The 11-inch iPad Pro (2021) is much more lightweight and portable than its bigger sibling, making it a great size to read, watch, and work on. The new Liquid Retina XDR display is amazing for viewing and editing high-brightness and high-contrast HDR content, and everything is insanely fast and snappy with the M1 chip. 5G support on Wi-Fi + Cellular models Against Larger size can be harder to travel with If you are the type of person who cares solely about internal specs, both the 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro are the same on the inside.
2TB Display Liquid Retina Liquid Retina XDR Wide Color Yes Yes True Tone Yes Yes Laminated Display Yes Yes Face ID Yes Yes Ports Thunderbolt/USB 4 Thunderbolt/USB 4 Smart Connector Yes Yes Rear camera 12MP/4K 12MP/4K Ultra Wide lens Yes Yes LiDAR Scanner Yes Yes Front camera 12MP True Depth 122-degree FoV 12MP True Depth 122-degree FoV Speakers Four Four Apple Pencil 2nd-Generation 2nd-Generation Full-size keyboard accessories No Yes Both models support accessories like the Apple Pencil 2 and the Smart Keyboard Folio.
With the M1 chip inside, you are getting a powerful iPad gaming machine, as well as a device that is no pushover when it comes to getting work done. And even though it’s using the regular Liquid Retina display from the last generation, it’s still very capable and beautiful for most people, especially when it comes to watching videos or reading.
Plus, since the 11-inch is more compact, it’s easier to hold up when reading eBooks or watching movies without feeling fatigued on your wrist. iPad Pro 2021 review (Image credit: Daniel Bader / iMore) The new Liquid Retina XDR display was made to deliver extreme brightness, deep blacks, and all of the subtle details that may otherwise be hidden. The larger screen estate for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro is also warranted if you need a bigger, more comfortable canvas for the best drawing apps for Apple Pencil.
You’ll also benefit from full-size keyboard accessories, allowing you to transform your iPad Pro into a full-on laptop replacement.
Compared: 2021 iPad Pro vs 2020 iPad Pro and 2018 iPad Pro
AppleInsider is supported by its audience and may earn commission as an Amazon Associate and affiliate partner on qualifying purchases. The updated hardware, which is offered in the continued 11-inch and 12.9-inch form factors, will generate buzz among those looking for a new iPad Pro upgrade. Ahead of their release in the second half of May and the wave of product reviews, we turn to Apple’s specifications for a direct comparison. For 2021, Apple has barely changed the dimensions of the iPad Pro over the previous generation, with the 12.9-inch model being marginally thicker at 0.25 of an inch.
There also wasn’t a major shift in display technology usage either, with Apple employing the same backlighting system as usual for its iPads. The 12.9-inch iPad Pro houses 10,000 mini LEDs, giving it 2,596 local dimming zones for considerably higher levels of contrast and better color representation overall.
Apple’s implementation here is like a more extreme form of the Pro Display XDR’s backlighting system, but with considerably more light sources, and in an ultrathin portable device. The extra space in that bump also afforded Apple the inclusion of LiDAR, a system that can be used to improve the autofocus capabilities of the iPad Pro camera, along with some computational photography uses.
It’s solid technology used for Face ID, and it hasn’t really warranted much change over the years, but Apple has tweaked it for 2021 to have a 12-megapixel sensor instead of 7 megapixels. It’s not just a megapixel change, as it’s using an ultra-wide lens, which can take advantage of the new Center Stage feature for video calls. If there’s more than one person in shot, or someone walks in or out, Center Stage will also automatically reframe the picture to accommodate who is visible. When Apple introduced the 2018 iPad Pro, it was equipped with the A12X Bionic chip, which at the time was a very capable processor.
For 2021, Apple has taken the radical step of moving the iPad Pro away from the A-series chips altogether, in favor of using the M1 from its Mac lineup. While there are no benchmarks available for an iPad Pro-based M1 yet, it is probably best to turn to the Apple Silicon Mac lineup for comparisons, as they all use the same M1 chip. Given this, it is likely the M1 in the iPad Pro could see its score dip a little bit, but we ultimately won’t know until it’s actually tested.
The last few generations of the iPad Pro line have singled themselves out as one of Apple’s only mobile-oriented devices not to use Lightning. You also have the other benefits of Thunderbolt, like being able to daisy-chain peripherals and storage devices through the same connection, without necessarily using a dock. It’s also compatible with any existing hardware that uses USB-C, so any current iPad Pro setups around the connection will continue to work fine.
For those who rely on an external display, more storage devices, and other hardware connected to the iPad Pro, it will be a game-changer. For 2021, Apple has finally increased the storage to five options, retaining the 2020 list but adding 2TB to the end.
Aside from a processor refresh and an extra camera on the back, it was hard to really justify an upgrade from the 2018 model at the time.
Not only is there the camera and LiDAR, but you also benefit from Thunderbolt, the massive performance gains of the M1 chip and for the 12.9-inch model, a fantastic display technology upgrade. The changes are largely internal between 2020 and 2021, consisting of massive chip jump, a considerably better display in the 12.9-inch model, and Thunderbolt connectivity.
11-inch iPad Pro vs 12.9-inch iPad Pro: Is the XDR display worth the expense?
Since the iPad Pro debuted in 2015, Apple has offered two sizes of its high-end tablet. The two sizes have traditionally been essentially the same, with the larger version costing $200 extra for more screen. For one, the price gap has stretched to $300, but that’s because the 12.9-inch model has a really significant difference—a new HDR display with mini-LED backlights. Here’s how the two Pros stack up and whether it’s worth it to spend so much money on the flagship iPad.
While the 11-inch iPad Pro has Apple’s Liquid Retina LCD, the 12.9-inch model introduces what Apple calls a “Liquid Retina XDR” display to the iPad line. It’s very similar to Apple’s Pro Display XDR in that it uses an array of thousands of micro-LED backlights arranged in 2596 lighting zones to give it amazing brightness and contrast.
But it makes a strong case for superiority: a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio, P3 wide color gamut, and full-screen brightness of 1,000 nits (with peak brightness of 1,600 nits)—not to mention True Tone, and ProMotion—make this one of the best HDR displays you can get anywhere. Video content will look stellar and images and apps will be bright, crisp, and incredibly detailed.
As Apple describes it, “Even the most detailed HDR content with the finest specular highlights — like galaxies and action movie explosions — are more true to life than ever.”
Part of it is the size, part of it is Apple’s history of making excellent iPad displays, but the 12.9-inch iPad Pro’s XDR Display isn’t the eye-popping upgrade we thought it would be. The new iPad Pro is Apple’s first tablet with RAM listed in the tech specs. While the previous generation iPad Pro had 6GB of RAM, the new model has either 8GB or 16GB, depending on the storage.
We think 8GB is plenty and wouldn’t recommend paying for a gig of storage, no matter which iPad you choose to buy. Other than the chip and the screen, the other major revision in this year’s iPad Pro is the front camera. Apple has also introduced a new feature called Center Stage that’s exclusive to the iPad Pro (for now). Our take: Either model will greatly improve your FaceTime experience, no matter which iPad you’re upgrading from.
One small detail to note about the 12.9-inch iPad Pro is that the new display makes it ever-so-slightly thicker than the previous model. It’s enough that Apple had to tweak the latest Magic Keyboard a little bit in order to close neatly.
Apple says you can use the Magic Keyboard made for last year’s 12.9-inch iPad Pro since the other dimensions are the same, but it won’t be perfectly flush when closed. Most third-party cases, covers, and keyboards follow suit—for example, Logitech’s Combo Touch is $199 for the smaller model and $229 for the larger one.
What size iPad Pro should you buy?
He writes about gear, gadgets, and apps — with a particular focus on Apple — and also makes the occasional odd video. Basically, he’s halfway between an abrasive gadget nerd and thinky art boy.
But there was one issue I struggled with when making my choice: what size iPad Pro should I buy? Strangely, I found a few articles that touched on this topic, but nothing that fully sated me.
My goal is simple: to provide a useful guide on choosing the right size iPad Pro for you. This article and the video is working on the assumption that you’re set on buying an iPad Pro.
Unfortunately, Apple seems hellbent on not making iPadOS a proper computing system, meaning much of the power in the M1 chip won’t be used. Really, it’s only the top end power users (in other words, people doing serious media editing and the like) who would really need an iPad Pro. As you can see, it’s mainly size, weight, and price that separate Apple’s Pro tablets.
We could spend hours deep diving into the stats and technologies behind them, but what this means in reality is the 12.9-inch has a better screen than the 11-inch.
It’s brighter, has better contrasts, and deeper blacks — in other words, it can really show HDR content to its full potential. When you put the pair of them against each other, it’s clearly noticeable just how much crisper and richer the 12.9-inch iPad Pro’s screen is than its smaller counterpart.
How this guide will help you choose the perfect sized iPad Pro While I think the 11-inch Liquid Retina LCD screen is still beautiful and perfect for browsing and watching in general, the experience with the 12.9-inch is strong enough to warrant an upgrade — especially if this is the core element of your use.
You’ll be thankful for that extra screen real estate if multitasking is ever sorted out. Reckon you’re gonna be spending a lot of time typing on the iPad?
The 11-inch iPad is totally fine for typing if you’re just sending the odd email or chatting, but if you’re actually going to spend some serious time putting words down, you’ll be thankful for that bigger keyboard and the extra space it gives your digits. Basically, unless you’re gonna be working with a huge number of videos, there’s little reason to get the largest available storage, 2TB.
In my mind, it’s the most comfortable to use and is that perfect balance between phone and laptop shapes. Saying that, until Apple manages to get the Liquid Retina XDR screen into this smaller iPad Pro, it will lag behind its gorgeous, bigger brother.
At the end of the day, don’t worry too much about what iPad Pro you choose.
Which iPad Pro should you buy: 11-inch or 12.9-inch?
The 11-inch iPad Pro (2021) is much more lightweight and portable than its bigger sibling, making it a great size to read, watch, and work on. The new Liquid Retina XDR display is amazing for viewing and editing high-brightness and high-contrast HDR content, and everything is insanely fast and snappy with the M1 chip.
5G support on Wi-Fi + Cellular models Against Larger size can be harder to travel with
If you are the type of person who cares solely about internal specs, both the 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro are the same on the inside.
2TB Display Liquid Retina Liquid Retina XDR Wide Color Yes Yes True Tone Yes Yes Laminated Display Yes Yes Face ID Yes Yes Ports Thunderbolt/USB 4 Thunderbolt/USB 4 Smart Connector Yes Yes Rear camera 12MP/4K 12MP/4K Ultra Wide lens Yes Yes LiDAR Scanner Yes Yes Front camera 12MP True Depth 122-degree FoV 12MP True Depth 122-degree FoV Speakers Four Four Apple Pencil 2nd-Generation 2nd-Generation Full-size keyboard accessories No Yes Both models support accessories like the Apple Pencil 2 and the Smart Keyboard Folio. With the M1 chip inside, you are getting a powerful iPad gaming machine, as well as a device that is no pushover when it comes to getting work done. And even though it’s using the regular Liquid Retina display from the last generation, it’s still very capable and beautiful for most people, especially when it comes to watching videos or reading. Plus, since the 11-inch is more compact, it’s easier to hold up when reading eBooks or watching movies without feeling fatigued on your wrist. iPad Pro 2021 review (Image credit: Daniel Bader / iMore) The new Liquid Retina XDR display was made to deliver extreme brightness, deep blacks, and all of the subtle details that may otherwise be hidden. The larger screen estate for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro is also warranted if you need a bigger, more comfortable canvas for the best drawing apps for Apple Pencil.
You’ll also benefit from full-size keyboard accessories, allowing you to transform your iPad Pro into a full-on laptop replacement.
Apple iPad Pro – 12.9” (4th Gen) – 2020 Dimensions & Drawings
Wireless charging pads, desktop computers, laptops, AirPods, smart watches, USB chargers, and wearable technology are also popular everyday devices.
Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2021)
8/16 GB RAM Apple M1 We can not guarantee that the information on this page is 100% correct.
Apple iPad Pro 11 (2021)
8/16 GB RAM Apple M1 We can not guarantee that the information on this page is 100% correct.
iPad Pro: Time to Buy? Reviews, Issues, More
The Magic Keyboard attaches to the iPad Pro through a magnetic connection, and it features cantilevered hinges that allow it to work on a desk or on a lap. A USB-C port is included on the Magic Keyboard for passthrough inductive USB-C charging capabilities, leaving the iPad Pro’s Thunderbolt port free for accessories like external drives and displays. 2021 iPad Pro models work with the second-generation Apple Pencil that was introduced in 2018.
It features advanced palm rejection, extreme precision, and imperceptible lag for a paper-like writing experience that’s unmatched by third-party styluses.
Wikipedia
The home button was eliminated following the third lineup (October 2018) for a full display at 11-inch, and it features an array sensor Face ID capable of performing unlocking at wide angles. The fourth-lineup, introduced in March 2020, included the A12Z chip with added compatibility to the Magic Keyboard. Both sizes employed refresh rates up to 120 Hz, better HDR and TrueTone white balancing. It offers a redesigned camera module, an A12Z processor, 128 GB[a] minimum storage, LiDAR Scanner (<5m distance), and support for the Magic Keyboard with a trackpad that is sold separately.
It includes the Apple M1 chip, 5G connectivity, Thunderbolt 3/USB 4 connectivity (up to 40 Gbit/s), external display output up to 6K resolution, 8 or 16 GB of RAM (16 GB is only available for 1 TB and 2 TB models), and, on the 12.9″ variant, an XDR display with mini-LEDs marketed as “Liquid Retina XDR”. [27][28] During the keynote, Apple demonstrated drawing, managing publication layout, and document annotation.
On October 30, 2018, Apple announced an updated Pencil alongside the third generation iPad Pro. [32] It is similar in design and specifications to the first model, but without the detachable connector, and part of the stylus is flattened to inhibit rolling.
These adapters utilize the new USB-C connector, which allows the iPad to connect with HDMI cables, USB ports,[34] and read SD cards.
The USB and SD card support allows user to transfer and save files to and from external memory storage devices.
The Magic Keyboard features the first trackpad designed for an iPad, a hinge to adjust the viewing angle and includes a USB-C port for pass-through charging. The Magic Keyboard provided a proper typing experience and supplied a good trackpad bundled with excellent build quality.
[38] With the launch of 5th generation of iPad Pro on 20 April 2021, a white color has also been added to the Apple Store. However, he criticized the cost of both the unit and its accessories, while noting its slightly slower processor with less RAM compared to the larger 12.9-inch model.
[43] Matt Swider from TechRadar complimented the easy handling, large 256 GB configuration and True Tone display, but was upset about the high starting price. [44] Gareth Beavis gave a positive review, commending the expansive screen and audio quality but stated that the battery life could be made longer.
The iPad Pro’s 9.7-inch version set a record among all currently released tablets tested in color accuracy, screen reflectance, peak brightness, contrast rating in high ambient light, and smallest color variation. Max Parker from TrustedReviews and Gareth Beavis from TechRadar both praised the 10.5-inch model’s high-quality audio and performance, though both critics noted that it was expensive. Reviewing the 12.9 inch second-generation iPad Pro, Lauren Goode of The Verge complimented the quality camera, A10X processor and large screen size, but argued that the device could have been cheaper. The third generation iPad Pro models were praised for their better displays, slimmed bezels, the addition of Face ID and general speed as well as CPU improvements.
Ben Sin from Forbes noted that despite the LCD screen, the 120 Hz refresh rate makes it feel more smooth. [50] The switch to USB-C connectors received mixed reviews; external monitor support and device charging were added at the cost of extra dongles to use older cables and headphones.
[51] Some reviewers noted that although the hardware updates are great steps forward, iOS’s limitations, including the lack of external storage capabilities, prevents the third generation from competing against computers. [55][56] Nelson concluded that the “two weakest points [were] right dead center on either side of the iPad Pro, [and] the crack happened at the very poorly placed microphone hole and the new Apple Pencil 2 charging duct”.
Apple responded to these reports quickly, asserting that this is normal and a non-issue,[58] a response that has been criticized. The LIDAR sensor which Apple added for increased AR capability was touted as a feature only a handful of customers will use.
[65] The Verge has criticized that they should have had multiuser support like the Mac but they gave positive reviews to the Mini-LED and cameras.
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