11 Inch iPad Pro vs 12.9: Which iPad Pro Is Right for You?
Choosing the right iPad Pro can feel overwhelming. With two fantastic options, it’s a battle of size and features. The 11-inch iPad Pro and the 12.9-inch iPad Pro both boast incredible performance, stunning displays, and the versatility that defines the iPad Pro line.
But which one reigns supreme for your needs? This comparison dives deep into the key differences between the 11-inch iPad Pro and its larger sibling. We’ll explore everything from screen size and portability to performance and price.
Whether you prioritize portability or immersive viewing, this guide will help you make an informed decision. Get ready to discover which iPad Pro is the perfect fit for your workflow and lifestyle. Let’s find out which iPad Pro deserves a spot in your tech arsenal.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | 11″ iPad Pro | 12.9″ iPad Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 11-inch | 12.9-inch |
| Display Technology | Liquid Retina | Liquid Retina XDR |
| Processor | M2 chip | M2 chip |
| RAM | 8GB / 16GB | 8GB / 16GB |
| Storage Options | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB |
| Front Camera | 12MP Ultra Wide | 12MP Ultra Wide |
| Rear Camera | 12MP Wide, 10MP Ultra Wide | 12MP Wide, 10MP Ultra Wide |
| Audio | Four Speaker Audio | Four Speaker Audio |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, Thunderbolt / USB 4 | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, Thunderbolt / USB 4 |
| Apple Pencil Support | 2nd Generation | 2nd Generation |
| Dimensions | 247.6 x 178.5 x 5.9 mm | 280.6 x 214.9 x 6.4 mm |
| Weight | 466g (Wi-Fi), 468g (Wi-Fi + Cellular) | 682g (Wi-Fi), 685g (Wi-Fi + Cellular) |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display Size & Resolution
- 11 Inch iPad Pro: Features an 11-inch Liquid Retina display with a resolution of 2388 x 1668 pixels. Its smaller size makes it more portable and comfortable to hold for extended periods. However, the smaller screen can feel cramped for certain tasks.
- 12.9: Boasts a 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with a resolution of 2732 x 2048 pixels. This larger display provides significantly more screen real estate, ideal for multitasking, content creation, and media consumption. The larger size makes it less portable.
- Winner: 12.9
Portability & Weight
- 11 Inch iPad Pro: Significantly lighter and more compact, making it easier to carry around for work, travel, or everyday use. Its smaller footprint fits better in bags and on smaller surfaces.
- 12.9: Heavier and larger, potentially making it less convenient for on-the-go use, particularly for extended periods. Requires more space in bags and on desks.
- Winner: 11
Screen Technology (Brightness & Contrast)
- 11 Inch iPad Pro: Uses a standard Liquid Retina display. Provides excellent brightness and color accuracy, suitable for most uses.
- 12.9: Features a Liquid Retina XDR display with mini-LED backlighting. Offers significantly improved brightness, contrast, and dynamic range, resulting in a more immersive viewing experience, especially in HDR content.
- Winner: 12.9
Processor & Performance
- 11 Inch iPad Pro: Typically equipped with the same powerful processor as the 12.9 inch model, ensuring excellent performance for demanding tasks, gaming, and creative applications.
- 12.9: Typically equipped with the same powerful processor as the 11 inch model, ensuring excellent performance for demanding tasks, gaming, and creative applications.
- Winner: Tie
Price
- 11 Inch iPad Pro: Generally more affordable than the 12.9-inch model, making it a more accessible option for users on a budget.
- 12.9: Pricier due to its larger display and often higher storage configurations.
- Winner: 11
Battery Life
- 11 Inch iPad Pro: Offers excellent battery life, typically providing up to 10 hours of web browsing or video playback.
- 12.9: Also provides excellent battery life, comparable to the 11-inch model, despite the larger display.
- Winner: Tie
Keyboard & Accessory Compatibility
- 11 Inch iPad Pro: Compatible with the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil (2nd generation). The smaller size can make the typing experience on the Magic Keyboard feel slightly cramped for some users.
- 12.9: Compatible with the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil (2nd generation). The larger size of the 12.9 inch model provides a more comfortable typing experience with the Magic Keyboard.
- Winner: 12.9
User Experience / Use Case
- 11 Inch iPad Pro: Ideal for users who prioritize portability and a balance between screen size and usability. Well-suited for general productivity, content consumption, and creative tasks on the go.
- 12.9: Best suited for users who require a larger display for multitasking, content creation (especially video editing and graphic design), and immersive media consumption.
- Winner: Depends on User Preference
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Portability | 11″ iPad Pro |
| Display Quality | 12.9″ iPad Pro |
| Screen Size | 12.9″ iPad Pro |
| Value | 11″ iPad Pro |
What They Have in Common
- Processor: Both iPads are powered by the M2 chip, ensuring fast and efficient performance for demanding tasks and applications.
- Operating System: Both run on iPadOS, offering a consistent and user-friendly experience with access to the App Store and its vast library of applications.
- Apple Pencil Support: Both models are compatible with the 2nd generation Apple Pencil, providing a seamless and responsive experience for drawing, note-taking, and other creative endeavors.
- Connectivity: Both offer Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 for fast wireless connections. They also both include a Thunderbolt / USB 4 port for versatile connectivity options.
- Cameras: Both devices share the same front and rear camera setups, including a 12MP Ultra Wide front camera and a 12MP Wide and 10MP Ultra Wide rear camera system.
11 Inch iPad Pro vs 12.9 Buying Guide
Screen Size and Portability
The most obvious difference is the screen size. The 11-inch iPad Pro offers a more compact and portable experience, making it ideal for users who prioritize ease of carrying and using the device on the go. Its smaller footprint fits easily into bags and can be comfortably used in various situations, such as commuting or working in tight spaces. The 12.9-inch model, on the other hand, boasts a significantly larger display, providing a more immersive viewing experience and enhanced productivity for tasks like content creation, multitasking, and reading.
Performance and Power
Both models typically share the same powerful processor, ensuring excellent performance for demanding tasks such as video editing, gaming, and running multiple apps simultaneously. However, the larger 12.9-inch model may offer slightly better thermal management due to its larger chassis, potentially leading to sustained peak performance under heavy loads. Both iPads excel in performance, but the 12.9-inch model might have a very slight edge in sustained performance in very CPU intensive tasks. The choice mostly comes down to screen size preference.
Display Quality and Features
Both iPads boast stunning Liquid Retina displays with ProMotion technology, offering smooth scrolling and responsiveness. The 12.9-inch model often features mini-LED backlighting, providing superior contrast and deeper blacks, enhancing the visual experience for HDR content. The 11-inch model also has a great display, but it doesn’t always have mini-LED. Both models support features like True Tone, which automatically adjusts the display’s color temperature to match the ambient lighting, and offer excellent color accuracy, making them suitable for creative professionals.
Audio and Multimedia Experience
The larger size of the 12.9-inch iPad Pro often allows for a more immersive audio experience, with potentially more powerful and richer sound output from its speakers. Both models provide excellent audio quality, but the 12.9-inch model might offer a slightly better experience when watching movies or listening to music without headphones. The speaker placement and size contribute to the overall audio performance, providing a more engaging experience. Both have multiple speakers for stereo sound.
Accessories and Ecosystem
Both iPads are compatible with the Apple Pencil (2nd generation) and the Magic Keyboard, transforming them into powerful productivity tools. The larger size of the 12.9-inch model provides a more spacious typing experience with the Magic Keyboard. The 11-inch model is also fully compatible, but the keyboard might feel slightly more compact. Both models offer access to the vast iPadOS ecosystem, with a wide range of apps optimized for tablet use, including creative, productivity, and entertainment applications.
Price and Value
The 12.9-inch iPad Pro typically commands a higher price tag due to its larger display and often, superior display technology. The 11-inch model offers a more affordable option while still delivering exceptional performance and features. Consider your budget and how you plan to use the iPad. If portability and affordability are your primary concerns, the 11-inch model might be the better value. If a larger screen and enhanced multimedia experience are crucial, the 12.9-inch model justifies the higher cost.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy 11 inch iPad Pro If…
- Portability is a top priority, and you need a tablet that’s easy to carry around.
- You prefer a more compact screen size for general use and portability.
- You want a slightly more affordable option compared to the 12.9-inch model.
- You value a lighter device for comfortable handheld use.
Buy 12.9 If…
- You need the largest possible screen for content creation, detailed work, or immersive media consumption.
- Screen real estate is crucial for multitasking and working with multiple applications simultaneously.
- You want the best possible display experience with the Liquid Retina XDR display.
- You are willing to trade portability for a larger display and enhanced features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which iPad Pro is better for drawing?
Both iPads are excellent for drawing with the Apple Pencil. The 12.9-inch model offers a larger canvas, which some artists may prefer, providing more space to work and feel more like a traditional drawing surface. The 11-inch model is still great for drawing and is more portable, making it suitable for artists who sketch on the go. The choice depends on personal preference and the type of art.
Does the 12.9-inch iPad Pro have a better display?
The 12.9-inch iPad Pro often features a mini-LED display, which offers superior contrast and deeper blacks compared to the 11-inch model’s standard Liquid Retina display. However, the display quality is still excellent on the 11-inch model, and the choice depends on the importance of the mini-LED features. Both offer ProMotion technology for smooth scrolling.
Which iPad Pro is more portable?
The 11-inch iPad Pro is significantly more portable due to its smaller size and lighter weight. It’s easier to carry around, fits comfortably in smaller bags, and is more convenient for use on the go. The 12.9-inch model is larger and heavier, making it less ideal for frequent travel or use in situations where space is limited.
Is the Magic Keyboard better on the 12.9-inch iPad Pro?
The Magic Keyboard offers a more spacious typing experience on the 12.9-inch iPad Pro due to its larger size. While the 11-inch model also supports the Magic Keyboard, the keys are slightly more compact, which may affect typing comfort for some users. The larger size offers a more comfortable and natural typing experience.
Which iPad Pro is better for video editing?
Both iPads are powerful enough for video editing, but the 12.9-inch model’s larger screen provides a more immersive editing experience and makes it easier to manage timelines and view details. However, the 11-inch model is still capable, and its portability may be advantageous for on-location editing. Consider the display size and portability needs.
Does the 12.9-inch iPad Pro have better speakers?
The 12.9-inch iPad Pro often has a slightly better audio experience due to its larger size, which allows for potentially more powerful and richer sound output from its speakers. Both models offer excellent audio quality, but the 12.9-inch model might provide a more immersive experience, especially when watching movies or listening to music without headphones.
Which iPad Pro is better for everyday use?
The best iPad Pro for everyday use depends on individual needs. The 11-inch model offers a balance of portability and performance, making it great for general tasks. The 12.9-inch model provides a more immersive experience for content consumption and multitasking. Consider your usage patterns and which features are most important to you.
Final Verdict
Both the 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro models are exceptional devices, offering outstanding performance and features. The choice hinges on individual preferences and priorities. The 11-inch model excels in portability and affordability, while the 12.9-inch model provides a larger display and an enhanced multimedia experience. Ultimately, the best choice depends on what you value most in a tablet.
Winner: [Choose Your Preference]