iPad Pro 11 or 12.9 Pro ?

[yegon]

Who are we kidding, just buy both!

It’s what I did, no regrets. 12.9” is my favourite of the two, use it all the time when I’m in the house. I wish Apple would release a 16” iPad, that would be tremendous.

The 11” is perfect for on the go usage.

Ironically, if I could only have one, it’d have to be the 11” simply because the 12.9” tips the scale too far into inconvenience when used on the go. It’s not really about weight in my bag, it’s the size in my bag and is a little unwieldy when commuting or using in a coffee place.

I’m skipping the newest iPad. Assuming the next one brings the major upgrades I’ll likely only upgrade the 12.9”.

 

[joscejrod]

I do have the 11 Pro Max to compare the new 12.9" iPad Pro with. Since you are a screen enthusiast, you will certainly notice a difference between those two difference given that the former is OLED. I, too, love the rich deep blacks & contrast of OLED. It's a game changer, frankly. (I just updated my TV to OLED too and WOW!)

A few of my notes:
-One thing that makes a difference is whether you will be watching content in "full screen"/"edge to edge" mode or if you will be preserving the aspect ratio of the content. Obviously, 12.9 will be much bigger than 11 if you are watching in that zoomed in mode.
-The 12.9 DOES have some chunky black bars when watching content with preserved aspect ratio. The height is the iPad pro's limiting factor, whereas with the 11 Pro Max for example, the black bars actually appear left/right of the content, indicating the width is the limiting factor.
-12.9 will be better than the 11 for multimedia (in my opinion), regardless of whether you zoom in or not. Even with thicker black bars than the 11, it still results in a larger content window area.
-No surprise, but you are absolutely going to see a difference between the display and bezel on the iPad Pro, whereas with the 11 Pro Max, that etch is stunningly seamless with OLED.

Personally, I do recommend that you consider trying the 12.9" model. If there is any doubt, try to view in a store before your purchase if possible. Otherwise you can always order to your door and return if necessary.

I think the short of it is: iPhone Pros have a better display, but iPad Pros have a beautiful display too given its much larger form factor. 12.9 for multimedia/full laptop feel, 11 for portability. 12.9 is still very portable too keep in mind, but less so. Both 11 and 12.9, while not OLED, have more than adequate contrast & brightness levels - still a LCD stunning display to be sure.

Answers like this make great this forum!
I’ve received 12’9 pro today but after some hours of heavy usage, I have started return process.

This thing is huge. I can’t feel comfortable using it without standing it on a table. For me this size is perfect if your use is mainly multitask/work environment combined with keyboard and magic trackpad/mouse (Incredible implementation with iOS 13.4).

If multimedia is main purpose, 11” and its more panoramic aspect ratio makes more sense to me. it’s true that video size is a little bit bigger in 12.9, but big black bars with so-so contrast are a no-go for me. If I need inmersion, maybe using airplay with 77” oled...

comment about smart folio: magnificent design but due to 3-part front cover, only 1 hour after unboxing the ipad had 2 stripes covering the screen vertically due to grease accumulation (although I always clean my hands before using it). I hate this!

 

[tothemoonsands]

Answers like this make great this forum!
I’ve received 12’9 pro today but after some hours of heavy usage, I have started return process.

This thing is huge. I can’t feel comfortable using it without standing it on a table. For me this size is perfect if your use is mainly multitask/work environment combined with keyboard and magic trackpad/mouse (Incredible implementation with iOS 13.4).

If multimedia is main purpose, 11” and its more panoramic aspect ratio makes more sense to me. it’s true that video size is a little bit bigger in 12.9, but big black bars with so-so contrast are a no-go for me. If I need inmersion, maybe using airplay with 77” oled...

comment about smart folio: magnificent design but due to 3-part front cover, only 1 hour after unboxing the ipad had 2 stripes covering the screen vertically due to grease accumulation (although I always clean my hands before using it). I hate this!

View attachment 904375

Glad you found what works for you! You’ll be super happy with 11” from the sounds of it. Definitely easier to handle and doesn’t feel massive like the 12.9”.

 

[GDF]

Answers like this make great this forum!
I’ve received 12’9 pro today but after some hours of heavy usage, I have started return process.

This thing is huge. I can’t feel comfortable using it without standing it on a table. For me this size is perfect if your use is mainly multitask/work environment combined with keyboard and magic trackpad/mouse (Incredible implementation with iOS 13.4).

If multimedia is main purpose, 11” and its more panoramic aspect ratio makes more sense to me. it’s true that video size is a little bit bigger in 12.9, but big black bars with so-so contrast are a no-go for me. If I need inmersion, maybe using airplay with 77” oled...

comment about smart folio: magnificent design but due to 3-part front cover, only 1 hour after unboxing the ipad had 2 stripes covering the screen vertically due to grease accumulation (although I always clean my hands before using it). I hate this!

I felt the same way for a couple days, but then changed my mind after a week. You should give it a try a little longer and see what you think. Still not entirely sure I made the correct choice keeping the 12.9, but figured I would stick with it this upgrade cycle.

 

[BurgDog]

I had a 9.7" pro and got the 2020 11". I like it a lot but decided to get the 12.9" to see which I preferred.

After using both for a while I decided to return the 11".

The 12.9" is larger and heavier, true, but I mostly use it on a desk and occasionally on my couch for media viewing. The 11" is easier to use for couch viewing but I find the 12.9 can still be comfortably used if I prop it on something. What decided me is my eyes are going bad with my age and I like larger text now. The 12.9" permits that larger text with similar amount of content the 11" provided with smaller text.

 

[The Game 161]

Answers like this make great this forum!
I’ve received 12’9 pro today but after some hours of heavy usage, I have started return process.

This thing is huge. I can’t feel comfortable using it without standing it on a table. For me this size is perfect if your use is mainly multitask/work environment combined with keyboard and magic trackpad/mouse (Incredible implementation with iOS 13.4).

If multimedia is main purpose, 11” and its more panoramic aspect ratio makes more sense to me. it’s true that video size is a little bit bigger in 12.9, but big black bars with so-so contrast are a no-go for me. If I need inmersion, maybe using airplay with 77” oled...

comment about smart folio: magnificent design but due to 3-part front cover, only 1 hour after unboxing the ipad had 2 stripes covering the screen vertically due to grease accumulation (although I always clean my hands before using it). I hate this!

View attachment 904375

Personally 12.9 only makes sense if you use as a laptop replacement or always use it with a keyboard. That’s my plan...and use my phone for tasks when I’m in the sofa.

11 is the size for those who want to browse and have portability

 

[skippermonkey]

I bought a 12.9-inch Pro and keyboard cover last November (using the Black Friday offer to get the Pencil for free). Don't regret it for a second. Size is ideal: not too large to carry or use on your lap; big enough to actually be productive with it – like if you want to use it as a graphics tablet or to write stuff. I'll probably pick up the new trackpad keyboard as well, for when I need a 'proper' laptop. I suspect the 11-inch is fine, but I'm really happy with the larger model.

 

[Maukey]

I’ve been using my new 12.9 for over a week now and I have no problem using it one handed the way I used my 11. As a matter of fact, I’m sitting on my couch right now using it one handed as a tablet. Once you use it for a while you really get use to it. I now see what people mean when they say now that they’ve experienced the 12.9, they can’t go back to a smaller tablet. I’m now in that camp.

I LOVE the extra screen real estate. I can still use it as a one hand tablet, and I get the added benefit of a much more efficient laptop replacement when I‘m multitasking and/or sitting at a desk with a keyboard attached. The only negative is my MacBook Pro isn’t getting as much use.

To those interested, here’s how I hold my 12.9 one handed when walking around or sitting on the couch. And I’m not a big man. 6 feet, 170 lbs. No fatigue whatsoever. The only difference for me compared to the 11 is the 12.9 is not comfortable to one hand in portrait mode. You can comfortably one hand the 11 in either landscape or portrait. I only like to one hand the 12.9 in landscape. In portrait the weight is top heavy and I haven’t found a grip to hold it comfortably. Other than that, the .35 lb weight difference is negligent for me. So glad I switched and really gave myself time to adjust. I just sold my 11 yesterday.

 

[dapa0s]

I just received my 12.9 2020. I actually ordered it and it came in an hour lol, since I didn't order it from Apple, but from an electronic store.

Coming from the 2018 11 inch, the 12.9 is MUCH better for me. It fits my needs much better, and I always found the 11 to be too small.

I'm a very big guy and have very big hands so I don't feel the weight or the size of the 12.9 at all, and again, the 11 just always felt too compact and small for me. My girlfriend is 5'5 and normal weight, and to her, the 12.9 is just way too massive.

So basically, if you're big or strong or whatever, take the bigger iPad Pro, believe me, if you're anything like me, you won't notice the added weight/size at all, and the screen size is so worth it.

The only thing I'm worried about is the battery since I've heard that the 11 inch has a significantly better battery, but I guess time will tell.

 

[Jára Tyky]

I just changed 12.9” for 11” model. It was very hard decision. I spent one week reading reviews, comments and watching tons of videos so I know everything about this. So here have the answer. Thank you for this topic. Btw is it possible to return it again? ?
And I am big guy 187 cm.

 

[KittyKatta]

Returned 11 and kept the 12.9 (for now). One thing I noticed was that when I had the 11 I’d carry it everywhere but now that I have the 12.9 Im actually using my iPhone more.

The subconscious reasoning seems to be comfort. The 11 is more balanced so it felt natural for couch, bed, TV, kitchen etc so I could use it in any scenario. But with the 12.9 then its a bit more awkward when carrying or sitting so it usually stayed at a table and I would end up grabbing my phone more.

 

[Jára Tyky]

Returned 11 and kept the 12.9 (for now). One thing I noticed was that when I had the 11 I’d carry it everywhere but now that I have the 12.9 Im actually using my iPhone more.

The subconscious reasoning seems to be comfort. The 11 is more balanced so it felt natural for couch, bed, TV, kitchen etc so I could use it in any scenario. But with the 12.9 then its a bit more awkward when carrying or sitting so it usually stayed at a table and I would end up grabbing my phone more.

That was the reason why I have returned 12.9”. it was so big that I geab for my Iphone 11 Pro Max. But I have bought Ipad for using and not to lay on the table. And I have Macbook Pro and I do not want to replace it with Ipad. But there are things that I already miss.

 

[mtcislak]

Just got a 2020 12.9 coming from a old air 2. I love the extra size and capabilities

 

[petvas]

I got my 12.9" iPad Pro on Tuesday and I love it, despite its big size. Of course it is not as mobile as the 11" model, but if you are planning to do anything productive with it, then the 12,9" model is the way to go. Having said that, I would love to have the Magic Keyboard now..

 

[pedregosa]

I got my 12.9" iPad Pro on Tuesday and I love it, despite its big size. Of course it is not as mobile as the 11" model, but if you are planning to do anything productive with it, then the 12,9" model is the way to go. Having said that, I would love to have the Magic Keyboard now..

I know a lot of people are saying this. But I have an 11-inch model and I do a lot of very productive things on it (I’m a lawyer) — working on long documents, complex PDFs, etc. It’s partly because I use it with an external monitor but also because once one masters fast app switching and other gesture-based multitasking, you can get a lot done on the smaller one. I had been thinking of switching to the 12.9, but have decided not to. Both devices are fantastic and I’m not saying that the smaller one is “better.” But I think it is oversimplifying things to say that the larger one is for “productivity” and the smaller the one for “content consumption.”

 

[Jára Tyky]

I know a lot of people are saying this. But I have an 11-inch model and I do a lot of very productive things on it (I’m a lawyer) — working on long documents, complex PDFs, etc. It’s partly because I use it with an external monitor but also because once one masters fast app switching and other gesture-based multitasking, you can get a lot done on the smaller one. I had been thinking of switching to the 12.9, but have decided not to. Both devices are fantastic and I’m not saying that the smaller one is “better.” But I think it is oversimplifying things to say that the larger one is for “productivity” and the smaller the one for “content consumption.”

As I wrote before, I did great research about both sizes and I do not like to admit but the bigger one 12.9 is really more for productivity and smaller one for fun. Multitasking is much better on 12.9 because you can use to fullsized apps in one time. I was writiting in Microsoft Word my MBA diploma work and browse on the web in one time. Than one big advantage for productivity is displayed keyboard which has one row more with diacritics. I already miss this so much. Bigger one use more students in medicine and writing is much more productive as well. in front of the shop I realized that during week I had few businesss videocalls (I am a bussiness manager) and I could made them on Ipad instead of turning Macbook Pro.
I took smaller one because I want tablet for sofa usage and reading marketings magazines. I have apple pencil but i do not write and If I need to do some writing I have Macbook for this. And I want to travel more so I have read that bigger size has problems in economy flights and videos are with big strips so bigger display has no advantage in this. Smaller one has better aspect ratio.So I need ipad for traveling, business meetings and I do not want to run with tablet big as television recently I hate to bring Macbook in school because It does not fit to my small bag so there is no reason to carry bigger version, if it is the same as taking macbook. And if you connect case with keyboard i think it will not be different size against macbook.
What I liked was sidecar with 12.9 , whith macbook it was like in my office and again it was more productive. I am curious how will be sidecar with 11”.
so as he said 12.9 is really much for productivity than 11” can offer. It is much as laptop replacement and using at the desk which I am not fan.

 

[lowfreq]

It’s what I did, no regrets. 12.9” is my favourite of the two, use it all the time when I’m in the house. I wish Apple would release a 16” iPad, that would be tremendous.

The 11” is perfect for on the go usage.

Ironically, if I could only have one, it’d have to be the 11” simply because the 12.9” tips the scale too far into inconvenience when used on the go. It’s not really about weight in my bag, it’s the size in my bag and is a little unwieldy when commuting or using in a coffee place.

I’m skipping the newest iPad. Assuming the next one brings the major upgrades I’ll likely only upgrade the 12.9”.

I have a 2018 11", bought the 2020 12.9" because im doing some online learning stuff for double bass studies and other music stuff and it is just easier. I was going to trade in the 11" but decided to keep it for "on the go" uses and for taking to gigs (whenever they return).

I do envision a time where I will eventually give up the 11" entirely, but not yet.

 

[enemy14123]

i have the Same Problem
I want to replace my old 1st gen Air.

I would use mainly for couchsurfing and Lightroom cc.
What is the better Choice in my cases? 11“ or 12.9“

greetings

 

[jimmy_uk]

Answers like this make great this forum!
I’ve received 12’9 pro today but after some hours of heavy usage, I have started return process.

This thing is huge. I can’t feel comfortable using it without standing it on a table. For me this size is perfect if your use is mainly multitask/work environment combined with keyboard and magic trackpad/mouse (Incredible implementation with iOS 13.4).

If multimedia is main purpose, 11” and its more panoramic aspect ratio makes more sense to me. it’s true that video size is a little bit bigger in 12.9, but big black bars with so-so contrast are a no-go for me. If I need inmersion, maybe using airplay with 77” oled...

comment about smart folio: magnificent design but due to 3-part front cover, only 1 hour after unboxing the ipad had 2 stripes covering the screen vertically due to grease accumulation (although I always clean my hands before using it). I hate this!

View attachment 904375

It's so difficult to remove grease from all the new ipads it seems. Very annoying.

 

[Jára Tyky]

i have the Same Problem
I want to replace my old 1st gen Air.

I would use mainly for couchsurfing and Lightroom cc.
What is the better Choice in my cases? 11“ or 12.9“

greetings

Definitely 11”

 

[enemy14123]

Definitely 11”

Thank you
i didn‘t want a Notebook replacement i love my 16“ MacBook

and the Screen is big enough for Lightroom?

Greetings

 

[rui no onna]

It's so difficult to remove grease from all the new ipads it seems. Very annoying.

Only the expensive ones.

The $329 basic iPads have very effective oleophobic coating (just as good as OG Air).

 

[tothemoonsands]

It's so difficult to remove grease from all the new ipads it seems. Very annoying.

Check out "Flawless" screen cleaner brand. I've used a number of screen cleaning products, but a lot of them leave residue and just don't work that great. But at my job I learned about this "Flawless" brand, and the way it works is AMAZING. It comes with a very high quality microfiber cloth too, but the main thing is that it will get your screen to a crystal clear state instantly.

 

[Jára Tyky]

Thank you
i didn‘t want a Notebook replacement i love my 16“ MacBook

and the Screen is big enough for Lightroom?

Greetings

yes, it is. Because on 12.9 you have only very big photo and controls on the right are still the same. I did not see any difference. But i have edited all my pictures on Iphone 11 Pro Max, which handled it as well very good.
As I said before 12.9 is for people that do not have laptop and want it use as replacement. 12.9 is device to have on the desk. When holding in hands,it is quite unconvinient - I was playing few ours Company of Heroes on sofa with 12.9, it was not bad. I get used to it but right now when I have 11”, it is really different. But as I said. If you buy bigger one, you will get used to the size after few days and 11” will be like Mini for the first time, but as we have discussed if you have Macbook 16, it is really pointles to buy bigger version. Go middle and portable so you can use your device more effected and combine it witn everyday needs.

 

[AVBeatMan]

Thank you
i didn‘t want a Notebook replacement i love my 16“ MacBook

and the Screen is big enough for Lightroom?

Greetings

What I've settled on is the 16" MBP and the 11" iPad Pro. Sold my 12.9.