I’ve been using the new 13-inch iPad Pro for a few weeks now, mainly for creative work, binge-watching, and occasional productivity. This isn’t just a regular tablet — it genuinely feels like a mini laptop in many ways. If you’re wondering whether this iPad Pro is worth it, here’s my take from daily usage.
Design & First Impressions
When I first unboxed it, I was immediately struck by how thin and light it is. Apple has really pushed design here — the 13-inch model is just 5.1 mm thin and incredibly sleek. It’s easy to hold, very premium in hand, and the build quality is, as expected, top-notch.
It feels futuristic — almost too thin to be real at first.
Key Specifications (Hardware)
- Display: 13-inch Ultra Retina XDR (Tandem OLED) – 2752 x 2064 resolution
- Processor: Apple M4 chip – extremely fast, handles any task with ease
- RAM: Varies by model – starts from 8GB (up to 16GB in higher storage models)
- Storage Options: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB
- Camera:
- Rear: 12MP main camera with LiDAR Scanner
- Front: 12MP Ultra Wide with Center Stage (now moved to landscape position)
- Battery Life: Up to 10 hours of mixed usage
- Ports: USB-C with Thunderbolt (supports external drives, 4K displays, etc.)
- Operating System: iPadOS 17 (soon to be 18)
Real Life Usage – What I Did With It
1. For Work & Productivity
I paired it with the Magic Keyboard, and honestly — it feels very close to using a MacBook. I use it for:
- Writing, note-taking, planning
- Browsing with multiple tabs
- Using apps like Notion, Canva, Google Docs
The multitasking on iPadOS has improved a lot. Stage Manager lets me use multiple windows at once. It’s not full macOS, but for many users — it’s more than enough.
2. For Media & Entertainment
Watching movies on this iPad is a next-level experience. The OLED screen is gorgeous — deep blacks, bright colours, and great viewing angles. I watched a few movies on Netflix and Hotstar — it felt like I was carrying a mini theatre.
The quad speakers are loud and clear. Easily one of the best sound systems on any tablet.
3. For Creative Work
I tried sketching and photo editing with the Apple Pencil Pro (sold separately). The pressure sensitivity, response time, and hover features are brilliant.
Apps like Procreate, Lightroom, and Affinity Photo run super smoothly. This is where the M4 chip really shows its strength — no lag at all, even with large files.
What I Loved
- Insanely powerful M4 chip – faster than many laptops
- Best-in-class display – perfect for editing, watching, reading
- Build is thin, light, and premium
- Great sound with quad speakers
- Battery lasts the whole day with moderate use
- Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil integration is seamless
- Face ID is fast and secure
What Could Be Better
- Very expensive, especially with accessories like keyboard and pencil
- iPadOS still limits “full laptop” experience (some pro desktop apps missing)
- No headphone jack
- Storage upgrades are pricey
- Back camera is decent but not amazing for the price
Who Should Buy It
- Creative professionals – designers, video editors, illustrators
- Students and digital note-takers
- People who want portability + power + luxury in one device
- Existing Apple users looking to upgrade their iPad experience
Final Verdict – Is It Worth It?
If you’re looking for the best tablet experience possible, the 13-inch iPad Pro delivers. It’s not cheap, but if you’re someone who values top performance, display quality, and portability, it’s a solid investment.
For casual users, the iPad Air or iPad 10th gen might make more sense cost-wise. But if you want power, style, and future-proofing — this is the best iPad Apple has ever made.