Apple’s new M5-based lineup has created one of the biggest debates among tech enthusiasts in 2025—should you get the M5 iPad Pro or the M5 MacBook Pro? Both come with Apple’s new M5 chip, offering amazing AI performance, improved memory bandwidth, and stunning efficiency. But they are geared towards different types of buyers. If you’re having trouble choosing between these two, this comprehensive comparison will guide you to the correct purchase between M5 iPad Pro vs M5 MacBook Pro.
Apple M5 Chip: The Central Processor of Both Gadgets
Before we look at the differences, let’s discuss what these two machines have in common—Apple’s new M5 chip. The chip is Apple Silicon’s fifth generation and provides up to 3.5 times the AI performance of the M4 and a 6× boost over the first M1. With a faster Neural Engine, the M5 chip speeds up everything from real-time video processing to machine learning usage.
The M5 also increases memory bandwidth to 153 GB/s, which offers silky-smooth multitasking and quicker processing of creative, productivity, and AI-based tasks. In short, whether you opt for the iPad Pro or the MacBook Pro, you’re going to enjoy the same pure Apple Silicon power—just in two quite distinct flavors.
Design and Portability—Thin vs Classic
iPad Pro (M5)
Apple has pushed thinness further. The M5 iPad Pro is one of the thinnest tablets ever created, with an ultra-light body and sleek edges. Its minimalist construction not only looks premium but is also ideal for travel and enough for students, artists, and professionals on the go. It can become a laptop-like workstation with the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil, but the accessories are an added expense.
MacBook Pro (M5)
Conversely, the M5 MacBook Pro keeps its traditional appearance, famous for durability and beauty. It is a little heavier than the iPad, but in exchange, it packs more ports, a bigger battery, and an outstanding keyboard-trackpad combination. The MacBook’s unibody aluminum construction continues to feel every bit as high-end as before, keeping its professional edge.
If portability and flexibility matter the most, then the iPad Pro is a clear winner. But as a good, solid, all-around computing solution, it is difficult to beat the MacBook Pro.
Display and Multimedia Experience
Both computers have excellent displays, but they are slightly different in their target audience.
- iPad Pro (M5) includes Apple’s Liquid Retina XDR display with a ProMotion 120 Hz refresh rate. Artists and designers will appreciate its pencil responsiveness, brightness, and color accuracy.
- MacBook Pro (M5) repeats its mini-LED Liquid Retina XDR display, offering stunning brightness and reality-like colors—ideal for photographers, video editors, and film specialists.
Touch and interaction-wise, the iPad Pro certainly excels, owing to Apple Pencil support as well as a touchscreen interface. However, for regular editing or typing, the MacBook’s bigger screen and physical keyboard are more convenient.
Performance and Productivity
The M5 chip makes both devices lightning quick, but how you leverage that speed is very different.
- On the iPad Pro, the M5 chip is complemented with up to 12 GB of RAM and 2 TB of storage. It can easily handle 4K video editing, Procreate drawings, and multitasking. Still, iPadOS continues to limit access to full desktop-class software. Apps such as Final Cut Pro for iPad and Logic Pro are optimized but not quite the same as their macOS counterparts.
- On the MacBook Pro, the same M5 chip powers full-fledged macOS apps. Whether it’s Xcode for coders, DaVinci Resolve for editors, or MATLAB for engineers, the MacBook Pro provides a desktop-caliber environment with limitless multitasking and software freedom.
If your workflow consists of desktop-grade tools, coding, or extensive video production, the MacBook Pro (M5) is obviously more powerful. But for creative, light, and mobile work, the iPad Pro (M5) offers greater liberty.
Battery Life and Connectivity
Apple’s game of efficiency is unparalleled, and both products get the benefit of the M5’s power-management system.
- MacBook Pro (M5) offers up to 24 hours of battery life—one of the longest-lasting laptops on sale.
- iPad Pro (M5) performs for about 10–12 hours, which is still quite remarkable for a tablet that thin.
They both have Wi-Fi 7, quicker SSDs, and new modems to improve connectivity at lightning speed. iPad Pro gets charged faster—up to 50% in just 35 minutes—but MacBook Pro makes up for that with its battery life.
Price and Value for Money
Price is usually the deciding factor when it comes to purchasing something.
- The M5 iPad Pro begins at ₹2,29,900 in India. Throw in the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil, and it easily crosses ₹2.7 lakh.
- The M5 MacBook Pro begins at ₹1,69,900, a full computing solution out of the box.
While the iPad Pro appears less expensive up front, when you include accessories, it can end up costing more than the MacBook. So, for those who need a plug-and-play workstation, the MacBook Pro is the better deal.
Who Should Purchase the M5 iPad Pro
- Creative professionals—illustrators, digital artists, and photographers.
- Students who prefer handwriting notes and flexibility.
- Frequent travelers who appreciate lightweight devices.
- Users who primarily consume media, browse, and work in the cloud.
The iPad Pro’s unparalleled mobility and touch input have made it a darling of designers and creators. Thanks to the M5 chip, it finally closes the gap between laptop and tablet—although iPadOS still has its quirks.
Who Should Buy the M5 MacBook Pro
- Developers, engineers, and video editors who require full desktop software.
- Professionals needing heavy multitasking with a multitude of heavy apps.
- Creators who like physical keyboards and fine control.
- Business users who want reliability, ports, and endurance.
The M5 MacBook Pro is a complete behemoth that has endurance, speed, and professional flexibility in one package. It’s the superior choice for anyone whose workflow relies on macOS or for someone who wants a single device that can do it all.
Final Verdict—M5 iPad Pro vs M5 MacBook Pro
In 2025, the M5 iPad Pro and M5 MacBook Pro represent two poles of Apple’s portable-performance continuum.
- The M5 iPad Pro is for individuals who reside in a touch-first, creative world and desire the lightest, thinnest, most portable powerhouse available.
- The M5 MacBook Pro is for users who require a serious workhorse that can replace a desktop.
If you have a desktop computer already or simply prefer a portable device for work on the go and art, opt for the iPad Pro (M5). But if you only need a single machine to serve all purposes—from 4K video editing to code compilation—the MacBook Pro (M5) is still the greatest all-rounder.
