Based on our overall comparison score, Apple iPad Pro 13 M5 rates higher at 85/100 versus 59/100 for Apple iPad (A16) — a 26-point lead. Apple iPad Pro 13 M5 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 13 M5 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 13 M5 is the better pick — it scores 77/100 to the Apple iPad (A16)'s 50, leading on Display and Performance. Choose the Apple iPad (A16) instead if build matters most to you, where it comes out ahead.
Verdict
Our overall take, at a glance
Key takeaways
- Apple iPad Pro 13 M5 leads Apple iPad (A16) overall by 27 points (77 vs 50 out of 100).
- Apple iPad Pro 13 M5 stands out on Display Refresh Rate: 120 Hz (100% more), Display Peak Brightness: 1,600 nits (220% more), Performance Antutu score: 3,305,598 (134% more).
Apple iPad Pro 13 M5 leads overall
Apple iPad Pro 13 M5
77
Apple iPad (A16)
50
Why it stands out
- Display Refresh Rate: 120 Hz (100% more)
- Display Peak Brightness: 1,600 nits (220% more)
- Performance Antutu score: 3,305,598 (134% more)
Watch-outs
Compromises to know before you buy
Apple iPad Pro 13 M5
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 13 M5
The Apple iPad Pro 13 M5 is an ultra-premium, high-performance tablet geared toward demanding workflows and media creation. It features the Apple M5 system-on-a-chip, a highly responsive 13-inch Tandem OLED display, and an exceptionally thin 5.1 mm chassis.
Best for Low-light reading and nighttime productivity thanks to the screen's 1-nit…Best for High-speed wireless data transfers in environments optimized with Wi-Fi 7…Best for Mobile professionals who need to quickly top off their battery during short…
Pros
- Significantly faster memory bandwidth of 153 GB/s and enhanced graphics performance over prior models
- Ultra-thin 5.1 mm design that retains a lightweight profile for a large-format tablet
- Stunning Tandem OLED display capable of dimming down to a 1-nit minimum brightness for dark-room usage
- Updated wireless capabilities including Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread networking support
- New fast-charging capability that can replenish the battery to 50% in roughly half an hour
Cons
- The anti-reflective nano-texture display glass is locked behind the expensive 1 TB and 2 TB storage configurations
- Rear and front camera systems feature no hardware upgrades over the previous generation
- Fast charging requires a separate purchase of a 40W Dynamic Power Adapter or a compatible 60W or higher USB-C charger
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 13 M5
Apple iPad (A16)
Performance
Higher benchmark score = faster
Apple iPad Pro 13 M53,305,598
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
Apple iPad Pro 13 M5Apple iPad (A16)
Apple iPad Pro 13 M5 is 102 g (21%) heavier than Apple iPad (A16).
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 13 M5 vs Apple iPad (A16) comparison
Apple iPad Pro 13 M5 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 85/100 for Apple iPad Pro 13 M5 and 59/100 for Apple iPad (A16).
If you want the higher-rated tablets option overall, Apple iPad Pro 13 M5 (85/100) 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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