Apple iPad Pro - 11 Inch (4th Gen) 2022, M2, 128GB, Space Gray

The 2022 iPad Pro 11 is still a creative powerhouse with a stunning display and laptop-grade performance. Just keep a charger handy and don't expect to store your entire life on it.

The M2 chip is the star of the show. Our database puts the CPU in the 83rd percentile, which means it's still one of the better performers on the market, even a couple years after launch. The GPU sits at 79th, so it's not top of the charts anymore, but it'll chew through Procreate layers and 4K video edits without breaking a sweat. What surprised us? The connectivity. Wi-Fi 6E and Thunderbolt support put it in the 87th percentile, which is wild for a tablet. You can plug in an external SSD and move files faster than most Windows laptops we've tested.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra has a bigger, arguably better OLED screen and includes the S Pen, but Samsung's software updates are slower and the app ecosystem for creatives is thinner. The Microsoft Surface Pro 11 runs full Windows, which makes it the better pick if you need real desktop apps like full Photoshop or Visual Studio. But it's heavier, pricier, and the battery life isn't much better. The Xiaomi Pad 7 is the budget alternative, but it can't touch the M2's performance or the iPad's app library. For pure creative work on a tablet, the iPad Pro still wins.

At $599 USD for a renewed unit, this is a solid deal for what you're getting. You're paying about two-thirds of the original price for a tablet that still outperforms most of the competition. The catch is that 128GB storage and the battery life. If you're just sketching and streaming, it's a no-brainer. If you're editing 4K footage on the go, you'll want more storage and a charger nearby.

The 2022 iPad Pro 11 is still the tablet to beat if you want raw power and a screen that makes everything look expensive. Apple's M2 chip is doing the heavy lifting here, and that Liquid Retina XDR display with ProMotion is just stupidly smooth. It's a renewed unit, so you're getting flagship performance without paying the brand-new Apple tax. The one thing to know? This is a creative workhorse that still outmuscles most laptops in a body that weighs less than a pound.

If you need a real laptop replacement with full desktop software, this isn't it. Go get a Microsoft Surface Pro 11 instead. And if you're a student on a tight budget, the battery life and storage limits will frustrate you. A base iPad or a Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE will serve you better for less money.

Buy it if you want the best creative tablet experience without paying full price. The M2 chip, the 120Hz display, and Thunderbolt support make this a legitimate laptop replacement for artists and video editors. Just know that battery life is mediocre and 128GB is tight. If you need more storage or all-day battery, look elsewhere or budget for an external SSD.