iPads are in a strange spot these days. Smartphones are getting bigger and more capable. Laptops and MacBooks still offer excellent value. So where does an iPad fit in?
Most people don’t need one. iPads have become more of a luxury than an essential, unless you have a specific job or use case - like graphic design, illustration, video work, or studying. If you don’t have a clear reason, a phone or laptop usually covers most of what you need.
But once you live with the iPad Pro M4, everything changes.
What Makes It Stand Out:
After using the iPad Pro M4 13‑inch, here are the features that truly make a difference:
Display: Apple’s new Tandem OLED Ultra Retina XDR display is unbelievable. It is better than any screen I’ve used, even on the MacBook Pro. The contrast, colour, and sharpness are next-level, and HDR content looks incredible.
Design & Build: This 13‑inch model is shockingly thin and light, especially considering how powerful it is. It feels premium, balanced, and easy to carry around. The design alone puts it in a class of its own.
Performance: The new M4 chip is ridiculously powerful. No matter what I do on the iPad — from writing, editing, drawing, multitasking, or media work — it handles everything smoothly. Even though iPadOS limits how much of that performance you can fully unlock, you still feel the speed everywhere.
Battery Life: Battery life has been excellent. I easily get through a full day of use, and most times I still have battery left the next morning. I’ve been genuinely impressed by how efficient this device is. It keeps up with whatever I’m doing without needing to plug in during the day.
Accessories: The Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil Pro make this even more versatile. Snap it onto the keyboard when you want to type or do focused work, or detach it when you want to relax. The Pencil is great for drawing, notes, and markups - and now includes new gestures that make it even more intuitive.
What I Like:
The display is honestly the best I’ve used. It makes everything feel more enjoyable - even basic things like browsing or watching a video.
Battery life has been consistently strong. I don’t have to worry about charging during the day, which makes it feel like a proper all-day device.
It is incredibly light and thin, so I can move around with it easily or switch between typing, reading, and watching without it feeling like a chore.
The multitasking tools and floating app windows have come a long way. For everyday tasks, writing, planning, and media, the experience is great.
The flexibility is what really makes it special. At any moment, it can go from a writing tool to a video machine to a sketchpad.
Where It Falls Short for Me:
iPadOS is still the biggest limitation. Even though Apple has added more desktop-style features, it still cannot replace a full MacBook experience for me.
For someone like me who relies on specific software, tools, or complex workflows, I still need a proper laptop.
The price is high. Once you include the accessories, you’re spending more than on a MacBook. For most people, this makes the decision harder.
Who This Works For:
If you’re someone who does not need a complete desktop operating system but still wants something powerful, portable, and premium, this might be the perfect device for you.
It is ideal for students, creatives, professionals who are always on the move, or anyone who values flexibility. It can easily handle:
Writing
Note-taking
Research
Media consumption
Emails
Light editing
Gaming
Presentations and reading
And if that fits your lifestyle, then the iPad Pro might actually be the best device you can buy.
Final Thoughts:
For me, the iPad Pro M4 is not a device I depend on, but as a secondary device, it is incredible. I still prefer my MacBook for most work-related tasks, but when it comes to writing, reading, or watching something on the couch, there’s nothing better.
Yes, you could do most of these things on a phone or a laptop, but it wouldn’t feel the same. The iPad brings something different. It’s that middle ground between performance and experience, and if you find the right place for it in your life, you’ll wonder how you ever went without it.
I would highly recommend visiting a store to try one out for yourself. Hold it, test the display, snap on the keyboard. You’ll know very quickly if this is the right tool for you.
The iPad Pro M4 13‑inch is, without question, the best tablet on the market.