11-inch vs 12.9-inch iPad Pro: The M1 and M2 are great, but which size should you buy?

The iPad has come a very long way since its debut in 2010. Now there’s the standard iPad, the ultra-lightweight iPad Air, the tiny iPad Mini, and the top-performing iPad Pro. Content creators, digital nomads and business professionals will most likely be drawn to this latest member of Apple’s convoluted tablet lineup. Why ? Because the iPad Pro’s M1 or M2 chip is clearly a cut above the rest, its ultra-bright display is top notch, and its wealth of software features, like text hovering, is impressive.

If you’ve set your sights on the iPad Pro, however, the following question arises: should you buy the 11-inch version or the 12.9-inch version?

On paper, the dimensions do not seem very far apart. But if you’ve ever tried both tablets – which I recommend you do to get an idea – you know that one is more like a traditional sized tablet and the other is a large slab.

Clearly size is the biggest difference between the two, but I’ve listed several other key reasons below that you should consider before deciding which configuration to buy.

11-inch iPad Pro specifications

Apple iPad Pro (2022) 11-inch – Best prices:

• 
  Display : 11-inch Liquid Retina LCD (2388 x 1668) with ProMotion
• Processor : Apple M1 or M2 Silicon
• Storage : 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB
• Camera system: 12MP wide, 10MP ultrawide, 12MP TrueDepth FaceTime
• Connectivity: USB-C Thunderbolt / USB-4, Wi-Fi 6, 5G, 4G, Bluetooth
• Battery : Up to 10 hours of video playback
• Colors: Space Grey, Silver
• Price range : from 1069 € to 2649 €

12.9-inch iPad Pro specifications

Apple iPad Pro (2022) 12.9-inch – Best prices:

• 
  Display : 12.9-inch (2732 x 2048) Liquid Retina XDR display with ProMotion
• Processor : Apple M1 or M2 Silicon
• Storage : 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB
• Camera system: 12MP wide, 10MP ultrawide, 12MP TrueDepth FaceTime
• Connectivity: USB-C Thunderbolt / USB-4, Wi-Fi 6, 5G, 4G, Bluetooth
• Battery : Up to 10 hours of video playback
• Colors: Space Grey, Silver
• Price range :from 1469 € to 3044 €

You should buy the 11-inch iPad Pro if…

1. You prefer a more portable work machine

Don’t get me wrong, both iPad Pro sizes are surprisingly thin (about 0.25 inches) and can easily be slipped into any backpack. But the smaller 11in is much easier to hold and weighs around 500 grams less than the 12.9in model.

If you plan to take the iPad from home to the office to the corner cafes, the 11-inch Pro’s small footprint should be a big factor.

In fact, if you’re upgrading an existing iPad, whether it’s the Air, the Mini or the classic model, you’ll be quite comfortable with the 11-inch format. And its performance based on the M1 will be significantly better.

2. You want to save at least €400

Opting for the 11-inch iPad Pro instead of the 12.9-inch model will, on average, save you around $300. The main difference between the two models – and, spoiler alert, one of the reasons to buy the 12.9-inch model instead – is the larger iPad’s brighter mini-LED display. But is a higher pixel count worth $400 more? The answer really depends on what you’re going to use the tablet for, but for most people it’s a definite “no”.

It’s very likely that if you buy an iPad, let alone a Pro, you’ll also get one of Apple’s keyboard cases. Whether you have your eye on a Magic Keyboard or a more classic product, you will spend 20 to 50 euros less for accessories designed for the 11-inch model.

You should buy the 12.9-inch iPad Pro if…

1. Your workflow requires a larger screen size

How do you plan to use the iPad Pro? Are you a graphic designer who thrives on Photoshop? Editing raw 4K video every other day? If you consider yourself a power user, the 12.9-inch iPad Pro should serve you better than its smaller sibling. Not only does the 12.9-inch model give you a larger screen on which to view your graphics, video timelines, and multi-window layouts, it’s also noticeably brighter, with 1600 nits of brightness.

This superior visual output is due to Apple’s Pro Display XDR, an array of mini LEDs distributed under the glass to create more dimming zones. Basically, you can expect one of the best performing high dynamic range (HDR) displays on the 12.9-inch iPad Pro.

2. You want a bigger keyboard for typing

Listen to Me: The Typing Experience on everything keyboard case you buy for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro will look better than the 11-inch model. Indeed, each case will most likely feature a larger palm rest and trackpad to cover the 12.9-inch iPad screen when closed.

Although keyboard cases are more expensive for larger iPads, as we’ve already mentioned, typing on a case designed for the 12.9-inch iPad should be less restrictive and generally more comfortable. For typists on the go, that reason alone could justify the price.

Apple iPad Pro (2022) 11-inch – Best prices:

Apple iPad Pro (2022) 12.9-inch – Best prices:

Source: “ZDNet.com”