iPad Pro Which iPad to Choose 11 (M1) or 12.9 (M1)

[ronnytky]

I plan to buy iPad Pro but don't know which to choose either 11inch or 12.9inch and also 256GB or 512GB or 1TB. Most of the time us for online meeting daily. Photography editing using LR and PS. I use CC so far. Many future plan to use for video editing.

Pls enlightened me which to get?

 

[Shirasaki]

If you use PS and LR extensively, consider 1TB option at least. 16GB of RAM on an iPad world can futureproof it for years after years.
Other than that, do you REALLY like to beta test mini-LED this year? If so, go for 12.9”, otherwise I think 11” is better value overall, and will break your bank less hard.
There is quite literally no difference from those two aside from size and weight of course. Willing to beta test mini-LED, go for 12.9”, not, go for 11”. However, if your workflow benefits hard from large screen and more viewing area, go for 12.9”.

To anyone else who is going to dislike my comment, I say that because there is literally no other device produced by Apple using mini-LED at the moment, hence the “first generation dilemma”.

 

[slplss]

If you use PS and LR extensively, consider 1TB option at least. 16GB of RAM on an iPad world can futureproof it for years after years.
Other than that, do you REALLY like to beta test mini-LED this year? If so, go for 12.9”, otherwise I think 11” is better value overall, and will break your bank less hard.
There is quite literally no difference from those two aside from size and weight of course. Willing to beta test mini-LED, go for 12.9”, not, go for 11”. However, if your workflow benefits hard from large screen and more viewing area, go for 12.9”.

To anyone else who is going to dislike my comment, I say that because there is literally no other device produced by Apple using mini-LED at the moment, hence the “first generation dilemma”.

Well, except for the $5k Pro Display XDR from 2 years ago.

 

[gsal]

Do you want a very portable device that is more comfortable to use without a keyboard, with desktop class power?

Or do you want a device with a beautiful big display, that is more at home on a keyboard but gives you the ultimate productivity on a touch screen based device?

Both are amazing in their own way, with their own compelling features. Not an easy decision!

As for the storage size, wait until WWDC if you can before making a choice on that.

 

[haruhiko]

If you use PS and LR extensively, consider 1TB option at least. 16GB of RAM on an iPad world can futureproof it for years after years.
Other than that, do you REALLY like to beta test mini-LED this year? If so, go for 12.9”, otherwise I think 11” is better value overall, and will break your bank less hard.
There is quite literally no difference from those two aside from size and weight of course. Willing to beta test mini-LED, go for 12.9”, not, go for 11”. However, if your workflow benefits hard from large screen and more viewing area, go for 12.9”.

To anyone else who is going to dislike my comment, I say that because there is literally no other device produced by Apple using mini-LED at the moment, hence the “first generation dilemma”.

….As if mini-LED is any ground breaking new technology?
It’s an LCD IPS Panel with a more advanced backlighting system - does it sound better for you?
Anything that can be produced in Apple’s scale is not cutting edge out of the world untested crazy technology.

 

[LFC2020]

Had my 12.9" M1 mini led iPad since launch day, this is the best display I've ever seen on a apple product, can easily recommend the 12.9" iPad.

Deep blacks match oled, extra contrast is amazing, the way I see it, you're always staring at the screen when using it, so why not get the iPad with the best display.

If you're still unsure, buy from apple, try them both, then return the one you don't like within 14 days.

 

[Shirasaki]

….As if mini-LED is any ground breaking new technology?
It’s an LCD IPS Panel with a more advanced backlighting system - does it sound better for you?
Anything that can be produced in Apple’s scale is not cutting edge out of the world untested crazy technology.

OK, so technology itself is not groundbreaking or something, but that doesn’t matter cause Apple has been reported to encounter quality issues when mass producing them. Isn’t that already enough to call it beta-testing? Or Apple would’ve included that amazing display on 11” iPad as well.

 

[Shirasaki]

Well, except for the $5k Pro Display XDR from 2 years ago.

So what? Some must have seen the reports of production issue manufacturing these displays en masse according to Apple’s high quality standard. Otherwise why Apple skips mini-LED on 11” iPad Pro? Differentiate “lower tier” iPad Pro vs “high tier” iPad Pro?

You want to tell me that $5k display as their first gen product? Technically it is correct, but they are so out of reach for majority of people, I don’t think that matters.

 

[LFC2020]

REALLY like to beta test mini-LED this year?

Don’t think it’s fair to call mini led a beta product, the tech has been around for a while. Had mine since launch, screen is stunning, no issues what so ever.

Apple doesn’t rush new tech to the market, only when it’s ready.

 

[puke]

The 11" does not have an XDR-display simply because they wanted to keep the weight down to be more portable.

The 12,9" does have the XDR-display because it's not as portable because of it's size, hence makes sense to put the better, slightly heavier display in there.

As to answer the question you're facing, i'd recommend a bigger, 12,9" for PS atleast, since that's what i'll be using, aswell as Luma for video. The bigger screen is by far more important when it comes to productivity and editing of any kind. + the fantastic screen is a big bonus for only a few hundred more. No-brainer for your needs. When it comes to size of the SSD i can't give any advice except that 16gb probably is good, but absolutely not needed according to tests on Youtube on 8 vs 16gb. (Edit: this can have something to do with these apps not being optimized).

 

[LFC2020]

The 11" does not have an XDR-display simply because they wanted to keep the weight down to be more portable.

The 12,9" does have the XDR-display because it's not as portable because of it's size, hence makes sense to put the better, slightly heavier display in there.

As to answer the question you're facing, i'd recommend a bigger, 12,9" for PS atleast, since that's what i'll be using, aswell as Luma for video. The bigger screen is by far more important when it comes to productivity and editing of any kind. + the fantastic screen is a big bonus for only a few hundred more. No-brainer for your needs. When it comes to size of the SSD i can't give any advice except that 16gb probably is good, but absolutely not needed according to tests on Youtube on 8 vs 16gb. (Edit: this can have something to do with these apps not being optimized).

The 11" doesn’t have a XDR display, so apple can up sell you to the 12.9" model, fixed it for you ?

 

[puke]

The 11" doesn’t have a XDR display, so apple can up sell you to the 12.9" model, fixed it for you.

That's a bit of paranoia there. They actually released a statement saying exactly what I wrote.

 

[Shirasaki]

Don’t think it’s fair to call mini led a beta product, the tech has been around for a while. Had mine since launch, screen is stunning, no issues what so ever.

Apple doesn’t rush new tech to the market, only when it’s ready.

Again, if mass production is difficult for Apple, then there will eventually be issues popping up at some point one way or another. It’s only the matter of time and scale. Blooming has been a such issue circulating around, however small scale it may be. From that perspective, I still call mini-LED a beta tech for Apple, at least for iPad.

 

[maflynn]

Photography editing using LR and PS. I use CC so far. Many future plan to use for video

Given you're usage, I'd say the 12.9 is your better choice plus getting the (sadly) more expensive 1TB (or higher) will give you more ram, which will be beneficial for LR and/or PS.

As for the technology of the mini-led, I think Apple's quality is solid, they cut their teeth on the cinema display which had zero issues, and I have zero concerns about it for the iPad. Its far from be a beta product - beta products are unfinished/untested products and this isn't one of them imo

 

[LFC2020]

Again, if mass production is difficult for Apple, then there will eventually be issues popping up at some point one way or another. It’s only the matter of time and scale. Blooming has been a such issue circulating around, however small scale it may be. From that perspective, I still call mini-LED a beta tech for Apple, at least for iPad.

I’m not having any issues ? blooming issue is way overblown, guess we’ll see who’s right in 6 month time ?

 

[haruhiko]

I’m not having any issues ? blooming issue is way overblown, guess we’ll see who’s right in 6 month time ?

??? haha imagine that in real life we have these people coming to you and tell you “hey your iPad has blooming! You’re so stupid to keep it! If it was me I would’ve returned it at once.” in your face. This toxic culture of criticising everything out of proportion is really interesting but has long been the culture of MacRumors and Twitter.

 

[LFC2020]

??? haha imagine that in real life we have these people coming to you and tell you “hey your iPad has blooming! You’re so stupid to keep it! If it was me I would’ve returned it at once.” in your face. This toxic culture of criticising everything out of proportion is really interesting but has long been the culture of MacRumors and Twitter.

Apparently the people that don’t even own one, can magically see my iPad better than I can ?‍♂️?

 

[MhaelK]

Honestly, better to wait for WWCD.

My personal choice: If real external screen support is added, and ubs-c speed fixed, then I would argue that the 11inch IPP is the way to go if your value portability Outside and a Big screen at home. Storage is of less importance with external ssd storage working at MBA/MBP speeds.

Reason: The two major upgrades on the IPP is the M1 and the screen on the 12.9. The rest is pretty much the same As last year. And dont get me wrong especially the M1 is A major change depending on the news on WWCD, and a lot of people will for sure buy the IPP due to it being the First with a desktop CPU. But i Bet you Apple is saving some major upgrades for next year to get those M1 buyers to upgrade even when their raw power is plenty fast.

With the 11ich 256GB/8GB IPP being just above half Price of the 1tb/16gb model. Meaning that you Can already somewhat justify buying the next gen 11inch iPP. Which Will likely come with the same display as the 12.9 plus the some new amazing features that Will make all the 2021 iPP buy’ers want to upgrade again. Also apps that take full use the power of the M1/16gb Will likely not be ready from day 1, and 8gb is still crazy powerfull for the Way iPadOS works.

But best rule is always to Buy what you need now.

 

[MhaelK]

I’m not having any issues ? blooming issue is way overblown, guess we’ll see who’s right in 6 month time ?

I believe: half overblown by pixelpeeping, and half by iPadOS14 and apps not being made for this screen. Most Extreme cases I have seen have been stuff I expect will get fixed in iPadOS15.

This iPad should have been released with the new OS IMO.

 

[maflynn]

With the 11ich 256GB/8GB IPP being just above half Price of the 1tb/16gb model

Your not comparing apples to apples.
The 1TB 11” is 1500 and the 12.9 with the same storage is 1800. I’d say 300 dollars worth a larger better display is worth the price difference

 

[MhaelK]

Your not comparing apples to apples.
The 1TB 11” is 1500 and the 12.9 with the same storage is 1800. I’d say 300 dollars worth a larger better display is worth the price difference

Depends, did you read that part about me wanting the 11inch for portability, especially if external screen support is fixed.

edit: also depends where you live, of course. Here the 12.9 upgrade is much more than 300 usd.

 

[maflynn]

Depends, did you read that part about me wanting the 11inch for portability, especially if external screen support is fixed.

edit: also depends where you live, of course. Here the 12.9 upgrade is much more than 300 usd.

But at the very least then compare the base model 12.9 with the base model 11"

You posted that the 11" is 1/2 the price of the 12.9 inch and that's simply not the case. Yes, you see a huge difference when you compare a 11" 256GB model against a 12.9" 1TB but that does a disservice because people generally won't be choosing between between a top end 12.9 against a base model 11"

 

[ZBoater]

The 11 vs 12.9 debate is as old as the 12.9 itself. It just really depends on you and your tolerance for a bigger, heavier device. I personally prefer the 12.9 because I prefer the bigger screen and I can handle the extra 1/2 pound. But the 11" is a lot easier to handle and carry with you. So it really depends on you.

This year, there is a difference on screens as well, but I don't think the new XDR screen is such a huge game changer that it would make this decision. It is a nice bonus if you decide you prefer the 12.9. But if you prefer the 11, its screen is no slouch and you will be very satisfied with it.

I picked the 12.9. You pick the one that works best for you.

 

[maflynn]

I picked the 12.9. You pick the one that works best for you.

I think that's what the OP is trying to figure out

 

[MhaelK]

But at the very least then compare the base model 12.9 with the base model 11"

You posted that the 11" is 1/2 the price of the 12.9 inch and that's simply not the case. Yes, you see a huge difference when you compare a 11" 256GB model against a 12.9" 1TB but that does a disservice because people generally won't be choosing between between a top end 12.9 against a base model 11"

No i compare the Price of the 256gb 11inch vs the Price of the 1tb 11inch (here where I live at least the Price of smaller storage model is just above the larger storage model).

But as I also said, buy what you need now. Always easier to upgrade when needs change, as they always do. Prefering the 11 inch and a large external screen (plus I need external storage anyways for that stuff) is just my preference)