Apple iPad Pro 13" M5 vs Apple iPad (2025) A16 128GB

Buy the iPad Pro 13-inch M5 if you draw, edit video, or run heavy multitasking and want the best tablet screen made. Buy the iPad (2025) A16 if you mainly stream, browse, take notes, and want a light tablet that lasts years. The Pro wins on display, chip, RAM, speakers, and Thunderbolt speed; the base iPad wins on weight, battery endurance in real use, and simplicity. Owners of the Pro praise the OLED screen and M5 speed but note it is heavy and needs accessories to be a laptop; base iPad owners call it the best value tablet and rarely complain beyond the 60Hz screen and slower USB-C.

• Choose the iPad Pro 13-inch M5 if you want a 13-inch tandem OLED screen, desktop-class M5 performance, 12GB RAM, and Thunderbolt for creative or professional work.
• Choose the iPad (2025) A16 if you want a light, simple iPad for streaming, notes, email, and light apps at the lowest cost of entry.