iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) vs iPad Pro (2024, M4 series)
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iPad Pro (2021, M1 series)
Starting at
£476.53£749.00 new
iPad Pro (2024, M4 series)
Starting at
£929.37£1,098.90 newWhat's the difference between the iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) and iPad Pro (2024, M4 series)?
iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) vs iPad Pro (2024, M4 series) comes down to the screen size, screen type and weight. Refurbished, the iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) starts at £476.53, £452.84 less than the iPad Pro (2024, M4 series). The iPad Pro (2024, M4 series) is the newer model, released in 2024.
Refurbished from
Screen size
Screen type
Weight
- The iPad Pro (2024, M4 series) has a bigger screen: 13 inch vs 11 inch.
- Screen type: Liquid Retina display on the iPad Pro (2021, M1 series), Ultra Retina XDR display on the iPad Pro (2024, M4 series).
- The iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) has a lighter build: 470 g vs 582 g.
iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) vs iPad Pro (2024, M4 series) specs
The iPad Pro 2021 with the M1 chip offers a compact 11 inch screen and starts at 128 GB storage, making it suitable for users who prefer a smaller, lighter device with enough capacity for everyday use. The iPad Pro 2024 with the M4 chip features a larger 13 inch Ultra Retina XDR display with higher brightness and resolution, plus a base storage of 256 GB. It suits those who want a more spacious screen for detailed viewing and more initial storage for larger files. Your choice depends on whether you value portability or a larger display and storage from the start.
iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) vs iPad Pro (2024, M4 series) price
Colour
iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) vs iPad Pro (2024, M4 series) battery life and software updates
Durability here focuses on software support and compatibility, which ensures your device stays current and secure over time.
Software Compatibility
This helps maintain app compatibility and security for everyday use.
Battery
Maximum operating system supported
Software updates
Year of release
iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) vs iPad Pro (2024, M4 series) performance
Performance depends on processor power, RAM, and storage. Both iPads have the same 8 GB of RAM, which is suitable for everyday apps and multitasking. The processors differ, with the 2024 model using the newer Apple M4 chip.
Processor Generation
The iPad Pro 2021 runs on the Apple M1 chip, while the 2024 model features the Apple M4 chip. This difference means the 2024 iPad may handle more demanding tasks or future apps more efficiently, appealing to users who want the latest processing technology.
Storage Capacity
The base storage for the iPad Pro 2021 starts at 128 GB, suitable for general use and app storage. The 2024 iPad starts at 256 GB, offering double the initial space for apps, media, and files. Both models offer higher storage options up to 2 TB.
Processor
Processor speed ghz
RAM
iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) vs iPad Pro (2024, M4 series) screen
Screen quality affects how you view content and work on the device. These two iPads differ in size, brightness, resolution, and display type, which impact clarity and visual comfort.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPad Pro 2021 has an 11 inch screen with a resolution of 2388 x 1668. The 2024 model offers a larger 13 inch screen with a higher resolution of 2752 x 2064. This makes the 2024 iPad more suitable for those who want extra screen real estate for creative work or media consumption.
Display Brightness and Type
The 2021 iPad Pro reaches up to 600 nits brightness on its Liquid Retina display, while the 2024 iPad Pro offers up to 1000 nits brightness and uses an Ultra Retina XDR display. This higher brightness and display type benefit users who work in bright environments or need more vivid visuals.
Pixel Density and True Tone
Both devices have the same pixel density of 264 ppi and support True Tone technology. This maintains sharp text and images with natural colour tone adjustments for comfortable viewing.
Brightness
Display glass
Pixel density
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) vs iPad Pro (2024, M4 series) camera
Audio and camera features determine how well the device captures images and sound, important for video calls, photography, and media playback. Both iPads offer similar capabilities in these areas.
Camera Resolution
Both the front and rear cameras are 12 megapixels on each iPad, providing detailed images for video calls and photos. This consistency suits users who want reliable camera quality without needing higher megapixels.
Speakers and Video Recording
Each iPad includes four speaker audio and supports 4K video recording at 60 frames per second. This ensures clear sound and high-resolution video capture for content creation and entertainment.
Front camera
Front camera definition
Main camera
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) vs iPad Pro (2024, M4 series) size and design
Additional features cover compatibility, connectivity, dimensions, and accessories. These details affect usability, portability, and how the device fits into your tech ecosystem.
Apple Pencil Compatibility
The iPad Pro 2021 works with the Apple Pencil 2nd generation and Apple Pencil with USB-C. The 2024 iPad supports the Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil with USB-C. This means the newer model is compatible with the latest stylus options, which may appeal to creative users.
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
The 2021 model uses Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax, while the 2024 model has Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 6E 802.11ax. The newer Bluetooth and Wi-Fi versions provide improved wireless connectivity and potentially better performance with compatible accessories and networks.
Device Size and Weight
The iPad Pro 2021 measures 247.6 mm in height, 178.5 mm in width, and is 5.9 mm deep, weighing 470 g. The 2024 iPad is larger at 281 mm tall, 215 mm wide, and slimmer at 5 mm depth, but heavier at 582 g. The smaller 2021 model suits portability, while the 2024 model offers more screen space with a slightly slimmer design.
SIM and Carrier
The 2021 iPad Pro is unlocked and supports a Nano SIM. The 2024 model is without a SIM port, which may influence your choice depending on how you want to connect to mobile networks.
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 (2021, M1 series) or iPad Pro (2024, M4 series): which should you buy?
Buy the iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £476.53, £452.84 less than the iPad Pro (2024, M4 series)
- you want a lighter build (470 g vs 582 g)
Buy the iPad Pro (2024, M4 series) if
- you want a bigger screen (13 inch vs 11 inch)
- you want the newer model (2024)
iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) vs iPad Pro (2024, M4 series) FAQs
iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) vs iPad Pro (2024, M4 series) comes down to the screen size, screen type and weight. The iPad Pro (2024, M4 series) has a bigger screen: 13 inch vs 11 inch. Screen type: Liquid Retina display on the iPad Pro (2021, M1 series), Ultra Retina XDR display on the iPad Pro (2024, M4 series).
The iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £476.53 compared with £929.37 for the iPad Pro (2024, M4 series).
The iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27. The iPad Pro (2024, M4 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27.
The iPad Pro (2024, M4 series) adds a bigger screen (13 inch vs 11 inch). Refurbished, it costs £452.84 more (from £929.37 vs £476.53).
Refurbished, the iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB, and the iPad Pro (2024, M4 series) in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB.









