Apple iPad Pro 11 M4 vs Apple iPad (A16)

Updated Nov 2026 · Scored by the Let’s Compare Data Engine · How we score

For most buyers the Apple iPad Pro 11 M4 is the better pick — it scores 75/100 to the Apple iPad (A16)'s 51, leading on Display and Performance. Choose the Apple iPad (A16) instead if you want to spend less.

Verdict

Our overall take, at a glance

Key takeaways

  • Apple iPad Pro 11 M4 leads Apple iPad (A16) overall by 24 points (75 vs 51 out of 100).
  • Apple iPad Pro 11 M4 stands out on Display Refresh Rate: 120 Hz (100% more), Display Peak Brightness: 1,600 nits (220% more), Memory & Storage Storage Options: 256 GB (100% more).
Apple iPad Pro 11 M4 leads overall
Apple iPad Pro 11 M4
75
Apple iPad (A16)
51
Why it stands out
  • Display Refresh Rate: 120 Hz (100% more)
  • Display Peak Brightness: 1,600 nits (220% more)
  • Memory & Storage Storage Options: 256 GB (100% more)

Watch-outs

Compromises to know before you buy

Apple iPad Pro 11 M4

No notable compromises found.

Apple iPad (A16)

  • 60 Hz display — less smooth than 120 Hz tablets.

In-depth analysisAI

AI-generated from the cited sources — may be incomplete or inaccurate; verify important details before deciding · generated Nov 2026.

Apple iPad Pro 11 M4

The Apple iPad Pro 11 M4 is an ultra-thin, high-performance tablet engineered for demanding mobile workflows and media consumption. It features Apple's powerful M4 system-on-a-chip and is the first model in the line to incorporate a Tandem OLED display. The device provides exceptional computing capability in a highly portable chassis measuring just 5.3 mm in thickness.

Best for High-dynamic-range (HDR) video editing and precise color-grading on the goBest for High-speed data transfers and desktop-class docking using Thunderbolt 3…
Pros
  • High-performance Apple M4 processor with configuration options for up to 16 GB of RAM
  • Dual-stack Tandem OLED display delivering up to 1600 nits of peak HDR brightness
  • Landscape-oriented front camera improves the alignment and feel of video calls
  • Extremely thin and lightweight design weighing under one pound for the Wi-Fi model
  • Fast data transfers and accessory support via the USB-C port with Thunderbolt 3 and USB4 compatibility
Cons
  • Omission of the ultra-wide rear camera found on previous generations, leaving only a single 12 MP main sensor
  • The glare-reducing nano-texture screen option is restricted exclusively to the more expensive 1 TB and 2 TB storage configurations

Apple iPad (A16)

The 11th-generation Apple iPad is powered by the Apple A16 Bionic processor built on TSMC's N4P process. It features a 6-core CPU with two high-performance and four energy-efficient cores, paired with 6 GB of LPDDR5 RAM. Positioned as Apple's core entry-level tablet, it delivers capable computational and graphics performance for everyday applications, digital media, and light creative tasks.

Best for Everyday app usage, web browsing, and high-definition video streamingBest for Light digital illustration and casual video editing tasks requiring hardware-acc
Pros
  • Equipped with 6 GB of fast LPDDR5 memory for high bandwidth during multitasking
  • Includes a 16-core Neural Engine capable of up to 17 trillion operations per second
  • Hardware support for encoding and decoding HEVC, H.264, and ProRes video codecs
Cons
  • Uses a binned variant of the A16 chip with one GPU core disabled, leaving it with 4 graphics cores instead of 5

Value for Money

Which is the better deal for the price

Pre-filled with launch prices where known — enter today's price for an up-to-date check. Use the same currency for both.

Apple iPad Pro 11 M4

Apple iPad (A16)

Performance

Higher benchmark score = faster

Apple iPad Pro 11 M42,566,792
Apple iPad (A16)1,414,489

Benchmark score — a measured indicator of raw performance, not a guarantee of real-world speed.

Physical Comparison

Weigh them up, then compare real dimensions in 3D

444 g477 g
Apple iPad Pro 11 M4Apple iPad (A16)

Apple iPad (A16) is 33 g (7%) heavier than Apple iPad Pro 11 M4.

Review Videos

Hand-picked expert reviews for each product

Detailed Specifications

The full spec sheet, side by side

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Apple iPad Pro 11 M4 vs Apple iPad (A16) comparison

Based on our overall comparison score, Apple iPad Pro 11 M4 rates higher at 79/100 versus 59/100 for Apple iPad (A16) — a 20-point lead. Apple iPad Pro 11 M4 is the stronger overall pick, though the right choice still depends on which specs matter most to you; the full spec table above breaks down every difference.
Apple iPad Pro 11 M4 and Apple iPad (A16) are compared side by side above across every spec in the tablets category — including performance, features and design — each scored 0–100 so you can see exactly where one leads the other. Our overall scores are 79/100 for Apple iPad Pro 11 M4 and 59/100 for Apple iPad (A16).
If you want the higher-rated tablets option overall, Apple iPad Pro 11 M4 (79/100) edges out Apple iPad (A16) (59/100). But if Apple iPad (A16) is cheaper or stronger on the specific specs you care about, it can still be the better buy — use the spec table and strengths profile above to decide.

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