iPad Pro M5 continues to hold its ground as a preferred choice for many users despite the seemingly minimal design changes from its predecessor, the M4. Apple keeps the sleek flat aluminum body with familiar color options, space black and silver. The 11-inch model retains a thickness of 5.3 mm and weighs 444 grams, while the 13-inch remains at 5.1 mm, showing that the physical form factor is nearly identical.
Visually, the most noticeable difference is the removal of the "iPad Pro" label from the back, making it almost indistinguishable from the M4 at first glance. This subtlety reflects Apple’s strategy of focusing on internal improvements rather than external redesigns for this generation.
Display Excellence with Tandem OLED Technology
The iPad Pro M5 maintains the highly praised tandem OLED display technology. Apple markets this as the Ultra Retina XDR display, offering the same resolution and brightness as the previous model. Users can enjoy HDR video content or detailed photo editing with vivid colors and excellent contrast. Whether indoors or under bright sunlight, the screen visibility remains consistently outstanding.
Performance Boost with the M5 Chipset
One of the biggest upgrades comes under the hood. The M5 chipset delivers a noticeable performance improvement over the previous generation. The 256 GB and 512 GB models use a 9-core CPU paired with a 10-core GPU. Apple also adds a dedicated neural accelerator to speed up AI processing tasks significantly.
For these storage options, RAM has been increased from 8 GB in the M4 to 12 GB in the M5, improving multitasking capabilities and responsiveness. The memory bandwidth also receives a boost, allowing smoother data handling and faster execution of apps requiring high computational power.
Neural Accelerator for Smarter AI Processing
The neural accelerator enhances AI-heavy functions, such as the ‘clean up’ feature in the photo gallery, making it more responsive even if the time difference feels minimal. The impact is even more prominent in AI-driven apps like image playground, where processing speed visibly improves. Compared to the M1 chip, the leap is substantial, validating Apple’s focus on AI with the M5.
Battery Life and Charging Efficiency
Battery capacity remains consistent with the prior model, able to support about 10 hours of video streaming or web browsing, aligning well with daily usage patterns. A significant convenience upgrade is the addition of fast charging support for adapters rated 60 watts or higher. This allows recharging up to 50% in just 30 minutes, ideal for users with heavy mobility.
Camera Capabilities to Cover Basics
The rear camera stays at 12 megapixels with the same aperture as the M4, which suffices for usual photography tasks like scanning documents or capturing everyday moments. Video recording supports up to 4K at 60 frames per second, matching standard expectations for a tablet in this segment. The front camera placement on the side enhances video call experience in landscape mode, making it suitable for professional meetings.
Pricing and Market Positioning
Price-wise, the iPad Pro M5 holds steady compared to the M4. In the United States, the 11-inch model starts at $999, while the 13-inch begins at $1,299. In Indonesia, prices start from approximately $1,400 (around Rp20 million), matching previous generation launch prices. This pricing strategy keeps the M5 accessible for users upgrading from earlier generation models or switching from competing tablets.
Reasons to Stay Loyal to the iPad Pro M5
The iPad Pro M5 is a solid choice for users who value powerful performance enhancements within a proven design. The upgraded RAM and AI-driven neural accelerator make daily workflows more efficient, especially for creative professionals and multitaskers. However, users with M4 models may find the improvements subtle enough to postpone upgrading.
Apple’s incremental approach targets buyers moving up from older models like M1 or M2, where the performance gain is more evident. Deciding between staying with the iPad Pro M5 or opting for a device with a traditional keyboard and trackpad depends largely on one’s workflow preferences, whether favoring touchscreen versatility or classic laptop form factors.
