iPad Pro 11 or 12.9 Pro ?

[NastyMatt]

I went for a 12.9 after having a smaller iPad (for years - think it is iPad 2!!). I honestly thought the smaller iPad fitted my needs perfectly but bought the 12.9 as it is primarily a work device. Now I am a convert ? the 12.9 is great for me. The real estate means I can use fully featured apps in Safari rather than cut down mobile/iPadOS versions.

Watching films is a better experience as inevitably they have black bars and cut down the size (I don’t like artificial zoomed in). Using it for drawing I have more space and portability is no issue for me. I have a 13” 2016 MBP that I was used to carrying around and this with MK is probably around the same weight.

If it wasn’t for this being a work machine I probably would have gone for the 11 and not known any different. I’d no doubt be here singing the praises of the 11 over the 12.9 ?

 

[Taco1933]

I used to have the “Plus“ iPhones since they had been introduced. Eventually tried the „normal“ XS, in order to see whether the smaller size may be a better choice for me. After one year of extensive testing (didn’t want to give up early), I was finally convinced that I really prefer the bigger iPhones and went back to a “Max” device.

If you know only the smaller size iPads, why not give the bigger size a chance to convince you? Either you like it - or your preference for the smaller screen is reinforced. In either case your final decision should become easier.

I don’t want to have to return something for no reason, now more than ever. Seems like a hassle. I’d rather just get the one I expect I’ll like the best to begin with.

Sounds like there are plenty of good reasons to get the big one. Most of them just don’t apply to me, a ”screw around on the Internet while not really paying attention to Netflix” brand of user. I should probably be buying the newest air, but since I update my iPad once every five years or so, I want to get the fastest one available.

 

[slimejester]

I don’t want to have to return something for no reason, now more than ever. Seems like a hassle. I’d rather just get the one I expect I’ll like the best to begin with.

Sounds like there are plenty of good reasons to get the big one. Most of them just don’t apply to me, a ”screw around on the Internet while not really paying attention to Netflix” brand of user. I should probably be buying the newest air, but since I update my iPad once every five years or so, I want to get the fastest one available.

Either 2020 Pro is great, but I’d definitely hold off until they unveil the Air 4.

 

[stanza.richi]

For me, 12.9 is the best option (I repeat, for me and my personal use ): perfect for reading pdf, streaming, writing papers, drawing. With smart folio is enough lite to bring with me every day at work (last year resident in neurosurgery).

 

[Robbosan]

I'd like to see 11" v 12" screen size when watching the same video? Black bar difference size? how much more picture do you actually get against the 11' ratio.

 

[0128672]

I'd like to see 11" v 12" screen size when watching the same video? Black bar difference size? how much more picture do you actually get against the 11' ratio.

On the 12.9 videos fill the screen just like they do on the 11. There's no black bars. You can compare the display specs between the two here.

 

[Taco1933]

Either 2020 Pro is great, but I’d definitely hold off until they unveil the Air 4.

Is that this week? If so, not a problem. My delivery date is about a month out. Much past that, I’ll take my chances. I can’t imagine they’ll tread too heavily on the pro’s turf.

 

[Robbosan]

On the 12.9 videos fill the screen just like they do on the 11. There's no black bars. You can compare the display specs between the two here.

I mean black bars top and bottom which happens on netflix etc, how much bigger is the 12" picture is what i mean.

 

[slimejester]

Is that this week? If so, not a problem. My delivery date is about a month out. Much past that, I’ll take my chances. I can’t imagine they’ll tread too heavily on the pro’s turf.

Yeah, they’re rumored to debut the 8th gen iPad or the iPad Air 4 on Tuesday. I just picked up the 11” 2020 iPad Pro in July, so I’m hoping the Air 4 doesn’t share too many of the same specs.

 

[doboy]

Pulled the trigger on the 2020 11" 2 weeks ago to replace the aging 10.5". Was thinking about getting the 12.9", but my 1st gen 12.9" from work is still more or less fine

 

[pdoherty]

I mean black bars top and bottom which happens on netflix etc, how much bigger is the 12" picture is what i mean.

It’s 2 inches diagonally bigger.

I think you’re asking about the bars and they‘re both the same aspect ratio so there’s no difference.

 

[seadragon]

I mean black bars top and bottom which happens on netflix etc, how much bigger is the 12" picture is what i mean.

The aspect ratios are slightly different. The 12.9 is 1.33:1 (2732x2048) and the 11 inch is 1.43:1 (2388x1668). This means the 11 is a bit wider and will have less black bar area when watching a typical movie.

 

[ascender]

I've had to move my 12.9" on due to the Citrix issue, so am back with a laptop and an 11" iPad. I'm going to get a Magic Keyboard for the iPad because once you're used to using it, boy do you miss it! Even when just doing normal web browsing and the like with a Smart Keyboard Folio attached, I find myself reaching for the trackpad. I'm definitely preferring the smaller form factor for reading books and using around the house for web and media stuff. I'm also tending to leave a keyboard cover attached most of the time now.

The whole experience has done nothing to change my mind about the sizes - its very much a personal thing and with the bigger one you definitely adapt to the larger size to the point where it just becomes normal. But I think it can take a while to get used to it and also to work out how best to use the modular iPad system as part of your workflow. Very possibly longer than the 14 day buyer's remorse period.

In an ideal world, we could all have an 11" and a 12.9" as I think that would be the ideal setup for all possible scenarios!

 

[ericwn]

It’s 2 inches diagonally bigger.

I think you’re asking about the bars and they‘re both the same aspect ratio so there’s no difference.

Aspect ratios are indeed different hence the question.

 

[Nikhil72]

The aspect ratios are slightly different. The 12.9 is 1.33:1 (2732x2048) and the 11 inch is 1.43:1 (2388x1668). This means the 11 is a bit wider and will have less black bar area when watching a typical movie.

black bars are relatively less on the 11” but the actual video is still larger physically on the 12.9. Wouldn’t necessarily choose based on video since both are closer to each other than 16:9 (I.e. 1.77:1)

 

[The Cockney Rebel]

The 12.9 is my preferred iPad size, too. It’s the “screen becomes insensitive to input after X months” problem that’s keeping from buying another. My last one was had it, was replaced under warranty, and *that* one ended up with it, too, and is now a brick. The structural design is too weak/thin.

If you’re in the UK, and your device has had two faults of the same type within two years, you can get your money back.

That‘s a lot of money for a brick.

 

[lyngo]

I actually ended up taking my 12.9” iPad Pro back today. I couldn’t justify it. I had already purchased the 11” one and I couldn’t return this particular model. In the future, for my next iPad, I will be purchasing the larger size one and trading in the one that I am currently using. I love both sizes and could get use to both sizes, but having already purchased the 11” I had to utilize the one that was already up and being used.

 

[The Cockney Rebel]

Hi

I am planning on getting an iPad Pro in the very near future but keep swinging between 11 inch and 12.9 inch...

I am replacing my MacBook Pro 13” with this and possibly also replacing my iPad Air 3... sort of like combining the two.

Over the past couple of years I have used my iPad a fair bit and mainly used my MacBook on odd occasions to type up documents and use GarageBand.

I like the size of the 12.9 for its screen size... but I like the 11 inch because I can do everything I can do on the 12.9 but I have more portability (I will likely be using the device about 60%% as a tablet and about 40% as a laptop replacement)...

iPad Pro 12.9 Pros
-Larger Screen
-Easier for typing up docs and using GarageBand
-A full sized keyboard with the Magic Keyboard Case

iPad Pro 11 Pros
-More portable
-Better as a tablet
-Likely less likely to suffer a bend
-Can do everything that the iPad 12.9 can do
-Cheaper

Which do you recommend for me based on the above? I am going to check them out in my local Currys/PC World tomorrow.

If you intend on getting the iPad MKB, I’d definitely buy the 12.9” Pro.

I have the MKB for my 11” Pro, but it just feels cramped to type on. Some of the keys are simply too small. I love the design, gestures and concept, but the smaller keys on the 11” version kills it for me. I certainly can’t touch type on it.

If you do go with the 11” & still want a MKB, I’d consider selling you mine.

 

[The Cockney Rebel]

I actually ended up taking my 12.9” iPad Pro back today. I couldn’t justify it. I had already purchased the 11” one and I couldn’t return this particular model. In the future, for my next iPad, I will be purchasing the larger size one and trading in the one that I am currently using. I love both sizes and could get use to both sizes, but having already purchased the 11” I had to utilize the one that was already up and being used.

Same.

I chose the 11”, so now I just have to get on with it.

The form factor is “just right” IMO for a tablet, but it’s too small for ideal use with the iPad MKB.

As you said, I’ll go with the bigger size next gen. I, too, was just going to buy the 12.9” in addition to my 11”, but it’s the same gen so would be ridiculous (for my use case.) I’d much rather buy a MBP & use it along side my iPad Pro, but I’m holding out for Apple silicon macs.

 

[ascender]

My 11” Magic Keyboard arrived today and while its great, it does feel very cramped compared to the 12.9”. I’ll obviously get used to the layout and the smaller keys, so I think it will be perfect for what I need it for, if its going to be your primary device I’d definitely recommend the 12.9” setup or an external keyboard.

 

[The Cockney Rebel]

My 11” Magic Keyboard arrived today and while its great, it does feel very cramped compared to the 12.9”. I’ll obviously get used to the layout and the smaller keys, so I think it will be perfect for what I need it for, if its going to be your primary device I’d definitely recommend the 12.9” setup or an external keyboard.

Couldn't agree more.

 

[MacMandy]

My 11” Magic Keyboard arrived today and while its great, it does feel very cramped compared to the 12.9”. I’ll obviously get used to the layout and the smaller keys, so I think it will be perfect for what I need it for, if its going to be your primary device I’d definitely recommend the 12.9” setup or an external keyboard.

In my case, I’ve gone the other way. When I received the MK for my 12.9” I found the combo too big and heavy for my uses, so actually went for an 11” with the MK instead and its much better for me as I like to use it on the go. Most of the keys (all the letters) are the same size as the 12.9“ MK and I don’t find it cramped. I have a 13” MBP which I can use at home. I just find it a nice size between my iPhone and MBP.

 

[ascender]

In my case, I’ve gone the other way. When I received the MK for my 12.9” I found the combo too big and heavy for my uses, so actually went for an 11” with the MK instead and its much better for me as I like to use it on the go. Most of the keys (all the letters) are the same size as the 12.9“ MK and I don’t find it cramped. I have a 13” MBP which I can use at home. I just find it a nice size between my iPhone and MBP.

That's actually what I'm going to use my 11" iPad Pro for now. My main machine is now a 16" MacBook Pro rather than a 12.9" iPad Pro with external display and its a great size to use on the move.

Its just taking some adjusting to the smaller non-letter keys. So I find myself trying to ALT+TAB but hitting the ALT+Q key and wondering why nothing is happening!

 

[Fred Zed]

I got the 12.9, wish I had the 11. Less fatigue when holding for longer durations

 

[Neodym]

I got the 12.9, wish I had the 11. Less fatigue when holding for longer durations

The 12.9 is indeed not for prolonged free-hand (not sure if the 11 fares that much better, though). But when you keep it rested on belly, pillow, table etc., it works quite okay.