Apple M1 Benchmark Shows 50 Percent Improvement In iPad Pro Performance

The first benchmarks of the Apple iPad Pro (2021) show that the new M1 chip increases the tablet’s performance by 50 percent. The processor is on par with the MacBook Air and even outperforms many MacBook Pro models with an Intel Core i9 CPU.

While the new Apple iPad Pro with M1 chip will be delivered to consumers from the second half of May, the first media are already carrying out their tests with the 11 and 12.9-inch iPadOS tablets. Thus, various benchmarks are shown in advance, including in the database of the well-known Geekbench 5. The colleagues at MacRumors were able to find these and compare them with the average benchmark values ​​of the 2020 generation of the iPad Pro and the various MacBooks.

Apple M1 Beats Intel As Well in the iPad Pro

The iPad Pro (2021) achieved an average of 7284 points in benchmark tests with several computing cores (multi-core). The current MacBook Air with an M1 chip and 7378 points does slightly better. However, owners of an Apple MacBook Pro with a 16-inch display and an older Intel Core i9 processor can only achieve 6845 points in the same scenario. The main focus is on the comparison with the iPad Pro predecessor from last year. The tablets equipped with the Apple A12Z achieve 4656 points, with which the M1 CPU of the fifth iPad Pro generation ensures a performance increase of over 50 percent.

In terms of performance, Apple closes the gap between tablets and laptops. Thus, only the software differences between iPadOS and macOS should be decisive for how the new iPad Pro (2021) will integrate into the productive everyday life of users. The price is also on the same level. An iPad Pro with a 12.9-inch display and 128 GB of storage costs 1199 euros. The MacBook Air (13-inch) with a 256 GB SSD currently costs just under 1130 euros, but has neither a touchscreen nor mini-LED lighting.