When faced with the choice between Apple’s 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro models from 2021 (fifth generation), the decision isn’t just about screen size. Both devices pack a punch with advanced tech, but which is right for you? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their features, highlighting similarities and differences, to guide your purchase. Whether you’re an artist, student, gamer, or just an Apple enthusiast, this review will serve you well.
Table of contents
Reasons to buy the 11-inch iPad Pro (5th gen)
- Familiar dimensions (similar to traditional iPad)
- More portable: 9.74″ x 7.02″ x 0.23″
- Lighter weight: 1.03 pounds (Wi-Fi)
- Cost-effective compared to the 12.9″ model
- Suitable for sketching and drawing
- Easier to hold and use on-the-go
32GB storage
Silver
2016 release
128GB storage
Space Gray
2016 release
128GB storage
Silver
2016 release
Reasons to buy the 12.9-inch iPad Pro (5th gen)
- Larger screen real estate: 11.04″ x 8.46″ x 0.25″
- Superior display: Liquid Retina XDR with miniLED technology
- Enhanced viewing experience for movies and videos
- Closer to laptop screen size, ideal for multitasking
- Best for those seeking a potential computer replacement
- Immersive gaming with a brighter, higher-quality screen
32GB storage
Silver
2016 release
128GB storage
Space Gray
2016 release
128GB storage
Silver
2016 release
iPad Pro 11″ vs. 12.9″ (5th gen): Specs comparison table
| Features | iPad Pro 11″ (2021) | iPad Pro 11″ (2021) |
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Space gray Silver | Space gray Silver |
| Size (H x W x D) | 9.74 x 7.02 x 0.23 inches 24.74 x 17.83 x 0.58 cm | 11.04 x 8.46 x 0.25 inches 28.04 x 21.49 x 0.63 cm |
| Weight | 1.03 pounds (Wi-Fi) and 1.04 pounds (Wi-Fi + Cellular) Approximately 0.47 kg | 1.5 pounds (Wi-Fi) and 1.51 pounds (Wi-Fi + Cellular) Approximately 0.68 kg |
| Display | 11-inch Liquid Retina (IPS) | 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR (miniLED) |
| Resolution | 2,388 x 1,668 at 264 pixels per inch | 2,732 x 2,048 at 264 pixels per inch |
| Brightness | Up to 600 nits (typical) | Up to 600 nits (typical) |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz |
| Speakers | Four stereo speakers | Four stereo speakers |
| Processor | Apple M1 | Apple M1 |
| Storage capacity | 128 GB 256 GB 512 GB 1 TB 2 TB | 128 GB 256 GB 512 GB 1 TB 2 TB |
| RAM | 8 GB (in 128, 256, and 512 GB versions) 16 GB (in 1 and 2 TB versions) | 8 GB (in 128, 256, and 512 GB versions) 16 GB (in 1 and 2 TB versions) |
| Battery life | Navigation and video playback using Wi-Fi: 10 hours | Navigation and video playback using Wi-Fi: 10 hours |
| Front camera | 12 Mpx ultra-wide-angle lens with f/2.4 aperture | 12 Mpx ultra-wide-angle lens with f/2.4 aperture |
| Rear cameras | 12 Mpx wide-angle lens with f/1.8 aperture Ultra wide-angle with f/2.4 aperture LiDAR sensor | 12 Mpx wide-angle lens with f/1.8 aperture Ultra wide-angle with f/2.4 aperture -LiDAR sensor |
| Connectors | USB-C compatible with Thunderbolt (USB 4) Smart Connector | USB-C compatible with Thunderbolt (USB 4) Smart Connector |
| Biometric systems | Face ID | Face ID |
| Connectivity in all models | Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax); 2.4 and 5 GHz; simultaneous dual-band; speeds up to 1.2 Gb/s MIMO Bluetooth 5.0 | Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax); 2.4 and 5 GHz; simultaneous dual-band; speeds up to 1.2 Gb/s MIMO Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Compatibility of official accessories | Smart Keyboard Folio Magic Keyboard Apple Pencil (2nd gen) | Smart Keyboard Folio Magic Keyboard Apple Pencil (2nd gen) |
Similarities
The 2021 iPad Pro generation is built with cutting-edge technology. Whether you buy the 11-inch or the 12.9″ model, you will get superior technology and performance in your hands. These are the main similarities between the two 5th-gen iPad Pro models (11″ and 12.9″) worth knowing:
M1 chip
Available only in Macs until now, both iPad Pro models come with one of the greatest Apple breakthroughs: the M1 chip. The excellent performance of the Apple-made chip has no limits: multitasking demanding apps, playing videogames, editing photos and video at a professional level, and practically anything you wish to do with your device.
Up to 10 hours of battery use
There is no difference in the 5th-gen iPad Pro 11″ vs. 12.9″ battery. They both have up to ten hours of continuous use, which translates into an all-day battery if you use it for work or studying for long periods. If you use the iPad sporadically, you can use it without charging it for several days. However, if your iPad battery is draining fast, it leads to frustration because now you can work on it for longer periods. In such a case, consider taking your iPad for repair to replace the battery.
👉 Related: 30 Easy Tips To Extend Your iPad’s Battery Life
Pro camera system and wide-view angle
The iPad Pro has a dual-camera system, and both models enjoy an ultra-wide angle with an f/2.4 aperture. This camera system is perfect for augmented reality experiences. Moreover, thanks to the LiDAR scanner, the Apple device knows what’s in front of it at the millimeter level.
The 11″ and 12.9″ iPad Pro has a 122° front-facing camera. This means more room or people for your video calls, something that could help you with meetings, presentations, teaching, or learning online. In addition, the Centered Framing feature allows the camera to center you even when you move around.
5G Connectivity
If you use your tablet outside your home or other Wi-Fi networks, the iPad Pro 11″ and 12.9″ support 5G connectivity. If you have a 5G contract with your carrier, you’ll benefit from very high speeds on your iPad, and you will be able to stream anything you want at any place.
Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard
The current best companions for your new iPad are the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard. Taking notes and writing becomes so easy and comfortable when using them. Both the 11-inch iPad Pro and the 12.9-inch models support it.
👉 Related: 20 Best Apps for the Apple Pencil in 2023
Differences
Aside from the price, the most obvious differences lie in size, display, and weight. These are the fundamental aspects you must study before deciding which to buy.
Size
The 11″ iPad Pro has the same dimensions as the traditional iPad: 9.74″ x 7.02″ x 0.23″. Thus, it might be more familiar, comfortable, and handy.
On the other hand, the 12.9″ iPad Pro has a screen similar to that of a laptop, and its dimensions are 11.04″ x 8.46″ x 0.25″. It is perfect if you use it for work or plan to watch movies or YouTube videos on it. Not as comfortable if you plan to carry it around constantly, though.
Weight
As you can imagine, a bigger screen also means a heavier device. Here, it really depends on your usage and if you will travel with your device frequently. If that is not the case, and you want to get the biggest possible screen size at the expense of portability, the iPad Pro 12.9″ could be your choice. On the contrary, if you prefer portability and better handling, you can go for the 11-inch model.
Display
The display is the main difference in this review, and the screen of the 12.9-inch model is not only bigger, but it is also better. The 12.9″ iPad Pro has a unique display called Liquid Retina XDR, which has an array of 10000 mini LEDs that turn off and on independently.
With a Liquid Retina XDR display, the areas of the screen that are darker, or need black color, are directly turned off. No gray-tinged blacks. It is undoubtedly the best iPad screen that Apple developed at that time.
Final tip: Buy a refurbished iPad Pro
Buying a refurbished iPad Pro can make you save time and a considerable amount of money while getting a completely functional device. On RefurbMe, we specialize in offering the best refurbished Apple products from multiple merchants. The items have a warranty and have been thoroughly tested before being sold again.
You can take a look at the refurbished fifth-generation 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPads here:
32GB storage
Silver
2016 release
128GB storage
Space Gray
2016 release
128GB storage
Silver
2016 release
Check our article to know more about the dimensions of all the iPad models to date. Also, don’t hesitate to check our bestselling products and know what to look out for when shopping for a refurbished tablet.
Good luck!
iPad Pro 11″ vs. 12.9″ (5th gen): FAQ
In order to help you choose between the iPad Pro 11″ vs. 12.9″, we have compiled the most frequently asked questions about the two screen sizes.
1. Do you need a Liquid Retina XDR display for an iPad?
The iPad Pro 12.9″ has possibly the best display available for a tablet nowadays. This said, you should consider if you need the most beautiful and brightest display, especially considering that the price disparity between the 12.9-inch and 11-inch models is higher than in the previous 2020 models.
2. What is the best screen size for drawing?
Although the 12.9-inch model has its advantages, the 11-inch iPad Pro has a decent amount of space to sketch and draw on. You can visit your local Apple store and try it out to see what suits you best. On top of that, think if you want to hold your tablet while drawing and consider the extra half pound of the 12.9″ model.
3. Should I get the iPad Pro 11″ or the 12.9″ model for college?
Getting a new iPad Pro for college means that, almost certainly, you will be carrying it around often. Getting the 12.9″ model could not be the best idea for college since you will be paying more for a less portable tablet. In addition, you will get all the performance you could expect from a high-end iPad with an 11-inch model.
4. Is the iPad Pro 12.9″ better for gaming?
The iPad Pro 12.9″ can be a handy gaming device, but it depends on the games you will be playing. Having a Liquid Retina XDR display will allow you to play games with a brighter screen of a higher quality. The extra space will give you better controls and better view options. However, playing games that require hand-holding the tablet, a bigger screen could mean a less comfortable gaming experience. In this case, check if the games you want to play support a control pad to improve comfort.
5. Do you want your iPad to replace your computer?
If you want your iPad Pro to be a computer replacement, consider the 12.9-inch model. Even if the iPadOS is still far from macOS, you will enjoy the extra screen real estate for multitasking, studying, and working.
