Apple iPad Pro 13 (2025) vs. Google Pixel Tablet: A Deep Dive into Performance and Ecosystem

Apple’s iPad Pro line consistently sets the benchmark for tablet performance, and the 2025 13-inch model with the M5 chip is no exception. However, Google’s Pixel Tablet enters the arena with a unique proposition: seamless smart home integration powered by the Tensor G2. This comparison dissects the core differences between these two tablets, focusing on performance, battery life, and the ecosystems they inhabit.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For users prioritizing raw power and professional workflows, the Apple iPad Pro 13 (2025) is the clear winner, thanks to the M5 chip and its superior CPU core count. However, the Google Pixel Tablet offers a compelling value proposition for those deeply invested in the Google ecosystem and seeking a tablet that doubles as a smart home hub.

PHONES
Phone Names Apple iPad Pro 13 (2025) Google Pixel Tablet
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - cellular model onlyN/A
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - cellular model onlyN/A
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 66, 71 - A3361 - cellular model onlyN/A
5G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 70, 71, 75, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - A3361, A3362 - cellular model only-
EDGE-No
GPRS-No
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5G - cellular model only-
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GNo cellular connectivity
Launch
Announced2025, October 162023, May 10
StatusAvailable. Released 2025, October 22Available. Released 2023, June 20
Body
BuildGlass front, aluminum back, aluminum frameGlass front, aluminum frame, aluminum back
Dimensions281.6 x 215.5 x 5.1 mm (11.09 x 8.48 x 0.20 in)258 x 169 x 8.1 mm (10.16 x 6.65 x 0.32 in)
SIMeSIM - cellular model onlyNo
Weight579 g (Wi-Fi), 582 g (5G) (1.28 lb)493 g (1.09 lb)
 -Stylus support
Display
ProtectionScratch-resistant glass, oleophobic coating, Mohs level 4-
Resolution2064 x 2752 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~265 ppi density)1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~276 ppi density)
Size13.0 inches, 523.4 cm2 (~86.2% screen-to-body ratio)10.95 inches, 347.7 cm2 (~79.7% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeUltra Retina Tandem OLED, 120Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1000 nits (HBM), 1600 nits (peak)IPS LCD
Platform
CPU9-core (3 performance cores, 6 efficiency cores) - 256/512GB models10-core (4 performance cores, 6 efficiency cores) - 1/2TB modelsOcta-core (2x2.85 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.35 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetApple M5Google Tensor G2 (5 nm)
GPUApple GPU (10-core graphics)Mali-G710 MP7
OSiPadOS 26, upgradable to iPadOS 26.1Android 13, upgradable to Android 15
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM, 2TB 16GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
 -UFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesQuad-LED dual-tone flash, HDRHDR, panorama
Single12 MP, f/1.8, (wide), dual pixel PDAF TOF 3D LiDAR scanner (depth)8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Video4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, ProRes (4K, 1080p)1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesFace detection, HDR, panoramaHDR, panorama
Single12 MP, f/2.0, 122˚ (ultrawide)8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Video1080p@25/30/60fps, gyro-EIS, HDR1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -No
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers)Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers)
Comms
Bluetooth6.0, A2DP, LE, EDR5.2, A2DP, LE
NFCNoNo
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS (Wi‑Fi + Cellular model only)No
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 4 (Thunderbolt 3), DisplayPort, magnetic connectorUSB Type-C 3.2 (Gen 1), magnetic connector
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, dual-band, hotspotWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band
Features
SensorsFace ID, accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometerAccelerometer, gyro, compass, proximity (accessories only)
 -Ultra Wideband (UWB) support
Battery
Charging50% in 30 min15W wired
TypeLi-Po 10290 mAhLi-Po 7020 mAh (27 Wh)
Misc
ColorsSilver, Space BlackPorcelain, Hazel, Rose
ModelsA3360, A3361, A3362GA06156-EU, GA06157-EU, GA06158-EU
PriceAbout 1450 EURAbout 670 EUR
EU LABEL
Battery76:00h endurance, 1000 cycles-
EnergyClass G-
Free fallClass E (40 falls)-
RepairabilityClass C-

Apple iPad Pro 13 (2025)

  • Unmatched performance with the Apple M5 chip
  • Exceptional battery life and longevity (76h endurance, 1000 cycles)
  • Fast charging (50% in 30 min)
  • Likely superior display quality (mini-LED, ProMotion)

  • Higher price point
  • iPadOS ecosystem may not appeal to all users

Google Pixel Tablet

  • Seamless Google ecosystem integration
  • Smart home hub functionality
  • More affordable price
  • Tensor G2 optimized for AI tasks

  • Significantly lower performance compared to the M5
  • Slower charging (15W wired)
  • Likely inferior display quality

Display Comparison

While display specifications are missing for the iPad Pro 13 (2025), Apple typically employs mini-LED backlighting and ProMotion (adaptive refresh rate) technology in its Pro models, suggesting a superior visual experience compared to the Pixel Tablet. The Pixel Tablet’s display, while likely adequate for everyday use, will likely lack the peak brightness and color accuracy of an iPad Pro. The absence of LTPO in the Pixel Tablet suggests a fixed refresh rate, potentially impacting smoothness during scrolling and animations.

Camera Comparison

Camera details are absent for both devices. However, given Apple’s history, the iPad Pro 13 (2025) will likely feature a more sophisticated camera system with larger sensors and advanced image processing capabilities. The Pixel Tablet, while potentially offering Google’s computational photography prowess, will likely prioritize functionality over outright image quality. Without specific sensor sizes or aperture information, it’s difficult to make a definitive comparison, but Apple typically excels in video recording quality.

Performance

The Apple iPad Pro 13 (2025) boasts either a 9-core (256/512GB) or 10-core (1/2TB) CPU built around the Apple M5 chipset, representing a significant leap in performance over the Google Pixel Tablet’s Tensor G2. The Tensor G2, a 5nm chip with an octa-core configuration, is optimized for AI and machine learning tasks, but its Cortex-X1 and Cortex-A78 cores are architecturally older and less powerful than Apple’s custom performance cores. The M5’s higher core count and architectural advantages translate to faster app launch times, smoother multitasking, and superior performance in demanding applications. The iPad Pro’s likely use of LPDDR5X RAM further enhances memory bandwidth, contributing to overall system responsiveness.

Battery Life

The Apple iPad Pro 13 (2025) claims an impressive 76-hour endurance and a 1000-cycle battery lifespan, indicating exceptional longevity and sustained performance over time. While the Pixel Tablet’s battery capacity is unknown, its 15W wired charging is significantly slower than the iPad Pro’s 50% charge in 30 minutes. This faster charging capability on the iPad Pro minimizes downtime and ensures users can quickly get back to work or play. The iPad Pro’s battery endurance suggests a larger capacity, allowing for extended use without needing frequent recharges.

Buying Guide

Buy the Apple iPad Pro 13 (2025) if you need a powerhouse for demanding tasks like video editing, graphic design, or 3D rendering, and if you value the mature iPadOS ecosystem. Buy the Google Pixel Tablet if you prioritize seamless integration with Google Assistant, smart home control, and a more affordable entry point into the tablet space, accepting a performance trade-off.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Apple M5 chip in the iPad Pro 13 (2025) generate significant heat under sustained load?
While the M5 is a powerful chip, Apple’s thermal management systems are typically very effective. The larger chassis of the 13-inch iPad Pro provides ample space for heat dissipation, minimizing throttling during demanding tasks. However, prolonged use of extremely intensive applications may still result in some heat buildup.
❓ How well does the Google Pixel Tablet function as a smart home hub compared to a dedicated Google Nest Hub?
The Pixel Tablet is designed to function as a smart home hub when docked, offering similar functionality to a Nest Hub, including voice control via Google Assistant and display of smart home devices. However, the Nest Hub’s dedicated speaker and always-on display may provide a slightly more seamless experience for constant smart home interaction.
❓ Is the performance difference between the M5 and Tensor G2 noticeable in everyday tasks like browsing and email?
For basic tasks like web browsing, email, and video playback, the performance difference between the M5 and Tensor G2 may not be immediately noticeable. However, when multitasking, editing large files, or running demanding applications, the M5’s superior processing power will become significantly apparent.