iPad Pro 11 vs 12.9 - I now know which one is better.

Which iPad Pro is better, 12.9 or 11 inch? This question has been beaten to death, but everyone always has the same answer: "it depends." I'm here to give you a definitive answer, and the reasons why.

[sixtypilot]

I own both a 12.9 and also an 11”. If I’m using the iPad at a desk or attached to my magic keyboard I prefer the 12.9. But as soon as I grab the iPad off the magic keyboard and want to use it as a tablet. The 11” wins hands down every time. Laying in bed watching a movie, watching YouTube videos on the toilet, sitting on the sofa reading the news. The 11 is way more comfortable to hold and a better tablet. The 12.9 feels bulky and heavier. Also when traveling. The 12.9 on an airplane tray table is way to big. The 11” is the perfect size. I’d say if you’re solely looking for a Laptop replacement and it’s never going to travel or leave the magic keyboard, the 12.9 is the way to go. If you’re looking for a tablet that can also be used as a desk/laptop item that’s way easier to travel with and hold. Go 11!
*New Edit* - I sold my 12.9” iPad for the 15” MacBook air and kept my 11” iPad. I think this is the best of both worlds.

[abdouliejallow]

As a digital artist / designer, I LOVE the 12.9 inch. the canvas size is incredible and it acts really nice as an extended monitor with big projects.I feel REALLY productive with the size. My only issues is how heavy it is with traveling - Hence why I might get an ipad air for on the go note taking and sketching.

[binzzz]

“The 12.9 feels more hefty, feels more luxe, makes me more proud to own it.” Lmao i feel ashamed pulling out a 12.9 inch tablet in a coffee shop if i wanna read an ebook or browse the internet. I own an 11 in and it just feels right for me. I tried the 12.9 in ipad and i laughed at how ridiculously gigantic it is for a tablet. I think it’s more your ego deciding which one to choose because it makes you feel good owning the more expensive one.

[berkensayilir]

I had both sized. The bigger size actually made me use the iPad less. I‘m back to the 11“ and again fell in love again with its portable „take everywhere“-size and weight.

[ParkerBraamse]

Most honest, humble, and genuine review I've seen in a very long time. Not sure what it was, but watching your review was so refreshing and more like hearing advice from a buddy in a casual setting. The review wasn't about which tablet was higher spec'd, it was about which one made more sense for your daily use, and there was no hidden agenda. Just an honest, "what's it like for daily use?", review. I own an 11 pro, and have since the first generation, but have been torn on switching to the 12.9. I've watched countless reviews and read more content on the topic than I care to admit. Your review hit home for me and I've decided to upgrade. Very well done, thank you. You have a new subscriber.

[zdvgnlg]

Your wife wanted a new iPad so you bought yourself a new one instead 😂

[Chelsea-bqzn]

The 12.9 is perfect for me as a student because of the large canvas. It is quite hard to maneuver without a pencil or keyboard, your fingers will get tired easily. I use the magic keyboard everyday and couldn’t imagine the experience without it. With that being said, I would’ve gotten the 11 inch if I was just using it for entertainment and not work because of it’s portability.

[Nitewolflegend]

I’ve had the 12.9 inch for almost a year and I regret it because it’s so big, yes there is a lot of room to write and see things but carrying/holding it is so annoying

[sean]

I just bought the 1TB 11 pro. I was originally going to buy the 12.9 with the magic. They were out of stock at the apple store and I decided screw it and bought the 11. I replaced my early 2015 13 inch MacBook Pro and I’m satisfied. I’ve been a long term student and I’ve gotten sick of having multiple notebooks, holding my MacBook, and having a textbook out.

I find the iPad OS to be easier/faster for most tasks imo. I typically write papers and do scientific research. Multitasking is still a breeze with multiple windows. The light weight of the smaller form factor means I can just fold it up and go anywhere with the magic keyboard. Could I do the same with the 12.9? Yeah but it’d be like carrying around a laptop again. Plus the reduced price for incredible M1 power and 16gb of RAM… no brainer.

Not worth the extra screen space- I’m not an editor or artist. 11 is just fine for movies and videos. It’s scaled anyway and has equal pixel density. Barely notice the lack of an OLED.

[HatovimLeTayis]

After considering every iPad as replacement of my 16GB Air 2, I landed the silver 128GB M1 Pro 12.9.” Mark is totally right. It’s awesome and not heavy at all. I also use it a lot paired with my 13” MacBook M1 Pro. With this keyboard and trackpad I can perfectly use my iPad on its own or as secondary screen for my MacBook. The XDR display and stereo speakers with Atmos alone are worth it. Thanks for this great review!

[keithbarrett]

As a photographer, when I show a client a completed project (portraits etc) the images are usually in a gallery. Aside form the bigger viewing area the 12.9 just "feels" and looks more substantial and the screen of the 5th gen 12.9 is just incredible

[Jonathantuba]

I have used the 12.9” iPad Pro ever since the first edition, and have never wanted to change. For small portable hand held iPad I use a Mini. So a combination of those two for me is the best of both worlds.

[eimbier]

I had the same dilemma. A trip to the Apple store with both sizes next to each other and surfing with Safari to the same websites convinced me to get the 12.9”. A user sees more content on the 12.9” when surfing. It is not just the size of the image.

[crispybat]

As a college student (pshychology) with an M1 MBA, I’ve never regret choosing the 11 inch.
First of all its cheaper so I could buy a logitech case for the iPad which protects the iPad better than a magic keyboard, and second, I didnt need a bad laptop replacement.
The 11 inch is perfect for handwriting notes, perfect for media consumption, and way better in small areas than the 12.9.
The split screen is more than enough, considering the fact that you need to zoom on both device if you want to do anything.
I just open my mba at home, get into the class with zoom or teams and my iPad is next to it with Notability on the screen.
The only area where the 12.9 shines is professional drawing. Thats all. :)

[hugotipple]

My wife said that a couple of inches doesn't really make a difference, so I got her the 11" ipad pro.

[gloriamariadc]

Omg, ur the 1st vid of a ton that I'v watched on this one topic, & ur the first to be truly honest & direct!! omg!!! Finally!!!!

[Californiansurfer]

I love the 12.9 and I received credit for old 2016 iPad . The new one is great, i watch YouTube and Netflex and purchased iPad arms to hold display. The bigger screen is brautful. Love it...

[extremelucky]

I'd take the 11-inch all day. I took the 12.9 Pro with the Magic Keyboard to Japan, and I found it too big on my long-ass flight, in bed, on subways, and everywhere else. Just got the 11-inch, and I absolutely love how light and portable it is. I can use it anywhere.

[MrJ]

I have the 11, and in hindsight I would have chosen the 12.9. I stopped using paper and instead write everything on the iPad now, and I commonly split-screen with a text document on the left and my notes on the right. However, I find that the split-screen space is a bit lacking on the 11 to the point that it annoys me.

[johnconstantine]

Note that iPad 12.9 inch is actually just the size of A4 paper, which is the exact same size of a typical paper notebook that you use to write on daily life. It just looks bigger aside of smaller 11 inch.