Apple iPad Pro 13" (M5)

The iPad Pro 13" with M5 is Apple's largest and most expensive tablet. It is aimed at users who genuinely need the extra workspace – for photo editing, layout, music production, or as a laptop substitute. The 13-inch tandem OLED is currently the best display in a tablet and makes a significant difference in photo and video work. The 1 TB variant features 16 GB of RAM instead of 12 GB. The entry price starts at €1,449.

Classification and Target Audience

The 13-inch version is worthwhile wherever space translates directly into productivity: two apps side by side, timelines in video editing, large-scale drawings. However, for mobile use on a train or on the couch, the device is too large and weighs 575 grams, making it cumbersome. Those who do not require the extra space would be better off with the 11-inch model – saving €350.

Display and Case

The Ultra Retina XDR display measures 13 inches and has a resolution of 2,752 x 2,064 pixels at 264 ppi. As with the smaller model, the tandem OLED technology provides true black, 1,600 nits HDR peak brightness, and ProMotion with 120 Hz. The case measures 281.8 x 215.5 x 5.1 mm at 575 grams – it is noticeable when held in hand, but unproblematic on a desk or in a keyboard case.

Performance and Hardware

The M5 performs well even with multiple parallel 4K tracks without slowdown. The RAM is 12 GB, increasing to 16 GB for the 1 TB version; storage goes up to 2 TB. Thunderbolt 5 and DisplayPort directly connect external monitors and storage, while WiFi 7 ensures fast network connectivity. Apple claims around 13 hours of battery life on Wi-Fi.

Productivity and Accessories

When combined with the right accessories, the device replaces a laptop for many tasks:

• Pencil: Apple Pencil Pro, alternatively Apple Pencil USB-C.
• Keyboard: Magic Keyboard with trackpad – only then does the iPad Pro become a laptop substitute.
• Desktop mode: Stage Manager, Split View, and Slide Over.
• Connection: Thunderbolt 5 with DisplayPort for external displays.

Accessories are consistently expensive and not included in the package, and a power adapter is also missing.

Software Status

Here, iPadOS runs with full Apple Intelligence support. The Stage Manager implementation lags behind real desktop systems – those expecting traditional window management and unrestricted file access will notice this particularly on the 13 inches.

Conclusion and Value for Money

Prices are €1,449 (256 GB), €1,699 (512 GB), €2,199 (1 TB), and €2,699 (2 TB) in the Wi-Fi variant; with cellular, the 1 TB version costs €2,429 (retail price for the base version around €1,139, as of July 2026). For those who use the device productively, the premium over the 11-inch version is justified. However, for pure media consumption, the size and price are not in a sensible ratio.