iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) Vs iPad Pro (2024, M4 series)

When considering the longevity of these devices, their release timelines and software support are key factors. The iPad Pro 2024 M4, being a Pro model, typically receives extended software support, while the iPad 2025 A16, as a standard model, also benefits from a substantial update cycle.

• Release Timeline: The iPad Pro 2024 M4 was released in May 2024, making it slightly older than the iPad 2025 A16, which launched in March 2025. This difference means the iPad 2025 A16 will likely receive software updates for approximately one year longer.
• OS Support Duration: Both devices are expected to receive iPadOS updates for around 6-7 years from their release dates. The iPad Pro, with its M-series chip, often maintains optimal performance through more update cycles, while the A16-powered iPad is also well-supported.
• Repairability: While specific repairability scores can vary, Apple generally designs its tablets with a moderate level of repair complexity. Users seeking to extend the life of their device through repairs may find similar challenges and opportunities with both models.

The performance capabilities of these two iPads are a primary differentiator, stemming from their respective processors and memory configurations. The iPad Pro 2024 M4 is engineered for intensive tasks, while the iPad 2025 A16 provides ample power for everyday computing.

• Processing Power: The iPad Pro 2024 M4 features Apple's M4 chip, which delivers substantial performance gains, particularly for demanding applications like video editing, 3D rendering, and advanced multitasking. Users report that even brand-new games run smoothly without pushing the M4 chip significantly. The iPad 2025 A16 is equipped with a version of the A16 chip, offering strong performance for general use, media consumption, and moderate creative tasks, though it does not support Apple Intelligence features.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: The iPad Pro 2024 M4, with its M4 chip and up to 16GB of unified memory, handles numerous applications simultaneously with fluidity, ensuring a highly responsive user experience. The iPad 2025 A16, typically featuring 6GB of RAM, provides a smooth experience for most users, though it may show limitations when running a very high number of complex applications concurrently.
• Storage Options: The iPad Pro 2024 M4 offers storage configurations ranging from 256GB up to 2TB, catering to professionals with large file requirements. The iPad 2025 A16 provides options from 128GB to 512GB, suitable for most users' app and media storage needs.

The visual experience on these tablets differs significantly due to their display technologies, impacting clarity, brightness, and color reproduction.

• Display Technology: The iPad Pro 2024 M4 features a Tandem OLED Ultra Retina XDR display, which utilizes two OLED panels to achieve exceptional brightness and contrast. This technology results in deep blacks and vibrant colors, making it ideal for media consumption and professional color-critical work. The iPad 2025 A16 uses a Liquid Retina display, an LED-backlit IPS panel, offering good color accuracy and brightness for everyday tasks.
• Brightness and Clarity: The iPad Pro 2024 M4 achieves 1000 nits of full-screen SDR brightness and a peak of 1600 nits for HDR content, providing excellent visibility even in bright environments. The iPad 2025 A16 offers 500 nits of brightness, which is sufficient for indoor use and most outdoor conditions.
• Refresh Rate and Smoothness: The iPad Pro 2024 M4 includes ProMotion technology, allowing for an adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz, which contributes to smoother scrolling and more fluid motion in games and videos. The iPad 2025 A16 has a standard refresh rate, providing a consistent visual experience for general use.

While tablets are not typically primary photography devices, both models offer capable camera systems for video calls, document scanning, and casual photography, with the Pro model providing more advanced features.

• Rear Camera System: The iPad Pro 2024 M4 features a 12MP wide camera with an improved True Tone flash and a LiDAR scanner, enhancing augmented reality experiences and depth sensing. It can record 4K video at up to 60 frames per second and supports ProRes video recording. The iPad 2025 A16 also has a 12MP wide rear camera, capable of 4K video recording at up to 60 frames per second, suitable for general photography and video capture.
• Front Camera and Video Calls: Both iPads feature a 12MP landscape ultra-wide front camera with Center Stage, which automatically adjusts the camera to keep subjects in view during video calls. This landscape orientation is particularly convenient for video conferencing.
• Audio Quality: The iPad Pro 2024 M4 includes a four-speaker audio system and studio-quality microphones, providing a rich audio experience for media consumption and clear sound for calls and recordings. The iPad 2025 A16 offers a capable speaker system and microphones for everyday audio needs.

Beyond core performance and display, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and differentiate these two iPad models.

• Connectivity: The iPad Pro 2024 M4 supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, offering faster wireless speeds and improved connectivity with compatible accessories. Cellular models include 5G connectivity. The iPad 2025 A16 supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3, providing reliable wireless performance for most users. Cellular models also offer 5G, though without mmWave support.
• Ports and Authentication: Both devices feature a USB-C port for charging and accessories. The iPad Pro 2024 M4 utilizes Face ID for secure authentication, while the iPad 2025 A16 incorporates Touch ID integrated into the top button.
• Design and Handling: The iPad Pro 2024 M4 boasts an exceptionally thin and lightweight design, with the 13-inch model being Apple's thinnest device at 5.1mm. This design enhances portability, though some users have noted concerns about potential durability due to its extreme thinness. The iPad 2025 A16 maintains a more traditional tablet form factor, offering a comfortable grip and balanced weight for everyday use.