Apple iPad Pro 11 (2022) vs. iPad Pro 11 (2021): A Detailed Comparison

The iPad Pro line consistently sets the bar for tablet performance and features. With the 2022 model boasting the M2 chip, it begs the question: is the upgrade from the already impressive 2021 model worthwhile? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into the differences to help you decide.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The iPad Pro 11 (2022) offers a noticeable performance boost thanks to the M2 chip, slightly improved display brightness, and faster Wi-Fi 6E. However, the 2021 model remains an excellent choice, especially if you can find it at a discounted price, offering near-identical functionality for less.

PHONES
Phone Names	Apple iPad Pro 11 (2022)	Apple iPad Pro 11 (2021)

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 - A2435, A2761	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
5G bands	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	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, 5G - cellular model only	HSPA, LTE, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps, 5G
Technology	GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G	GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
	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	1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - A2459, A2460

Launch
Announced	2022, October 18	2021, April 20
Status	Available. Released 2022, October 26	Available. Released 2021, May 21

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 (cellular model only)	Nano-SIM + eSIM
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 (4x3.49 GHz performance cores, 4 efficiency cores)	Octa-core (4x3.2 GHz & 4xX.X GHz)
Chipset	Apple M2	Apple M1
GPU	Apple GPU (10-core graphics)	Apple GPU (8-core graphics)
OS	iPadOS 16.1, upgradable to iPadOS 26.1	iPadOS 14.5.1, 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, ProRes	4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS

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

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	5.3, A2DP, LE, EDR	5.0, A2DP, LE, EDR
NFC	No	No
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS (cellular model only)	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS (Wi‑Fi + Cellular model only)
Radio	No	No
USB	USB Type-C 4 (Thunderbolt 3), DisplayPort, magnetic connector	USB Type-C 4 (Thunderbolt 4), DisplayPort, magnetic connector
WLAN	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, hotspot	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, hotspot

Features
Sensors	Face ID, accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer	Face ID, accelerometer, gyro, 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	A2435, A2761, A2762, A2759, iPad8,9, iPad8,10, iPad14,3, iPad14,4	A2301, A2459, A2460, iPad13,4, iPad13,5, iPad13,6, iPad13,7
Price	About 1050 EUR	About 870 EUR

Apple iPad Pro 11 (2022)

Faster M2 Chip
Slightly Brighter Display
Wi-Fi 6E Support
Improved Multitasking

Higher Price
Incremental Upgrade

Apple iPad Pro 11 (2021)

Excellent Performance (M1)
Premium Display
Long Battery Life
More Affordable

Older Chipset
No Wi-Fi 6E

Display Comparison

Both iPad Pro 11 models feature a stunning 11-inch Liquid Retina display with ProMotion (120Hz adaptive refresh rate) and excellent color accuracy. The 2022 model sees a slight bump in peak brightness (600 nits vs 500 nits), making it marginally better in bright environments, but the difference is subtle.

Camera Comparison

Camera hardware remains 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 the LiDAR scanner enhancing AR experiences and low-light performance. Video recording capabilities are also comparable.

Performance

The M2 chip in the 2022 iPad Pro delivers a tangible performance advantage over the M1. Expect faster app launch times, smoother multitasking, and improved performance in graphically intensive games and creative applications. While the M1 is still incredibly capable, the M2 represents a step up for demanding workflows.

Battery Life

Battery life is remarkably similar on both devices, offering around 10 hours of web browsing or video playback. The slight performance improvements of the M2 might lead to marginally faster battery drain under heavy load, but the difference is negligible in typical usage.

Buying Guide

Who should buy the iPad Pro 11 (2022)? Creative professionals, power users, and those needing the absolute best performance for demanding tasks like video editing or 3D rendering. Who should buy the iPad Pro 11 (2021)? Students, casual users, and anyone seeking a premium tablet experience without the premium price tag of the latest model.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the M2 chip a significant upgrade over the M1?

Yes, the M2 offers a noticeable performance boost, particularly in demanding tasks. However, the M1 is still incredibly capable and sufficient for most users.

❓ Does the 2022 iPad Pro support Apple Pencil 3?

No, both the 2021 and 2022 iPad Pro 11 models support the Apple Pencil 2nd generation.