12.9 vs 11 iPad Pro: Which iPad Is Right for You?
Choosing the right iPad Pro can be a tough decision, especially when comparing the powerful 12.9-inch and 11-inch models. Both offer stunning displays, incredible performance, and access to the vast iPadOS ecosystem. But which one reigns supreme for your needs and budget?
This in-depth comparison dives into the key differences between the 12.9-inch iPad Pro and the 11-inch iPad Pro. We’ll explore everything from screen size and portability to performance and features. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which iPad Pro is the perfect fit for your lifestyle.
Whether you prioritize a larger screen for creative work or prefer a more compact design for on-the-go productivity, this guide has you covered. Get ready to discover which iPad Pro will truly elevate your digital experience.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | 12.9″ | 11″ |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 12.9″ | 11″ |
| Display Technology | Liquid Retina XDR | Liquid Retina |
| Processor | M2 Chip | M2 Chip |
| RAM | 8GB / 16GB | 8GB / 16GB |
| Storage Options | 128GB – 2TB | 128GB – 2TB |
| Front Camera | 12MP Ultra Wide | 12MP Ultra Wide |
| Rear Camera | 12MP Wide, 10MP Ultra Wide | 12MP Wide, 10MP Ultra Wide |
| Speaker System | Four Speaker Audio | Four Speaker Audio |
| Apple Pencil Support | 2nd Gen | 2nd Gen |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Weight | 682g (Wi-Fi), 685g (Wi-Fi + Cellular) | 466g (Wi-Fi), 469g (Wi-Fi + Cellular) |
| Dimensions | 280.6 x 214.9 x 6.4 mm | 247.6 x 178.5 x 5.9 mm |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display Size
- 12.9: Boasts a significantly larger 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display, offering a more immersive experience, particularly for media consumption and multitasking. However, its larger size adds to the overall weight and can make it less portable.
- 11 iPad Pro: Features an 11-inch Liquid Retina display, providing a balance between screen real estate and portability. It’s lighter and easier to handle, making it a better choice for on-the-go use, but the display is smaller.
- Winner: 12.9
Portability
- 12.9: The larger size and weight make it less convenient to carry around, especially for extended periods. It might not fit comfortably in all bags.
- 11 iPad Pro: Its smaller footprint and lighter weight make it much more portable and easier to use on the go, perfect for commuting or travel.
- Winner: 11
Screen Technology
- 12.9: Often features a mini-LED display (depending on the year), providing superior contrast and brightness. This results in deeper blacks and a more vibrant picture quality.
- 11 iPad Pro: Uses a Liquid Retina display, which is still excellent but lacks the mini-LED technology found in some 12.9-inch models, potentially leading to slightly less impressive blacks.
- Winner: 12.9
Processor & Performance
- 12.9: Shares the same powerful processor as its 11-inch counterpart, ensuring exceptional performance for demanding tasks like video editing and gaming.
- 11 iPad Pro: Offers the same powerful M-series chip, delivering fast and responsive performance for all your needs.
- Winner: Tie
Speakers
- 12.9: Generally equipped with a more expansive speaker system, potentially offering richer and louder audio due to the increased internal space.
- 11 iPad Pro: Features a good speaker system but may not provide the same level of audio depth and volume as the larger model.
- Winner: 12.9
Battery Life
- 12.9: Typically offers comparable battery life to the 11-inch model, despite the larger display. The bigger size allows for a larger battery.
- 11 iPad Pro: Provides excellent battery life, sufficient for a full day of typical use.
- Winner: Tie
Price
- 12.9: Usually costs more than the 11-inch model due to its larger screen size and potentially more advanced display technology.
- 11 iPad Pro: Generally more affordable, making it a better value for users who prioritize portability and cost.
- Winner: 11
Use Cases
- 12.9: Ideal for creative professionals, those who consume a lot of media, and users who frequently multitask, benefiting from the larger screen real estate.
- 11 iPad Pro: Suited for users who prioritize portability, students, and those who need a powerful tablet for everyday tasks and on-the-go productivity.
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display Size | 12.9″ |
| Portability | 11″ |
| Display Technology | 12.9″ (Liquid Retina XDR) |
| Overall Performance | Tie (M2 Chip) |
| Value | Depends on needs |
| Best for Media Consumption | 12.9″ |
| Best for On-the-Go Use | 11″ |
What They Have in Common:
- Processor: Both iPads are equipped with the powerful M2 chip, ensuring smooth multitasking and performance for demanding tasks like video editing and gaming. This chip provides a significant performance boost over previous generations.
- Display Technology: Both models support ProMotion technology with adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz for incredibly responsive and fluid scrolling and gameplay. This makes the user experience more enjoyable.
- Apple Pencil Support: Both iPads support the second-generation Apple Pencil, which attaches magnetically and charges wirelessly. This allows for seamless writing and drawing.
- Storage Options: Both models offer a range of storage options, from 128GB to 2TB, catering to various user needs, whether it’s for storing large files or just basic use.
- Connectivity: Both iPad Pro models feature Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, providing fast wireless connectivity and seamless pairing with accessories. This ensures a reliable connection.
12.9-inch vs. 11-inch iPad Pro Buying Guide
Display and Portability
The most immediately noticeable difference lies in the display size and overall portability. The 12.9-inch iPad Pro boasts a significantly larger screen, offering more immersive experiences for content consumption, creative tasks, and multitasking. This larger canvas is ideal for professionals who require expansive screen real estate for drawing, editing, or working with complex applications. However, the 11-inch model is considerably more compact and lightweight, making it easier to carry around, use on the go, and handle comfortably in various situations.
Consider your primary usage scenarios. If you value screen real estate above all else and primarily work at a desk, the 12.9-inch might be preferable. For those prioritizing portability and ease of use in diverse environments, the 11-inch iPad Pro is the better choice. Think about where you’ll be using the iPad most and how crucial screen size is to your workflow.
Performance and Power
Both iPad Pro models typically share the same powerful processor, ensuring exceptional performance for demanding tasks like video editing, gaming, and running complex applications. Apple consistently equips these tablets with cutting-edge chips, delivering smooth and responsive experiences. However, factors like thermal management and sustained performance might slightly favor the larger model, which has more internal space for heat dissipation, although this is generally not a significant difference in everyday use.
The actual performance differences are often negligible in real-world scenarios. Both iPads excel at handling intensive workloads. The choice here comes down to your personal preference and how you intend to utilize the iPad. If you’re a heavy user who anticipates long, resource-intensive sessions, the 12.9-inch might offer a slight edge due to its potentially better thermal capabilities.
Keyboard and Accessories
The larger screen of the 12.9-inch iPad Pro also affects the size of compatible accessories, such as the Magic Keyboard. The 12.9-inch model’s Magic Keyboard provides a more spacious and comfortable typing experience, closer to that of a full-sized laptop. This is crucial for users who frequently type or use the iPad as a primary work device. The 11-inch model’s keyboard is smaller, making it slightly less comfortable for extended typing sessions.
Consider how important keyboard comfort is to you. The larger keyboard is a significant advantage for typing-intensive tasks. Both models support the Apple Pencil, which enhances creative workflows. The choice here depends on your accessory needs and how important a comfortable typing experience is for your workflow. The 12.9-inch provides a better typing experience.
Battery Life
Both iPad Pro models are designed to provide excellent battery life, typically lasting through a full day of moderate use. Apple optimizes the power consumption of its devices, ensuring efficient performance and extended usage times. The actual battery life can vary based on individual usage patterns, screen brightness, and the types of applications being used.
In general, you can expect similar battery performance from both models. However, the larger screen of the 12.9-inch iPad Pro might slightly drain the battery faster due to the increased power required to illuminate it. The difference is often minimal, and both models should easily last through a day of typical use. Consider your typical usage habits to estimate the expected battery performance.
Price and Value
The 12.9-inch iPad Pro typically comes with a higher price tag compared to the 11-inch model, reflecting the larger display and potentially other minor differences in features or storage options. The cost difference can be a significant factor for budget-conscious buyers. However, the higher price of the 12.9-inch model is justified by its larger screen and potentially enhanced accessories, providing more screen real estate and an enhanced work experience.
Assess your budget and needs. If you prioritize value and are willing to sacrifice some screen real estate, the 11-inch model might be a better choice. However, if you require the larger screen for professional tasks or content consumption, the 12.9-inch iPad Pro might be worth the investment. Consider how much you value the extra screen space relative to the price difference.
Storage and Connectivity
Both iPad Pro models are available in various storage configurations, allowing you to choose the amount of space that best suits your needs. Consider how much storage you’ll require for your files, apps, and media. The higher storage options are often more expensive, so choose the configuration that meets your requirements without overspending.
Both models typically offer Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity options. The cellular models allow for internet access on the go, providing greater flexibility. The choice of storage and connectivity should be based on your individual needs. Think about how you intend to use the iPad and where you’ll be using it. If you need to store large media files, opt for more storage. If you need internet access on the go, choose the cellular option.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy 12.9″ If…
- You prioritize a larger screen size for content creation, detailed work, or enhanced viewing experiences.
- You need the most immersive experience for media consumption, like watching movies or reading.
- You frequently work with multiple apps or documents simultaneously and benefit from extra screen real estate.
- You want the best possible display technology with the Liquid Retina XDR display.
Buy 11″ If…
- Portability and a more compact design are your top priorities.
- You prefer a lighter and more manageable device for everyday use and travel.
- You want an iPad Pro that is easier to hold and use in various situations.
- You don’t need the absolute largest display and prefer a balance between screen size and portability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between the 12.9-inch and 11-inch iPad Pro?
The primary difference is the screen size. The 12.9-inch model offers a larger display, providing more screen real estate. The 11-inch model is more compact and portable. Other differences include the size of compatible accessories, such as the Magic Keyboard, which is larger on the 12.9-inch model, and potentially slight variations in battery life and price. Both models generally offer the same powerful performance.
Which iPad Pro is better for creative work?
Both are excellent for creative work, but the 12.9-inch iPad Pro often offers a more immersive experience for drawing, editing, and working with complex applications due to its larger screen. The 11-inch is still capable, but the larger screen provides a more comfortable and expansive canvas. The best choice depends on your preference for screen size and portability.
Does the 12.9-inch iPad Pro have a better processor?
No, both iPad Pro models typically use the same powerful processor, ensuring comparable performance. The differences in performance are often negligible in real-world use. Apple usually equips both models with the latest chips. The choice comes down to other factors like screen size and portability, rather than processing power.
Is the 11-inch iPad Pro more portable?
Yes, the 11-inch iPad Pro is significantly more portable due to its smaller size and lighter weight. It is easier to carry around, use on the go, and handle comfortably in various situations. The 12.9-inch model is larger and heavier, making it less convenient for frequent travel or use in tight spaces. Portability is a key advantage of the 11-inch model.
How does the battery life compare between the two models?
You can generally expect comparable battery life from both models, typically lasting through a full day of moderate use. The larger screen of the 12.9-inch model might slightly drain the battery faster, but the difference is often minimal. The actual battery life varies based on individual usage patterns and screen brightness. Both offer excellent battery performance.
Which iPad Pro is better for typing?
The 12.9-inch iPad Pro is generally better for typing, as its larger screen allows for a more spacious and comfortable Magic Keyboard. The 11-inch model’s keyboard is smaller, which can be less comfortable for extended typing sessions. If you frequently type or use the iPad as a primary work device, the 12.9-inch model is preferred.
Which iPad Pro is more expensive?
The 12.9-inch iPad Pro typically comes with a higher price tag compared to the 11-inch model, reflecting the larger display and potentially other minor differences in features or storage options. The cost difference can be a significant factor for budget-conscious buyers. The price varies based on storage and connectivity options.
Final Verdict
Choosing between the 12.9-inch and 11-inch iPad Pro depends heavily on individual needs. The 12.9-inch model excels with its expansive display, ideal for creative work and immersive content consumption, and offers a more comfortable typing experience. The 11-inch model, however, wins in portability and ease of use, making it perfect for on-the-go productivity. Consider your priorities carefully.
Winner: 11-inch iPad Pro