iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series)
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iPad Pro (2021, M1 series)
Starting at
£476.53£749.00 new
iPad Pro (2025, M5 series)
Starting at
£921.11£1,098.90 newWhat's the difference between the iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) and iPad Pro (2025, M5 series)?
iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. Refurbished, the iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) starts at £476.53, £444.58 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 8 GB.
- The iPad Pro (2025, M5 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 (2025, M5 series).
iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) specs
The iPad Pro 2021 with the M1 processor suits users who want a powerful tablet with solid performance and an 11 inch Liquid Retina display that balances portability and screen space. It offers 8 GB of RAM and starts at 128 GB of storage, making it suitable for everyday professional and creative tasks. The iPad Pro 2025 with the M5 processor offers more RAM at 12 GB and starts at 256 GB of storage, ideal if you need to keep more apps open simultaneously or store larger files. Its larger 13 inch Ultra Retina XDR display also suits those who want a more expansive screen for viewing and editing. The 2025 model is heavier and has no SIM port, which may matter depending on your connectivity needs.
iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) price
Colour
iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) battery life and software updates
Durability covers software support and basic system compatibility for these iPads. This ensures they stay current with Apple's ecosystem and security improvements.
Operating System Compatibility
This means each device will support current features and security enhancements from Apple, keeping your tablet up to date over time.
Battery
Maximum operating system supported
Software updates
Year of release
iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) performance
Performance differences focus on the processor, RAM, and storage options. These factors affect how smoothly apps run, multitasking ability, and how much data you can keep on the device.
Processor Power
The iPad Pro 2021 uses the Apple M1 chip, which provides strong performance for most tasks. The iPad Pro 2025 features the Apple M5 processor.
Memory Capacity
With 8 GB of RAM, the iPad Pro 2021 keeps everyday apps running smoothly. The iPad Pro 2025 has 12 GB of RAM, which supports heavier multitasking and more simultaneous app usage, ideal for power users.
Storage Sizes
The iPad Pro 2021 starts at 128 GB with options up to 2 TB, offering a broad range for different storage needs. The iPad Pro 2025 starts at 256 GB, also reaching up to 2 TB, which suits users who prefer more base storage for apps and media.
Processor
Processor speed ghz
RAM
iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) screen
Screen quality affects how you view content, work, and create on your iPad. Differences in size, resolution, and display technology change the viewing experience between the two models.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPad Pro 2021 has an 11 inch screen with a resolution of 2388 by 1668 pixels, providing a balance of portability and detail. The iPad Pro 2025 offers a larger 13 inch screen with a higher resolution of 2752 by 2064 pixels, giving you more room and sharper images for video editing or multitasking.
Display Technology
The iPad Pro 2021 uses a Liquid Retina display, which delivers bright and clear visuals. The iPad Pro 2025 features an Ultra Retina XDR display, enhancing the viewing experience especially with HDR content.
True Tone Support
Both iPads include True Tone technology, which adjusts the screen's colour temperature to match your environment for more comfortable viewing.
Brightness
Display glass
Pixel density
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) camera
Audio and camera features influence how well the iPad handles video calls, photography, and media playback. The two models share many of the same specifications here.
Camera Resolution
Both iPads have 12 megapixel front and rear cameras, which capture detailed photos and clear video for calls or content creation.
Audio Output
Each device has four speaker audio, delivering balanced sound for media consumption and video calls.
Video Recording Quality
Both models support 4K video recording at 60 frames per second, allowing for high-quality video capture.
Front camera
Front camera definition
Main camera
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) size and design
This section covers other features that might affect your daily use, like connectivity, weight, and device compatibility with other systems.
Carrier and SIM Options
The iPad Pro 2021 is unlocked and supports Nano SIM cards, offering cellular connectivity options. The iPad Pro 2025 does not have a SIM port, so it relies on Wi-Fi for internet access.
Connector and Headphone Use
Both iPads use USB Type-C connectors for charging and accessories, including headphones, which allows for versatile wired connections.
Weight Differences
The iPad Pro 2021 weighs 470 grams, making it lighter and potentially easier to handle for extended use. The iPad Pro 2025 weighs 579 grams, reflecting its larger screen size.
Additional Features
Both devices include Face ID facial recognition and a LiDAR scanner, which support secure unlocking and augmented reality experiences. They also both lack touch input.
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 (2025, M5 series): which should you buy?
Buy the iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £476.53, £444.58 less than the iPad Pro (2025, M5 series)
- you want a lighter build (470 g vs 579 g)
Buy the iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 8 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (13 inch vs 11 inch)
iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) vs iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) FAQs
iPad Pro (2021, M1 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 8 GB. The iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) has a bigger screen: 13 inch vs 11 inch.
The iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £476.53 compared with £921.11 for the iPad Pro (2025, M5 series).
The iPad Pro (2021, M1 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 8 GB) and a bigger screen (13 inch vs 11 inch). Refurbished, it costs £444.58 more (from £921.11 vs £476.53).
Refurbished, the iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB, and the iPad Pro (2025, M5 series) in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB.
