Released in October of 2022, Apple added the 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro models to its luxury iPad models. As expected, the new models have upgraded chips, better Apple Pencil support, and enhanced Wi-Fi connectivity.
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Apple kept many of the same upgrades from the 5th Generation models and incorporated them into the 6th Generation. Like previous iPad Pro models, this year’s models are incredibly similar minus a few key features.
So, what are the new iPad models, and how do they compare when stacked against each other? We’ll teach you everything you want to know about Apple’s latest iPad Pros and help you decide which one you should buy.
iPad Pro 11 vs. 12.9: Side-by-Side Comparison
iPad Pro 11 vs. 12.9: What’s the Difference
The release of the iPad Pro 11-inch and 12.9-inch in 2022 brought a new OS and better Apple Pencil features. But aside from the model’s size, there aren’t a lot of notable differences between the two flagship models.
- Brilliant 11-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with ProMotion, True Tone, and P3 wide colorM2 chip with 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU12MP Wide camera, 10MP Ultra Wide back camera, and LiDAR Scanner for immersive AR12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center StageStay connected with ultrafast Wi-Fi 6E
While the 11-inch Pro is smaller and easier to carry, the 12.9-inch model is perfect for the creator, the artist, the videographer, and the more serious user.
Design
The iPad Pro 11-inch and 12.9-inch haven’t changed in design since 2018. Both iPad models have the same sharp edges as their predecessors. The edge-to-edge display is only interrupted with a 6mm bezel around the sides, so the screen takes up the majority of real estate on the tablet.
Offered in Space Grey and Silver, the iPad Pro 11-inch is smaller and lighter, while the 12.9-inch model is larger and slightly heavier. The cellular models are also somewhat heavier than their Wi-Fi-only sister models.
Charge Time
Battery life is another feature that stayed relatively the same as previous iPad Pro models. The 11-inch models contain a 28.65-watt-hour battery, while the 12.9-inch models have a 40.88-watt-hour battery.
The new iPad Wi-Fi-only models support 10 hours of battery life online or watching videos. The cellular models get slightly less time between charges in 9 hours.
iPad Pro History
The very first iPad Pro hit the market in November 2015. It came in a 9.7-inch and 12.9-inch model with an A9X chipset and only 2GB of RAM. With this model, the keyboards came to the iPad, which began to take on a more professional feel.
Apple didn’t release the next iPad Pro until 2017. Apple announced the new Pro model in June of that year and increased the size of the smaller option from 9.7-inches to 10.5-inches. The upgraded A10X Fusion chipset and 512GB maximum storage capacity were an excellent feat for its time.
Apple enthusiasts first saw the 11-inch iPad Pro in October 2018. Announced alongside its larger companion, the 12.9-inch Pro, the 3rd Generation iPads were the last major design update. Apple added Face ID and removed the home button. After this model’s release, Apple took another break in 2019, releasing the 4th Generation iPad Pro in March 2020.
The 4th Generation Pro came with the A12Z processor and increased storage (128GB was the smallest option that year). Aside from some more upgraded features like the LiDAR scanner, the Pro models in 2020 were similar to the previous model.
Apple’s 5th Generation iPad Pros were announced in April of 2021 and were the first to include the M1 chipset, XDR display, and full 5G connectivity.
iPad Pro 11 vs. 12.9: Must-Know Facts
The iPad Pro 11-inch & 12.9-inch
- The iPad Pro 12.9-inch offers a better display, but both have the same internal hardwareThe Wi-Fi Only models are slightly lighter than the cellular modelsThe smaller, 11-inch iPad Pro is a feature-rich table in a smaller packageThe 6th Generation iPad Pro lineup includes a faster, more energy-efficient M2 Chip.The camera, speakers, screens, and sizes are the same as the 5th Generation iPad
iPad Pro 11 vs. 12.9: Which One is Better? Which One Should You Buy?
The newest iPad introduces new technology and combines it with excellent features from last year’s model. But which one should you buy?
- Brilliant 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with ProMotion, True Tone, and P3 wide colorM2 chip with 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU12MP Wide camera, 10MP Ultra Wide back camera, and LiDAR Scanner for immersive AR12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center StageStay connected with ultrafast Wi-Fi 6E
The iPad Pro lineup is the top-of-the-line Apple tablet. Combined with peripherals like keyboards and the Apple Pencil, the iPad Pro can easily replace your computer. However, shopping for the one that fits your needs can be challenging when they’re so similar.
The first thing to consider is how you intend to use your new iPad Pro. For example, one key difference between the two models is the XDR display on the 12.9-inch model. While the larger model has a higher price tag, the display is best for those who need better HDR resolution.
Artists, videographers, and those creating visual media will benefit from the higher-resolution screen. Gamers looking for a powerful handheld device should go for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro due to its screen resolution and size.
The 11-inch model is more than sufficient for the average user. The compact chassis makes it easier to take anywhere, while the M2 chip, camera, and battery life are the same as the larger 12.9-inch version. The 11-inch model is likely the better option if you aren’t a digital artist.
Another thing to consider before making your purchase is your budget. For example, the 11-inch iPad Pro with 512GB of memory is the same price as the 128GB 12.9-inch model. Considering that the XDR display isn’t a must-have feature for the average user, it’s probably best to go with the smaller iPad and get more memory.
The best way to narrow down the choices is to determine what size you’re comfortable with and what you intend to do with your iPad. Gamers and artists will benefit from the larger screen and higher resolution while the rest of us will fair better with the lighter, more compact, 11-inch model.