Apple iPad Pro 13" 2024 Review

This renewed iPad Pro packs a 92nd percentile M4 chip and a 91st percentile stunning display for $873. It's a performance powerhouse in a refurbished package. Just know the battery life is average and it lacks 5G.

The renewed 13-inch iPad Pro with the M4 chip is a bit of a paradox. It's one of the fastest tablets we've ever tested, landing in the 92nd percentile for CPU performance, yet it's sold as a refurbished unit with generic accessories. You're getting flagship-tier silicon—a 10-core Apple M4 and a stunning Ultra Retina XDR display—for $873, which is a significant discount over a brand-new model. The trade-off is that you're buying from Amazon's Renewed program, which means the battery is guaranteed to be above 80% capacity and there may be minor cosmetic flaws, but you get a 90-day satisfaction guarantee.

Let's talk about the numbers. The M4 chip in this iPad Pro is a standout. In our benchmarks, it's faster than 92% of all tablets we've tested. That means it'll handle complex art projects, video editing, and multitasking with ease. The screen is also a leader, scoring in the 91st percentile. The 2752x2064 resolution on that 13-inch panel is gorgeous for media and detail work. The GPU performance matches that, also sitting in the 91st percentile, so gaming and rendering are smooth. The weak spots are clear from the data: battery life is about average (49th percentile), and connectivity is a letdown (22nd percentile). This model only has Wi-Fi, and it lacks 5G, which puts it behind many modern tablets.

At $873, this renewed iPad Pro is a compelling value if you prioritize raw performance and screen quality over absolute perfection. You're paying for a top-tier M4 chip and a leading display, but you're accepting a refurbished unit with a battery that isn't brand-new. Compared to a new 13-inch iPad Pro, you're saving hundreds of dollars. The value equation hinges on whether you trust Amazon's Renewed inspection process and their 90-day guarantee.

Against the newer 11-inch iPad Pro with the M5 chip, this M4 model holds its own in CPU and GPU performance, but the M5 will have slightly better efficiency and likely better connectivity options. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+ offers a larger 12.4-inch screen and probably better multi-touch features, but its chip won't match the M4's raw speed. The Microsoft Surface Pro as a Copilot+ PC is a different beast—it's a full Windows laptop replacement with an OLED screen, but it's not a tablet-first device like the iPad. This iPad Pro wins in pure tablet performance and media consumption, but loses in connectivity and battery life compared to some Android rivals.

Skip this if your primary needs are all-day battery life or cellular connectivity. The battery scores in the 49th percentile (about average), and the connectivity is a clear weak spot at 22nd percentile. Business users, who might need longer unplugged sessions or reliable mobile data, should look at tablets with stronger scores in those areas. Also, if you require a pristine, brand-new device with original accessories, this renewed model isn't for you.

If you want the fastest tablet screen and processor available, and you're comfortable with a refurbished unit, this renewed iPad Pro is a fantastic buy. The M4 chip and XDR display are genuine leaders. But if you need all-day battery life, 5G connectivity, or the assurance of a brand-new device, you should look at other options or pay the premium for a new model. The data shows it's exceptional for art, design, and entertainment, but less suited for heavy business use.