Apple iPad Pro 13" 13-inch M5 chip Space Black 2025 Review

The new 13-inch iPad Pro with the M5 chip is basically a desktop computer in tablet form. It's got that stunning OLED screen and power to burn, making it feel like the future. But it's still running iPadOS, which means you're stuck in Apple's walled garden for software.

Performance is a monster. The M5 chip puts it in the 94th percentile for both CPU and GPU, so nothing you throw at it will slow it down. Creative apps and games fly. The screen is its star feature, hitting the 98th percentile with incredible brightness and color. The only real letdown is the battery life, which is just average at the 50th percentile. It won't last as long as you'd hope for a device this expensive.

It's hard to call this a good value. Starting around $1200 for just the tablet, it's a huge investment. You get a phenomenal screen and unmatched power in this form factor, but you're paying a massive premium for the Apple logo and design. For most people, it's overkill.

Compared to the Microsoft Surface Pro 11, you get a much better screen and more raw power with the M5, but you lose the flexibility of Windows. The Samsung Tab S10 Ultra has a bigger screen and might be better for media, but its processor isn't as fast. If you need a true laptop replacement for work, the Surface is the better pick. If you live in Apple's ecosystem and want the ultimate creative tablet, this is it.

Buy this if you're a professional artist, designer, or editor who needs a portable powerhouse and loves the Apple Pencil. It's the best creative tablet money can buy. For everyone else, especially if you need to do real business work, a Surface Pro or even a MacBook Air will give you more for your money.