Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into a comparison that many of you have been asking for: the iPad Pro 12.9-inch 4th generation versus the 5th generation. If you're trying to decide whether to upgrade or just curious about the differences, you're in the right place. Let's break it down in a way that's super easy to understand. We'll cover everything from display technology to performance and even battery life, so you can make an informed decision. Stick around, and let's get started!

Design and Display: A Visual Feast

When it comes to design, both the 4th and 5th generation iPad Pro 12.9-inch models sport a sleek, modern look with thin bezels and an edge-to-edge display. However, the real difference lies in the display technology. The 4th generation features a Liquid Retina display, which is still fantastic, offering vibrant colors, excellent brightness, and ProMotion technology for a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. This makes scrolling, gaming, and watching videos a delightful experience.

Now, the 5th generation kicks things up a notch with its Liquid Retina XDR display. This display incorporates mini-LED technology, which dramatically improves the contrast ratio and dynamic range. What does this mean for you? Deeper blacks, brighter highlights, and an overall more immersive viewing experience, especially when watching HDR content. The difference is particularly noticeable when viewing content with dark scenes, as the blacks appear much richer and more true-to-life. The mini-LEDs allow for more precise control over the backlight, reducing blooming and halo effects that can sometimes be seen on traditional LCDs.

Beyond the technology itself, both displays are incredibly sharp, making them ideal for creative tasks like photo and video editing. The color accuracy is also top-notch, ensuring that your work looks its best. Whether you're a professional photographer, videographer, or graphic designer, you'll appreciate the color fidelity and detail that these displays offer. For everyday use, the displays are equally impressive, providing a stunning canvas for browsing the web, reading ebooks, and watching your favorite shows.

In summary, while the 4th generation's Liquid Retina display is still a top performer, the 5th generation's Liquid Retina XDR display with mini-LED technology offers a noticeable upgrade in contrast, brightness, and overall picture quality. If you're a visual enthusiast or someone who works with HDR content, the 5th generation is definitely worth considering.

Performance: The M1 Leap

Okay, let's talk about what's under the hood. The 4th generation iPad Pro is powered by Apple's A12Z Bionic chip. This chip is no slouch, offering blazing-fast performance for most tasks. Whether you're multitasking, editing photos, or playing graphics-intensive games, the A12Z Bionic can handle it all with ease. It's a powerful chip that provides a smooth and responsive user experience.

However, the 5th generation iPad Pro takes a massive leap forward with the introduction of the M1 chip. Yes, the same chip that powers Apple's MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Mac mini. The M1 chip is a game-changer, offering significantly improved CPU and GPU performance compared to the A12Z Bionic. We're talking about up to 50% faster CPU performance and up to 40% faster GPU performance. This translates to even smoother multitasking, faster rendering times, and the ability to run more demanding applications without breaking a sweat.

The M1 chip also brings other benefits, such as improved machine learning performance and enhanced power efficiency. This means that the 5th generation iPad Pro can handle tasks like image recognition and natural language processing much faster than its predecessor. It also means that you can get more out of your battery life, even when performing demanding tasks.

For professionals, the M1 chip opens up a whole new world of possibilities. You can now run desktop-class applications like Adobe Photoshop and Final Cut Pro on your iPad Pro, allowing you to work on complex projects while on the go. The M1 chip also enables features like Center Stage, which automatically keeps you in the frame during video calls, and Smart HDR 3, which enhances the dynamic range of your photos.

In conclusion, while the A12Z Bionic chip in the 4th generation iPad Pro is still a capable performer, the M1 chip in the 5th generation offers a significant performance boost that makes it a much more powerful and versatile device. If you're a professional user or someone who demands the best possible performance, the 5th generation is the clear winner.

Camera Capabilities: Capturing the Moment

Both the 4th and 5th generation iPad Pro models feature a similar camera setup on the rear, including a 12MP wide camera and a 10MP ultrawide camera. They also have a LiDAR scanner, which enhances augmented reality (AR) experiences and improves low-light photography. The cameras on both models are capable of capturing high-quality photos and videos, making them great for everyday use.

However, there are some subtle differences. The 5th generation iPad Pro benefits from the M1 chip's image signal processor (ISP), which enhances image processing and provides better overall image quality. This means that photos and videos taken with the 5th generation iPad Pro may have slightly better detail, dynamic range, and color accuracy.

One notable difference is the front-facing camera. The 5th generation iPad Pro features a 12MP ultrawide front camera with Center Stage, a feature that automatically adjusts the camera to keep you in the frame during video calls. This is a particularly useful feature for those who frequently use their iPad Pro for video conferencing or online classes. The 4th generation iPad Pro has a 7MP front camera without Center Stage.

Both models are capable of recording 4K video at up to 60 frames per second, and they also support features like cinematic video stabilization and extended dynamic range for video. The LiDAR scanner on both models enhances AR experiences, allowing you to create more realistic and immersive AR applications.

In summary, while the camera setup is similar on both models, the 5th generation iPad Pro benefits from the M1 chip's ISP and the addition of Center Stage, making it a slightly better choice for those who prioritize camera performance and video conferencing.

Battery Life: Powering Through the Day

When it comes to battery life, both the 4th and 5th generation iPad Pro 12.9-inch models offer excellent performance. Apple claims that both models can provide up to 10 hours of web browsing on Wi-Fi or watching video. In real-world usage, this holds up pretty well. You can easily get through a full day of work or play on a single charge.

However, there are some factors that can affect battery life. For example, if you're performing demanding tasks like video editing or gaming, you may experience shorter battery life. Similarly, using features like the 120Hz ProMotion display or the Liquid Retina XDR display (on the 5th generation) can also impact battery life.

Interestingly, despite the more powerful M1 chip and the more demanding Liquid Retina XDR display, the 5th generation iPad Pro manages to offer similar battery life to the 4th generation. This is thanks to the M1 chip's improved power efficiency, which helps to offset the increased power consumption of the display.

Both models support USB-C charging, which allows you to quickly charge your iPad Pro using a compatible charger. They also support fast charging, so you can get a significant amount of battery life in a short amount of time.

In conclusion, both the 4th and 5th generation iPad Pro models offer excellent battery life that should be more than sufficient for most users. While the 5th generation has a more power-hungry display and a more powerful processor, its improved power efficiency helps it to maintain similar battery life to its predecessor.

Price and Value: Weighing Your Options

Okay, let's talk about the bottom line: price. When the 4th generation iPad Pro was released, it was priced competitively for a high-end tablet. However, as it's now an older model, you can often find it at a discounted price, especially on the used market. This makes it an attractive option for those on a budget who still want a powerful and capable iPad Pro.

The 5th generation iPad Pro, on the other hand, is priced higher due to its advanced features like the M1 chip and the Liquid Retina XDR display. However, many would argue that the price is justified by the significant performance improvements and the enhanced viewing experience.

When considering which model to buy, it's important to weigh your options and consider your specific needs and budget. If you're a professional user who demands the best possible performance and display quality, the 5th generation iPad Pro is definitely worth the investment. However, if you're on a budget or don't need the extra power, the 4th generation iPad Pro is still a great option that offers excellent performance and features.

It's also worth considering the long-term value of each model. The 5th generation iPad Pro, with its M1 chip, is likely to receive software updates and support for longer than the 4th generation. This means that it will remain a relevant and capable device for years to come.

In summary, the 4th generation iPad Pro offers excellent value for those on a budget, while the 5th generation iPad Pro is a premium device that offers the best possible performance and features. Consider your needs and budget carefully to determine which model is right for you.

Final Verdict: Which iPad Pro Should You Choose?

Alright, let's wrap things up. Deciding between the iPad Pro 12.9-inch 4th generation and the 5th generation really comes down to your specific needs and budget. If you're looking for a powerful tablet that can handle demanding tasks and provide a stunning viewing experience, the 5th generation is the way to go. The M1 chip and Liquid Retina XDR display make a huge difference.

However, if you're on a tighter budget or don't need the absolute latest and greatest, the 4th generation is still an excellent choice. It offers plenty of power for most tasks and has a beautiful display. Plus, you can often find it at a discounted price.

Here's a quick summary:

• Choose the 5th generation if:
  • You need the best possible performance.
  • You want the best display quality.
  • You use your iPad Pro for professional tasks like video editing or graphic design.
  • You want the latest features like Center Stage.
• Choose the 4th generation if:
  • You're on a budget.
  • You don't need the extra power of the M1 chip.
  • You're happy with a still-excellent Liquid Retina display.
  • You primarily use your iPad Pro for everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, and light productivity.

Ultimately, both models are fantastic tablets that offer a premium experience. Consider your needs and budget carefully, and you'll be sure to make the right choice. Happy shopping!