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

The Apple iPad Pro line continues to set the standard for tablet excellence. The 2022 models, both featuring the powerful M2 chip, offer incredible performance and stunning visuals. But with different sizes and features, choosing between the 12.9-inch and 11-inch iPad Pro can be tricky. Let's break down the key differences.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

Both iPad Pros are exceptional. The 12.9-inch model wins for its Liquid Retina XDR display, offering superior brightness and contrast ideal for creative professionals. However, the 11-inch model is more portable and often more affordable, making it a great choice for everyday users and students.

PHONES
Phone Names	Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2022)	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 - A2764, A2437	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, 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	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, 5G	HSPA, LTE, 5G - cellular model only
Technology	GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G	GSM / 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 - A2437, A2766	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	2022, October 18	2022, October 18
Status	Available. Released 2022, October 26	Available. Released 2022, October 26

Body
Build	Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame	Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame
Dimensions	280.6 x 214.9 x 6.4 mm (11.05 x 8.46 x 0.25 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	682 g (Wi-Fi), 685 g (5G) (1.50 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	2048 x 2732 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~265 ppi density)	1668 x 2388 pixels (~265 ppi density)
Size	12.9 inches, 515.3 cm2 (~85.4% screen-to-body ratio)	11.0 inches, 366.5 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED LCD, 120Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1000 nits (typ), 1600 nits (peak)	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 (4x3.49 GHz performance cores, 4 efficiency cores)
Chipset	Apple M2	Apple M2
GPU	Apple GPU (10-core graphics)	Apple GPU (10-core graphics)
OS	iPadOS 16.1, 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, ProRes	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, HDR	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	5.3, 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 3), DisplayPort, magnetic connector	USB Type-C 4 (Thunderbolt 3), 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/6e, dual-band, hotspot

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

Battery
Type	Li-Po 10758 mAh (40.88 Wh)	Li-Po 7538 mAh (28.65 Wh)

Misc
Colors	Silver, Space Gray	Silver, Space Gray
Models	A2764, A2437, A2766, A2436, iPad14,5, iPad14,6	A2435, A2761, A2762, A2759, iPad8,9, iPad8,10, iPad14,3, iPad14,4
Price	About 1450 EUR	About 1050 EUR

Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2022)

Stunning Liquid Retina XDR display
Larger screen for increased productivity
Excellent for creative workflows
Powerful M2 chip

Higher price
Less portable than the 11-inch model
Can be overkill for basic users

Apple iPad Pro 11 (2022)

More portable and lightweight
More affordable
Powerful M2 chip
Excellent Liquid Retina display

Display lacks XDR capabilities
Smaller screen size
Less immersive viewing experience

Display Comparison

The most significant difference lies in the display. The 12.9-inch iPad Pro boasts a Liquid Retina XDR display with mini-LED backlighting, delivering incredible brightness (up to 1600 nits peak), stunning contrast, and exceptional HDR performance. The 11-inch iPad Pro has a Liquid Retina display (60Hz) which is still excellent, but lacks the XDR capabilities. Color accuracy is superb on both.

Camera Comparison

Both iPad Pros feature a 12MP Wide camera and a 10MP Ultra Wide camera with a 120° field of view. They also have a LiDAR scanner for improved AR experiences and faster autofocus. Image quality is excellent on both, but the larger iPad Pro's size allows for more stable handheld shots.

Performance

Both devices are powered by the Apple M2 chip, offering blazing-fast performance for demanding tasks like video editing, gaming, and graphic design. Real-world performance differences are minimal, as both handle intensive workloads with ease. The M2's efficiency also contributes to excellent battery life.

Battery Life

Battery life is comparable on both models, offering around 10 hours of web browsing or video playback. The 12.9-inch model's larger battery capacity helps it match the 11-inch model's endurance despite the more power-hungry display.

Buying Guide

Who should buy the Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2022)? Creative professionals (photographers, videographers, graphic designers) who need the best display quality and larger screen real estate. Users who prioritize immersive viewing experiences. Who should buy the Apple iPad Pro 11 (2022)? Students, professionals needing a portable powerhouse, and anyone wanting a premium tablet experience without the premium price tag of the 12.9-inch model.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, the M2 offers a noticeable performance boost, particularly in graphics-intensive tasks. While the M1 was already incredibly powerful, the M2 provides a bit more headroom for demanding workflows.

❓ Does the 12.9-inch iPad Pro support ProMotion?

Yes, both the 12.9-inch and 11-inch iPad Pros feature ProMotion technology, which dynamically adjusts the refresh rate up to 120Hz for smoother scrolling and responsiveness.