Welcome back to our tech corner! Today, we’re taking a closer look at a device that has stirred quite a buzz in the tech community: the iPad Pro with the M1 chip. Launched back in 2021, this model was a game-changer as Apple integrated its powerful Mac chip into a tablet, blurring the lines between laptops and tablets. Fast forward to 2025, and the question arises: how does the M1 iPad Pro hold up after four years? Is it still a worthy investment, or should potential buyers look elsewhere? Let’s dive in!
Design and Build Quality
The iPad Pro M1 retains its classic design, featuring a sleek aluminum body that still feels premium in hand. Available in silver and space gray, it maintains an aesthetic appeal that has aged gracefully. The bezels are not the thinnest on the market, but their presence allows for a comfortable grip without the fear of accidental screen touches. We’re focusing on the 11-inch model, which weighs approximately 470 grams, making it lightweight and portable.
Despite evolving design trends, the build quality remains impressive. While newer tablets may feature slimmer bezels, the M1 iPad Pro still holds its ground with a solid and premium feel. It also comes equipped with a USB-C port featuring Thunderbolt, which is still invaluable for connecting drives or external displays. However, users should note that the absence of a headphone jack remains unchanged.
Display Features
The 11-inch iPad Pro boasts a Liquid Retina display that is sharp, vibrant, and bright enough for most scenarios. One of the standout features is the 120Hz ProMotion technology, which enhances scrolling and drawing experiences. Once you experience ProMotion, it’s hard to go back to standard refresh rates.
However, it’s important to point out that the 11-inch model did not receive the advanced mini-LED screen that the larger 12.9-inch version had back in 2021. As a result, when compared to newer iPads or smartphones boasting OLED screens, the blacks aren’t as deep, and the overall contrast lacks the wow factor. Nonetheless, it remains a fantastic display for general use.
Performance Analysis
Let’s talk about performance, where the M1 chip truly shines. Even in 2025, the M1 remains impressively fast. Whether you’re browsing, checking emails, or multitasking with apps like Stage Manager, the device performs seamlessly. It even tackles photo editing and creative tasks, such as video editing in LumaFusion or drawing in Procreate, with remarkable ease.
While newer M2, M3, and M4 chips are available, the M1 chip is far from obsolete. It handles most games efficiently, making it a versatile device for gaming enthusiasts as well. A common sentiment among users is that iPadOS sometimes doesn’t fully harness the M1’s potential, leaving some hardware capabilities untapped.
Software Support and Features
Good news for current M1 iPad Pro owners: this device supports the latest iPadOS 18.4, which brings a host of new features, including Apple Intelligence. This integration adds smart writing tools, enhanced image processing, and a more efficient Siri, which collectively breathe new life into the older hardware, keeping it relevant in 2025.
Battery Life Considerations
Battery life is always a crucial aspect when evaluating older devices. Initially, the battery performance was commendable. However, as with all devices, battery degradation over four years is a reality. User experiences vary; some claim their M1 iPad Pro still performs well, while others report diminished battery life.
In our testing, the battery life was adequate for a typical day’s use, but it may not last all day as it once did. If you’re considering a used model, this is an important factor to keep in mind.
Camera and Multimedia Capabilities
The camera setup includes a wide and ultra-wide lens on the back, along with LiDAR technology. While these cameras are suitable for scanning documents or quick snapshots, mobile phone cameras have significantly improved, often outperforming the iPad in this department. The front camera, equipped with Center Stage, remains a highlight for video calls, automatically keeping you in frame—an incredibly useful feature.
Overall, the iPad Pro M1 is still a versatile device, ideal for media consumption, note-taking with the Apple Pencil, or as a portable writing machine when paired with a Magic Keyboard.
Evaluating the Downsides
In 2025, there are a few downsides to consider before purchasing the M1 iPad Pro:
- Battery Life: Used models can have unpredictable battery performance.
- Display Technology: The screen, while good, is not the latest compared to mini-LED or OLED displays.
- Software Limitations: iPadOS may not fully utilize the M1’s capabilities.
- Pricing: Ensure the price of a used model makes sense compared to newer non-Pro iPads.
Conclusion
So, is the iPad Pro M1 from 2021 still worth it in 2025? Absolutely! The M1 chip continues to deliver exceptional performance, making it a viable option for creatives, students, and anyone needing a powerful tablet without splurging on the latest model. The build quality remains stellar, and the latest software updates enhance its longevity. If you can find a used M1 iPad Pro in good condition at the right price, it could be a fantastic investment. For those who already own one, an upgrade might not be necessary unless you require the newest features or improved performance. Good hardware combined with ongoing software support truly stands the test of time!
Credit: TECH TITANS
