Apple iPad Pro 11 (2021) vs. (2022): A Detailed Comparison
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The iPad Pro 11 (2022) offers a noticeable performance boost thanks to the M2 chip, slightly improved battery life, and a few minor enhancements. However, the 2021 model remains a fantastic device, especially if you can find it at a discounted price. The 2022 is the clear winner for those needing the absolute best.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Apple iPad Pro 11 (2021) | Apple iPad Pro 11 (2022) |
| 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, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 71 - A2435, A2761 |
| 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 | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 70, 71, 77, 78, 79, 258, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - A2435 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - A2459, A2460 | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 70, 71, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - A2761, A2762 | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021, April 20 | 2022, October 18 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, May 21 | Available. Released 2022, October 26 |
| 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 (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 466 g (Wi-Fi), 470 g (5G) (1.03 lb) | 466 g (Wi-Fi), 470 g (5G) (1.03 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) | Liquid Retina IPS LCD, 120Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 600 nits (typ) |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x3.2 GHz & 4xX.X GHz) | Octa-core (4x3.49 GHz performance cores, 4 efficiency cores) |
| Chipset | Apple M1 | Apple M2 |
| GPU | Apple GPU (8-core graphics) | Apple GPU (10-core graphics) |
| OS | iPadOS 14.5.1, upgradable to iPadOS 26.1 | iPadOS 16.1, 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 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM, 2TB 16GB 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, 125˚ (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) | 12 MP, f/2.4, 122˚ (ultrawide) |
| Video | 4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS | 4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, ProRes |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | Face detection, HDR, panorama | Face detection, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 12 MP, f/2.4, 122˚ (ultrawide) | 12 MP, f/2.4, 122˚ (ultrawide) |
| Video | 1080p@25/30/60fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@25/30/60fps, gyro-EIS, HDR |
| 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 | 5.3, A2DP, LE, EDR |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS (Wi‑Fi + Cellular model only) | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS (cellular model only) |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 4 (Thunderbolt 4), DisplayPort, magnetic connector | USB Type-C 4 (Thunderbolt 3), DisplayPort, 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/6e, dual-band, hotspot |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Face ID, accelerometer, gyro, barometer | Face ID, accelerometer, gyro, compass, 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 | A2435, A2761, A2762, A2759, iPad8,9, iPad8,10, iPad14,3, iPad14,4 |
| Price | About 870 EUR | About 1050 EUR |
Apple iPad Pro 11 (2021)
- Excellent performance (M1 chip)
- Stunning Liquid Retina display
- ProMotion 120Hz refresh rate
- Great battery life
- Mature iPadOS ecosystem
- Often available at a lower price
- Slightly older chipset compared to 2022
- No significant feature upgrades over previous generations
Apple iPad Pro 11 (2022)
- Blazing-fast performance (M2 chip)
- Slightly improved battery efficiency
- Latest iPadOS features
- Future-proofed with newer chipset
- Improved peak HDR brightness
- Higher price point
- Performance gains may not be noticeable for all users
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 virtually identical. The 2022 model has a slightly improved peak brightness in HDR content, but it's a marginal difference most users won't notice.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is largely unchanged between the two models. Both feature a 12MP Wide camera and a 10MP Ultra Wide camera with a LiDAR scanner. Image quality is excellent in both, with improved low-light performance thanks to the LiDAR. Video recording capabilities are also comparable.
Performance
The M2 chip in the 2022 iPad Pro 11 delivers a tangible performance improvement over the M1. Expect faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better performance in demanding creative applications like video editing and 3D rendering. While the M1 is still incredibly capable, the M2 provides a noticeable edge.
Battery Life
Battery life is similar on both devices, offering around 10 hours of web browsing or video playback. The M2 chip is slightly more efficient, potentially providing a bit more runtime under heavy load, but the difference is minimal.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Apple iPad Pro 11 (2021)? Users on a budget who still want a powerful tablet for creative tasks, productivity, and entertainment. Who should buy the Apple iPad Pro 11 (2022)? Professionals and power users who demand the fastest performance, the latest features, and future-proofing.