Honestly, if you’re looking at the iPad Pro 11 generation lineup right now, it’s a bit of a mess. You’ve got the brand-new M5 models that just dropped, the "old" M4 versions that still feel like they're from the future, and a used market that’s absolutely flooded with M2 and M1 units. People keep asking if they should just grab the latest one because it's the "best," but the reality of how these tablets actually work in your hand is way different than what the spec sheet says.
Most folks think more power means a better experience. That’s usually true for a laptop. On an iPad? Not always.
The OLED "Tandem" Secret
The biggest jump we’ve seen recently isn't actually the processor speed. It's the screen. When Apple moved the 11-inch model to the Ultra Retina XDR display using Tandem OLED, everything changed.
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Before this, the 11-inch was always the "neglected sibling" compared to the 12.9-inch. The big one got the fancy Mini-LED tech while the 11-inch stuck with a standard LCD. Finally, with the M4 and M5 generations, the 11-inch got the good stuff. Tandem OLED basically stacks two OLED panels on top of each other. Why? To get bright enough to fry your retinas. We're talking 1000 nits of full-screen brightness.
If you're watching a movie in a dark room, the blacks are actually black. Not "dark grey" like the older 11-inch generations. It's an ink-like abyss. But here’s the kicker: if you’re just answering emails or scrolling through Reddit, you won't notice a lick of difference between this and a three-year-old model. It’s the HDR content where this thing earns its keep.
M4 vs M5: Does the New Chip Matter?
Apple just pushed out the M5 chip, and the marketing is all about Apple Intelligence. They want you to believe you need that 16-core Neural Engine for AI tasks like "Image Wand" or real-time translation.
Here is the truth.
The M4 was already overkill. The M5 is just "more" overkill. Unless you are literally rendering 4K ProRes video on a train or using specialized 3D CAD software like SketchUp, you are never going to max out either of these chips. The bottleneck isn't the hardware; it’s iPadOS.
- M4 Generation: 8GB RAM on base models, 16GB on 1TB+ models.
- M5 Generation: Bumped to 12GB RAM on the base 256GB/512GB models.
- Memory Bandwidth: Jumped from 120GB/s to about 153GB/s.
That RAM bump on the M5 is actually the most important "hidden" stat. It helps keep more apps open in the background without them refreshing. If you’re a heavy multitasker using Stage Manager, that extra 4GB of RAM in the base model is a bigger deal than the CPU speed boost.
The Accessories Are a Total Trap
You have to be careful with the Apple Pencil. It’s a nightmare for compatibility.
If you buy an iPad Pro 11 generation (M4 or M5), your old 2nd Gen Apple Pencil is a paperweight. It won't work. You have to buy the Apple Pencil Pro. Apple moved the charging magnets to make room for the landscape-oriented front camera.
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The Pencil Pro is cool, though. It has haptic feedback—so it vibrates slightly when you "squeeze" it to pull up a tool palette. It also has a gyroscope so you can "barrel roll" the pencil to change the orientation of your brush. It feels much more like a real tool and less like a plastic stick. But just factor that extra $129 into your budget because you can't reuse your old gear.
The same goes for the Magic Keyboard. The newer version for the M4/M5 models has an aluminum palm rest and a row of function keys. Finally! You can actually change the volume or brightness without digging into the Control Center. It makes the iPad feel significantly more like a MacBook, especially with the larger haptic trackpad.
Which One Should You Actually Buy?
Don't just default to the newest one. Look at your actual day-to-day.
If you are a student or a casual user, the M2 iPad Pro 11 (4th Gen) is currently the best value on sites like Swappa or eBay. You can find them for under $500 now. It still has the 120Hz ProMotion screen which makes everything feel buttery smooth. It still has Face ID. It’s still faster than 90% of the laptops people are carrying around.
However, if you are a professional photographer or a "screen snob," you have to go with at least the M4. That Tandem OLED display is simply too good to pass up once you've seen it in person. The weight difference is also wild. The M4/M5 models are about 0.21 inches thin. It feels like you’re holding a piece of glass, not a computer.
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Quick Checklist for Buyers:
- Check the storage: Base models now start at 256GB. Avoid 128GB older models if you plan on keeping it for 4+ years.
- Nano-texture glass: Only get this if you work outside. It kills the contrast of the OLED slightly but stops all reflections. It's only available on the 1TB and 2TB models anyway.
- The "Thinness" Factor: The newer models are so thin they feel a bit fragile. Get a sturdy case if you're prone to tossing your bag around.
Next Steps for You
Go to a local store and hold the M4 or M5 model next to an iPad Air. The Air is great, but the 60Hz screen on the Air feels "laggy" once you’ve seen the 120Hz ProMotion on the Pro. If you decide to go Pro, prioritize the M4 on a discount unless you specifically need the 12GB of RAM in the M5 for heavy AI or 3D work. Check the "About" section in Settings if buying used to verify the Model Number (A2836 for M4 Wi-Fi) so you don't get scammed with an older chassis.