The M5 vs M4 iPad PRO debate has made Apple users wonder if now is the right time to upgrade. The main differences between the M5 and M4 iPad Pro go beyond simple spec bumps. Apple's new silicon chip brings significant improvements in performance, connectivity, and AI capabilities that could change how you work and create on your tablet.
Table of Contents
- Table Showing the Benchmark Differences Between iPad Pro M5 & M4
- M5 vs M4 iPad PRO Specification Upgrades Breakdown
- Display & Camera Feature Upgrades
- Powerful CPU Uplifts
- Graphics Processor Unit (GPU)
- Boosted Unified Memory Bandwidth
- Advancements in Network Connectivity
- Redefined Gaming Experience
- Designing & Video Editing
- New AI & Machine Learning Attractions
- Battery Life Difference
- Making Your iPad PRO Decision
Upgrading to the latest iPad PRO models with the M5 chipset is like installing an overhauled engine in your device. The Apple iMac desktop-level M5 chipset delivers faster processing, better graphics, and improved battery life in this portable iPad. If you're a creative professional, gamer, or power user looking for future-proof performance, understanding these upgrades will help you decide whether the M5 iPad PRO justifies the investment over keeping your M4 model.
Table Showing the Benchmark Differences Between iPad Pro M5 & M4
| Specification | iPad Pro M4 | iPad Pro M5 |
|---|---|---|
| Base RAM | 8GB | 12GB ✓ |
| Base Storage | 256GB | 512GB ✓ |
| Storage Speed | Standard | 2x Faster ✓ |
| Memory Bandwidth | ~118GB/s | 153GB/s ✓ |
| CPU Performance | Baseline | 15% Faster ✓ |
| GPU Performance | Baseline | 30% Faster ✓ |
| Ray Tracing Speed | Baseline | 1.5x Faster ✓ |
| AI Performance | Baseline | 3.5x Faster ✓ |
| Wi-Fi Standard | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 7 ✓ |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 6.0 ✓ |
| Cellular Speed | Standard | 50% Faster ✓ |
| External Display Refresh Rate | 60Hz ✗ | 120Hz with Adaptive Sync ✓ |
| Neural Accelerators in GPU | No ✗ | Yes ✓ |
| Ray Tracing Engine | 2nd Gen | 3rd Gen ✓ |
| Battery Life (Test Results) | 7h 43min | 8h 11min ✓ |
| Video Transcoding (Final Cut Pro) | Baseline | 1.2x Faster ✓ |
| Display Quality | Standard | Clearer & More Colorful ✓ |
| Fast Charging | Standard | Improved ✓ |
M5 vs M4 iPad PRO Specification Upgrades Breakdown
Apple's M5 iPad PRO brings meaningful improvements across multiple areas that directly impact your daily workflow. Depending on the table above, you might still be confused, should you upgrade to the M5-powered iPad PRO from the M4 or wait! Answer is if longer work sessions without charging matter to your workflow, this battery improvement, combined with all the other upgrades, makes a strong case for the M5.
However, continue reading our M5 vs M4 iPad PRO comparison to be more precise and sure about why we recommend the upgrade for you. Let's explore each specification to help you understand what these changes mean for your productivity and creativity.
Display & Camera Feature Upgrades
The M5 iPad PRO now supports up to 120Hz refresh rate with the Adaptive Sync feature for external displays, which was limited to 60Hz in M4-powered models. This means smoother scrolling, better responsiveness when using an external monitor, and improved visual fluidity during presentations or extended workspace setups.
Users have found that the M5 iPad display appears slightly clearer and also colorful compared to its predecessor. For professionals who frequently connect their iPad to external screens for design work or presentations, this upgrade removes a major limitation that existed in the M4 generation.
Powerful CPU Uplifts
What is new in the M5 iPad PRO, which M4 does not include, is the world's fastest performance core that delivers up to 15 percent faster multithreaded CPU performance. The M5 vs M4 iPad PRO difference becomes clear when you're running multiple demanding applications simultaneously or processing large files.
The M5 chip processes tasks more efficiently, which translates to quicker app launches, faster file exports, and smoother multitasking. This performance boost particularly benefits users who work with resource-intensive applications like video editing software, 3D modeling tools, or complex spreadsheets with large datasets.
Graphics Processor Unit (GPU)
The GPU includes rearchitected second-generation dynamic caching and delivers up to 30 percent faster overall graphics performance. Apple's third-generation ray-tracing engine makes the M5 1.5 times faster at rendering 3D graphics with ray tracing compared to the M4.
The M5 GPU features dedicated Neural Accelerators in each core, which significantly improve how the device handles graphics-intensive tasks. Whether you're editing 4K video, working with complex animations, or rendering 3D models, the M5 processes these tasks substantially faster than the M4 could manage.
Boosted Unified Memory Bandwidth
When comparing M5 and M4 iPad PRO models show a nearly 30 percent increased unified memory bandwidth of 153GB/s in the newer model. The base memory configuration has jumped from 8GB in M4 to 12GB in the new M5 iPad PRO, with storage options moving from 256GB to 512GB as starting points. The device also features 2x faster read and write storage speeds, which means files load quicker, apps install faster, and your entire system feels more responsive.
This memory upgrade allows the iPad to handle more simultaneous tasks without slowing down. If we particularly say, it is important when working with large media files or running professional applications.
Advancements in Network Connectivity
Connectivity sees major improvements with the M5 supporting Wi-Fi 7, moving up from the M4's Wi-Fi 6E standard. The device has bumped from Bluetooth 5.3 on the M4 to Bluetooth 6.0 on the M5, providing better wireless device linking stability and range.
Cellular models feature Apple's C1X cellular modem, delivering up to 50 percent faster cellular data performance than the M4 version. These upgrades mean faster file transfers, more reliable video calls, and better performance when working remotely or in locations with crowded wireless networks.
Redefined Gaming Experience
The M5 vs M4 iPad PRO comparison also shows significant gaming improvements. Gamers will get better performance, thanks to the enhanced GPU and ray-tracing capabilities. The M5 handles modern games with complex lighting effects and detailed environments much more smoothly.
Frame rates stay consistent even during graphically intense scenes, and the improved thermal management keeps the device cool during extended gaming sessions. The combination of better graphics processing and the 120Hz external display support creates a console-like gaming experience that the M4 couldn't quite achieve.
Designing & Video Editing
M5 iPad PRO models are better for creative professionals like designers and video editors who demand professional-grade performance. The M5 shows a 1.2 times increase in performance in video transcoding in popular apps like Final Cut Pro. It will save valuable time during project exports. The improved GPU performance allows real-time editing of multiple 4K video streams without dropped frames.
Designers working in applications like Affinity Designer or Procreate will notice smoother Brush strokes, faster filter application, and quicker file saves when working with high-resolution images or complex vector artwork.
New AI & Machine Learning Attractions
The device is ready to handle AI-driven apps in a more optimized way with its 16-core Neural Engine that's faster and more energy-efficient. The M5 delivers 3.5 times faster AI performance compared to the M4. As a result, it is significantly faster at AI image generation and AI video upscaling.
Additionally, the upgraded Neural Accelerators in the CPU and GPU work together to process machine learning tasks with Apple Intelligence features. The M5 vs M4 iPad PRO difference is particularly noticeable when using features like background removal, smart photo editing, or real-time language translation, where the M5 completes these tasks almost right away.
Battery Life Difference
Despite all these performance improvements, the M5 iPad ran for 8 hours and 11 minutes in several tests. It clearly surpassed the M4 iPad Pro, which ran for 7 hours and 43 minutes. The improved efficiency of the M5 chip means you get both better performance and longer battery life. This is something that rarely happens with technology upgrades, but it did. The device also features improved fast charging speed, getting you back to full power more quickly.
Making Your iPad PRO Decision
We hope reading through and understanding our M5 vs M4 buying guide helped you realize that the M5 iPad PRO delivers substantial improvements in CPU performance, GPU capabilities, AI processing, connectivity, and battery life. If you're a creative professional, gamer, or power user who needs the absolute best performance, the iPad Pro M5 upgrade is worth it from M4. The M5 chip truly represents a significant leap forward for demanding workflows.
However, the difference between iPad Pro M5 and iPad Pro M4 also shows that the M4 remains a highly capable device that's not outdated. If you want modern performance at a lower price point, the M4-powered iPad PRO still handles most professional tasks excellently. Star Tech offers competitive prices in Bangladesh on both M5 and M4-powered iPad PRO models, along with budget-friendly previous generation models like iPad Air M3 and M2 for users seeking quality Apple devices at accessible prices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
Does the iPad Pro M5 have better battery life than the M4?
Yes, the iPad Pro M5 has better battery life than the M4. In our testing, the M5 iPad ran for 8 hours and 11 minutes, while the M4 iPad Pro ran for 7 hours and 43 minutes. The M5 also features improved fast charging speed.
Are there any display improvements in the iPad Pro M5 over the M4?
Yes, the M5 iPad Pro supports up to 120Hz refresh rate with the Adaptive Sync feature for external displays, compared to 60Hz in the M4. The M5 display also appears clearer and more colorful than the M4 model.
How does the GPU performance of the M5 compare to the M4 for AI tasks?
The M5 GPU delivers 3.5 times faster AI performance than the M4. It features dedicated Neural Accelerators in each GPU core and a faster 16-core Neural Engine. These specifications make the M5 significantly faster at AI image generation and AI video upscaling than the M4 Apple Silicon chip.
Does the M5 iPad Pro perform better for gaming or video editing?
The M5 iPad Pro performs better for both gaming and video editing. For gamers, it offers 1.5 times faster ray tracing and 30 percent faster overall graphics performance. When video editing, it delivers 1.2 times faster video transcoding in Final Cut Pro compared to the M4.
Which iPad Pro model handles AI-driven apps more efficiently, M5 or M4?
The iPad Pro M5 handles AI-driven apps more efficiently than the M4. It delivers 3.5 times faster AI performance with its enhanced Neural Engine and Neural Accelerators in both CPU and GPU cores, making it optimized for Apple Intelligence and machine learning tasks.
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