Apple’s latest iPad Pro iteration featuring the M2 chip represents a notable upgrade from its M1 predecessor. The advancement includes substantial performance improvements, display upgrades, and connectivity features that distinguish the two models. While the M1 iPad Pro delivered impressive capabilities upon its release, the M2 variant pushes boundaries further with its refined architecture and improved processing power. The distinctions between these devices extend beyond mere specifications, affecting real-world applications and user experiences for different types of consumers.
Key information
- M2 iPad Pro offers 18% faster CPU and up to 35% improved GPU performance compared to the M1 model.
- The 12.9-inch M2 model features mini-LED display with 1600 nits peak brightness versus M1’s 600-nit standard LED.
- M2 supports Wi-Fi 6E for faster internet speeds, while M1 has Wi-Fi 6 capability.
- Both models maintain identical physical design, dimensions, and camera hardware specifications.
- M2 includes ProRes encoding/decoding capabilities, significantly reducing export times for video editing and professional tasks.
M2 Ipad Pro Vs M1 Ipad Pro: What Has Changed?

When comparing the M2 iPad Pro with its predecessor, the M1 iPad Pro, several key differences emerge in spite of their similar external appearances. The most significant upgrade is the M2 chip, which delivers an 18% faster CPU and up to 35% improved GPU performance compared to the M1 chip, making it remarkably better for resource-intensive tasks like video editing and gaming.
Display specifications remain consistent across generations, with the 12.9-inch model featuring the premium Liquid Retina XDR display, while both versions maintain ProMotion technology with 120Hz refresh rates. Connectivity sees improvement with the M2 model supporting Wi-Fi 6E, offering faster internet speeds than the M1’s Wi-Fi 6 capability, especially in congested environments. This performance boost comes without sacrificing battery life, as both models provide up to 10 hours of use, though the M2’s efficiency may benefit power users.
Design and Build Quality Comparison

The physical design and build quality of the iPad Pro remain entirely unchanged between the M1 and M2 generations, highlighting Apple’s confidence in their established premium aesthetic. Both iterations feature high-quality aluminum bodies with rounded corners, maintaining the signature sleek profile that iPad Pro users have come to expect.
The dimensions are consistent across generations, with the 12.9-inch model measuring 280.6 × 214.9 × 6.4 mm and the 11-inch variant at 247.6 × 178.5 × 5.9 mm. Weight specifications likewise remain identical, with the larger model weighing approximately 682-684g depending on connectivity options, while the smaller iPad Pro weighs 466-468g. Color options for both the M1 and M2 iPad Pro models are limited to silver and space gray, preserving Apple’s minimalist approach to design.
Display Technology: Mini-Led Vs Standard LED

The M2 iPad Pro’s 12.9-inch model features groundbreaking mini-LED technology that dramatically outperforms the standard LED displays found in all 11-inch iPad Pro models. This technological difference manifests in measurable performance metrics, with the mini-LED Liquid Retina XDR display capable of reaching 1600 nits peak brightness compared to the standard LED’s 600 nits, resulting in superior HDR content reproduction and more accurate color representation. Professional content creators particularly benefit from the mini-LED’s improved local dimming capabilities, which produce deeper blacks and more precise contrast ratios that are crucial for high-end photo editing, video production, and graphic design work.
Brightness and Contrast
Display technology represents one of the most notable differentiators between the 12.9-inch and 11-inch iPad Pro 2022 models. The 12.9-inch version implements mini-LED technology in its Liquid Retina XDR display, delivering superior brightness and contrast compared to the standard LED display found in the 11-inch model.
Feature | 12.9-inch iPad Pro | 11-inch iPad Pro |
---|---|---|
Display Type | Mini-LED Liquid Retina XDR | Standard LED Liquid Retina |
Peak Brightness | Up to 1600 nits | Lower brightness capacity |
Contrast | Superior with deeper blacks | Good but less precise |
Both models incorporate ProMotion technology with 120Hz refresh rates, ensuring smooth visual experiences. Nevertheless, the mini-LED display’s ability to provide more precise local dimming zones creates considerably better contrast ratios, making the larger iPad Pro particularly valuable for professional content creators and consumers of HDR media.
Color Accuracy Comparison
Moving beyond mere brightness metrics, color accuracy stands as a significant distinguishing factor between the display technologies employed in the two iPad Pro models. The 12.9-inch M2 iPad Pro’s mini-LED display with Liquid Retina XDR technology delivers superior kolor reproduction compared to the standard LED panel in the 11-inch model.
The improved dokładność of the mini-LED technology is particularly evident in applications requiring precise color representation. Professional content creators benefit considerably, as the enhanced color fidelity makes the 12.9-inch model ideal for profesjonalne edytowanie video and photo editing workflows. The mini-LED implementation provides more accurate color rendering across the spectrum, with greater precision in shadow details and highlight areas. This technical advantage translates to a more true-to-life visual experience, especially when working with color-critical content that demands exceptional accuracy.
HDR Performance
Dramatic differences emerge when comparing HDR performance between the 12.9-inch and 11-inch iPad Pro models, primarily due to their distinct display technologies. The 12.9-inch M2 iPad Pro features the superior mini-LED Liquid Retina XDR display, delivering markedly improved visual experiences for professional content creators and media consumers.
- The mini-LED technology in the 12.9-inch model achieves peak brightness levels of 1600 nits for HDR content, while the 11-inch model’s standard LED display caps at 600 nits.
- Improved color accuracy and wider color gamut in the Liquid Retina XDR display make it ideal for professional photo and video editing tasks requiring precise color reproduction.
- The superior contrast ratios of mini-LED technology create more defined highlights and deeper blacks, resulting in more realistic and immersive HDR viewing experiences.
M1 Vs M2 Chip: Performance Benchmarks

The M2 chip demonstrates significant advantages over the M1 with an 18% faster CPU and up to 35% greater GPU performance, creating a substantial difference for power users. This superior processing capability becomes particularly evident in benchmark tests where the M2 chip reduces export times by approximately 25% in demanding tasks like video editing and 3D modeling. For professional content creators, the M2’s improved Neural Engine—processing 15.8 trillion operations per second—coupled with dedicated ProRes encoding and decoding capabilities provides a compelling reason to choose the newer iPad Pro model.
Raw Processing Power
When comparing the raw processing capabilities of the M1 and M2 iPad Pro models, considerable performance differences emerge across multiple dimensions. The M2 chip delivers up to 15% faster CPU performance with its improved 8-core architecture, greatly boosting processing power for demanding applications and multitasking workflows. Content creators benefit particularly from the M2’s dedicated ProRes encoding/decoding capabilities, enabling smoother video editing experiences not available on the M1 model.
- The M2’s 10-core GPU provides 35% more graphics efficiency compared to the M1’s 8-core GPU
- Benchmark tests reveal an 18% improvement in multi-core performance, augmenting professional workloads
- The M2’s Neural Engine processes 15.8 trillion operations per second—40% more than the M1—making it considerably more powerful for machine learning tasks
Real-World Application Performance
Beyond theoretical specifications, practical application testing reveals significant performance advantages of the M2 iPad Pro over its M1 predecessor. In real-world scenarios, the M2 czip Apple M demonstrates superior wydajność, reducing podcast export times by approximately 25% (42.65 seconds versus 56.86 seconds on the M1).
The M2 iPad Pro particularly excels in edycja wideo workflows, leveraging its dedicated ProRes encoding/decoding capabilities to provide smoother processing of high-resolution content. While everyday tasks like web browsing perform similarly on both models, the M2’s improved Neural Engine—processing 15.8 trillion operations per second (40% more efficiently than the M1)—substantially elevates machine learning tasks. This performance headroom guarantees the M2 iPad Pro remains capable of handling increasingly demanding applications and future software updates, making it a more future-proof investment for professional content creators.
Battery Life and Power Efficiency

Battery endurance remains consistent between iPad Pro generations, with both M1 and M2 models delivering up to 10 hours of Wi-Fi browsing and 9 hours on cellular networks. The M2 chip introduces subtle efficiency enhancements that primarily benefit users during resource-intensive operations rather than extending overall battery life.
The efficiency improvements manifest in three key ways:
- More effective power distribution during demanding computational tasks
- Improved battery management when running intensive applications simultaneously
- Sustained peak performance under heavy workloads without accelerated battery drain
Professional users will appreciate the M2’s refined power efficiency during prolonged sessions with demanding software, though casual users may not notice significant differences in daily usage. The improvements represent an evolution in performance efficiency rather than a revolution in battery longevity.
Camera Capabilities and Video Recording

The camera systems in both the M1 and M2 iPad Pro models remain consistent in their hardware specifications, featuring identical lens configurations that include a 12MP wide camera paired with a 10MP ultra-wide camera on the rear, plus a 12MP TrueDepth front-facing camera. Both devices utilize Center Stage technology, which automatically keeps subjects centered during video calls.
The key differences emerge in processing capabilities. While the camera hardware is unchanged, the M2 iPad Pro delivers superior image quality through improved image processing. The M2 model furthermore considerably enhances video recording with dedicated ProRes encoding and decoding capabilities. Though both support 4K recording at various frame rates (24, 30, and 60 fps), the M2’s advanced processing power provides better performance for video editing tasks, making it more suitable for professional content creation.
Connectivity Features and Wireless Options

When comparing connectivity options between generations, the M2 iPad Pro delivers a notable advancement with its support for Wi-Fi 6E, while the M1 iPad Pro offers the previous Wi-Fi 6 standard. This upgrade allows the M2 model to operate in less congested frequencies, potentially achieving speeds up to 2 gigabits per second in ideal conditions.
Both iPad Pro generations maintain crucial connectivity features:
- 5G cellular support for reliable high-speed mobile connectivity when users are away from Wi-Fi networks
- USB-C Thunderbolt ports enabling rapid data transfer and connection to external displays and peripherals
- Consistent wireless technology foundations ensuring reliable connectivity across various environments
While the M2 iPad Pro’s Wi-Fi 6E represents a technical improvement, most users may not notice significant performance differences in typical home network scenarios.
Apple Pencil Functionality and Responsiveness

While connectivity features guarantee data flow between devices, the Apple Pencil represents how users directly interact with their iPad Pro’s display. The M2 iPad Pro introduces improved proximity detection for the Apple Pencil, delivering enhanced responsywność during writing and drawing tasks compared to its M1 predecessor.
Both models support Apple Pencil with low latency and maintain core funkcjonalność including pressure sensitivity and tilt detection. Users benefit from ProMotion technology’s 120 Hz refresh rate across both generations, ensuring smooth input visualization. Nevertheless, the M2’s advanced Neural Engine optimizes Apple Pencil performance specifically in applications requiring intensive graphical processing.
Creative professionals may notice the M2 iPad Pro provides a more responsive drawing experience, making subtle improvements to the already impressive Apple Pencil integration found in the M1 model.
Storage Options and Memory Management

The M1 and M2 iPad Pro share identical storage tiers ranging from 128 GB to 2 TB, offering suitable options for various user requirements. Where they differ considerably is in memory management, with the M2 iPad Pro featuring upgraded capabilities for handling resource-intensive applications simultaneously. The M2’s improved swap management and unified memory architecture optimize performance for demanding tasks, providing professionals with more efficient workflows when working with large files or ProRes video recording.
Storage Tiers Remain Identical
Storage configurations across both the M1 and M2 iPad Pro generations maintain complete parity, offering five identical tiers ranging from a 128 GB to 2 TB. This consistency in pamięć options allows users upgrading from the M1 to M2 iPad Pro to maintain their existing storage preferences without adjustment. Both models employ high-performance storage technology, ensuring swift data management for resource-intensive applications.
The storage options cater to diverse user requirements:
- Entry-level 128 GB storage serves casual users with moderate app and media consumption
- Mid-tier 512 GB configuration balances cost with capacity for professionals with moderate media libraries
- Premium 2 TB option delivers ample space for professional content creators working with large video files and complex projects
This identical approach to storage tiers simplifies the comparison between generations, allowing buyers to focus on other differentiating features.
RAM Configuration Differences
Beyond storage capacities, RAM configurations represent a notable area of differentiation between the M1 and M2 iPad Pro models. While both models offer similar RAM allocations, the M2’s architecture delivers superior pamięć management capabilities.
Feature | M1 iPad Pro | M2 iPad Pro |
---|---|---|
RAM Options | Up to 16GB | Up to 16GB |
Memory Bandwidth | Standard | Remarkably increased |
CPU Cores | 8-core | 8-core |
GPU Cores | 8-core | 10-core |
Multitasking Capacity | Good | Improved |
The M2 iPad Pro’s better memory bandwidth allows for faster data processing and better handling of resource-intensive applications. This upgraded wydajność is particularly beneficial for users who frequently multitask or run demanding software. The M2’s architecture efficiently manages RAM resources, enabling smoother operation when multiple applications are running simultaneously, making it the superior choice for professional workflows.
Price Comparison and Value Assessment

When comparing the M2 iPad Pro and M1 iPad Pro models, price evaluations represent a significant factor in the purchasing decision. The M2 iPad Pro commands a premium price over its M1 predecessor, with the 11-inch 1TB Wi-Fi M2 model priced at 7,799 PLN. This price differential reflects the improved wydajność and technological advancements in the newer generation.
For potential buyers evaluating the cena-to-wartość ratio, three key factors to evaluate include:
- Monthly financing options starting at 205 PLN for M2 models, making higher costs more manageable
- Performance advantages of the M2, including ProRes encoding capabilities and faster processing
- Target usage requirements—M1 delivers excellent value for general users, while M2 justifies its premium for professionals utilizing demanding applications
The M1 remains a cost-effective option for standard users, while the M2’s additional features warrant its higher price for specialized professional work.
FAQ
What Is the Difference Between the Ipad Pro M1 and M2?
The iPad Pro M2 offers improved performance benchmarks with a 10-core GPU versus M1’s 8-core, delivering 15% faster CPU and 35% better GPU efficiency. Design changes include Wi-Fi 6E support while maintaining similar pricing differences.
Is It Worth Replacing the Ipad Pro M1 With the M2?
Upgrade considerations suggest the M2 iPad Pro may not justify replacement for most M1 owners. Performance expectations show minimal daily improvements, while user reviews and price comparison indicate better value in waiting. Future-proofing benefits remain limited for average users.
How Much Faster Is the M2 Than the M1 Ipad?
The M2 iPad delivers 18% faster CPU and 35% better GPU performance compared to the M1. Performance benchmarks reveal boosted gaming performance, improved multitasking capabilities, and 40% faster Neural Engine, though real-world benefits depend on software optimization.
How to Tell if an Ipad Is M1 or M2?
Users can identify M1 or M2 iPads by checking the model identifier in Settings > General > About. Design changes overview is minimal, but performance benchmarks analysis reveals M2’s additional GPU cores and Wi-Fi 6E support.
Conclusion
The M2 iPad Pro represents a significant technological advancement over its M1 predecessor, offering substantial performance improvements for professional users. With augmented processing capabilities, superior display technology, and improved connectivity options, the M2 justifies its premium price for content creators and power users. Nevertheless, the M1 iPad Pro remains a compelling option for general consumers who prioritize value while still requiring capable tablet performance.