Apple iPad Pro 11 vs 12.9 (2022): The Ultimate Showdown

The Apple iPad Pro line continues to set the standard for tablet performance and features. But with two sizes – the 11-inch and 12.9-inch – choosing the right one can be tricky. This comprehensive comparison breaks down the key differences to help you decide which iPad Pro is perfect for your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

Both iPad Pros boast the powerful M2 chip, but the 12.9-inch model's stunning Liquid Retina XDR display and larger screen size give it a clear edge for creative professionals and those prioritizing immersive viewing. The 11-inch is more portable and slightly more affordable, making it a great choice for everyday use.

PHONES
Phone Names Apple iPad Pro 11 (2022) Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2022)
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 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, A27611, 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 - A2764, A2437
5G bands1, 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 - A24351, 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 - A2764
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5G - cellular model onlyHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / 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, A27621, 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 - A2437, A2766
Launch
Announced2022, October 182022, October 18
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, October 26Available. Released 2022, October 26
Body
BuildGlass front, aluminum back, aluminum frameGlass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame
Dimensions247.6 x 178.5 x 5.9 mm (9.75 x 7.03 x 0.23 in)280.6 x 214.9 x 6.4 mm (11.05 x 8.46 x 0.25 in)
SIMNano-SIM + eSIM (cellular model only)Nano-SIM + eSIM
Weight466 g (Wi-Fi), 470 g (5G) (1.03 lb)682 g (Wi-Fi), 685 g (5G) (1.50 lb)
 Stylus support (Bluetooth integration; magnetic)Stylus support (Bluetooth integration; magnetic)
Display
ProtectionScratch-resistant glass, oleophobic coatingScratch-resistant glass, oleophobic coating
Resolution1668 x 2388 pixels (~265 ppi density)2048 x 2732 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~265 ppi density)
Size11.0 inches, 366.5 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio)12.9 inches, 515.3 cm2 (~85.4% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeLiquid Retina IPS LCD, 120Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 600 nits (typ)Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED LCD, 120Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1000 nits (typ), 1600 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x3.49 GHz performance cores, 4 efficiency cores)Octa-core (4x3.49 GHz performance cores, 4 efficiency cores)
ChipsetApple M2Apple M2
GPUApple GPU (10-core graphics)Apple GPU (10-core graphics)
OSiPadOS 16.1, upgradable to iPadOS 26.1iPadOS 16.1, upgradable to iPadOS 26.1
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM, 2TB 16GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM, 2TB 16GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual12 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)
FeaturesQuad-LED dual-tone flash, HDRQuad-LED dual-tone flash, HDR
Single12 MP, f/2.4, 122˚ (ultrawide)12 MP, f/2.4, 122˚ (ultrawide)
Video4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, ProRes4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, ProRes
Selfie camera
FeaturesFace detection, HDR, panoramaFace detection, HDR, panorama
Single12 MP, f/2.4, 122˚ (ultrawide)12 MP, f/2.4, 122˚ (ultrawide)
Video1080p@25/30/60fps, gyro-EIS, HDR1080p@25/30/60fps, gyro-EIS, HDR
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers)Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers)
Comms
Bluetooth5.3, A2DP, LE, EDR5.3, A2DP, LE, EDR
NFCNoNo
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS (cellular model only)GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS (Wi‑Fi + Cellular model only)
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 4 (Thunderbolt 3), DisplayPort, magnetic connectorUSB Type-C 4 (Thunderbolt 3), DisplayPort, magnetic connector
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, hotspotWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, hotspot
Features
SensorsFace ID, accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometerFace ID, accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer
Battery
TypeLi-Po 7538 mAh (28.65 Wh)Li-Po 10758 mAh (40.88 Wh)
Misc
ColorsSilver, Space GraySilver, Space Gray
ModelsA2435, A2761, A2762, A2759, iPad8,9, iPad8,10, iPad14,3, iPad14,4A2764, A2437, A2766, A2436, iPad14,5, iPad14,6
PriceAbout 1050 EURAbout 1450 EUR

Apple iPad Pro 11 (2022)

  • More portable
  • Slightly more affordable
  • Excellent performance with M2 chip
  • Vibrant Liquid Retina display

  • Smaller screen compared to 12.9-inch model
  • Lacks XDR display technology

Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2022)

  • Stunning Liquid Retina XDR display
  • Larger screen for immersive viewing and productivity
  • Excellent performance with M2 chip
  • LiDAR scanner for AR and improved autofocus

  • Less portable
  • More expensive
  • Slightly shorter battery life (negligible)

Display Comparison

The most significant difference lies in the display. The iPad Pro 11 features a Liquid Retina display with ProMotion, offering vibrant colors and smooth scrolling. However, the 12.9-inch model takes it a step further with a Liquid Retina XDR display, utilizing mini-LED technology for incredible brightness, contrast, and HDR performance. This makes a huge difference for content creators and anyone who values a premium viewing experience.

Camera Comparison

Camera performance is largely similar between the two. Both feature a 12MP Wide camera and a 10MP Ultra Wide camera with a 120° field of view. The LiDAR scanner enhances AR experiences and improves low-light autofocus. Image quality is excellent on both, but the larger screen of the 12.9-inch model allows for easier photo editing and review.

Performance

Both devices are powered by the Apple M2 chip, delivering blazing-fast performance. You'll experience seamless multitasking, smooth gaming, and effortless handling of demanding creative applications on both models. Real-world performance differences are minimal, as both offer exceptional speed.

Battery Life

Battery life is comparable on both devices, offering around 10 hours of web browsing or video playback. The 12.9-inch model's larger size necessitates a slightly larger battery, but the difference in real-world usage is negligible.

Buying Guide

The iPad Pro 11 (2022) is ideal for students, professionals needing portability, and anyone wanting a powerful tablet for everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, and light creative work. The iPad Pro 12.9 (2022) is best suited for creative professionals (photographers, videographers, graphic designers), those who enjoy immersive media consumption, and users who value a larger canvas for productivity.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the M2 chip a significant upgrade over the M1?
Yes, the M2 chip offers a noticeable performance boost, particularly in graphics-intensive tasks. While the M1 was already incredibly powerful, the M2 provides a smoother and more responsive experience.
❓ Does the 12.9-inch iPad Pro support the Apple Pencil 2nd generation?
Yes, both the 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro models fully support the Apple Pencil 2nd generation, offering magnetic attachment and wireless charging.