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Apple iPad Pro 13-inch (M5) vs Apple iPad (2025) A16 128GB Cellular

The iPad Pro 13-inch (M5) is the pick for anyone doing real work on a tablet: drawing, video editing, multitasking, or running desktop-class apps. Its 13-inch display, 12 GB of RAM, M-series chip and 512 GB of storage put it in a different class from the iPad (2025). The iPad (2025) A16 is the better fit for a household tablet: lighter, simpler, and rated 4.7 out of 5 by more than 2,500 owners. Both are Apple tablets with 5G and USB-C, but the Pro is a laptop replacement and the iPad is a media and browsing device.

  • Choose the iPad Pro 13-inch (M5) if you draw, edit video, or want a tablet that can replace a laptop for heavy apps.
  • Choose the iPad (2025) A16 if you mainly stream, browse, read and take notes, and want something light to hand around the house.

Prices

  • Apple iPad Pro 13-inch (M5): $1,399.00 at Amazon (last seen Nov 9)
  • Apple iPad (2025) A16 128GB Cellular: $569.00 at Abt Electronics (last seen Nov 9)
  • Difference: the Apple iPad (2025) A16 128GB Cellular is $830.00 cheaper than the Apple iPad Pro 13-inch (M5) at the latest prices (Nov 9)
Apple
Apple iPad Pro 13-inch (M5) 256GB Wi-Fi + Cellular, Space Black

Apple iPad Pro 13-inch (M5)

Apple iPad Pro 13-inch (M5) 256GB Wi-Fi + Cellular, Space Black

$1,399.00at AmazonChecked 13 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

Pros
  • Large 13-inch high-resolution display suits drawing, editing and split-screen work
  • M-series chip and 12 GB RAM handle demanding apps
  • 512 GB storage leaves room for video and project files
  • Cellular 5G keeps it connected away from Wi-Fi
  • Works with Apple Pencil and keyboard accessories
Cons
  • Heavier at 20.5 oz, awkward to hold one-handed for long
  • Overkill for streaming, email and browsing
  • Fewer apps take advantage of the extra power
Apple
Apple iPad (2025) A16 Chip Wi-Fi + Cellular 128GB

Apple iPad (2025) A16 128GB Cellular

Apple iPad (2025) A16 Chip Wi-Fi + Cellular 128GB

4.7(2,574 ratings)
$569.00at Abt ElectronicsChecked 3 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Abt Electronics

Store links may earn us a commission. Price via Klarna.

Pros
  • Light at 17.0 oz and easy to carry
  • Rated 4.7 out of 5 from over 2,500 owners
  • A16 chip is fast enough for games, video calls and photo editing
  • Fingerprint reader is quick to unlock
  • USB-C and 5G cover charging, accessories and connectivity
Cons
  • 128 GB fills quickly with photos, games and downloads
  • No active digitizer, so no proper stylus support
  • 11-inch 264 ppi screen is a step below the Pro panel
  • Single rear camera limits photography

What separates them

Apple iPad Pro 13-inch (M5)Apple iPad (2025) A16 128GB Cellular
Screen13-inch, 2752 x 2064, high pixel density11-inch, 2360 x 1640, 264 ppi
Chip and RAMM-series chip with 12 GB RAMA16 chip, less RAM
Storage512 GB128 GB
Weight20.5 oz17.0 oz
Stylus supportWorks with Apple Pencil for drawing and note-takingNo active digitizer, so no pressure-sensitive pen
SecurityFace IDFingerprint reader
Cameras12 MP rear and 12 MP frontSingle rear camera, 12 MP front, 4K video
Battery lifeAbout 10 hoursAll-day LiPo battery, similar rating

Price history

$1,614.00$569.00
Nov 3Nov 10
  • Apple iPad Pro 13-inch (M5): lowest $1,399.00 on Nov 9 at Amazon.
  • Apple iPad (2025) A16 128GB Cellular: lowest $569.00 on Nov 7 at Abt Electronics; $569.00 on Nov 10.

Prices at every store

Apple iPad Pro 13-inch (M5)

  • Apple Education StoreNew

    In stock

    $1,799.00Free shippingChecked 13 h ago
    Visit Apple Education Store
  • VerizonNew

    In stockPrice may need a phone plan

    $1,899.72Free shippingChecked 13 h ago
    Visit Verizon
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $1,399.00Free shippingChecked 13 h ago
    Visit Amazon
  • Abt Electronics & AppliancesNew

    Availability unknown

    $1,614.00Checked 13 h ago
    Visit Abt Electronics & Appliances

Also available at

  • Abt ElectronicsCheck price at Abt Electronics
  • AdoramaCheck price at Adorama
  • Best BuyCheck price at Best Buy
All 5 stores and price history →

Apple iPad (2025) A16 128GB Cellular

  • Abt ElectronicsNew

    In stock

    $569.00Free shippingChecked 3 h ago
    Visit Abt Electronics
  • Best BuyNew

    In stock

    $599.00Free shippingChecked 3 h ago
    Visit Best Buy
  • VerizonNew

    In stock

    $599.99Free shippingChecked 3 h ago
    Visit Verizon
  • WalmartNew

    In stockSold by Datavision Computer VideoReturns: Sold by a Walmart Marketplace seller; returns go to the seller under the seller's returns policy.

    $649.00Free shippingChecked 4 h ago
    Visit Walmart

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 5 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecApple iPad Pro 13-inch (M5)Apple iPad (2025) A16 128GB Cellular
Operating SystemiPadOSiPadOS
ColorSpace BlackPink
Screen Size13 in screen11.0
Display Resolution2752 x 2064—
Language / RegionEnglish / United States—
Energy StarYes—
Network Connectivity5G—
Storage512 GB Storage—
Weight20.5 oz—
Battery Life10 hours battery—
Rear Camera Resolution12 MP rear camera—
RAMRAM: 12 GB—
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecApple iPad Pro 13-inch (M5)Apple iPad (2025) A16 128GB Cellular
Front Camera Resolution12 MP front camera—
Connections—USB-C
Active Digitizer (Stylus pen)—No
Bluetooth—Yes
Camera Resolution (front) (MP)—12.0
System on Chip (SoC)—Apple A16
Pixel Density (PPI)—264
Miracast (Screen Mirroring)—No
Keyboard Included—No

What reviewers say

Apple iPad Pro 13-inch (M5)

Owners and reviewers praise the screen, speed and build, and call it the best large tablet available. The recurring complaint is that iPadOS holds back the hardware for professional workflows, and that the size and accessories make it a costly, heavy package.

What people mention
  • DisplayPraisedReviewers call the 13-inch OLED screen bright, sharp and excellent for HDR video and drawing.
  • PerformancePraisedOwners say the M5 chip and 12 GB of RAM handle editing and multitasking without slowdown.
  • SoftwareCriticisedReviewers say iPadOS still restricts multitasking and pro apps compared with a Mac.
  • Size and weightMixedThe big screen is loved for work, but owners find it heavy to hold and bulky with a keyboard.

Apple iPad (2025) A16 128GB Cellular

  • 4.7 / 52,574 ratings

Owners rate the 2025 base iPad highly, at 4.7 out of 5 from 2,574 ratings. Most praise its speed for everyday tasks, the bigger 128GB storage and reliable battery life. Complaints center on the non-laminated display, the price of the cellular version and accessories sold separately.

What people mention
  • PerformancePraisedOwners say the A16 keeps iPadOS 18 responsive with several apps open.
  • BatteryPraisedReviewers report roughly a full day of streaming and browsing per charge.
  • DisplayMixedThe screen is sharp and bright, but the gap under the glass and glare draw complaints.

Questions and answers

Which is better for drawing and note-taking?
The iPad Pro 13-inch. It supports an active stylus with pressure sensitivity and has a larger, sharper screen. The iPad (2025) has no active digitizer, so a pen is fine for basic tapping but not for serious sketching.
Is the iPad Pro worth stepping up to from the iPad?
Yes if you edit video, run heavy apps, or want a laptop replacement. For streaming, browsing and light games, the iPad (2025) covers it and is easier to hold.
Which lasts longer?
Both are rated around 10 hours of use. The Pro's larger battery has more to power, so real-world endurance is similar. The Pro's chip and RAM will stay capable for demanding apps longer.
Do both work with a keyboard?
Yes, both support keyboard accessories over USB-C and Bluetooth. Neither includes a keyboard in the box.
Which is better for travel?
The iPad (2025) at 17.0 oz is lighter and easier to pack. The Pro's 13-inch screen is better for working on the road but adds bulk.
Do both have 5G?
Yes. Both cellular models support 5G, and both charge over USB-C.

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More comparisons

  • Apple iPad Mini (Wi-Fi + Cellular, 64GB) vs Apple iPad Pro 13-inch (M5) 256GB Wi-Fi + Cellular, Space Black
  • Apple iPad Mini (Wi-Fi + Cellular, 64GB) vs Apple iPad (2025) A16 Chip Wi-Fi + Cellular 128GB

Buying guides that pick them

  • Best iPads with Wi-Fi and cellular
Telephoto Camera
—
No
SIM Card—eSIM
NFC—No
No. of Back Cameras—1
Depth (")—0.3
No. of Front Cameras—1
Memory Card Reader—No
Video Resolution (max)—2160p (4K)
Water Resistant—No
Fingerprint Reader—Yes
OS Version—Apple iPadOS 18
Weight (oz)—17.0
Release Year—2025
Mobile Networks—5G
Height (")—7.1
Storage Capacity—128 GB
Battery Technology—LiPo
Screen Resolution—2360x1640
Wi-Fi—Yes
  • StoragePraisedBuyers like that 128GB is now the base, enough for games and offline video.