Apple iPad Pro 11 (2021) vs. iPad Pro 11 (2020): A Detailed Comparison

The Apple iPad Pro 11 has consistently been a top choice for creatives and power users. But with a new model released, is the 2021 version a worthwhile upgrade over the already impressive 2020 edition? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to help you decide.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The 2021 iPad Pro 11 boasts a significant performance leap thanks to the M1 chip. While the 2020 model remains capable, the 2021 offers noticeably faster speeds, especially for demanding tasks. If performance is paramount, the 2021 is the clear winner, but the 2020 offers excellent value.

PHONES
Phone Names	Apple iPad Pro 11 (2021)	Apple iPad Pro 11 (2020)

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 71 - A2301, A2459, A2460	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 29, 30, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 48, 66, 71
5G bands	1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78, 79, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - A2301	-
Speed	HSPA, LTE, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps, 5G	HSPA, LTE, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps
Technology	GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G	GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE
	1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - A2459, A2460	CDMA2000 1xEV-DO

Launch
Announced	2021, April 20	2020, March 18
Status	Available. Released 2021, May 21	Available. Released 2020, March 19

Body
Build	Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame	Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame
Dimensions	247.6 x 178.5 x 5.9 mm (9.75 x 7.03 x 0.23 in)	247.6 x 178.5 x 5.9 mm (9.75 x 7.03 x 0.23 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM + eSIM	Nano-SIM + eSIM
Weight	466 g (Wi-Fi), 470 g (5G) (1.03 lb)	471 g (Wi-Fi), 473 g (LTE) (1.04 lb)
	Stylus support (Bluetooth integration; magnetic)	Stylus support (Bluetooth integration; magnetic)

Display
Protection	Scratch-resistant glass, oleophobic coating	Scratch-resistant glass, oleophobic coating
Resolution	1668 x 2388 pixels (~265 ppi density)	1668 x 2388 pixels (~265 ppi density)
Size	11.0 inches, 366.5 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio)	11.0 inches, 366.5 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	Liquid Retina IPS LCD, 120Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 600 nits (typ)	IPS LCD, 120Hz, 600 nits (typ)

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (4x3.2 GHz & 4xX.X GHz)	Octa-core (4x2.5 GHz Vortex + 4x1.6 GHz Tempest)
Chipset	Apple M1	Apple A12Z Bionic
GPU	Apple GPU (8-core graphics)	Apple GPU (8-core graphics)
OS	iPadOS 14.5.1, upgradable to iPadOS 26.1	iPadOS 13.4, upgradable to iPadOS 26.1

Memory
Card slot	No	No
Internal	128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM, 2TB 16GB RAM	128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 512GB 6GB RAM, 1TB 6GB RAM

Main Camera
Dual	12 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.22µm, dual pixel PDAF 10 MP, f/2.4, 125˚ (ultrawide) TOF 3D LiDAR scanner (depth)	12 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.22µm, dual pixel PDAF 10 MP, f/2.4, 11mm (ultrawide) TOF 3D LiDAR scanner (depth)
Features	Quad-LED dual-tone flash, HDR	Quad-LED dual-tone flash, HDR
Single	12 MP, f/2.4, 122˚ (ultrawide)	-
Video	4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS	4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS

Selfie camera
Features	Face detection, HDR, panorama	Face detection, HDR, panorama
Single	12 MP, f/2.4, 122˚ (ultrawide)	7 MP, f/2.2
Video	1080p@25/30/60fps, gyro-EIS	1080p@30/60fps

Sound
3.5mm jack	No	No
35mm jack	No	No
Loudspeaker	Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers)	Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers)

Comms
Bluetooth	5.0, A2DP, LE, EDR	5.0, A2DP, LE, EDR
NFC	No	No
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS (Wi‑Fi + Cellular model only)	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS (Wi‑Fi + Cellular model only)
Radio	No	No
USB	USB Type-C 4 (Thunderbolt 4), DisplayPort, magnetic connector	USB Type-C 3.1, magnetic connector
WLAN	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, hotspot	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, hotspot

Features
Sensors	Face ID, accelerometer, gyro, barometer	Face ID, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, barometer

Battery
Type	Li-Po 7538 mAh (28.65 Wh)	Li-Po 7538 mAh (28.65 Wh)

Misc
Colors	Silver, Space Gray	Silver, Space Gray
Models	A2301, A2459, A2460, iPad13,4, iPad13,5, iPad13,6, iPad13,7	A2068, A2230, A2228, A2231, iPad8,9, iPad8,10
Price	About 870 EUR	About 800 EUR

Apple iPad Pro 11 (2021)

Significantly faster M1 chip
Excellent display with ProMotion
Premium build quality
Advanced camera system with LiDAR
5G connectivity (optional)

Higher price
No major display upgrade over 2020
Limited port selection

Apple iPad Pro 11 (2020)

Excellent display with ProMotion
Premium build quality
Advanced camera system with LiDAR
More affordable than 2021 model
Good performance for most tasks

Slower A12Z Bionic chip
Less powerful GPU
No 5G connectivity

Display Comparison

Both iPad Pro 11 models feature a stunning 11-inch Liquid Retina display with ProMotion (120Hz adaptive refresh rate). Color accuracy and brightness are excellent on both. The 2021 model maintains the same display technology, so there's no visual upgrade here.

Camera Comparison

Both models have a triple-camera system (12MP Wide, 10MP Ultrawide, LiDAR Scanner). Image quality is comparable in most scenarios. The LiDAR Scanner enhances AR experiences and improves low-light autofocus. Minor software improvements might exist in the 2021 model, but the core camera hardware is the same.

Performance

This is where the 2021 model shines. The M1 chip provides a substantial performance boost over the A12Z Bionic. Expect faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and significantly improved performance in demanding tasks like video editing and 3D rendering. The M1's GPU also offers a considerable advantage.

Battery Life

Both models offer excellent battery life, typically lasting 10 hours of web browsing or video playback. The battery capacity is the same, and efficiency gains from the M1 chip are offset by its increased power. Expect similar real-world battery performance.

Buying Guide

Who should buy the Apple iPad Pro 11 (2021)? Creative professionals, students needing maximum power, and anyone wanting the absolute best iPad experience. Who should buy the Apple iPad Pro 11 (2020)? Users seeking a premium iPad experience at a slightly lower price point, and those whose workflows don't demand the absolute highest performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the M1 chip in the 2021 iPad Pro a huge difference?

Yes, the M1 chip provides a significant performance boost, especially for demanding tasks like video editing and gaming. It's a noticeable upgrade over the A12Z Bionic.

❓ Are the cameras the same on both models?

Essentially, yes. Both models have the same triple-camera system and LiDAR Scanner. Image quality is comparable.