Choosing an iPad Pro sounds simple—until you actually try to buy one. Suddenly, you’re staring at different screen sizes, different chips, and two colours that somehow feel like a bigger decision than they should be. You’re probably asking yourself: Do I need the latest chip? Is the bigger screen worth it? And why does Apple make this so confusing?
If that’s you, relax. You don’t need to overthink this. By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly which iPad Pro makes sense for how you use it—and which options you can safely ignore.
The iPad Pro Line-Up, Explained Simply.
Right now, the iPad Pro comes down to three main choices:
● Chip: M4 or M5
● Size: 11-inch or 13-inch
● Colour: Silver or Space Black
Everything else—storage, accessories, and extras—builds on top of those decisions. Get these three right, and you’re already winning.
Let’s break them down one by one.
11-Inch vs 13-Inch iPad Pro: Size Matters More Than You Think
This is the decision most people underestimate—and later regret.
11-Inch iPad Pro
The 11-inch model is the most versatile option for most people. It’s light, easy to hold, and actually feels like a tablet. You can use it on the sofa, in bed, or on the go without feeling like you’re carrying a laptop around.
If you travel a lot, commute daily, or just want something effortless to pick up and use, the 11-inch hits the sweet spot. It’s also easier to use one-handed and fits better in smaller bags.
13-Inch iPad Pro
The 13-inch model is all about space. More room for multitasking, a larger canvas for creative work, and a more laptop-like experience—especially with a keyboard.
If you edit photos or videos, draw or design regularly, or use your iPad as a main work device, the extra screen size genuinely helps. The trade-off? It’s heavier, less casual, and not something you’ll want to hold for long periods.
Quick rule of thumb:
If portability matters more, go 11-inch.
If productivity and screen space matter more, go 13-inch.
M4 vs M5 Chip: Do You Really Need the Latest?
Apple’s chip naming makes it easy to assume newer is always better. That’s true—but the real question is whether you’ll notice.
M4 Chip
The M4 chip is already incredibly fast. For everyday tasks like browsing, note-taking, streaming, multitasking, and even creative work, it barely breaks a sweat. Most users will never hit its limits.
If you use your iPad for school, work, or creative hobbies rather than extreme workloads, the M4 feels instant and responsive.
M5 Chip
The M5 is for people who push their devices hard. Think heavy video editing, complex 3D work, advanced graphic design, or large multitasking workflows.
For everyone else? The difference between M4 and M5 will be subtle at best.
Honest advice:
If you’re not already frustrated by performance on a powerful device, you probably don’t need an M5.
Real-World Performance: What Daily Use Feels Like
Here’s the truth Apple won’t say outright: both chips feel fast. Apps open instantly. Multitasking is smooth. Animations are fluid.
Where the difference shows up is in sustained, demanding tasks. The M5 stays cooler and faster for longer under heavy loads. The M4 is still excellent—but it’s aimed at a broader audience.
For most people, size and portability will affect daily satisfaction more than raw chip power.
Silver vs Space Black: More Than Just Looks
Colour sounds like a shallow choice, but you’ll see it every day.
Silver
Silver is classic Apple. It hides fingerprints well, shows fewer smudges, and ages gracefully. If you want something that still looks clean years down the line, Silver is the safe choice.
Space Black
Space Black looks stunning out of the box. It feels modern, bold, and premium. The downside? It shows fingerprints and dust more easily, especially under bright light.
If aesthetics matter more to you than maintenance, Space Black delivers. If you want something low-effort, Silver wins.
Which iPad Pro Should You Buy?
Let’s make this simple.
● Best for most people:
11-inch iPad Pro with M4 chip
Portable, powerful, and great value for what you get.
● Best for creatives:
13-inch iPad Pro with M4 or M5
Choose M5 only if you do heavy creative work daily.
● Best for power users:
13-inch iPad Pro with M5
Maximum performance and screen space.
● Best colour choice overall:
Silver for practicality, Space Black for style.
Final Verdict
The “best” iPad Pro isn’t the most expensive one—it’s the one that fits your life.
For most people, the 11-inch model with the M4 chip is more than enough and far more enjoyable day to day. The 13-inch and M5 upgrades make sense only if you know exactly why you need them.
Choose based on how you’ll actually use your iPad, not what looks best on a spec sheet. Do that, and you won’t second-guess your decision later.
