iPad Pro iPad Pro 12.9 2018 for £600 or M1 iPad Pro 12.9 2021 for £850?

[cjtangmi]

Never had an iPad Pro before, will be mostly light use, like Netflix, web browsing, reading and stuff.

Is Mini LED a game changer when watching movies, TV shows?

It's only a £250-300 difference but like it's 40% more expensive (I don't mind used units), and I keep hearing you can't feel any difference in daily use.

I'm probably not upgrading it before a larger iPad (15 inch maybe) comes out.

Any advice guys? Thankss!

 

[Slartibart]

on a general level newer is better. in most scenarios the display as well as everything else is soooo much better on the 2021 edition.

 

[HDFan]

Never had an iPad Pro before, will be mostly light use, like Netflix, web browsing, reading and stuff.

Are you sure that you want the 12.9 PRO? It is really heavy and a bit awkward. I much prefer my 11" Pro for these kind of activities. it's like having a very large iphone. The 12.9 is better of for heavy lifting apps, such as video and photo processing, and is more like wrestling with a laptop. If you have a store available I'd definitely compare them if you haven't already.

 

[cjtangmi]

Are you sure that you want the 12.9 PRO? It is really heavy and a bit awkward. I much prefer my 11" Pro for these kind of activities. it's like having a very large iphone. The 12.9 is better of for heavy lifting apps, such as video and photo processing, and is more like wrestling with a laptop. If you have a store available I'd definitely compare them if you haven't already.

I tried both of them at a store and 11 is defo a lot easier to handle. But I don't plan to carry it around a lot, mostly will be used just in my room, so didn't consider portability that much. Take that out of account, do you think the 11 is still better? I thought larger screen for movies and stuff would be good. Cheers

 

[rui no onna]

I went with 2021. I have the 2017 iPad Pros and I was already feeling the pinch with 4GB RAM given my web browsing habits.

I doubt Apple will lower iPad Pro prices and I never sell my iPads. I figured getting the 2021 1TB 5G now ($2000) is more beneficial to me than a refurb 2018 1TB LTE now then refurb 2021 1TB 5G or brand new 2023/24 1TB 5G after 3 years ($1200+$1200=$2400 or $1200+$2000=$3200).

 

[weeesss]

I tried both of them at a store and 11 is defo a lot easier to handle. But I don't plan to carry it around a lot, mostly will be used just in my room, so didn't consider portability that much. Take that out of account, do you think the 11 is still better? I thought larger screen for movies and stuff would be good. Cheers

I just downgraded from an 11 Pro to a Mini 6 and my usage is mainly in bed. I have my 2 dogs that sleep in bed with my wife and I. I use a pillow between my wife and I to block the glow since she goes to sleep earlier, and then the dogs keep bumping into the pillow and the iPad. Switching to the Mini, it does not get knocked around. Doubt I would ever think of the 12.9 for such usage.

 

[rui no onna]

P.S.
Bed use, I like the 10-11" iPads better. Having the 12.9" drop on your nose or lips when you're drowsy is quite painful. The 10-11" is shorter so it just drops to my chest.

 

[HDFan]

Take that out of account, do you think the 11 is still better? I thought larger screen for movies and stuff would be good.

I never watch movies on my iPads since I have TVs with better screen size and quality in my watching areas. Certainly the 12.9" screen is better, larger, and the sound is actually rather good so it would be better for video.

I'm just not that sensitive to panel quality so I really don't notice much difference (other than size) when switching from the 11" to the 12.9.

When I'm browsing with it on my lap angled on a pillow I just find it a bit uncomfortable.

You could always get the 12.9" at Apple and return it if you don't like it, or visa versa. If you get the 11" you could always be nagged by the "wouldn't this video look a lot better on the 12.9"?

 

[terryw1]

had the 2018 and upgraded to the 2021. Could not be happier. Watching movies and tv shows on it is awesome. ( hubby and I travel a bit-mostly to in-laws and use this in bed to watch) the sound is really great too. Loads better than the 2018. I like the 12.9 over the 11 for lots of reasons….screen, sound, editing photos, drawing, taking notes, easier to browse etc. get the 2021, it is that much better!

 

[Appleeeeapple]

I went for the 2021 (strangely enough for £800 also 256gb) I love the screen, but then I use it mainly for video watching.

 

[George_A]

iPad Air should be the one for light use….

 

[MrGimper]

I tried both of them at a store and 11 is defo a lot easier to handle. But I don't plan to carry it around a lot, mostly will be used just in my room, so didn't consider portability that much. Take that out of account, do you think the 11 is still better? I thought larger screen for movies and stuff would be good. Cheers

The only advantage the 11 has over the 12.9 is portability, and that’s subjective because it’s not like you need a wheelbarrow to carry the 12.9 around. Everything else the 12.9 is better

 

[pdaholic]

Ahaha the original poster is asking about 2018 vs. 2021 12.9, not 12.9 vs. 11.

I’ve had a 2018 since release date. It’s perfectly fine, works with every app I use, and doesn’t show the slightest bit of slowing with time and new operating system updates. M1 chips are unnecessary for me as I don’t do any video production/crunching. If I had the money, sure, I’d go with a new model, but if I was strapped for cash I’d have no problem choosing the 2018 again.