi) | 579 g (Wi-Fi) |
| Dimensions | 248.6 x 179.5 x 7.0 mm | 281.6 x 215.5 x 5.1 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 | 13 inches |
| Type | Liquid Retina LED-backlit IPS | Tandem OLED Ultra Retina XDR |
| Resolution | 2360 x 1640 | 2752 x 2064 |
| 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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