iPad Pro 11 or 12.9 Pro ?

[JonoNZ]

I've been running both the 11" and the 12.9" for a week now (the 11" arrived on launch day, the 12.9" a few days after). I've finally made the decision to go with the 12.9". It was quite a tough decision to be honest. But it came down to the 12.9" not being that much heftier to carry, and I can say that with confidence as I had an opportunity to do some air travel in the time I had it.

A few other points that swung it in favour of the 12.9":
- I was coming from the 10.5", and the 11" didn't feel much like an upgrade for some reason. In fact, due to the current scaling issue of apps not previously optimised for the 10.5", they are actually smaller than they were on the 10.5". On the 10.5" they scaled from 9.7" to 10.5" somewhat cleanly (looked a bit soft, but filled the screen), now they have black bars down the side. Apps optimised for the 10.5" behave better and have small black bars at the top and bottom the same as the 12.9" does.
- On my two units, the LCD on the 12.9" had a slightly bluer whites which, to me at least, looks better and more pleasing to the eye.
- I don't "hold" my iPad up very much, one handed or otherwise. I typically use the Smart Keyboard Folio at a table, or sit on the sofa/couch and the 12.9" being slightly wider actually sites better across the legs and we more stable. I was surprised by this tbh. I am a smaller build guy btw.
- On the 12.9" several of the stock Apple apps offer extra UI features, like the third pane in Mail and Notes -- this is genuinely useful for me when I switch folders and accounts.
- The photos app is spectacular on the 12.9"

In the end though it comes down to personal preference and how you are planning to use it. Either is a great device. This is the one of the more tortious buying decisions I have made recently but I'm very happy with my decision to go with the 12.9".

A part of me thinks Apple should have dropped the 11" and made it a 11.5" or 11.9" -- that may truly be the sweet spot. Given they had to create a new screen size/aspect ratio they perhaps should have done this now rather than later.

 

[Sumter]

I've been running both the 11" and the 12.9" for a week now (the 11" arrived on launch day, the 12.9" a few days after). I've finally made the decision to go with the 12.9". It was quite a tough decision to be honest. But it came down to the 12.9" not being that much heftier to carry, and I can say that with confidence as I had an opportunity to do some air travel in the time I had it.

A few other points that swung it in favour of the 12.9":
- I was coming from the 10.5", and the 11" didn't feel much like an upgrade for some reason. In fact, due to the current scaling issue of apps not previously optimised for the 10.5", they are actually smaller than they were on the 10.5". On the 10.5" they scaled from 9.7" to 10.5" somewhat cleanly (looked a bit soft, but filled the screen), now they have black bars down the side. Apps optimised for the 10.5" behave better and have small black bars at the top and bottom the same as the 12.9" does.
- On my two units, the LCD on the 12.9" had a slightly bluer whites which, to me at least, looks better and more pleasing to the eye.
- I don't "hold" my iPad up very much, one handed or otherwise. I typically use the Smart Keyboard Folio at a table, or sit on the sofa/couch and the 12.9" being slightly wider actually sites better across the legs and we more stable. I was surprised by this tbh. I am a smaller build guy btw.
- On the 12.9" several of the stock Apple apps offer extra UI features, like the third pane in Mail and Notes -- this is genuinely useful for me when I switch folders and accounts.
- The photos app is spectacular on the 12.9"

In the end though it comes down to personal preference and how you are planning to use it. Either is a great device. This is the one of the more tortious buying decisions I have made recently but I'm very happy with my decision to go with the 12.9".

A part of me thinks Apple should have dropped the 11" and made it a 11.5" or 11.9" -- that may truly be the sweet spot. Given they had to create a new screen size/aspect ratio they perhaps should have done this now rather than later.

I also came from 10.5 and agonized over 11 vs 12.9 for quite a while. Before 10.5 I used 1st gen 12.9 that I was mostly happy with but did not like how huge it was to lug around campus with, and this year’s 12.9 corrected that issue. I also liked 10.5’s portability for convenience.

In the end — long story short — I chose 12.9 this year...

If there was a 12” option I would’ve taken that one in a heartbeat. 11 is a little too small when I look at 12.9 (and when I view PDFs or documents — I either have to squint/concentrate harder or zoom in and out), and 12.9 is a little too big to carry around comfortably unless in a backpack or a purse. In the end my preference for 12.9 outweighed 11’s pros.

 

[lillefot]

Just bought the 11". It's beautiful, but it also makes me appreciate that my iPad Air 2 is a great device too.

Anyway, size-wise compared to the 12.9", so far so good. HBO and Netflix looking good from a spot in the coach. «My brilliant friend»’s Italian village looks amazing. Tried some one-handed reading, resting the iPad on my stomach, and the weight felt about right. So in summary I wouldn’t mind having a bigger screen, but appreciate that the iPad isn’t heavier.

I think the 11 is right for me.

 

[Stokkes]

Alright update for those who care.. I finally chose the 11" over the 12.9" after literally agonizing over the last 2 weeks, losing sleep, often using both side by side and bugging my wife to the point where I thought she was going to leave me.

Bit about me - I'm 5'3", 120lbs and have a 2018 13" Macbook Pro i5 and iPhone XS.

My workflows:

• In my professional career I'm a manager and use my 13" MBP for work-related purposes
• At home, I'll do web browsing, reading, twitter, email on the iPad
• I also do development using Working Copy, Coda, Blink (SSH client) on th iPad. I actually prefer this workflow than on the Mac.
• I carry my iPad everywhere in the house. It's always with me - this was a big factor in my choice.

Why I chose the 11" over the 12.9"

• Biggest factor - weight. With the keyboard folio that I usually keep on, I felt the weight was just a bit too much with the 12.9". This is incredibly subjective, but for my size, I noticed that my wrists/arms would often get tired. Sure I can lean the iPad up against my lap or waist, but I often hold it in my hands and closer to my face.
• Second biggest factor - size. The 12.9" is gorgeous, absolutely stunning. But the size still feels a bit unwieldly. This also is incredibly subjectve, but using the 12.9" with my almost child-like hands was difficult. The biggest factor to this is typing on the on screen keyboard when I'm holding the iPad. Typing in Landscape, forget it. My thumbs couldn't reach the middle of the keyboard and I'd have to stretch. In portrait mode, it was a bit more comfortable, but then it made the iPad top heavy and I felt it would fall forward.
• Both size/weight were a big factor when I had both the 11" and 12.9". I would see myself gravitating towards the 11". As I mentioned in a previous post, grabbing the 11" after using the 12.9" felt like a cold glass of water while trekking in the Sahara. The 12.9 isn't heavy, but the 11" is just down right featherweight in comparison.
• I will miss the 12.9" for Working Copy/Coda/Blink workflow on iOS, but I've been doing development for a few weeks in my spare time and it's been fine.
• I kept asking myself - last year I had the 10.5 and did all the same things. The 11" is just better and weighs just a slight less - so this is a big win. I was never telling myself last year that I needed something bigger.
• When reading in bed with the 12.9" I felt like I'd break my nose if I fell asleep with it above my head which I have a habit of doing.

Overall I'm still torn, but I felt i'd be happier with the 11" over the 12.9". There are no doubts that I'll regret not getting the 12.9" on some occasions but really when I thought about it, I came to the conclusion that for me, I'd have more regrets not getting the 11" than I do not having got the 12.9".

As an aside, I was a big fan of the Macbook Air 11". I used many of these but never bought one myself. To me, the 11" iPad is a resurrection of that simiplicity and extreme portability and except with the iPad, you don't compromise on performance, only screen. Both the 11 and 12.9 can do the same things and have the same performance.

At this point I don't think I see myself ever getting the 12.9 unless they significantly drop the weight. The size is a big factor for me and my hands and just feels tiring after a while - whereas with the 11 I feel I can hold it for hours. God I wish they made a 11.5 or 12", I will miss those full-sized apps in 50/50 split mode!

 

[Traverse]

Okay, so I spent about 45 minutes at an Apple Store playing with the 11” and the 12.9” side-by-side. Picking them up, using musltasking, taking pictures, weight-lifting them, using the keyboard...being obnoxious.

My personal take that doesn’t matter to anyone but me: I love my iPad Pro 10.5” and use it for the majority of my computing needs.

Summary: The 11” just disappeared while using it - likes Apple’s original marketing about how technology just disappears. I was always aware of the 12.9”. It’s screen is nice, but it’s clear you’re using a large iPad.

—————

I loved the big expansive screen of the 12.9”, but I just don’t like the feel. Yes, logically it’s only the size of a piece of paper, it’s only 1.4 pounds, it offers better multitasking, but for me it just felt too unmanageable for an iPad. I picked up the 11” and it just felt weightless after using the 12.9”. I hold my 10.5” a lot and never get fatigue, I got some slight fatigue from the the 12.9”. Not that it was too heavy, but it’s also just so big. I can’t as easily tuck it away, hold it off to the side with one hand (important if you work while walking). The 12.9” just didn’t feel like an iPad - not the device I want. It felt like more of a commitment. The 11” almost disappeared into it’s environment whereas when I used the larger device I always knew I was using it.

The 11” has slightly improved multitasking over the 10.5. The 11” with the 2/3-1/3 split not allows the larger app to show a sidebar AND content, so it’s marginally better than on the 10.5”. Here’s the thing, I haven’t had an issue with multitasking on the 10.5”. Using Safari and PDF expert. I use the iPad close to my face (not the prefect eyes) and can read it easily. The 12.9 IS better, but to me the 11” feels like I can just grab it up and go anywhere - outside, car, walking, etc. Whereas the 12.(‘ just seems like it would be clumsy. Also, the 12.9” multasking is better, but not night and day to me. Yes, you get a full UI, but it’s not really like having two full sized iPad’s side-by-side. The apps are still a bit narrow and somewhat cramp. (A 15” iPad would really be two full experiences). For me, the slightly worse multitasking and much better portability is a better trade off than the less-compromised multitasking with diminished portability.

Also, i tried to take a realistic view of MY computing. I love the iPad and it’s my primary device, but not my sole device. I love the iPad for the flexibility and portably. If I’m going to go into 13” I’d rather have a MacBook Air or a MacBook Pro and have a full arsenal of devices. I’d rather the iPad be a stellar mobile device with a Mac for th instance where I need to take my entire computing world on the go. I love macOS on a massive 5K screen with the option to take a small notebook on the go if necessary. I prefer iOS on a smaller device that prioritizes portability.

This is just my personal take.

 

[jazzer15]

Okay, so I spent about 45 minutes at an Apple Store playing with the 11” and the 12.9” side-by-side. Picking them up, using musltasking, taking pictures, weight-lifting them, using the keyboard...being obnoxious.

My personal take that doesn’t matter to anyone but me: I love my iPad Pro 10.5” and use it for the majority of my computing needs.

Summary: The 11” just disappeared while using it - likes Apple’s original marketing about how technology just disappears. I was always aware of the 12.9”. It’s screen is nice, but it’s clear you’re using a large iPad.

—————

I loved the big expansive screen of the 12.9”, but I just don’t like the feel. Yes, logically it’s only the size of a piece of paper, it’s only 1.4 pounds, it offers better multitasking, but for me it just felt too unmanageable for an iPad. I picked up the 11” and it just felt weightless after using the 12.9”. I hold my 10.5” a lot and never get fatigue, I got some slight fatigue from the the 12.9”. Not that it was too heavy, but it’s also just so big. I can’t as easily tuck it away, hold it off to the side with one hand (important if you work while walking). The 12.9” just didn’t feel like an iPad - not the device I want. It felt like more of a commitment. The 11” almost disappeared into it’s environment whereas when I used the larger device I always knew I was using it.

The 11” has slightly improved multitasking over the 10.5. The 11” with the 2/3-1/3 split not allows the larger app to show a sidebar AND content, so it’s marginally better than on the 10.5”. Here’s the thing, I haven’t had an issue with multitasking on the 10.5”. Using Safari and PDF expert. I use the iPad close to my face (not the prefect eyes) and can read it easily. The 12.9 IS better, but to me the 11” feels like I can just grab it up and go anywhere - outside, car, walking, etc. Whereas the 12.(‘ just seems like it would be clumsy. Also, the 12.9” multasking is better, but not night and day to me. Yes, you get a full UI, but it’s not really like having two full sized iPad’s side-by-side. The apps are still a bit narrow and somewhat cramp. (A 15” iPad would really be two full experiences). For me, the slightly worse multitasking and much better portability is a better trade off than the less-compromised multitasking with diminished portability.

Also, i tried to take a realistic view of MY computing. I love the iPad and it’s my primary device, but not my sole device. I love the iPad for the flexibility and portably. If I’m going to go into 13” I’d rather have a MacBook Air or a MacBook Pro and have a full arsenal of devices. I’d rather the iPad be a stellar mobile device with a Mac for th instance where I need to take my entire computing world on the go. I love macOS on a massive 5K screen with the option to take a small notebook on the go if necessary. I prefer iOS on a smaller device that prioritizes portability.

This is just my personal take.

So, are you planning to buy the 11" Pro or are you staying with your 10.5"?

 

[Platocplx]

Just returned the 12.9. The 11 inch is perfect to me. Really just the portability is great. And while the 12.9 was large it just seemed too big. It still baffles me it’s the same size as an 8.5x11 piece of paper.

The 11” is perfect for my needs. And I don’t feel as guilty when I buy my 15 inch MacBook lol

 

[Traverse]

So, are you planning to buy the 11" Pro or are you staying with your 10.5"?

For me, I’m keeping the 10.5” this yea, but now I know my upgrade path.

I just don’t thing the 11” brings enough of a year-over-year improvements as nothing out there really maxes out the A10X and the A12X still has only 4GB of RAM. Maybe next year.

 

[haruhiko]

Since in Hong Kong we don't have the luxury to try & return I'm going for the 11-inch. It can't be wrong. The portability is same as the 9.7 and the 10.5 but with a much larger screen and slightly wider aspect ratio i.e. videos are going to be much bigger, I love the 12.9 as a video player in the home, but the price of it is really quite prohibitive, it's not like I cannot afford that, but I just can't let myself buy two of the iPads with same innards for nearly $2.6K totally. I've been bringing the smaller brother of the iPad Pros to work with me for 2.5 years now and I will continue to do that. The 12.9 is for home use.

 

[MCube74]

I guess the biggest advantage with the 12.9” model is that you can get the Smart Folio Keyboard and use the iPad Pro like a MacBook. After all the iPad Pro is faster than many of the MacBooks out there.

Agree it all depends on the individual needs and preferences.

The iPad Pro 11” is surely lighter than 12.9” but when you add the smart folio Keyboard to the iPad Pro 11” the scenario changes slightly. The portability advantage is really not a big deal anymore.

If so why not get the 12.9” and expand the usage?

 

[Jacoblee23]

I am very shocked at this, but just got my 11 and 12.9 today and so far I much prefer the 11 inch. In fact the size just feels perfect. We will see if I change my mind.

 

[Platocplx]

I am very shocked at this, but just got my 11 and 12.9 today and so far I much prefer the 11 inch. In fact the size just feels perfect. We will see if I change my mind.

Yep I changed my mind on the 12.9 and bought the 11 instead after using the 12.9 all the time.

 

[VineRider]

9.7 ipad pro to 11 inch. Perfect size!

 

[davidwoon]

did we just lose a whole bunch of 12.9 supporters ?

 

[Two Stacks]

i went from air 2 to 11" and then to 12.9. for me 12.9 is perfect. all i do is read e textbooks, light typing, music, internet and apps. i wanted the purchase to feel like a real upgrade and for me it felt like choosing a 13" macbook over a 15. i plan on having this ipad till at least 2022 if not 2023.

 

[hemon]

I wanted the 12.9 for to read PDF and books. For this, the size is just perfect.

But the problem is now that I think I read better on paper than on screen. This feeling is also confirmed from a lot of (old and new) research on this question (paper vs. screen about comprehension…).
So now I don't "need" the 12.9 which I like much more than the 11 for surfing, e-mails and watching films. But I just cannot justify the price for this kind of use.

 

[Donka]

did we just lose a whole bunch of 12.9 supporters ?

Lol. I may be one of them. Was currently in possession of both 2017 iPad Pros. The 10.5 developed the white spot issue and I got the replacement cost back but no intention of getting another 10.5 as I believe the fault is inherent in the design and will manifest at some point in a replacement. My 12.9 is flawless and I love the screen size for a lot of user cases such as photo and video editing and more productive work at a desk. I don't like this size of screen for more casual use though - I actually prefer browsing in portrait on the smaller Pro than the bigger one and the smaller device is my go to for travel. I did consider a new 11 to replace the 10.5 and keep my 12.9 but then I would be in fragmentation hell and I didn't fancy buying both new devices given the huge price increases this year. I also questioned my need for two devices in the first place - I can see a good use for both but ultimately it is a little self indulgent and I wanted to get back to a single device.

I was in the Apple Store yesterday had a long play with both. Some quick observations:

• The whole bending issue is overblown imho. Sure, I could get the device to flex a little under pressure but then it went back perfectly flat when released. I don't doubt they could be more fragile than past devices but I always use a good case and I look after my stuff - a non issue for me.
• Screen issues - I couldn't see any dark patches on the display models. I could replicate the ripple effect under pressure but when I used the Pencil to draw at normal levels, it didn't happen. Curiously, the 11 seemed a little more affected by this than the 12.9 models. Again, a non issue for me.

I love the new design and in comparing the old to the new 12.9 - there was a tangible difference in size. This got me really considering the switch to the new 12.9 only as I do enjoy the additional screen space. My issue is I have been using only the 2017 12.9 model for the past few days and it is only a landscape device for me - I never use it in portrait as I don't find it comfortable. The new 12.9 is certainly a big improvement over the 2017 imho and if I had to only use the 12.9 then it would an easy purchase. The simple fact is, there is nothing I could do on the 12.9 that I couldn't do on the 11. Sure some things are a little better on the 12.9 which is the reason I had two devices in the first place but if I'm going to consolidate down to a single device, the 11 wins out. If I only used the iPad at home on a desk or lying in bed then the 12.9 may have worked but these past couple of days have shown me how much utility I got from my previous 10.5. The wider screen in landscape will make up a bit of the shortfall for media consumption even though it is only 7% wider and still not a match for the likes of movies on the 12.9.

My 2017 12.9 is now up for sale but I'm holding off on a purchase until it sells since I had been back and forth between the two sizes since the new models were announced and the extra time with the single device should confirm my decision.

 

[schmidt65]

So after I originally ordered and used the 11” for a week, i thought I’d try out the 12.9 as the size and weight didn’t seem that much worse in the store, and the added screen size was noticeable.

I’ve now been using the 12.9 for a week and a half, and it makes a great laptop replacement. However, it does not make a great iPad (for me). The weight in day to day use is significant, and after a week of handheld use my left wrist is actually aching! I do a load of note taking around the office, and for this the 12.9 is just too unmanageable. Whilst it makes a great touchscreen laptop, I already have a 13 MacBook Pro and 12 MacBook, so it didn’t make sense for me.

Just taken the 12.9 back to the store and swapped it back for the 11. I’ll miss the screen estate and the added columns in certain apps (especially mail), but it’ll be far more manageable and usable as an iPad again.

 

[augustya]

Just bought the 11". It's beautiful, but it also makes me appreciate that my iPad Air 2 is a great device too.

Anyway, size-wise compared to the 12.9", so far so good. HBO and Netflix looking good from a spot in the coach. «My brilliant friend»’s Italian village looks amazing. Tried some one-handed reading, resting the iPad on my stomach, and the weight felt about right. So in summary I wouldn’t mind having a bigger screen, but appreciate that the iPad isn’t heavier.

I think the 11 is right for me.

Has the Netflix been updated for the 11" ? Does watching Movies in Netflix display very wide Black Bars on the top and bottom ?
[doublepost=1542718891][/doublepost]

did we just lose a whole bunch of 12.9 supporters ?

But the Poll Results says 12.9" is still leading !! (Sure it is not Russian Meddlig in here also) ??

 

[cardfan]

Returning the 12.9 today. Might get an 11 for a spin.

 

[augustya]

This thread has become so notorious that it has started sounding like the Republicans vs Democrats !!

 

[vapourtrails]

This thread has become so notorious that it has started sounding like the Republicans vs Democrats !!

And I think the dead are voting

 

[CamiMR]

I’ve been following this thread for a while, and today finally saw the new iPads at my local Apple store.
They are gorgeous devices, no doubt!!
Tried the 12.9, and despite significantly smaller than the previous gen and a gorgeous screen, it did feel slightly too big for a tablet (personally).
The 11 seems to make more sense from a size point of view, and even though bigger than the 9.7, didn’t feel compelling enough to take the plunge.
I would have bought an Apple Pencil as well, but I feel even that would be more for my kids to do some scribbling with, rather than me actually needing it, and for that it is quite an expensive toy...
So, for now at least, I’m sticking to my Air 2.
For my usage (web browsing, social media...), it does what I need, and I’ll save myself a considerable chunk of money, to possibly spend on other gadgets...

 

[jazzer15]

Has the Netflix been updated for the 11" ? Does watching Movies in Netflix display very wide Black Bars on the top and bottom ?

Netflix has reportedly been updated. https://www.theverge.com/2018/11/12/18088780/netflix-ios-update-ipad-pro-2018-black-bars-issue

Whether there are bars at the top and bottom will depend on the aspect ratio the movie or show was shot in, same as it did before (although the new aspect ratio of the 11" seems to help a little).

 

[inimeg81]

For those of you deciding between two devices, I was pleased to find out that by initiating a return online I was able to extend the return on my 11 until December 3 1 anything after nov 14 has extended return to Jan. I have a perfect 11 in terms of pane uniformity and backlight bleed. I was super hesitant to return it yesterday in favor of the 12.9 and I think that gut feeling has me pushing back to the 11 group. I think the lure of the 12.9 being brand new and the popular one is pulling people in more than their specific use case or the whole purpose of a tablet.