iPad Pro M5 vs M4: Should You Upgrade or Buy the Discount?
The current iPad Pro M5 keeps the M4's tandem-OLED display and thin design, but changes more than the chip: base memory rises to 12GB, networking moves to N1 and C1X, and fast charging improves. A refurbished M4 can still be the better value when the price saving outweighs the features you actually use.
Apple's M5 Pro remains its current model as of October 7. The 11-inch Wi-Fi 256GB model lists at $1,199 in Apple's US store, above its $999 launch price. The Pro M4 is a previous-generation choice; a verified refurbished or remaining retailer offer is the price to compare, not its former Apple list price.
Already own an M4? Keep it unless a particular application, memory limit or external workflow now constrains you. Buying a Pro for the first time? Compare the complete iPad, storage and accessory cost. The OLED screen is shared, while the M5's gains are most persuasive for demanding tasks rather than ordinary handwritten notes.
At a Glance: iPad Pro M5 vs M4
| Feature | iPad Pro M5 | iPad Pro M4 |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | M5 | M4 |
| GPU / Neural Engine | Faster, more ML throughput | Still excellent |
| Display | Ultra Retina XDR (tandem OLED) | Ultra Retina XDR (tandem OLED) |
| Sizes | 11" / 13" | 11" / 13" |
| Memory | 12GB (256/512GB), 16GB (1/2TB) | 8GB (256/512GB), 16GB (1/2TB) |
| Networking | N1: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6; C1X on cellular | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 |
| External display | Up to 120Hz; Adaptive Sync | Up to 60Hz |
| Accessories | Apple Pencil Pro, Magic Keyboard | Apple Pencil Pro, Magic Keyboard |
| Starting price | $1,199 (11") / $1,499 (13") | Discounted / refurb |
The design and accessory support are familiar, but the memory tiers are not identical. A 512GB M5 still has 12GB of RAM; 16GB requires 1TB or 2TB. Choose storage and memory together before comparing the price of a base model with performance reported for a top configuration.
What Actually Changed in the M5
Faster graphics
Apple reports gains in selected rendering and video workloads, illustrated below. They are manufacturer tests rather than our measurements, and cannot establish how much faster every drawing brush or game will run. For sketching and notes, the M4 already offers substantial headroom.
More memory and newer connectivity
The 12GB base memory is useful context for app limits and multitasking. Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 arrive through N1, with C1X in cellular models. The M5 also supports an approximately 50% charge in 30 minutes with a compatible higher-wattage adapter. Check your router, carrier and charger before assigning value to those changes.
What did not change
Both retain tandem-OLED Ultra Retina XDR displays with ProMotion, Face ID, Apple Pencil Pro and USB-C Pencil support, and the same Magic Keyboard family. These are strong reasons a properly priced M4 remains useful for artists and note-takers.
M5 vs M4: Apple's Selected Workload Claims
M4 = 100; the tasks are different tests
Apple's October 2025 tests compared preproduction M5 and M4 configurations. These workload-specific claims are not additive and are not a universal app-speed benchmark.
Which One Should You Buy?
✅ Buy the M5 if…
You want the current Pro, use workloads that benefit from its graphics and AI changes, or need its newer networking, memory baseline or external-display features. Apple does not promise a fixed extra support period, so do not use assumed software longevity as the whole case for paying more.
✅ Buy a discounted M4 if…
You have found a verified refurbished offer whose saving is worth keeping the older memory baseline and connectivity. Confirm capacity, battery condition, warranty and return policy. This article does not establish a current discount or in-stock refurbished unit.
❌ Don't upgrade M4 → M5 if…
Your M4 already handles the applications, project sizes and display setup you need. The M5's memory, connectivity and graphics changes do not justify replacing a tablet when none of those limits affects your work.
💡 Not sure you need the Pro at all?
Many people are better served by the iPad Air. See our iPad Air vs iPad Pro breakdown before spending Pro money.
Prices & Where to Buy
iPad Pro M5, from $1,199
Apple's current 11-inch Wi-Fi 256GB selection lists $1,199. The 256GB and 512GB models have 12GB memory; 1TB and 2TB models have 16GB. Prices are Apple reference prices rather than a claimed retailer discount.
Or see the latest recorded offers on our iPad Pro M5 tracker.
iPad Pro M4, discounted & refurbished
Check a specific refurbished offer, rather than assuming the old launch price is still available. The shared OLED display is appealing, but savings depend on condition, warranty and stock.
Check refurbished iPad Pro M4 offers →The Verdict
The M5 is the more capable current Pro, with changes in memory, networking, charging and selected creative workloads. The M4 remains a strong tablet with the same OLED experience, particularly for an owner who already has one. For a new buyer, an actual refurbished saving should pay for the features and condition differences you accept.
Buying new? Get the M5. Chasing value, or already own an M4? Save your money, and check the whole lineup in our buying guides.
🔍 Ready to shop? Compare live iPad Pro prices on Amazon or the TheresMac price comparison, updated periodically so you can catch the best price.
Sources: Apple's M5 specifications, M4 specifications, M5 announcement and testing notes, and current Apple prices.