11-inch or 12.9-inch iPad Pro, Which is Better?

In this medium we always try to provide useful information and in the most objective way possible. It is not that in this post it will not be like that, but in this case a server prefers to speak in the first person and tell how, from my point of view, my way of using the iPad has changed since I acquired the 12.9 model inches after more than a year with the 11 version. And for this I will try to illustrate my uses as well as possible and try to bring this analysis closer.

Identical specifications on both models

If you are not very knowledgeable about these iPad Pro, it is normal that the first thing that comes to mind is the difference in specifications between one and the other. Fortunately or unfortunately, rather the first, we did not find differences beyond the size. As long as we compare models of the same generation, although the truth is that the difference between 2018 and 2020 models is not abysmal either.

These are the most outstanding specifications that we find in all cases, regardless of their size of 11 or 12.9 inches:

• Processor:
  • 2018: A12X Bionic.
  • 2020: A12Z Bionic.
• RAM:
  • 2018: 4GB and 6TB on 1TB models.
  • 2020: 6 GB.
• Frontal camera:
  • 2018: 7 MPx and f / 2.2 with Face ID.
  • 2020: 7 MPx and f / 2.2 with Face ID.
• Rear camera:
  • 2018: Wide angle of 12 Mpx and f / 1.2.
  • 2020: 12 Mpx wide angle and f / 1.2, 10 Mpx ultra wide angle and f / 2.4 and LiDAR sensor.
• Dimensions:
  • 11 inches 2018 and 2020: 24.76 x 17.85 x 0.59 cm.
  • 12.9 inches 2018 and 2020: 28.06 x 21.49 x 0.59 cm.
• Weight:
  • 11 inches WiFi 2018: 468 grams.
  • 11 inches WiFi + Cellular 2018: 470 grams.
  • 11 inch WiFi 2020: 471 grams.
  • 11-inch WiFi + Cellular 2020: 473 grams.
  • 12.9 inches WiFi 2018: 631 grams.
  • 12.9 inches WiFi + Cellular 2018: 633 grams.
  • 12.9 inches WiFi 2020: 641 grams.
  • 12.9-inch WiFi + Cellular 2020: 643 grams.
• Data transmission and charging connector:
  • USB-C (all models).
• Autonomy:
  • All WiFi versions: up to 10 hours of browsing or video playback.
  • All WiFi + Cellular versions: up to 10 hours of browsing or video playback with WiFi and 9 hours with mobile data.
• Sound:
  • All versions: four stereo speakers.

Software is key to everything

Whether it’s a 2018 or 2020 model, 11 or 12.9 inches, it can support the latest versions of iPadOS. This is the iPad’s own operating system that emerged in 2019 and left iOS behind. Both systems continue to start from a common base, but we find interesting exclusive functions for tablets that make the experience of using a ‘Pro’ model very similar to that of using a computer.

I do not want to open a debate about whether an iPad Pro is more recommended than a laptop, since they are still very different elements and the decision to opt for one or the other is in the end a question of the use that each one wants to give it. However, I do want to emphasize that iPadOS helps that, regardless of the size chosen, you can have a pleasant experience in everyday and even advanced uses. Having such good interaction with keyboards, mice and trackpad helps a lot to this, as well as being able to use external storage devices such as SSD or USB-C pen drives.

Mobility is key in the decision (or not)

One of the advantages that an iPad offers over other equipment is being able to use it on the go. That is, to be able to travel with it in public transport, that on vacation it is an essential in the suitcase and can even go from home to work and from work to home in a backpack or briefcase. Even within the home itself, it can have advantages in terms of using it anywhere, from the desk to the sofa to the bed.

The 11-inch iPad Pro wins the game here for its dimensions and weight. It is extremely comfortable to wear and its all-screen design offers a better visual experience in an identical size to that in previous generations with fewer inches. However, from personal experience I have to say that the 12.9 iPad Pro surprises in this section . And yes, it is a very large iPad and it even becomes heavy if accessories such as the Magic Keyboard are added. However, it has very important advantages that I will assess in other sections.

When I bought the 11-inch iPad Pro I traveled every day on commuter trains, so this equipment was great for me to work from my seat in total comfort and even watch a chapter of my favorite series. When I had the large model in my hands, I hardly traveled by public transport, but the times I did it, I was surprised for the better. When carrying the iPad on your knees it is true that it feels heavier and that if there is another traveler in the seat next to you you already have to try to move less so as not to disturb, but the truth is that the handling did not make me uncomfortable in any moment.

At home I admit that I hardly use this device except on my work table, but the times that I have tried to use it lying on the sofa or that I have taken it elsewhere to teach something to another person, it is true that I have missed missing the comfort of the 11-inch iPad Pro. In any case, it is not that it has been something relevant, since it does not bother me too much.

The magic of Split View

This is the name given to the split screen function present in the iPad, which allows even having a third application on the screen overexposed to the others in an aspect ratio more similar to that of an iPhone. For my work, I am a heavy user of this function. Every time I need information for an article I use Safari to find it and on the other hand I like to have an application to take notes. This with the 12.9-inch iPad Pro is done wonderfully .

It is not that with the 11-inch iPad Pro you could not, since it is possible to perform the action in the same way. The aspect ratio that remains on the screen is equivalent, but as is evident it looks smaller. This was a drawback for me when I had the small iPad, since I often gave up working with the iPad in favor of the Mac simply because I did not tire my eyes or have to be enlarging the Safari window with my fingers.

Editing photos becomes much more accurate

I really want to give points in favor to the 11-inch iPad Pro and I am sure that in the next sections it will snatch some from the large model, but the truth is that in this I have to opt for the 12.9 inches. Of course, it is perhaps not the point where it stands out the most.

Although I do not consider myself an expert in photo editing, several months ago I began to be interested in it and on my iPad I have some of the most popular applications for it. Already with the 11-inch model I started to be interested in it and the truth is that having an Apple Pencil 2 makes everything easier regardless of the size of the screen. However, I have to admit that I have had a better experience on the large model on many occasions, since a larger screen helps to have a greater frame of view during editing and to better visualize some details.

Technical tie in multimedia content consumption

I already warned that the 11 inches would begin to gain ground to the 12.9, although here I have already warned that I leave it in a technical tie. Despite having an Apple TV and a great 4K television to enjoy series and movies, in the end I only use it at night and during the day the iPad is my main playback device. Be it Apple TV +, Netflix, YouTube or my own videos that I like to remember, I have to say that the iPad in general is a great companion.

Now, the size is decisive in most cases. If I want to watch a casual video at any given moment or have the iPad Pro on the table when I go to do it, I greatly appreciate having the large dimensions as the 12.9 model offers. However this changes in any other situation in which I require it. For example, when I lie on the bed to watch a series or when I travel in a car or public transport, since there I have to be holding the iPad with my hands so that it does not fall and the 11-inch model becomes more practical.

And what about the difference in video games?

At first I have to say that I am not what could be classified as an active video game player. In fact I am a very disconnected person from this industry, but from time to time I like to try casual games or recall versions of those that made me enjoy during my childhood. And I have to say that during my regular games I have noticed a notable difference in favor of the small iPad .

There are currently a multitude of video games for iPad compatible with controls such as the Xbox or PlayStation and yes, to play those the size of 12.9 inches is very grateful. What I do is place it on a stand or on the Magic Keyboard itself and enjoy my games on an ideal screen size so as not to lose sight of it. But things change when we talk about games that require touching the screen . In these I miss the 11-inch size because holding the iPad in your hand makes it uncomfortable, even more so if the game requires constant control with your finger on the screen.

I insist that I am not a great player and my games do not really take me more than 2 hours in total in a single week, but if you have a more developed profile in this area, you may have to value this aspect as a point very in favor of 11-inch iPad Pro.

Some accessories have more expensive prices

As I have been advising throughout this article, my favorite is the 12.9-inch model. However, it has a negative point that perhaps can make, as a whole, your decision can opt for the other. We can find all kinds of accessories for these iPad, from keyboards to mice, through stylus, holders and protective covers. Most tend to have a similar price in both cases and even in official ones like the Apple Pencil 2 it is the same price because it is the same accessory. However, things change in elements such as the Magic Keyboard, the Smart Keyboard and other keyboards of this style from third-party brands. It is not that there is an exaggerated difference between them, but it is in the end something to take into account when calculating the  total cost of the device, which already have differences between them of more than 200 euros.

Conclusion: neither is a bad decision

We come to the end with a single idea and that is that for practical purposes they are two identical teams and that they will allow you to do the same. The only thing that changes is the way of doing it, since in one you will have possibilities that due to size the other does not offer, either for better or for worse, but in both cases you will have a team with the latest specifications and with software support. for several years. The best recommendation is to try them. Fortunately, we find the possibility of returning these products for 14 days if they are bought at Apple or stores like Amazon, so in the end you can choose one first and if when that period passes you are not convinced you can try the other.