12.9" M2 vs. 13" M4 iPad Pro: Is the New Tandem OLED Display Worth the Upgrade?

Are you wondering if the new 13-inch iPad Pro with the M4 chip and Tandem OLED display is worth it over the previous M2 model? This comprehensive comparison dives into all the key differences, including design, performance, and the groundbreaking new display.

Key Takeaway

The 13-inch M4 iPad Pro’s Tandem OLED display is a game-changer, offering significantly better brightness, contrast, and efficiency. Coupled with improved performance and a sleeker design, it’s a worthy upgrade for new buyers or those with older iPads.

Design Differences

The most noticeable design change in the new 13-inch M4 iPad Pro is the camera bump, which is now milled out of the aluminum back. This makes the device thinner and more streamlined. While the camera bump might have been annoying at first, it’s growing on users due to the overall improved design.

Weight and Thickness

New 13-inch M4 iPad Pro: Almost a quarter pound lighter than the M2 model.
Previous 12.9-inch M2 iPad Pro: Heavier, leading to quicker hand fatigue during prolonged use.

Magic Keyboard Redesign

The redesigned Magic Keyboard for the new iPad Pro is a standout. It features:

A larger trackpad
Function keys
A new hinge for better angles
A sleeker aluminum design

These changes make the new Magic Keyboard not only more functional but also more comfortable to use.

Webcam and Microphone Comparison

The new iPad Pro finally includes a landscape camera, positioned at the top center. This means:

New iPad Pro: Looks like you’re looking directly at the person during video calls.
Old iPad Pro: The camera is off-center, making you appear distracted.

The microphone quality has also been improved, providing clearer audio during calls.

Speaker Comparison

The thinner design of the new iPad Pro might raise concerns about speaker quality, but the difference is minimal:

Old iPad Pro: Slightly louder with more pronounced highs.
New iPad Pro: Still impressive, though a bit less dynamic due to the thinner build.

Display Comparison: Tandem OLED vs. Mini LED

Mini LED (Old Model)

Uses local dimming zones.
Can suffer from halo effects or blooming, especially in dark environments.

Tandem OLED (New Model)

Two OLED panels stacked for increased brightness and efficiency.
Supports up to 1,000 nits of standard brightness, compared to 600 nits on the old model.
Virtually no blooming or halo effects, with better contrast and color accuracy.

Real-World Performance

HDR Video: The new OLED display appears brighter and more vibrant.
Outdoors: The higher brightness makes it much more viewable in direct sunlight.
Display Latency: Response time drops from 39ms (Mini LED) to 5ms (Tandem OLED), making the new display significantly smoother.

Performance Improvements

Geekbench 6 Results

M4 Chip: 45% faster single-core performance and 32% faster multi-core performance than the M2 chip.
Thermal Management: The M4 iPad Pro maintains performance better under load, reducing thermal throttling significantly.

Speedometer 3.0

Web Browsing: 30% faster, making everyday tasks snappier.

3DMark Wild Life Extreme

Gaming: 29% better peak performance and 38% better sustained performance, indicating less thermal throttling and better overall gaming experience.

Which iPad Pro Should You Buy?

Already own the M2 iPad Pro?: Unless you’re heavily into media consumption and the mini LED’s blooming issue bothers you, it might not be worth the upgrade.
Older Models or New Buyer?: The new M4 iPad Pro with Tandem OLED is a significant upgrade, offering better performance, display, and overall user experience.

Conclusion

The 13-inch M4 iPad Pro with Tandem OLED is a powerful and versatile device. Its improvements in display technology, performance, and design make it an excellent choice for both new buyers and those looking to upgrade from much older models. If you’re still using an older iPad or value top-notch display quality and performance, the new M4 iPad Pro is definitely worth considering.

Do you think the new Tandem OLED display is worth the upgrade? Share your thoughts in the comments below! And if you found this article helpful, be sure to check out our detailed comparison of the new Magic Keyboard as well.