Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) 256GB Wi-Fi Review: The New Benchmark for Portable Power

For years, the promise of a single, ultra-portable device that could seamlessly transition from a morning coffee shop writing session to an afternoon of 4K video editing, and then to an evening of high-fidelity gaming, felt just out of reach. I’ve juggled laptops for heavy lifting and tablets for consumption, always feeling a compromise was being made. The laptop was powerful but cumbersome; the tablet was portable but lacked the performance for truly demanding creative work. This constant search for a no-compromise solution is a familiar story for many creatives, professionals, and tech enthusiasts. The dream is a device with the raw horsepower of a workstation, the intuitive touch interface of a tablet, and a design so light you forget it’s in your bag. The Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) 256GB Wi-Fi arrives with the bold claim of finally ending that search. But does it deliver?

What to Consider Before Buying a High-Performance Tablet

A high-performance tablet is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for productivity, creativity, and entertainment on the go. It bridges the gap between the focused power of a laptop and the casual convenience of a smartphone. The main benefit is versatility. With the right hardware and software, a device like this can be a digital canvas for an artist, a mobile editing suite for a videographer, a powerful presentation tool for an executive, and an immersive gaming console for a hobbyist. It eliminates the need to carry multiple devices, streamlining your workflow and your backpack.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the limitations of older or less powerful devices. This includes digital artists who need flawless stylus response and perfect colour accuracy, video editors who are tired of choppy playback on the move, and professionals who need to multitask across demanding apps without a hint of lag. However, it might not be suitable for those who only need a device for light web browsing, reading, and streaming video. For those users, the immense power and associated cost would be overkill, and more budget-friendly alternatives like the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ or even Apple’s own iPad Air would be a more sensible investment.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Display Technology & Quality: The screen is your primary interface. Look beyond just resolution. Is it an LCD or OLED? OLED screens, like the one in this iPad Pro, offer perfect blacks and superior contrast. Also consider refresh rate (ProMotion at 120Hz provides buttery-smooth scrolling), colour accuracy (P3 wide colour gamut is essential for creative work), and brightness for outdoor use.
• Processing Power & Performance: The chipset is the heart of the tablet. Don’t just look at core counts; consider the entire system-on-a-chip (SoC) architecture. A chip like the Apple M4 is designed for desktop-class performance, handling tasks from complex spreadsheets to rendering 3D models with ease. The amount of RAM and the speed of the internal storage (SSD) are also critical for smooth multitasking and fast file transfers.
• Ecosystem & App Availability: The hardware is only as good as the software it runs. Apple’s iPadOS has a vast library of apps specifically optimized for the tablet experience, including professional-grade software like Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro. Consider if the apps you rely on daily are available and well-supported on the platform you choose.
• Portability & Build Quality: A pro tablet must be both durable and light. A premium aluminum chassis feels solid and helps with heat dissipation. Pay attention to the thickness and weight, especially if you plan to carry it all day. A thin and light design, as seen in the latest iPad Pro, makes a significant difference in daily use.

Keeping these factors in mind, the Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) 256GB Wi-Fi stands out in several areas. You can explore its detailed specifications here to see how it measures up on paper.

While the Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) 256GB Wi-Fi is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Impossibly Thin, Unbelievably Powerful

Unboxing the Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) 256GB Wi-Fi is a familiar yet refined experience. The packaging is minimalist and precise. But lifting the device out of the box is the first moment of genuine surprise. It is staggeringly thin. At just 5.3mm, it feels less like a computer and more like a pane of futuristic glass. The Space Black finish is deep, matte, and resistant to fingerprints, lending it a serious, professional aesthetic. Holding it, the build quality is immediately apparent—the recycled aluminum enclosure feels rigid and premium, with no flex or creak.

Powering it on for the first time is the second moment of awe. The Ultra Retina XDR display, now using tandem OLED technology, comes to life with a vibrancy and depth that photos cannot capture. The blacks are truly black, making every other colour pop with incredible intensity. Compared to the previous generation’s mini-LED, the contrast is noticeably superior at a pixel-level. Setting it up is effortless, as is typical for an Apple device, especially if you’re already in the ecosystem. The relocation of the front-facing camera to the landscape edge is a long-overdue and brilliant change, instantly making video calls feel more natural, like you’re looking at a laptop screen. My initial impression is that Apple has obsessed over every millimeter and every pixel to create something that feels both impossibly delicate and immensely capable.

A Deep Dive into the iPad Pro M4’s Performance

Beyond the initial impressions lies the true test: how does this device perform under pressure? We spent weeks integrating the Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) 256GB Wi-Fi into every facet of our daily workflow, from creative projects to administrative tasks and entertainment. We pushed it with professional software, high-end games, and demanding multitasking scenarios to see if the M4 chip and new display technology live up to the “Pro” name. The results were, in a word, transformative.

The Ultra Retina XDR Display: A New Standard for Visuals

Apple’s marketing term, “Tandem OLED,” sounds complex, but the real-world result is breathtakingly simple: this is the best display we have ever seen on a portable device. By stacking two OLED panels and combining their light, Apple has achieved a level of full-screen brightness (1000 nits) and peak HDR brightness (1600 nits) that was previously unheard of in this form factor. Working on a photo edit in direct sunlight was not just possible, but comfortable. The specular highlights in HDR video content glisten with a realism that has to be seen to be believed.

For creative professionals, this is a game-changer. We tested it extensively with Lightroom, and the colour accuracy and contrast are flawless. The P3 wide colour gamut ensures what you see is what you get, and the perfect black levels allow you to judge shadows and exposure with pinpoint precision. One user, a professional videographer, noted that the display’s fidelity is “ideal for photo- and video-work,” a sentiment we wholeheartedly agree with. The 120Hz ProMotion technology isn’t just for smooth scrolling; it’s critical for artists using the Apple Pencil Pro, as it reduces latency to an imperceptible level, making it feel like you’re drawing on paper. For gamers, the experience is equally sublime. As another user highlighted, the “smooth 120 frames per second (FPS) ensures ultra-fluid gameplay, reducing motion blur and providing a competitive edge.” Playing demanding titles, the responsiveness and clarity were simply on another level.

M4 Power: More Than You Need Today, Perfect for Tomorrow

The M4 chip is the engine driving this entire experience, and it is an absolute monster. In our testing, the Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) 256GB Wi-Fi never once hesitated, no matter what we threw at it. We scrubbed through multiple 4K ProRes video timelines in Final Cut Pro, a task that would challenge many laptops, and the playback was perfectly smooth. We layered dozens of tracks with complex effects in Logic Pro, and it didn’t drop a beat. This raw power was confirmed by a power user who was “honestly impressed” that the performance in video editing “comes close to my PC with a Radeon 7900 XT.” That is a staggering accomplishment for a device this thin.

Many have asked if this much power is overkill. It’s a fair question, and as one owner astutely observed, “the few will truly use the power.” For simple tasks like browsing and email, you won’t notice the difference between an M4 and an older chip. However, Apple is playing the long game here. The M4 features a next-generation Neural Engine that is significantly faster, designed explicitly for the AI-powered features coming in future versions of iPadOS. As that same user noted, it doesn’t hurt “to have reserves, because apps will follow that also need corresponding AI computing power!” Buying the M4 iPad Pro isn’t just about incredible performance today; it’s about future-proofing your investment for the next wave of intelligent software. If you are a professional whose time is money, or an enthusiast who demands the best, the M4’s headroom is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. We found the sheer speed, from app launch times to export speeds, tangibly improved our productivity, and for those who demand the best, this level of performance is worth the investment.

Redefined Design and Pro Ecosystem

The new, impossibly thin chassis is more than just an aesthetic choice; it fundamentally changes how you interact with the device. The 11-inch model is incredibly comfortable to hold for extended periods, making it a better e-reader or note-taking device than ever before. The relocation of the front camera to the landscape edge is a small change with a massive impact. Every video call we took felt more professional and engaging. Paired with Centre Stage, which automatically keeps you in frame, and the studio-quality microphones, the iPad Pro is now a top-tier video conferencing tool.

The “Pro” experience is completed by the accessories (sold separately). The new Magic Keyboard is lighter and now includes a function row, adding laptop-like convenience. The Apple Pencil Pro introduces new gestures like “squeeze” and “barrel roll,” providing artists with more intuitive control over their tools without ever lifting the pencil from the screen. These accessories, combined with an ever-growing suite of professional apps on iPadOS, are what elevate the Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) 256GB Wi-Fi from a simple tablet to a versatile modular computer. While some professional workflows may still require a traditional desktop OS, we found that with Stage Manager for improved multitasking and the power of the M4, the iPad Pro is closer than ever to being a full Mac replacement for a wide range of users.

What Other Users Are Saying

Looking at feedback from a range of buyers, the sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, mirroring our own findings. Users consistently praise the two standout features: the M4 chip’s blistering speed and the gorgeous new OLED display. One creative professional who uses the iPad for Lightroom and video editing stated they were “honestly impressed” and that “everything runs smoothly, even complex 4K projects are no problem.” This aligns perfectly with our stress tests in Final Cut Pro.

Gamers are equally enthusiastic, with one user calling the 120Hz OLED display a “treat for gamers seeking top-tier performance.” Several long-time iPad users upgrading from older models, such as the 2021 Pro, noted the “first-class” build quality and pointed to FaceID and the superior screen as key reasons for choosing the Pro model over the Air. There is a recurring discussion about whether the immense power is truly necessary for the average person, with a consensus forming that it provides valuable “reserves” for future AI-driven applications. The primary reservation mentioned is the high price, which is acknowledged as a significant barrier, but many who took the plunge feel the performance and quality justify the cost.

How Does It Compare? Alternatives to the iPad Pro M4

While the Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) 256GB Wi-Fi is a frontrunner in the high-performance tablet market, it’s important to consider its closest competitors and alternatives that cater to different needs and budgets.

1. Apple iPad Pro 13-inch (M4) 256GB Wi-Fi

The most direct alternative is the iPad Pro’s larger sibling. The 13-inch model contains the exact same M4 chip, display technology, and feature set. The only difference is the screen size and, consequently, the physical footprint and weight. The choice between the 11-inch and 13-inch comes down entirely to personal preference for portability versus screen real estate. Creatives who need a larger canvas for drawing or video editing might prefer the 13-inch model’s more expansive view. However, for those who prioritize portability and one-handed use, the 11-inch model we reviewed strikes the perfect balance.

2. Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 64GB Tablet Graphite

At the other end of the spectrum is the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+. This is not a direct competitor in terms of performance but is an excellent alternative for users with vastly different needs. The Tab A9+ is a budget-friendly Android tablet designed for media consumption, light productivity, and web browsing. It offers a large display and capable sound for watching movies and playing casual games. For families, students, or anyone who doesn’t require the immense power of the M4 chip for professional creative work, the Tab A9+ provides solid core functionality at a fraction of the iPad Pro’s price.

3. Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 64GB Tablet

Similar to the A9+, the standard Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 offers an even more compact and affordable entry into the tablet world. It’s designed for ultimate portability and is best suited for tasks like reading e-books, social media, and streaming video on the go. Its performance and feature set are modest compared to the iPad Pro, which is to be expected given the significant price difference. This tablet is an ideal choice for a secondary device or for a user whose needs are focused purely on entertainment and light communication, rather than content creation or demanding productivity.

Final Verdict: A New Era for Professional Tablets

After extensive testing, it’s clear that the Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) 256GB Wi-Fi isn’t just an incremental update; it’s a monumental leap forward. The combination of its impossibly thin and light design, the jaw-dropping Tandem OLED display, and the frankly absurd power of the M4 chip creates a device that feels like it’s from the future. For creative professionals, digital artists, videographers, and power users who need desktop-class performance in a device they can take anywhere, there is simply nothing else on the market that can compete at this level.

However, this power comes at a steep price. For casual users who stick to web browsing, streaming, and light gaming, this device is certainly overkill. But for its target audience—those who will leverage its power to create, design, and produce—the investment can be easily justified by the gains in productivity and capability. It is the new benchmark, a testament to what is possible when hardware and software are engineered in perfect harmony.

If you’ve decided the Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) 256GB Wi-Fi is the right fit for your demanding workflow, you can check its current price and purchase it here.