iPad Pro (M4, 2024) Review: A Premium Powerhouse That Pushes Boundaries

Apple’s latest iPad Pro combines cutting-edge M4 chip technology with an Ultra Retina XDR display, offering exceptional performance for professionals and casual users alike. While it excels in speed, display quality, and versatility, the premium pricing and software limitations may give some potential buyers pause. The device stands out for its tandem OLED technology and powerful Neural Engine, though the high cost of entry remains a consideration.
Design and Display
Available in silver and space black, the iPad Pro features an aluminum build with a sleek, minimalist aesthetic. The tablet comes in 11-inch and 13-inch variants, sporting Ultra Retina XDR displays with 2420 x 1668 pixels and 2752 x 2064 pixels resolution, respectively. The tandem OLED screen achieves 1,600 nits of peak brightness and a 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio. ProMotion technology enables adaptive refresh rates from 10Hz to 120Hz, ensuring smooth visuals.
Processor
The M4 chip incorporates a 10-core GPU and an advanced Neural Engine capable of 38 trillion operations per second, positioning it ahead of competitors like the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 found in premium Android tablets.
RAM and Storage
Configuration options include 8GB or 16GB RAM, with storage variants ranging from 256GB to 2TB. The absence of expandable storage means users must choose their capacity carefully at purchase.
Software
The iPad Pro M4 ships with iPadOS 17.0 and is already upgradable to iPadOS 18.2, bringing enhanced camera features, improved multitasking capabilities, and better app compatibility. The promised five-year update cycle ensures long-term software support and security patches.
Performance
The M4 chip sets new benchmarks in tablet performance, outpacing competitors like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra in both synthetic benchmarks and real-world use. Video editing, 3D rendering, and complex graphics applications run seamlessly, with the hardware-accelerated ray tracing providing desktop-class graphics capabilities. The efficient RAM management ensures smooth multitasking, while app loading times are consistently faster than Android competitors. Professional applications like Procreate and LumaFusion leverage the M4’s Neural Engine for enhanced AI-powered features, delivering performance that rivals many laptops. The tablet maintains its speed even during intensive tasks like 4K video editing or running multiple professional apps simultaneously.
Camera
The dual-camera system pairs a 12MP wide lens with a 10MP ultra-wide lens, delivering superior image quality compared to the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra’s camera setup. The system excels in both photo and video capabilities, supporting ProRAW and ProRes formats. The front-facing camera’s Center Stage technology enhances video calling, while recent software updates have improved low-light performance. Professional content creators will appreciate the advanced photographic styles and enhanced image processing capabilities.
Sound
The quad-speaker system delivers rich, balanced audio that outperforms most tablet competitors, maintaining clarity even at high volumes.
Battery
The device offers 10 hours of regular use on a single charge, with fast charging support via USB-C. Battery life remains competitive with high-end Android tablets.
Accessories
The Apple Pencil Pro (₹15,900) and Magic Keyboard (₹27,900) enhance productivity, though they add considerably to the overall cost.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Outstanding M4 chip performance
- Premium OLED display with ProMotion
- Advanced camera capabilities
- Extended battery life
- Comprehensive accessory ecosystem
Cons
- Premium pricing
- No expandable storage
- Relatively fragile design
Market Buzz
User reviews praise the display quality, performance, and battery life, though pricing remains a common concern across e-commerce platforms.
Pricing
- 11-inch Wi-Fi: ₹99,900 (256GB), ₹1,19,900 (512GB), ₹1,49,900 (1TB), ₹1,79,900 (2TB)
- 11-inch Wi-Fi + Cellular: ₹1,14,900 (256GB), ₹1,34,900 (512GB), ₹1,64,900 (1TB), ₹1,94,900 (2TB)
- 13-inch Wi-Fi: ₹1,19,900 (256GB), ₹1,39,900 (512GB), ₹1,69,900 (1TB), ₹1,99,900 (2TB)
- 13-inch Wi-Fi + Cellular: ₹1,34,900 (256GB), ₹1,54,900 (512GB), ₹1,84,900 (1TB), ₹2,14,900 (2TB)
Final Verdict
The iPad Pro (M4, 2024) sets new standards for tablet performance and display quality, though its premium pricing positions it primarily for professionals and power users who can maximize its capabilities.