Apple’s iPad has come a good distance because it first launched in 2010. It now spans 4 different variations: iPad, iPad mini, iPad Air, and iPad Pro. The iPad Pro lineup is probably the most peculiar since it has all the time are available in two sizes ever because it debuted in 2015. There was all the time a 12.9-inch size, however the smaller model began with a 9.7-inch display, then a ten.5-inch one, and we now have the 11-inch model that exists today.
For a while, there wasn’t much difference between the 2 iPad models aside from the screen size — when you wanted something more portable, the smaller one was the technique to go. You may select it and never miss out on any features that were only available on the larger, less-portable iPad Pro model. But since Apple added M-series chips to the iPad Pros, the 11-inch version has felt a bit misplaced, as Apple only gives the larger 12.9-inch version the much-improved Liquid Retina XDR display with mini-LED technology.
So, at this point, why does the 11-inch iPad Pro exist?
Not so Pro anymore
Joe Maring/Digital Trends
When you take a have a look at the iPad lineup straight away, the iPad Pro models are still probably the most powerful options available. They each come equipped with the brand new M2 chip, have the 120Hz refresh rate ProMotion display, 12MP predominant and 10MP ultrawide cameras able to shooting in 4K and ProRes video, Face ID, Center Stage, are available in as much as 2TB storage, have Apple Pencil 2 support with hover capabilities, and more. It’s a laundry list of features.
Nevertheless, the 11-inch falls wanting its larger sibling by not having the mini-LED Liquid Retina XDR display. The pixel density is similar, but the colours aren’t as vibrant, and the blacks aren’t nearly as deep. It’s a wonderful panel, nevertheless it’s a substantial step down from the 12.9-inch Pro.
When someone looks on the iPad Pro for a possible latest purchase, they’re selecting that model since it’s probably the most powerful, and it’s great for many who must do numerous graphical work or must run apps which will take numerous resources and computing processing power. Nevertheless, those that value portability are principally being punished for selecting the smaller size, because they shall be missing out on the a lot better screen.
Joe Maring/Digital Trends
The 11-inch size remains to be great for many who should want to use it as a digital sketchbook, or do numerous photo and video editing on the go — why do they should miss out on having a greater display simply because they need the smaller one? Not everyone wants a humongous 12.9-inch tablet.
It’s just like when Apple punished those that selected the smaller iPhone 12 Pro model as a substitute of the iPhone 12 Pro Max by having higher camera sensors on the larger phone. With the 11-inch iPad Pro, you continue to have many of the “pro” features like M2, ProMotion, Face ID, and more, but that XDR display can really make all of the difference.
The 11-inch size is in an odd place
At this point, the 11-inch size can be in a weird place, considering that the iPad Air’s 10.9-inch body is so similar. The iPad Air itself can be not a nasty device, and it’s just like the 11-inch iPad Pro in a couple of ways, too, for so much less money.
With the iPad Air, you continue to have a Liquid Retina display with 2360 x 1640 resolution at 264ppi (the 11-inch iPad Pro is 2388 x 1668 at 264ppi), M1 chip that remains to be perfectly powerful, Center Stage, 12MP wide camera (no ultrawide), Apple Pencil 2 support, and a couple of more things. You don’t get the 120Hz ProMotion display, Face ID (the iPad Air uses Touch ID in the highest button), Thunderbolt/USB 4 support, faster Wi-Fi speeds, as much as 2TB storage, and there are fewer speakers and microphones.
But even with those omissions, the iPad Air is a superbly capable device and offers most of what you’d get with the iPad Pro — all while saving you a couple of hundred bucks in the method. Unless you absolutely need that 120Hz refresh rate, Face ID, ultrawide rear camera, and Thunderbolt/USB 4 support, then I’d just recommend an iPad Air over the 11-inch iPad Pro as of late.
What’s the purpose?
Andy Boxall/Digital Trends
I still have a 2020 11-inch iPad Pro, and it runs wonderful for what I exploit it for, which isn’t much. I’ve long abandoned the “use an iPad just for work” mentality way back because iPadOS 16 remains to be quite limiting in comparison with a full-fledged Mac. But ever since Apple positioned the 12.9-inch iPad Pro because the clearly superior version, I just must ask: why is the 11-inch Pro still around?
Even Apple doesn’t really push for the 11-inch model — reviewers of the newest iPad Pro model looked as if it would all get the 12.9-inch model with the 11-inch one nowhere in sight. It’s pretty clear that Apple doesn’t care about this version, and it’s mostly made redundant by the cheaper iPad Air anyway.
I still love the scale, but I feel it’s about time to place the 11-inch iPad Pro out to pasture.
Today’s tech news, curated and condensed on your inbox
Check your inbox!
Please provide a sound email address to proceed.
This email address is currently on file. When you will not be receiving newsletters, please check your spam folder.
Sorry, an error occurred during subscription. Please try again later.
Editors’ Recommendations
