Apple iPad Pro 13 (M5) Review: Best Price & Verdict

The world of touchscreen tablets has just reached a new milestone with the introduction by Apple of its latest 13-inch iPad Pro equipped with the powerful M5 chip. If the previous generation M4 had already redefined finesse and pure power, this M5 iteration pushes the limits even further, driven by advances in Apple Intelligence and ever-increasing hardware refinement. In this ultra-detailed test of almost 2000 words, we will dissect the version Space Black, 256 GB, Standard Glass, Wi-Fi (ASIN: B0FWD7LX46). Is this the definitive creation tool? Can it really replace a MacBook Pro? And above all, the crucial question for your wallet: how can you avoid paying the high price demanded in France? Indeed, Apple hardware is subject to very disparate pricing policies even within the European Union. Get ready to discover a tip that could save you almost $190 on this exact model, simply by effectively using your current Amazon account. Let's dive into the future of mobile computing.

The magic ScanPricer tip to save €187!

Have you noticed the dizzying price difference on Apple hardware in Europe? Currently, the iPad Pro 13 (M5) 256 GB is sold at the official price of €1469.00 on Amazon France. However, on Amazon Germany, this same strict product, shipped by Amazon, is displayed at €1275.00. Even adding secure shipping costs (around €6.36), you pay €1281.36 in total. This is an immediate and very real saving of €187.64 on a new product! Your Amazon.fr account works on Amazon.de, so why pay more?

Ultra Retina XDR Display: The Tandem OLED Revolution

If you've never laid eyes on the screen of a latest generation iPad Pro, prepare for a visual shock. Apple has simply abandoned mini-LED (Liquid Retina XDR) to switch to a new technology that is extremely expensive to produce: OLED in tandem (Tandem OLED).

What is Tandem OLED?

Conventional OLED panels offer infinite contrast (black pixels turn off completely), but they often lack peak brightness for HDR content in bright sunlight, an area where mini-LED excelled. To solve this problem, Apple layered two OLED panels on top of each other.

Stunning Brightness

1000 nits SDR, 1600 nits HDR

Thanks to this double layer, the screen reaches 1000 nits of brightness in full screen on classic SDR content (navigation, office), and peaks at 1600 nits on HDR content (films, photo/video calibration). True Tone colors have never been so vibrant and accurate.

Standard Glass vs Nano-texture Glass

Our test model, like the majority of iPads sold, is equipped with Standard Glass. It offers the purest and brightest image sharpness possible. Although it is prone to reflections (treated with an excellent anti-reflective coating nonetheless), it is the recommended version for 90% of users, particularly for photo editing where absolute appreciation of contrast is essential. The nano-texture glass option (more matte) is reserved for extreme lighting conditions and adds a significant additional cost.

The M5 Chip: An AI-Oriented Power Monster

The iPad Pro 13 (M5) isn't just a tablet. This is Apple's demonstration vehicle for its new generation of Apple Silicon M5 processors.

The generational leap

Where the M4 brought hardware ray-tracing and exceptional engraving finesse at 3 nanometers (second generation), the M5 retains this cutting-edge architecture (3nm Gen 3) but completely redesigns its Neural Engine. It is this coprocessor dedicated to Artificial Intelligence which is the real star of this update. Apple boosted it to support Apple Intelligence, the AI deeply integrated into iPadOS (text generation, magical photo editing, super-intelligent Siri interactions).

A supercharged CPU: Processing heavy RAW files in Lightroom or exporting long 4K ProRes timelines in Final Cut Pro for iPad is done with disconcerting fluidity, directly competing with the 14-inch MacBook Pro.
A redesigned GPU: For creators of games or 3D models in Octane X, the graphics architecture pushes the thermal limits thanks to the incredible thinness of the chassis.

Dedicated hardware media engine: For decoding and encoding H.264, HEVC, ProRes and ProRes RAW. Video editors will appreciate it.

Increased memory bandwidth: Essential for heavy multitasking workflows via Stage Manager which allows using the iPad plugged into an external monitor.

Design: Finesse That Defies Gravity

Picking up this 13-inch iPad Pro for the first time always provokes the same reaction: incomprehension. How was Apple able to fit so much technology into a chassis only 5.1 millimeters thick? It's thinner than an iPod Nano of the time. The transition to OLED technology (which no longer requires thick LED backlighting) has enabled this extreme slimming treatment. In Space Black, the 100% recycled aluminum is sublime, although it can attract a few fingerprints in the absence of a shell.

The Horizontal Front Camera: Finally!

Let us salute common sense. For ten years, the selfie camera (12 MP, Ultra Wide) was located on the short upper edge of the iPad (portrait mode). Problem: 95% of iPad Pro users use it with a keyboard in landscape mode. Your correspondents always saw you at an unflattering angle from the left. On this M5 generation (as well as on the M4), the FaceTime camera has been moved to the long edge. During your business calls on Zoom, Teams or FaceTime, you look at the screen and appear to be looking directly at the person you are talking to. The Center Stage system uses AI to track your movements and keep you in the center of the image as you move around the room.

The rear module and LiDAR

At the back, we find a 12 MP wide-angle lens (capable of filming in ProRes 4K) accompanied by an adaptive True Tone flash. But the real Pro asset is the LiDAR Scanner. This sensor calculates with extreme precision the time it takes for light to reflect, enabling stunning Augmented Reality (AR) applications (for architects, interior designers or healthcare professionals) and ultra-fast autofocus in low light.

Price Analysis: Two-Speed Europe

High-end computing is expensive. But it is dramatically more so in some countries than in others. The image of our test is eloquent and demonstrates the power of the ScanPricer philosophy. Let's take the case of this exact model: iPad Pro 13 Inch (M5) 256 GB Wi-Fi Space Black.

Explanation of the Great Tariff Gap

How can you justify a margin of almost 190 euros (nearly 15% difference) for the same device shipped from Amazon Europe warehouses?

The Private Copy Tax (French specificity): The iPad has storage. In France, the private copying levy immediately adds a heavy tax on high-capacity devices compared to our neighbors. Germany and Spain have much lower taxes on this point.
The VAT rate: The standard VAT in Germany (19%) is slightly lower than in France (20%) or Italy (22%). Even if Amazon adjusts the VAT at the time (moving from the German rate to the French final invoicing rate), the base price excluding tax on which the margins of local subsidiaries are calculated is often lower across the Rhine. (See our complete guide to price differences in Europe for the complex technical explanations).
The aggressiveness of Amazon.de: Historically, Germany is Amazon's largest market in Europe. To sell its immense volumes, the German subsidiary very often cuts its prices on high-tech products. The low additional logistics cost (the €6.36 cross-border delivery costs observed here) is insignificant compared to the discount granted on the machine itself.

The Myth of the Keyboard or the Language

Unlike a Mac computer where you have to be wary of the keyboard layout (German QWERTZ vs French AZERTY), the iPad is a universal tablet. There is no built-in physical keyboard. When you first turn it on, it asks you for your language. An iPad purchased in Germany is EXACTLY the same as an iPad purchased at Fnac in Paris or on Amazon.fr. It will offer the French language and the French App Store as soon as you connect with your classic Apple account. There are no software restrictions.

This is called “Amazon Arbitration”. For Apple products without a physical keyboard (iPhone, iPad, AirPods, Apple Watch), there is absolutely no hardware difference. If you are interested in this opportunity, study our Amazon Europe Arbitration Technical Guide.

What about the Apple Guarantee if I buy in Germany?

This is THE number 1 barrier to cross-border purchasing, and yet, in the Apple ecosystem, it is the most widespread false fear. Apple has one of the most comprehensive global warranty policies in the technology industry.

The Apple manufacturer's warranty ('Apple Limited Warranty') covers your product for 1 year, regardless of the country of purchase in the world.
If your iPad Pro purchased on Amazon Germany breaks down, you make an appointment at the Genius Bar in any Apple Store in France (or in an approved store such as Boulanger). The technician will type in the serial number and replace or repair it free of charge under warranty. They will never ask you if it comes from Germany or Spain. In addition, as a European customer purchasing from a European reseller (Amazon EU Sarl), you are covered by the legal guarantee of conformity of minimum 2 years imposed by the European Union. Clearly, Amazon will still be responsible for the repair after Apple's first year, even if your iPad has crossed borders. Find all the legal nuances in our article: The European Guarantee on Amazon purchases.

Autonomy and Connectivity (Wi-Fi 7/6E)

Autonomy has always been a critical point for the “Pro” name. Apple proudly promises 'all-day battery life' on this iPad Pro 13 (M5). In our practice tests, what does a 'full day' mean?

Light use/Office (Safari with 15 tabs, Pages, Mail, music in the background): The iPad easily reaches 11 to 12 hours of screen time on, in particular thanks to the M5 chip which manages deep sleep states admirably.
Pro (Final Cut Pro 4K Editing, Procreate): During heavy exports and complex 3D manipulation, the autonomy naturally fades faster, gravitating around 5 to 6 intensive hours. This is an excellent result for a screen larger than 13 inches! Switching to OLED helps a lot, because power consumption drops significantly when the screen displays dark backgrounds (hence the importance of using iPadOS Dark Mode). The iPad comes with the latest very high-speed wireless network management (exceeding gigabit without effort). Although spec sheets usually mention Wi-Fi 6E on previous models, the M5 chip ensures a stable and incredibly fast connection suitable for the most intense fiber networks.

Advantages and Disadvantages

So, does this new iPad Pro 13 (M5) justify its premium price (even discounted via Germany)? Let us take a final assessment of its qualities and its faults.

Advantages

The Tandem OLED screen is, by far, the best screen on the tablet market
The indecent power of the M5 chip, ready for the future of AI (Apple Intelligence)
Extremely thin (5.1mm) and light despite the immense 13-inch panel
Front camera finally positioned on the horizontal edge for visios
Very high-speed Wi-Fi compatibility and Thunderbolt / USB 4 connectivity
A machine 100% universal, ideal to be purchased abroad without worry

Disadvantages

The stratospheric starting price, approaching that of a good MacBook Pro (in France)
iPadOS remains a sometimes limiting system compared to macOS for complex niche multitasking
You have to reinvest (almost obligatorily) in expensive accessories
Incompatible with the old Apple Pencil 2 (requires the new Apple Pencil Pro)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, absolutely. The new Tandem OLED display can go up to 1000 nits of bright daylight brightness (SDR) and Apple's anti-reflective coating is excellent. Nano-texture glass is only essential for professionals who need to do clinical color grading (where any reflection distorts perception) outdoors or under intense studio spotlights.

No, unfortunately. Because of its extreme thinness and the new internal magnets, the iPad Pro (M5 and M4) requires the new Magic Keyboard designed especially for it, which also incorporates numerous improvements (larger haptic trackpad, aluminum function keys).

The latest generation iPad Pro is only compatible with the Apple Pencil Pro (oriented for professionals with pinch sensor and gyroscope) and the new Apple Pencil (USB-C), a more affordable version without in-depth pressure sensitivity. The first and second generation Pencils are no longer compatible.

Yes, you will often make good money on the iPad alone. Be careful though: Magic Keyboards sold on Amazon Germany generally have a German key layout (QWERTZ) with special accents and the 'Y' reversed with the 'Z'. For the iPad, the 'ScanPricer good deal', buy the iPad on Amazon DE (universal) and the keyboard separately on Amazon FR (AZERTY), or vice versa depending on the offers. Read our Prime Day 2026 Guide to optimize your separate baskets.

256 GB (our test version here) is an excellent starting capacity for 80% of users, allowing them to juggle with the cloud (iCloud, Google Drive) without incurring the astronomical price of Apple's storage options. Please note: the 1 TB and 2 TB versions generally include optional Nano-texture glass, an unbridled CPU (additional core) and 16 GB of RAM, justifying a major price jump, aimed only at heavy video production.

In almost all cases, iPad Pro Wi-Fi is sufficient, because these days sharing the cellular connection (Tethering) via your smartphone is done automatically in one click, with excellent speeds and avoids having to pay for a second 5G plan dedicated to your tablet.

Our Final Verdict

The Apple iPad Pro 13-inch with M5 chip is quite simply the most advanced tablet ever created. The incredible combination of the AMOLED Tandem screen – with its deep blacks and blinding brightness – and the chip boosted with artificial intelligence make it a work of engineering art. It is the ultimate tool for the nomadic creator seeking absolute fluidity. Of course, the software perfection of the product comes at a high price: it's a colossal investment, even more so if you combine it with the brand new Magic Keyboard and the Pencil Pro. Sometimes, iPadOS can still restrict the desires of a 'too' PCist user, but the synergy with the Mac via Stage Manager and Sidecar is enjoyable. Above all, this test ends with the great lesson of globalized commerce: purchasing an Apple product in France almost always means overpaying an invisible tax. With its 1281.36€ from Germany, in view of the 187€ additional required a little further on the French version, we cannot recommend enough that you virtually cross the border to offer it to you under the cloak of legal optimization, with all the global guarantees provided by Apple automatically preserved.

4.8/ 5

The Final Opinion ScanPricer: An Undeniable Success (provided you import)

This is the absolute pinnacle of touch technology. Importing this iPad from Germany is currently one of the best High-Tech decisions of the year to achieve a substantial saving without any concession on use or warranty. To be grasped with your eyes closed.