iPad Pro 12.9" or 9.7"

[itsOver9000]

I received my big iPad Pro today. I haven't gotten to use it much yet but so far it's incredible. As soon as I picked up my Air 2 again it felt so small. Not sure I'll keep using the Air 2 - might swap a family member their iPad mini for it. That way I'd have my giant iPad for primary use at home and the really portable mini for a few other uses, mainly ebooks and reading on the pot.

 

[rdavis41]

So today I switched back to the 12.9" iPad Pro. I have used the iPad 9.7" ever since the original was released, but wow did I miss the 12.9". I returned the 12.9" right before the 9.7" Pro release a few weeks ago. I lucked out too as the Apple Store price matched Best Buy's $100 off.

The split screen was just a joke on the 9.7 and the 2GB RAM concerned me for down the road. Size wise the volume and weight of the 12.9" is not a deal breaker for me since I've been used to carrying a laptop around for years.

 

[AVBeatMan]

Doh! Just started a similar thread;

Hey, I have the 12.9 iPad Pro and do love it but do feel it's heavy and not very portable. I'm just wondering if the new 9.7 Pro may be the perfect size? At the moment I take a mini 4 with me when out and about but wonder if the 9.7 Pro would be better. I wonder if I get the 9.7 and sold my 12.9 I'd regret it? Just wondering if anyone is in the same boat?

 

[TAJones99]

What work you do on the pro?
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I hear you. Which pro do you have? 9.7 or 12? What work do you do on it

I use more for drawing and notes, the size is more like real paper to me.

 

[AlexJoda]

So today I switched back to the 12.9" iPad Pro. I have used the iPad 9.7" ever since the original was released, but wow did I miss the 12.9". I returned the 12.9" right before the 9.7" Pro release a few weeks ago. I lucked out too as the Apple Store price matched Best Buy's $100 off.

The split screen was just a joke on the 9.7 and the 2GB RAM concerned me for down the road. Size wise the volume and weight of the 12.9" is not a deal breaker for me since I've been used to carrying a laptop around for years.

If the size and weight "was not a deal breaker" why have you returned the 12.9 iPP? The advantages of this format was quite obvious to me after some days of usage especially after using several generations 9.7 iPads (as most of us here at MacRumors) before...

 

[MCAsan]

12" has double the memory plus Lighting that does USB3. That plus the larger screen make the 12" a no brainer for supporting photography in the field.

 

[Kal-037]

12.9" v 9.7"

***************************************************

Pros and cons for the 12.9"

Cons...
1. Bigger, less convenient to carry around/hold.
2. More expensive than 9.7"
3. Display isn't as bright as 9.7"
4. Cannot shoot 4k video.
5. No True Tone display.

Pros...
1. Bigger screen for media and doing work.
2. Faster CPU and GPU.
3. Double the RAM (and yes there is a noticeable difference.)
4. Louder speakers.
5. USB 3.0 Lightning connector speed.


***************************************************

Pros and Cons for the 9.7"

Cons...
1. Smaller display area to work or watch media with.
2. Still friggin expensive despite being cheaper than 12.9"
3. Less loud/full speakers (still good, but not AS GOOD as the 12.9")
4. Half the RAM of the 12.9".
5. Slower CPU and GPU.
6. USB 2.0 Lightning connector speed.

Pros...
1. More portability, lighter, and can carry in one hand for longer times.
2. Brighter Display.
3. Shoots 4k video.
4. True Tone Display.
5. Comes in Rose Gold.


Both have almost equal postives and negatives... but also things that make up for them.
In the end, the questions to ask are,

1. What is my budget?
2. Would I benefit work and play-wise from bigger or smaller screen?
3. Will I take photos with a full size tablet... if so then 9.7" is the way to go. (If you want to be "that guy/gal.")
4. How many apps will you use at one time, more RAM will make this a better experience... so if you like tons of apps and such open, then the 12.9" is the better choice.

The most important question: What iPad looks or sounds more appealing? My suggestion is to go check one out in-store at Best Buy, Apple or Staples... ask for some professional suggestions and also some personal suggestions... then make an informed decision. Also realize the 14-day return policy is there for not just damaged or defective items, but to make sure you are satisfied with your purchase. I honestly think you can't go wrong with either one. (But I personally think the 12.9" is amazingly amazing.)




Kallum.

 

[mixel]

Definitely for full artist.. drawing Etc
Get the 12.9

Real estate is what a artist or drawer needs.

Not necessarily true. An artist will use whatever tool is available to them. The 12.9 is still cumbersome and it brings to mind "the best camera is the one you have with you" saying. If you plan on carrying your digital sketchbook around its good to have one that's flexible and light in use.

Also a lot of artists draw things small. Some of us purposely avoided getting the 12.9 because it was "too big.."

So I'd say it's worth asking the individual artist. It's not just tablets; I have a friend who's brush strokes are so big he has to use a huge intuos to do art comfortably, while I do more miniature sketch/ink type stuff at A5 or smaller size, so a 9.7 is ideal.

 

[MCAsan]

Comes in Rose Gold.

That is a Pro? Seriously?

 

[sinister184]

I recently purchased the 12.9. Gorgeous device. I got it b/c the 12.9 is closer to a standard sheet of paper and I wanted to use it for annotating PDFs. Worked great for that, but I couldn't make it work for everything else. The 12.9 is just too big to be practical as a tablet (for me). I do a lot of reading and the tablet follows me around. I found the 12.9 too big for the couch, reading at night in bed, breakfast table.. all my usual reading spots. Had to return it. 9.7 Pro on the way.

 

[alecgold]

I recently purchased the 12.9. Gorgeous device. I got it b/c the 12.9 is closer to a standard sheet of paper and I wanted to use it for annotating PDFs. Worked great for that, but I couldn't make it work for everything else. The 12.9 is just too big to be practical as a tablet (for me). I do a lot of reading and the tablet follows me around. I found the 12.9 too big for the couch, reading at night in bed, breakfast table.. all my usual reading spots. Had to return it. 9.7 Pro on the way.

I use it for taking notes (30%) annotating PDFs (20%) and reading my university text books (50%). Also reading comics is great, but I almost never do this. The big size doesn't bother me at all and I prefer it for notes taking and annotating. Ymmv, as they say, so it's good there is choice now!!

 

[aoaaron]

If its on a desk or you're not going to take it anywhere much, 12.9.
If you want to move around with it and already have a laptop, 9.7 IMO.
If you need a 12.9'' canvas, obviously go for the 12.9.


I have average sized/small hands. I find the 12.9 really beautiful but so unwieldy. It becomes a competition between the 12.9 and my MBP... and my MBP will usually win.

The 9.7 however offers huge portability advantages over my MBP. At 9.7'', my iPad is basically a companion i can take anywhere with me. I can easily hold it in one hand whilst travelling from room to room, etc.


You can't go wrong with either.

 

[MCAsan]

If you want to import GBs of photos from SD cards, cull them, optionally edit them, and then store them in a cloud service or to a wifi HD, you want the 12.9 model. It does USB 3 and have a bigger screen for better review of the images. No other iPad does USB 3. Personally i prefer the bigger keyboard for the 12.9 as it is closer to a Mac keyboard in size and key spacing.

 

[cardinalryan]

I sold my iPad Pro 12.9" because it proved to be too unwieldy and essentially became a desktop device. I was going to get an Air 2 but glad I waited to be able to get the iPad Pro 9.7".

They have their pros and cons but I want something that's more portable. I already have a computer at home so I don't need another one that is kind of more portable. I'm downsizing from a 6 Plus to the SE as well so the size gap between my two devices will be similar to the 6 Plus and the 12.9" Pro.

This is the most ridiculous thing I've ever read. But if it makes you happy, go for it.

 

[Sanlitun]

I now have both as I picked up the 9.7 after being impressed by its display at the Apple store. True Tone certainly has a way of making the display more legible across different lighting situations and it looked very impressive in the store.

However after using them side by side at home and doing a lot of pixel peeping I found that if I set Night Shift to on and the slider all the way to the left (minimum) on the 12.9 then the displays are pretty much identical for indoor use. This vastly improves to contrast and color on the 12.9 in my opinion and without it the 12.9 is a violet mess. Being able to change the white point has been a really big deal for me with the iPad, as I always found the screens too blue and fatiguing before.

The 9.7 has an ever so slightly less reflective screen and slightly better color definition. Sometimes I think video playback looks better on the 9.7. The 12.9 has better black/white contrast.

So for me it has come down to reaching for either pad depending on what I am doing. If I am sitting up then it's the 12.9, and if lying down it's the 9.7 as it weighs less.

 

[AVBeatMan]

I now have both as I picked up the 9.7 after being impressed by its display at the Apple store. True Tone certainly has a way of making the display more legible across different lighting situations and it looked very impressive in the store.

However after using them side by side at home and doing a lot of pixel peeping I found that if I set Night Shift to on and the slider all the way to the left (minimum) on the 12.9 then the displays are pretty much identical for indoor use. This vastly improves to contrast and color on the 12.9 in my opinion and without it the 12.9 is a violet mess. Being able to change the white point has been a really big deal for me with the iPad, as I always found the screens too blue and fatiguing before.

The 9.7 has an ever so slightly less reflective screen and slightly better color definition. Sometimes I think video playback looks better on the 9.7. The 12.9 has better black/white contrast.

So for me it has come down to reaching for either pad depending on what I am doing. If I am sitting up then it's the 12.9, and if lying down it's the 9.7 as it weighs less.

I've just bought the 12.9. Already have the 9.7 and did have the 12.9 but returned it. Missed the bigger iPad so now I have both.

 

[alecgold]

I've just bought the 12.9. Already have the 9.7 and did have the 12.9 but returned it. Missed the bigger iPad so now I have both.

I've been thinking about buying both, but I would want/need the 9.7 4G/256 and that would be too expensive. I wouldn't need to haul around a 13" laptop bag, but i can't defend spending that much money for a bit smaller and half a pound lighter.

 

[sjleworthy]

I use more for drawing and notes, the size is more like real paper to me.

exactly this. my 12.9 Pro actually earns it's keep for me in this capacity.

 

[rui no onna]

I've been thinking about buying both, but I would want/need the 9.7 4G/256 and that would be too expensive. I wouldn't need to haul around a 13" laptop bag, but i can't defend spending that much money for a bit smaller and half a pound lighter.

Lol, I feel like I've been desensitized to iPad prices as I found the 9.7" 4G/256GB pricing to be just par for course.

iPad 2 64GB WiFi $699 ($773 with tax)
iPad 3 64GB LTE $829 ($918 with tax)
iPad 4 128GB LTE $929 ($1132 with tax and AppleCare)
iPad Pro 9.7 256GB LTE $1029 ($1129 no tax with AppleCare)

Was planning on getting a 2nd Pro 9.7 and a Pro 12.9, alas, used up my entire year's remaining discretionary funds to purchase business class seats on 14-hour flights. Worth it.

 

[AVBeatMan]

My first "try out" tomorrow. Writing this on my 12.9 that I've been using all week at home but away on business tomorrow and not home until Saturday so will be taking my neglected 9.7 with me.

 

[pat500000]

I have to make a decision by tomorrow...and I don't know what I should get. I was thinking 12.9 ipad pro version 2 would be introduced this year.

 

[braundiggity]

I have to make a decision by tomorrow...and I don't know what I should get. I was thinking 12.9 ipad pro version 2 would be introduced this year.

What are you using it for? I definitely prefer the 9.7, unless you need it for professional uses. If you're just using it for things like entertainment and browsing, the 12.9 is pretty big...the 9.7 is a comfortable size. Also, Best Buy is knocking $125 off the price of all new iPad's today, part of their Black Friday in July deals: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/promo/ipad-pro-ea-20160720

 

[Daws001]

I have to make a decision by tomorrow...and I don't know what I should get. I was thinking 12.9 ipad pro version 2 would be introduced this year.

My guess is the 12.9 won't be updated this year. No real need to. Plenty of power and memory in that sucker.

Go for it. I can't see myself going back to the 9.7 now. So small and puny. Not like big, strong 12.9.

 

[pat500000]

My guess is the 12.9 won't be updated this year. No real need to. Plenty of power and memory in that sucker.

Go for it. I can't see myself going back to the 9.7 now. So small and puny. Not like big, strong 12.9.

HAHA. Yeah, I noticed 4 gb ram is a big factor. 9.7 has nice camera...but in reality, I doubt i would use that with ipad. I got iphone...so that's that.
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What are you using it for? I definitely prefer the 9.7, unless you need it for professional uses. If you're just using it for things like entertainment and browsing, the 12.9 is pretty big...the 9.7 is a comfortable size. Also, Best Buy is knocking $125 off the price of all new iPad's today, part of their Black Friday in July deals: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/promo/ipad-pro-ea-20160720

Professional and non professional...like mobility;however, I noticed 12.9 got 4gb ram...so yeah...that would be a big factor. 9.7 would have a good 12 mp cam which is cool...but...as I doubt I would use camera to take pic.
Thanks for the info!! Is this like online purchase or in person?

 

[James.K.Polk]

Here's my story/mini review:

I had an iPad Pro 12.9", 128 GB w/ LTE. Paid $550 on Craiglist, and bought the Pencil. I was happy as a clam... I passed the Patent Bar thanks (in small part) to the notes I took on the 12.9" screen, and loved the fluidity in Notability and Notes. I sketched more than usual (which is still not much) and tried to read a book or two (though I much prefer my Kindle Paperwhite).

So I was happy with my Pro! Until I realized what I used it for all but 30 min/day.... Reddit. iMessage. Occasional email (though I'd jump to my MBP for a long response). Random sketches while I watched Seinfeld. A $1200 (at retail) iPad Mini 1. So I sold it on Craigslist - $750 for the package with an iPad Mini 2 (16 GB, LTE) included (!). Needless to say, I was happy to skate away with some extra money in my pocket, and an iPad that does exactly what I wanted it to do.

I've had both iPad Pros now, and they are truly amazing devices to use. It feels like the future. But for me (and I do not speak for anyone else), they don't replace my MacBook simply because I enjoy using my Macbook more. Could they? Sure, I think so. I don't do that much intensive stuff, and the iPad Pro lineup is very capable. There are extremely few tasks (the rare molecular modeling experiment) where I use the quad-core capabilities of my laptop. But for 99.99% of tasks, the Pros have the power. They just don't have the experience I, personally, am looking for.

(By the way - the Apple SIM does indeed work in the Mini 2. The Apple website does not denote you're able to do this, but I can confirm it works!)