After the launch of the new iPad Pro 2021 with M1 chip, we could see how far the prices of models with 11 and 12.9 inches of screen were on the market. It’s because of it Many users have big questions about whether the 12.9-inch model is worth buying., or if on the contrary 11 is enough for them.
For this same reason, we will compare the two models, seeing all the key aspects that the two devices have in common as well as their most significant differences and what they mean to the user. This way, you can decide which purchase may be the best option for you based on your preferences.
iPad Pro 2021 11-inch or 12.9-inch, which one to choose?
As we mentioned, although there are some clear aspects in which these devices can be differentiated, such as their size clearly, It is important to note that they share a lot of the characteristics. In addition, both include many new features compared to last year’s iPad Pro, such as the inclusion of Apple’s new processor, M1 chip.
Technical comparison: specification table
First of all, it might be interesting to see what are the different technical specifications of each iPad Pro. In this case, it should be noted that there will be hardly any difference beyond the size, weight and characteristics of the screen, as you can see in the following table:
iPad Pro 11 “ | iPad Pro 12.9 “ | |
---|---|---|
Dimensions | 24.76 x 17.85 x 0.59 cm | 28.06 x 21.49 x 0.64 cm |
Weight | 466 grams | 682 grams |
Colors | Space Gray and Silver | Space Gray and Silver |
Screen | Liquid retina 11 ″ | Liquid Retina XDR 12.9 ″ |
Display technologies | ProMotion (120 Hz) and True Tone | ProMotion (120 Hz) and True Tone |
Maximum brightness | 600 nits | 1000 nights with peaks up to 1600 nights |
Resolution | 2.388 x 1.668 at 264 p / p | 2.732 x 2.048 at 264 p / p |
Processor | M1 chip | M1 chip |
RAM | 8 or 16 GB | 8 or 16 GB |
Operating system | iPad 14 | iPad 14 |
Storage | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB and 2 TB | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB and 2 TB |
Rear camera | Ultra wide angle 12 MP and 10 MP | Ultra wide angle 12 MP and 10 MP |
Front camera | 12MP UltraDepth Camera | 12MP UltraDepth Camera |
audio | 4 loudspeakers | 4 loudspeakers |
Drums | Up to 10 hours | Up to 10 hours |
Main sensors | Face ID and LiDAR on the camera | Face ID and LiDAR on the camera |
Apple Pencil | Yes, 2nd generation | Yes, 2nd generation |
Smart connector | Yes | Yes |
price from | 879 dollars | 1.199 dollars |
Most of the news comes from both models
Without a doubt, The main novelty of the new iPad models is the inclusion of Apple’s new M1 chip, available in 11 “and 12.9” models.. Apple’s own processor is already used in some models of its Mac computers instead of Intel processors. Thanks to this new chip, the power of one of the two models of the iPad Pro 2021 is brutal and comparable to that of many desktops, of course reaching higher speeds than the previous models.
In addition, other types of functions, including new 5G connectivity in Wi + Fi + Cellular models, or compatibility with accessories have also been included in both models. This way, you will be able to browse at maximum speed and with minimum latencies if your operator and their network allow it.
It should also be taken into account that with both models it is possible to purchase the 2nd generation Apple Pencil, connect accessories such as Apple keyboards using the Smart connector, or use iPad with external monitors or for fast data transfer via the new Thunderbolt / USB 4 connector.
Other novelties such as the possibility of acquiring a model with up to 2TB of storage They are also possible on both iPads, although it is true that you will have to go through the box for this. It should also be noted that the cameras are identical in both models. Improvements to the front camera have made their way to both models, and the rear cameras are still quite adequate given the type of product in question. They mainly focus on virtual reality thanks to things like the LiDAR sensor.
The screen, the differentiating element between the iPad Pro 2021
Without a doubt, if there is one element that makes the difference between the two models, it is the screen. And, in addition to the clear differences in size, this implies significant changes in the technologies people use and the possibilities they offer.
Regarding the 11-inch version, Apple has chosen to keep the Liquid Retina type screen that it has been using for years.. It is an LCD panel that has certain advantages thanks to ProMotion and True Tone, such as a higher refresh rate. Meanwhile, for the iPad Pro, they’ve gone even further by opting for XDR technology.
This implies that the good brightness that already existed in the previous models and also present in the 11 “model is maintained, and a much higher contrast is also added to give a feeling of more vivid colors. To achieve this, Apple introduced Mini-LED technology in its panel. Generally speaking, this means that the 12.9-inch iPad Pro’s screen is made up of millions of tiny LED diodes, particularly enhancing the black color display.
In addition, it should be added that This 12.9-inch iPad Pro allows playback of HDR content. In other words, the screen is ideal for watching series and movies, where the brightness has also been improved (peaks up to 1600 nits) to increase the contrast and show greater realism in the colors.
Some changes that are not always worth it
While the news is pretty good for some cases, it’s worth noting that it won’t always be worth the change. In the first place, the significant change in size that passes from one model to another must be taken into account. And it’s not always as easy to transport as the 11-inch model, although that depends on what you want to do with it. In this regard, it may be a good idea to check that the size is appropriate before deciding.
However, we must also consider the significant price difference between each model. In Europe, the base model of the iPad Pro 11 “(128 GB of storage, 8 GB of RAM and only Wi-Fi) rises to 879 dollars. Meanwhile, we see how the price of the iPad Pro 12.9 inches amounts to 1199 dollars. That is to say that we are before a difference of more than 300 dollars that maybe not everyone is interested.
Also linked to the down payment, another aspect to take into account is the price of accessories. When it comes to choosing accessories like the Apple Pencil, there is no problem since the prices are the same. However, In case you also want to buy an official Apple keyboard later, say the prices vary between 11 and 12.9 inch models. depending on model. With all this in hand, it may be wise to weigh whether such an investment is worth it in each case.
Size is the deciding factor in deciding, but if you also want to use it for professional editing tasks, you might be better off going with the 12.9 “model for its display. However, on many occasions, you may want to being with the 11-inch iPad Pro is more than enough, because the power is the same. Also, while you don’t want to do overly demanding tasks, 4th gen iPad Air may also be a good idea to consider, although it is true that by choosing it, some specific functions of the iPad Pro are lost.
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