iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series)
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iPad Pro (2020, A12 series)
Starting at
£390.20£769.00 new
iPad Pro (2025, M5 series)
Starting at
£921.11£1,098.90 newWhat's the difference between the iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) and iPad Pro (2025, M5 series)?
iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. Refurbished, the iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) starts at £390.20, £530.91 less than the iPad Pro (2025, M5 series). The iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) is the newer model, released in 2025.
Refurbished from
RAM
Screen size
Screen type
Weight
- The iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) has more RAM: 12 GB vs 6 GB.
- Screen size: 12.9 inch on the iPad Pro (2020, A12 series), 13 inch on the iPad Pro (2025, M5 series).
- Screen type: Liquid Retina display on the iPad Pro (2020, A12 series), Ultra Retina XDR display on the iPad Pro (2025, M5 series).
iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) specs
The iPad Pro 2020 with the A12Z Bionic processor offers solid performance with 6 GB RAM and up to 1TB storage, suiting everyday use and those valuing larger storage options at purchase. The iPad Pro 2025 with the M5 processor provides a faster CPU with speeds up to 4.6 GHz and 12 GB RAM, ideal for demanding multitasking and intensive tasks, though it starts at 256 GB storage. The 2025 model also features a slightly larger 13 inch Ultra Retina XDR display and higher resolution front camera, appealing to users who prioritise screen quality and detailed video calls. Both share durable builds, face recognition, four speakers, and lidar scanners, but the 2025 version is lighter, which might suit those often carrying the device around.
iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) price
Colour
iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) battery life and software updates
Durability and software support are important for long-term use.
Software Compatibility
This means each device will run current apps and receive ongoing software improvements equally, providing a consistent user experience across both.
Battery
Maximum operating system supported
Software updates
Year of release
iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) performance
Performance varies notably between these two iPad Pros, affecting how smoothly they handle apps and multitasking. Consider processor speed, RAM, and storage options when choosing.
Processor Speed and Power
The iPad Pro 2025 runs on the Apple M5 processor with speeds of 4.6 GHz and 3.0 GHz, offering faster processing than the iPad Pro 2020's Apple A12Z Bionic at 2.5 GHz. This means the 2025 model is suited to users who need higher performance for demanding tasks.
RAM Capacity
With 12 GB RAM, the iPad Pro 2025 keeps more apps open and running smoothly during intensive multitasking. The iPad Pro 2020 offers 6 GB RAM, which supports everyday apps well but is better for simpler workflows.
Storage Options
The iPad Pro 2020 is available in 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, and 1 TB storage options. The 2025 version starts at 256 GB and goes up to 2 TB, with 512 GB and 1 TB also available. Buyers who need more storage at purchase might prefer the 2020 model's lower starting capacity options.
Chipset
Processor
Processor speed ghz
RAM
iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) screen
Screen quality affects how content looks and how comfortable the device is for viewing. The two iPad Pros differ in size, resolution, and screen technology.
Display Size and Resolution
The iPad Pro 2025 has a slightly larger 13 inch screen with a resolution of 2752 by 2064, offering more space and subtle clarity improvements over the 12.9 inch screen at 2732 by 2048 on the 2020 model. This suits users who want a roomier display for video or design work.
Screen Technology
The 2025 iPad Pro features an Ultra Retina XDR display, while the 2020 model has a Liquid Retina display. This means the 2025 model delivers higher contrast and brightness levels, making it well suited for viewing HDR content or working in bright environments.
True Tone Feature
Both iPad Pros include True Tone technology, which adjusts screen colour temperature automatically for more comfortable viewing in different lighting conditions.
Brightness
Display glass
Pixel density
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) camera
Audio and camera features affect video calls, media consumption, and content creation. These iPads share many strengths but differ in front camera resolution.
Front Camera Detail
The iPad Pro 2025 has a 12 megapixel front camera, which captures more detail for selfies and video calls compared to the 7 megapixel front camera on the 2020 model. This makes the 2025 iPad a better fit for users who prioritise video conferencing quality.
Rear Camera and Video Recording
Both iPad Pros have a 12 megapixel rear camera and support 4K video recording at 60 frames per second, suitable for high-quality photo and video capture.
Speaker Setup
Each device offers four speaker audio, providing rich sound suitable for media and video calls.
Front camera
Front camera definition
Main camera
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) size and design
Additional features like weight, connectivity, and sensors impact daily use and compatibility with accessories and systems.
Weight and Portability
The iPad Pro 2025 weighs 579 grams, making it lighter than the 641 grams of the 2020 model. This is a consideration for users who carry their iPad frequently or prefer a lighter device.
Connectivity and Sensors
Both iPads use USB Type-C connectors for charging and accessories and support Face ID. They also include lidar scanners for depth sensing and augmented reality applications.
Operating System Requirements
The 2020 iPad Pro requires macOS El Capitan 10.11.6 for minimum Mac compatibility, while the 2025 model requires macOS High Sierra 10.13. Both are compatible with Windows 10.
Touch Input
Neither iPad supports touch input, focusing instead on Apple Pencil or keyboard interactions.
SIM and Carrier
Both models do not have SIM ports and rely on Wi-Fi for connectivity.
120hz
Apple pen compatible
Bluetooth version
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Double sim
Face
Generation number
Headphones connectivity
Height
Lidar scanner
Minimum system requirements mac
Minimum system requirements windows
Promotion
Sim format
Touch
Weight
Width
Wifi technology
iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) or iPad Pro (2025, M5 series): which should you buy?
Buy the iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £390.20, £530.91 less than the iPad Pro (2025, M5 series)
Buy the iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 6 GB)
- you want a lighter build (579 g vs 641 g)
iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) FAQs
iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. The iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) has more RAM: 12 GB vs 6 GB. Screen size: 12.9 inch on the iPad Pro (2020, A12 series), 13 inch on the iPad Pro (2025, M5 series).
The iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £390.20 compared with £921.11 for the iPad Pro (2025, M5 series).
The iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27. The iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27.
The iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) adds more RAM (12 GB vs 6 GB) and a lighter build (579 g vs 641 g). Refurbished, it costs £530.91 more (from £921.11 vs £390.20).
Refurbished, the iPad Pro (2020, A12 series) comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB, and the iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB.
