Summary
If you’ve been holding out for the new iPad Pro to go on sale, it just did. The 11-inch M4 model has dropped to $900 for Memorial Day, which is $100 off its usual price. This might not sound huge until you remember this thing launched like five minutes ago.Appledoesn’t really “do” discounts, especially not on brand-new gear, so yeah, this one’s worth a second look.
This iPad isn’t just thinner than your patience during iOS updates. It’s 5.3mm of sheer overkill. We’re talking OLED display, desktop-class M4 chip, and enough power to make some laptops cry. Whether you’re sketching, editing, gaming, or pretending to be productive, it’s got the muscle. Let’s break down what you’re getting for that slightly less insulting price tag.
The main course here, obviously, is the M4 chip. The 9-core CPU splits between three performance cores and six efficiency cores, backed by a 10-core GPU that handles graphics-intensive tasks without breaking stride. It is a massive improvement over the M2, and you’re definitely going to notice some gains in video editing, 3D rendering, and other processor-heavy workflows.
The 8GB of LPDDR5X RAM keeps things moving smoothly even with multiple demanding apps running simultaneously. Adobe Premiere Pro, Photoshop, and Logic Pro all run natively and perform more or less the same as their desktop counterparts. The 256GB NVMe storage provides fast file access, though power users will quickly bump against that capacity limit.
Display, Camera And More
The 11-inch Ultra Retina XDR OLED display uses Tandem OLED technology, which layers two OLED panels for increased brightness and longevity. Peak HDR brightness reaches 1,600 nits, and the 2420 x 1668 resolution delivers sharp visuals across the P3 wide color gamut, making itone of the best iPads.
On the camera side of things, we have a rear 12MP wide camera that includes a LiDAR scanner for depth sensing and AR applications. The LiDAR scanner also enables precise object measurement and enhanced AR experiences, though practical applications remain somewhat limited. The front-facing 12MP ultra-wide camera positioned in landscape orientation makes video calls more natural. Center Stage automatically keeps you in frame during calls, panning and zooming as you move around. This positioning makes more sense than the portrait-oriented cameras on older models.
Spend a little extra on the Magic Keyboard and you’re able to transform the iPad Pro into a laptop-like device with a floating design and backlit keys!
The 31.29 Wh battery provides up to 10 hours of web browsing or video playback under Apple’s testing conditions. Let’s take a quick look at connectivity while we’re at it. Wi-Fi 6E support ensures fast wireless connectivity in compatible environments. Bluetooth 5.3 handles connections to keyboards, mice, headphones, and other accessories without dropouts. The USB-C port supports Thunderbolt 4 and USB 4 standards, enabling fast data transfer and external display connections up to 6K resolution.
At 444 grams and 5.3mm thick, the iPad Pro feels impossibly thin for what it’s putting on the table. The flat edges give you a nice, secure grip, and the clean lines look professional in any environment. The camera bump remains minimal and doesn’t interfere with flat surface placement, making it a great choice.
At $1,000, the M4 iPad Pro went neck-to-neck with entry-level MacBook Air models while offering tablet-specific benefits. At $900, it becomes more compelling for users who prioritize portability and touch input over traditional laptop functionality. Not to mention that the 256GB storage configuration works for users who rely heavily on cloud storage or don’t work with large video files.
If this sounds like your jam, head on over to Best Buy and make sure to get the M4 iPad. Deal ends on 5/27.
