iPad Pro M4 Review: Ultimate Power in a Compact Tablet

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If you need desktop-grade power in a tablet form, the iPad Pro M4 demands attention. After testing the 11-inch model extensively, its performance genuinely shatters expectations for portable devices. Multitasking feels effortless, gaming is buttery smooth, and the display mesmerizes. But does this premium tablet justify its cost? Our hands-on review cuts through the hype.

Unboxing and Build Quality

Opening the box reveals the iPad Pro M4, USB-C cable, 20W charger, and documentation. Notably, purchasing through authorized retailers like Blibli includes 12 months of AppleCare+ coverage for accidental damage. The 466-gram aluminum chassis feels exceptionally solid yet lightweight. Its slim bezels maximize screen real estate, while the refined camera bump echoes iPhone design language. Choose between Silver, Space Gray, or Space Black finishes.

Display Excellence

The 11-inch Ultra Retina XDR OLED display delivers a 2,420 x 1,668 resolution with stunning HDR support. Key features include:

1,600 nits peak HDR brightness for vivid highlights
True-to-life colors and infinite contrast from per-pixel lighting
120Hz ProMotion technology ensuring silky animations
Optional nano-texture glass for reduced glare during drawing

This is Apple's best tablet screen yet, ideal for designers, video editors, and media consumers. Colors pop with remarkable accuracy, making even mundane tasks visually engaging.

Raw Performance Unleashed

Benchmarks confirm the M4 chip's dominance. Its 9-core CPU (3 performance + 6 efficiency cores) and 10-core GPU deliver up to 50% faster performance than the M2. Real-world testing shows:

Antutu Benchmark: 1,645,786
3DMark Wild Life Extreme: 14,899
Geekbench 6: 3,769 (Single-Core), 13,377 (Multi-Core)

Gaming performance impresses:

PUBG Mobile: 120 FPS at Ultra Extreme settings
Genshin Impact: Consistent 120 FPS
Assassin’s Creed Mirage: Smooth gameplay at high settings

Storage Tip: Opt for 512GB minimum. With this level of power, you’ll quickly fill 256GB with apps, games, and creative projects.

iPadOS 17: Multitasking Mastery

iPadOS 17 transforms the iPad Pro M4 into a productivity powerhouse:

Interactive widgets provide instant app controls from the home screen
Stage Manager enables seamless app grouping and window resizing
Redesigned Safari offers desktop-class browsing with profile support

Combined with the M4, multitasking feels like using a high-end laptop. Switching between design apps, spreadsheets, and video calls shows zero lag. The system leverages the hardware flawlessly.

Apple Pencil Pro Integration

The 2nd-gen Apple Pencil Pro enhances creativity:

Near-zero latency mimics writing on paper
Haptic feedback confirms actions like tool changes
Barrel roll gesture adjusts brush sizes intuitively
Magnetic attachment for wireless charging

For artists, this pairing is transformative. Sketching in Procreate feels natural, with tilt sensitivity and pressure detection enabling nuanced strokes.

Value and Final Verdict

Starting at Rp 19,999,000, the iPad Pro M4 isn’t cheap. However, it uniquely blends laptop-tier performance with tablet portability. Consider it if you:

Need a powerful creative tool for drawing or video editing
Want a single device for work and high-fidelity gaming
Value the best display technology in a compact form

The biggest compromise? Its price approaches entry-level laptops. Yet for those prioritizing power in an ultra-portable, it’s unmatched.

Actionable Takeaways

Test multitasking workflows using Stage Manager before purchasing.
Prioritize 512GB storage – 256GB fills rapidly with 4K footage and games.
Try the nano-texture glass if you work in bright studios or outdoors.
Use authorized retailers for included AppleCare+ protection.
Explore Pro Apps: Leverage Final Cut Pro, Procreate, or Adobe Fresco.

Top Accessory Picks:

Logitech Combo Touch: Adds a responsive trackpad and keyboard (ideal for Stage Manager).
Procreate: Unleashes the Apple Pencil’s potential for digital art.

Is the iPad Pro M4 overkill for casual use? Absolutely. But for professionals seeking no-compromise power, it’s a game-changer. Where will its performance benefit you most? Share your use case below!