The Pros and Cons of iPad Pro 11 M5 (2025)

Apple has once again launched the iPad Pro Series in 2025 with two screen sizes, 11 inches and 13 inches. Both come with exciting upgrades, especially the powerful Apple M5 chip. Apple seems more serious than ever about turning its iPad Pro line into a true laptop replacement, even for the compact 11-inch version!

The iPad Pro 11 M5 (2025) is perfect for those who prefer a smaller, easier-to-carry tablet. Aside from the size, it has got the same features as the 13-inch model. Here are the main pros and cons of the tablet.

Pros of iPad Pro 11 M5 (2025)

The iPad Pro 11 M5 (2025) starts at around US$900, which places it in the premium category. The price may sound high, but the features and performance make it worth considering. Here are some of them.

1. Strong Performance with the Apple M5 Chip

The iPad Pro 11 M5 (2025) runs on Apple’s new M5 chip, which replaces the M4 used in the previous year’s iPad Pro 11 (2024). The chip still uses 3 nm technology for better power efficiency and strong overall performance.

Apple continues its pattern of releasing two chip versions for this model. The 256 GB and 512 GB variants use a 9-core CPU, with 3 performance cores and 6 efficiency cores, paired with 12 GB of RAM. The 1 TB and 2 TB versions have a 10-core CPU with 4 performance cores and 6 efficiency cores, along with 16 GB of RAM.

The M5 chip delivers high performance and faster speed. It makes the iPad Pro 11 M5 (2025) reliable for demanding computing tasks or gaming. One highlight is its Neural Accelerator in the GPU, which boosts processing speed significantly.

Andrew Marc David compared the Apple M5 to the M4 using GeekBench 6. The M4 scored 3,658 (single-core) and 14,618 (multi-core), while the M5 reached 3,711 (single-core) and 16,279 (multi-core).

For AI performance, the M5 also showed better results. In Geekbench AI (NPU) tests, the M4 scored 4,920 (Single precision), 8,007 (Half precision), and 6,391 (Quantized). The M5 scored 5,231, 8,534, and 6,770 respectively.

2. iOS 26 with Improved Multitasking

At launch, the iPad Pro 11 M5 (2025) already runs iOS 26. One of the main highlights is the new Liquid Glass feature that was first introduced in the iPhone 17 Series. On the iPad, Apple adds an exclusive multi-window system that lets users open and run multiple apps at once.

This new multitasking setup feels smoother and easier to control. Users can move app windows freely, resize them, or arrange them side by side for a better workflow.

Another addition is the new Menu Bar that stores apps for quicker access. Its design looks similar to macOS or Windows, but it gives more flexibility and customization.

The iPad Pro 11 M5 (2025) also supports Live Translation with AirPods Pro 3, Genmoji, and various shortcuts powered by Apple Intelligence. These features show how much smarter Apple’s ecosystem has become to help users work and communicate more efficiently.

3. Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil Pro Accessories

For the iPad Pro 11 M5 (2025), the fact that its accessories remain unchanged is actually good news! Apple has confirmed that this model is still fully compatible with the Apple Pencil, Magic Keyboard, and other accessories from the previous generation, including third-party ones.

This decision is appreciated by consumers and existing iPad Pro users because they don’t need to buy new accessories. With the iPad already priced quite high, it’s nice to know that the old Apple Pencil Pro or Magic Keyboard can still work perfectly on the new iPad Pro 11 M5 (2025).

Accessories from the iPad Pro 11 M4 (2024) are still impressive. The Magic Keyboard features a spacious trackpad, durable aluminium build, and even gives haptic feedback for a smoother typing experience.

The Apple Pencil Pro allows users to take notes, mark documents, and draw with more precision. The squeeze function lets users change color, adjust line thickness, or switch tools quickly. It also includes a gyro sensor that improves brush control accuracy during creative work.

4. Supports WiFi 7 and 5G Connectivity

The iPad Pro 11 M5 (2025) comes with complete and advanced connectivity. It supports WiFi 7, which gives lower latency and smoother performance. The Apple N1 wireless chip keeps the connection fast and stable without using cables. Bluetooth has been updated to version 6.0, the newest standard at the time of release.

In addition to WiFi, the iPad Pro 11 M5 (2025) also supports 5G. This model is a bit more expensive, but its ability to connect to the internet quickly and reliably anywhere makes it worth considering.

The slim body includes a USB-C port that supports Thunderbolt 3. The transfer speed can reach up to 40 Gbps, making it easy to send large files such as 3D renders, video projects, or high-resolution images in a short time.

5. More Compact Tandem OLED Display

Apple released the iPad Pro M5 (2025) in two sizes; 11 inches and 13 inches. As the name says, the iPad Pro 11 M5 (2025) comes with an 11-inch display that feels more compact and easier to handle than the 13-inch model. Although it’s smaller, the screen still feels wide enough compared to a smartphone.

Some users prefer this size because it’s easier to use with one hand. Playing games also feels more comfortable since the device is lighter and easier to grip. The screen quality is exactly the same as the 13-inch version, so you won’t miss out on anything.

The iPad Pro 11 M5 (2025) still uses the Ultra Retina XDR Tandem OLED panel from the previous generation. The resolution is 2064 x 2752 pixels, which looks even sharper with its smaller display.

This Tandem OLED panel uses two organic layers that produce light. Each layer works efficiently with low power, helping the screen stay bright while lasting longer than regular OLED panels.

The brightness can reach 1600 nits at its peak. The screen also has an anti-reflective coating that reduces glare and an oleophobic coating that keeps away fingerprints. It stays clear even when used outdoors under bright light.

The display also supports P3 wide color for richer tones and more accurate color reproduction. The True Tone feature adjusts the white balance based on your surroundings to make it easier on the eyes.

Scrolling and animations feel smooth with an adaptive refresh rate that can move between 10 Hz and 120 Hz. Apple calls this feature ProMotion, and it’s also found in the iPhone 17 Series.

6. Loud Quad Stereo Speakers

The iPad Pro 11 M5 (2025) has strong and clear speakers that make watching movies or playing games feel more immersive. There are four speaker holes placed on both short sides of the device to produce rich and balanced sound.

In portrait mode, the lower speakers handle the bass while the upper ones focus on the high notes. This setup gives a nice balance between deep and crisp sounds. However, Apple doesn’t officially mention Dolby Atmos support on this model.

The tablet also records sound well. It has four microphones that capture clear stereo audio whether you’re using it in portrait or landscape mode.

These microphones support audio zoom, a feature that focuses on the subject when you zoom in while recording. It helps reduce background noise so the recorded sound feels more natural and focused.

7. Longer Battery Life with Faster Charging

The iPad Pro 11 M5 (2025) has an 8160 mAh battery. This is slightly smaller than the iPad Pro 13 M5 (2025), which has a 10,290 mAh battery. Even so, the battery life is still quite good for a tablet.

Apple claims that the iPad Pro 11 M5 (2025) can last up to 10 hours when used for browsing or watching videos on WiFi. When using a 5G connection, it can last around 9 hours.

NoteBookCheck also tested its battery by browsing the internet. With WiFi and automatic brightness, the tablet lasted about 13 hours and 25 minutes. At maximum brightness, it managed to run for around 8 hours and 11 minutes.

The iPad Pro 11 M5 (2025) also supports fast charging. Apple claims the tablet can reach 50 percent in only 30 minutes, which helps save time when you need to recharge quickly.

8. Premium Design with Thin Body

With its smaller screen, the iPad Pro 11 M5 (2025) feels more compact and easier to handle. It’s comfortable to hold for daily use and doesn’t feel bulky at all. The design looks almost the same as the previous generation, so it carries the same build quality as the iPad Pro 11 M4 (2024).

The tablet is extremely thin at just 5.3 mm, even thinner than the iPhone Air which measures 5.6 mm. The WiFi model weighs 444 grams, while the 5G version is slightly heavier at 446 grams. Despite its slim size, it still feels solid and well-built.

For the materials used, the iPad Pro 11 M5 (2025) consistently uses aluminum on its rear body. The edges are flat for a stronger grip, with smooth and rounded corners.

The finish is matte with a soft texture to the touch. Most importantly, it doesn't easily leave fingerprint smudges, so the body still looks clean and stylish. There are two color options available; Silver and Cosmic Black.

Cons of iPad Pro 11 M5 (2025)

Although it is a premium tablet, there are still some things to consider. Here are the drawbacks of the iPad Pro 11 M5 (2025) that you might want to keep in mind.

1. No Improvement in the Camera Sector

Overall, the camera quality of the iPad Pro 11 M5 (2025) is still among the best for a tablet. The use of an ultrawide lens on the front is very suitable because it provides a wider viewing angle. Video calls can even be more fun since you can fit more people in one frame.

The front camera also has a feature called Centre Stage. This feature keeps your face in the center of the frame even when you move away, get closer, or shift to the side. It also works when another person enters the frame.

However, the camera setup and performance remain the same as the previous generation. There is still no ultrawide lens on the back. In fact, the two previous generations of iPad Pro (2022) already had this wide-angle rear lens.

On the back, the iPad Pro 11 M5 (2025) only uses two sensors, the main camera and a depth sensor. The quality is good enough for a tablet, but it still cannot replace the camera on a smartphone.

2. No Water Resistance

In terms of durability, Apple still cannot compete with Samsung in the tablet market. The iPad Pro 11 M5 (2025) doesn't have any water resistance certification. Meanwhile, some Samsung tablets already include this feature even in lower price ranges.

Because of that, users need to be more careful when using the iPad Pro 11 M5 (2025). The device may still be at risk if it gets splashed by water during work or daily use. Hopefully, Apple will improve this aspect in the next generation.

Conclusion

The iPad Pro Series remains one of the best tablet lines on the market. The iPad Pro 11 M5 (2025), with its more compact screen, feels comfortable to use for a long time. It still has the same power and features as the larger iPad Pro 13 M5 (2025), even with a noticeable price difference.

Powered by the Apple M5 chip, the iPad Pro 11 M5 (2025) runs smoothly for multitasking and productivity. It also supports iOS 26 with Apple Intelligence. Despite its smaller size, it can still handle many PC or laptop tasks efficiently. The display and sound quality also provide a great experience for work or entertainment.

The battery capacity is slightly smaller, but it is still durable enough for daily use. Considering the performance and features, the iPad Pro 11 M5 (2025) remains a solid choice for those who prefer a smaller and lighter tablet.