iPad Pro Why I Went for the 13" M4 iPad Pro vs the 11" M4 iPad Pro

[tothemoonsands]

I have 14” M3 MBP, and went with the 13” M4 iPad Pro.

I had my doubts coming from the heavy 2020 12.9”, but assuming Apple keeps a similar weight and form factor as this new M4, I can confidently say I will never again entertain going down to 11”.


From my experience, the 11” feels cramped, even in light web/video browsing usage. It doesn’t have the gravitas of the “can do everything” 13” form factor.

Why do I need a 13” iPad with a 14” laptop? I’d prefer to travel with the iPad more often.

My laptop has turned into a 95% docked into dual Studio Display set up. I was going to get a Mac Studio but the M3 MBP is so powerful that it’s no longer necessary.

Simply put, I’m shifting toward mobile. iPhone 15 Pro Max as EDC, 13” M4 iPad as the on-the-go play machine and workhorse, and 14” M3 MBP for occasional work travel and primarily docked desktop.

All of this said, can I understand someone who comes to a completely different conclusion and chooses the 11”? Absolutely! To each their own! Both are fantastic choices.

 

[Edx09]

I think it is pretty simple. If you type a lot and are a power user, 13 inch is better. If you do not, 11 inch is a very good option. Also to add one point I didn’t see mentioned, 11 inch with a keyboard is a better option when flying economy; you can actually put it comfortably on the tray table, type and not worry that it will fall over. 13 inch — not so much, especially now with the new Magic Keyboard that effectively increases the depth footprint of the device.

 

[blen]

I think it is pretty simple. If you type a lot and are a power user, 13 inch is better. If you do not, 11 inch is a very good option. Also to add one point I didn’t see mentioned, 11 inch with a keyboard is a better option when flying economy; you can actually put it comfortably on the tray table, type and not worry that it will fall over. 13 inch — not so much, especially now with the new Magic Keyboard that effectively increases the depth footprint of the device.

The 13 w/ MKB is so incredibly back heavy I doubt this is a problem. People have been working off tray tables with laptops for decades…

 

[ericwn]

I don’t get it. 11 inch is intended design by apple. If you go 13 inch you can rather get a laptop instead that can do much more. Except if you really need the pencil.

You do seem to get it. If you want the biggest iPad with the best features you get the biggest one from the Pro line.

 

[DeepSix]

So everything is larger on the 13" screen? Wow thanks OP, I never would have figured this one out without doing some deep research on this complex topic.

 

[Edx09]

The 13 w/ MKB is so incredibly back heavy I doubt this is a problem. People have been working off tray tables with laptops for decades…

As someone who flies cheap and often, and uses 12.9 inch iPad since forever, I can attest that typing on it whilst on a tray table is quite uncomfortable; the lack of width is the issue.

 

[sparksd]

So everything is larger on the 13" screen? Wow thanks OP, I never would have figured this one out without doing some deep research on this complex topic.

Great input by you, incredibly thoughtful and useful as have been so many of your other comments on the new iPads. /s

 

[oakrrl]

I’ve used the 10.9 for many years despite wanting the 12.9 mini-LED display, but it was just too big. I went to the Apple Store expecting to buy an 11, was surprised by how much lighter the new 13 is and how, despite having the same OLED tech, photos look so much better on the larger model. I took the 13 home for a trial, expecting to find it too awkward for casual media consumption..I’ve been surprised how well it works for all my use cases. I’m keeping it.

For photo editing, the 13 is far superior. Right now I’m touch-typing this reply on the 13’s keyboard - impossible on the smaller model. I’ve been surprised how much I’m using Stage Manager, which was useless for me on the smaller. I’ve found reading books, surfing the web etc very pleasant. The 13 is a little more awkward to use lying down on a couch but the pros outweigh it

 

[richard371]

P

 

[blen]

As someone who flies cheap and often, and uses 12.9 inch iPad since forever, I can attest that typing on it whilst on a tray table is quite uncomfortable; the lack of width is the issue.

I’ve used 13-14” MBP for 10+ years on flights and I’ve never had any issue. They’re wider than the 13” iPad. What am I missing?

 

[madat42]

I’ve used 13-14” MBP for 10+ years on flights and I’ve never had any issue. They’re wider than the 13” iPad. What am I missing?

The 12.9 iPad Pro on a Magic Keyboard ends up being taller than a 13” MBP. Not sure what the new 13” IPP height is compared to a 14” MBP but depending on the tray table size of your frequented airline is, it could an issue. Only real issue on this thread is that everyone’s point/counter-point is subjective. Compromises most likely will exist no matter which size you choose.

Get the one that makes you the most happy - not the one that made the other guy happy.

 

[erasr]

Wow, the 13” crew are reeeeeally trying to sell it to us 😂

Great that you guys are enjoying it, but the original iPad was smaller for a reason, and the 11” is the more popular model for a reason.

I’m sure photo editing, productivity etc is all ’better’ on the bigger screen, but the majority of iPad owners just browse the web and watch video, whilst using it for their travels.

There’s many, many reasons why the 11” is ideal, one being what I’m doing with it right now; I have mine on a pillow for elevation, next to me with the Magic Keyboard on. I’m lying down on bed watching Dark Matter.

If I was using the 13”, firstly it wouldn’t be that much bigger of a display due to the borders. Secondly, I wouldn’t have it on a pillow balanced like this because I would not buy the keyboard with the 13”. I have a MacBook Air for 13” keyboard stuff. So, I’d have it with the folio only, except, then it would fall off unbalanced. So I’d need another pillow behind it! Not possible.

Sounds silly, I know, but it’s little things like this that make the 11” so portable and easy to throw around. It’s the perfect companion to my MBA. I use the keyboard for light work, coffee shop stuff.

I wouldn’t want the keyboard on a 13” because it’s actually makes the iPad higher than a MBA!! I need portable lightness for a secondary ‘computer’.

Then, when I was travelling at the weekend, the 11” was awesome. I balanced it on one left with the keyboard, watched some stuff, typed away, etc, it was so ’cute’.

The display is awesome. I’m getting the OLED goodness, just like you 13” guys.

I’ve gone from a Steam Deck LCD to OLED, and that screen is a LOT smaller, and the difference is incredible. The same applies here, the 11” is an incredible upgrade from 11” older models.

There’s no way I want to carry around a 13” outside the house. Might as well take my MBA. Hence why 11” fits that perfect slot for myself and most others.

Not trying to convince, just saying facts there. However, the 13” is incredible and beautiful, great for many people. I’d get it if I didn’t have a MBA.

 

[SnoFlo]

I read pdf journal articles in portrait mode on the M2 12.9 iPad Pro, and the full-page text size is just big enough to read comfortably. I had an 11" iPad previously and it was too small for this use without zooming and scrolling. And yes, my eyesight is garbage.

 

[oasantos1]

I use my iPad M1 11" with folio case lying on my back in bed at night and early morning, can hold it one handed.
OP can you do that with the 13" M4?

That's exactly what I do too 😄

I have until mid-July to return or exchange my 11. Really tempted.

 

[blen]

The 12.9 iPad Pro on a Magic Keyboard ends up being taller than a 13” MBP. Not sure what the new 13” IPP height is compared to a 14” MBP but depending on the tray table size of your frequented airline is, it could an issue. Only real issue on this thread is that everyone’s point/counter-point is subjective. Compromises most likely will exist no matter which size you choose.

Get the one that makes you the most happy - not the one that made the other guy happy.

For the frequent flyers: the 13” iPad with keyboard is the exact same height as 14” MBP. I’ve never had an issue with the 14” MBP on planes.

 

[Surfsalot]

For the frequent flyers: the 13” iPad with keyboard is the exact same height as 14” MBP. I’ve never had an issue with the 14” MBP on planes.

on tray table in coach?

 

[Surfsalot]

If I was using the 13”, firstly it wouldn’t be that much bigger of a display due to the borders

this is false, tried both in store yesterday next to each other, 13" video size is a lot bigger.

 

[AppleFeller]

My return period ended today and I got a 13” because as nice as the 11” is, the expanse of the larger screen is awesome and in hand the weight difference is frankly negligible.

 

[rulymammoth]

on tray table in coach?

It'll be fine. You just have to be careful when the person in front of you reclines.

 

[erasr]

this is false, tried both in store yesterday next to each other, 13" video size is a lot bigger.

Look at those black borders……

 

[Surfsalot]

Look at those black borders……

so, video is still bigger

 

[rui no onna]

On the 13, most websites actually render in their desktop version vs. their tablet/mobile design, which personally I find infinitely better.

More Space solved that issue for me. At least I get desktop versions in landscape mode. The only time I use 9.7”+ iPads in portrait is when reading comics.

I’m used to the iPad mini so the smaller UI elements when using More Space don’t bother me at all. No need to pinch and zoom.

 

[Greenmeenie]

Everyone has their opinion, but i feel the exact opposite. I’ve chosen the 11” iPad Pro since 2018. I’m an artist, and I still prefer the smaller sized iPad Pro. To me it’s more of a true tablet size. Much easier to hold comfortably than the 13”. Plus I find the 13” doesn’t use it’s extra space as effectively as some think. The icons are the same size as on the 11”… so there is all this empty space. Same with video. the 13” just has bigger black bars on top & bottom while the video is basically the same size as played on the 11”. I know many feel the 13” is more of a laptop replacement size, but I still prefer the 11” as a laptop replacement. It has replaced my macbook since 2018 and I haven’t wished for a larger size iPad Pro ever. Again, the 11” is just more of what a true tablet size should be in my opinion. So much more holdable.

 

[Apple2501]

So sad. I’m going 13 to read free comics and books from the library. And to doom scroll YouTube. M4 here I come.

 

[Rafterman]

EPlus I find the 13” doesn’t use it’s extra space as effectively as some think. The icons are the same size as on the 11”… so there is all this empty space. Same with video. the 13” just has bigger black bars on top & bottom while the video is basically the same size as played on the 11”.

On the desktop, that's true. But apps do take advantage of the extra space. Like the calendar app, in month mode, the squares are bigger and show more text. The email app shows more emails in the left hand column without scrolling. Things like that. Also the video is bigger on the 13. Not a huge amount, but it is bigger.