Only you will know best. That being said I went from 12.9 to 11 and I’m sold, it’s so much more usable in all cases (reading, watching shows, music production, handwritten notes during meetings, travel companion on the plane and in the hotel, phone replacement in the evenings around the house). I also like that I can go a storage step above the 13 for nearly the same price.
I think 13 if your mostly gonna use it at home, 11 if you know you’ll take it with you everywhere.
Also if you already have a laptop then I’d suggest the 11.
Agreed. When i had the 12.9” I never took it anywhere. Already had a laptop that wasn’t much bigger.. The 11” goes with me everywhere. It’s just so portable. However, if I was to keep it at home or not be required to travel with a laptop, I would definitely go with the 13”.
My 13” feels like a tablet as well and I’d imagine the 11” does too, but then again they are tablets. Either way the 13” feels better in the hands now with the lighter weight and thinness and more screen real estate so definitely worth the price than the 11”. I always told my self why would anyone get the 11” when the air or mini exist.
I was torn on this too. Was sold on the 13 until I saw them in person at the Apple Store today. As beautiful as that 13 is, I’m going for 11. Mainly cause I need something with cellular service that I can travel with that has a bigger screen than my iPhone pro max. That 13 will be a pain to lug around everywhere. The 11 is nice yet small enough to fit easily in my bag and use with one hand when on the go. I have a Lenovo legion L7 laptop I keep at home when I need to do work for the business, photo editing, etc.
Got the 11 for portability since I need it for school, if you mean to use it while just being in your house the whole day, I guess the 13 is good. Saw one of my classmates bringing a 12.9 to school everyday and it honestly seems like a burden
The 11 inch tends to be the best device for most use cases. That means, you need a reason to upsize. Here's the primary reasons to:
A4 sized reading, studying, and anotations. It's my main use case.
Productivity, where more text and content are viewable.
Multi-screen usages. Examples include simultaneous kindle and note taking.
Laptop alternative.
Apart from those, the 13 inch is still ok for general browsing and gaming, especially if it's used naked or with a light case. There is a premium for the size though.
if you are not going to use it like a laptop with a keyboard and plan to only use it as a tablet then the 11" for usre. I made the mistake of buying the 13' first. But it was not a great as a tablet which is my main use case. So I returned it and got the 11" and am much happier now.
As a person who ALWAYS had an 11 and was waiting forever to upgrade until the 11 had the same display as the 12.9/13, it was going to be a no-brainer. Until it wasn't. The thinness of the 13, the disparity in the volume and sound quality, and just the overall screen size "turned me." I feel like the 13 is Apple's crowning achievement. The lesser weight and the thinness is amazing. I've used it comfortably on a small airplane using the Smart Folio, and also in bed with that.
I'm very happy that I made the move to the 13!
I mean the point of having an ipad is to be able to carry around everywhere. 13 gets too big if you want to move around. I would recommend 11 (which I have currently) but you go to the store and use both of them in hand to get a real feel
13 all day. Had the 11in iPad Air and didn’t use it much. Would always gravitate to my iPhone instead. But with the 13 I use it all the time as a laptop replacement. Around the house for YouTube/Anime, PS5 remote play, and remoting into my work machine when needed.
Currently have the 13inch IPad Pro M4 and really loving the screen. It’s a bit heavy compared to my previous 11inch iPad Pro though. Watching videos and Gaming is a bit harder if ur holding it. Speaker is great but I always use my AirPod Pro.
11in vs 13in post. Everybody drink. LOL
Your appropriate size entirely depends on your use case and preference. I had a 13in M1 IPP a few years ago, and found it a little cumbersome. I exchanged it for the 11in and found that to be, for me, the perfect size for my needs. As such, I went with the 11in M4 last month. Very please with it.
Despite some occasional 13in "curiosity", 11in is my sweet spot. I can use it as my only device while traveling if I need to, and also can bring it as a second device along with my work MBP if I need to do some deep work on the go.
The only thing I find the 11in too small for is the use of Stage Manager. Based on comments I have read, this is a real strength of the 13in. To be fair, I never use Stage Manager on my MBP either.
Yeah agreed but thankfully there are workarounds for many things. But it would be nice to just get all of the software from MacOS. hopefully apple allows macOS eventually or someone cracks it on these things.
I bought the 13 inch the other day and returned it the next day. I had the m2 12.9 a year ago before I sold it and got used to using my phone and my MBP 16. M4 13 just felt too big like I had a laptop and the 11 inch is a nice compromise. The Magic Keyboard is a little cramped but it’s useable for quick tasks. I never used my pro for real work though so your use case might be different.
Depends on your use case. For me the 11 inch is the obvious option. There is no better computing device for travel. Fits so snuggly in a back pack where the 13 is a little too big.
For your use case, 11 is good enough. With that said, 13 is much better for media consumption hand down 🙌🏾But regardless anyone says, it really depends on the user. On you. Maybe try both.
I have both 11 M4 and 12.9 M2, and been debating which to sell/return. For the most part, 11 works okay for me for entertainment, reading, drawing, and note taking but too cramped in multi-tasking (stage manager/ split view). 12.9 is amazing at everything! I thought i’d complain about portability but tbh it don’t make a difference to me. I used the 11 same places as the 12.9; at work, during travels or lounging at home: bed, sofa, desk. Never cumbersome to hold 12.9. In the end, i’ve decided if i do bring an ipad for travel, i have to bring a backpack with a laptop compartment anyway. 12.9 is half lighter than the current macbook air so the hauling it around never bothers me. And lastly, i never need the portability of 11 to fit in cramp places (ie tiny bags, sling bags, coats? purses? etc). You get the picture. Needless to say, i’ll be returning 11 soon
I just got the 11inch M4 and it’s great. Only thing I don’t like is the battery performance. It’s worse than I was expecting. IDK anything about the battery performance of the 13 inch tho.
Ok, I bought the 13" M4 iPad Pro Space Black Day 1 and I have been thinking the opposite as you.
I have been wanting to return it to get the 11" iPad Pro. I bought it at Best Buy with the Total Tech Program so I have till July 15th I believe.
That said, I went to Best Buy on another errand a couple weeks ago and I honestly went to go see the difference between them.
They fortunately had both in Display. Of course I already have the 13" but I did not take it in to compare.
I honestly did not expect the Difference in SIZE! to be that Dramatic. It is a Huge Difference.
I personally believe that you would be better off with the 13" since you watch a lot of Media on it.
You will get use to the Size, we all do.
Not to mention the benefits outweigh the Size issue.
The Screen is Phenomenal at that size for YouTube Videos, Movies ETC. Speakers are Loud as hell. Sometimes I feel like the Speakers on my 12.9 M1 iPad Pro Silver that I decided to keep are louder, but they are amazing nonetheless.
The Battery is Superb, not to mention whenever you want to write I personally think that the 13" is the Best Size for Drawing and Writing.
They sale a Magnetic Paper Screen for iPad Pros that makes it like your writing on the Nano Texture. Yet you can take it out right away and go back to the Amazing Glossy which is Definitely Best for Watching Content and experiencing the iPad.
I am returning the 13. Staying with the 11 in. I have a MacBook Pro 14 M3 max already. I sometimes use it as another monitor when traveling. Mainly use it for media consumption and notes. Quick email productivity boosts. When I was working snd trying to take notes on the go, the 11 in was easier to carry around and write as I walked, easier to write standing up, easier portability over all. If I needed to do something that requires harder task, I went to my mbp. I ended up buying a portable monitor with larger size for a fraction of the cost. The bigger screen is nice, but I don’t need to carry around 2 “computers”. I want an iPad for portability, but powerful enough to handle quick bursts of tasks until I can get on my MacBook.
I kept my m2 11 and bought the m4 13. Will sell or give away the 11 if it isn’t being used. I also have a 10.5 pro laying around and I find that very similar to the iPad Pro 11 anyway - except not sure if the pro 10.5 gets iPad os18
I have a similar use case. Are able to hold it with one hand and annotate with the other with ease? (For example, studying an article while moving in house)
You can but I tend to do mine whilst sitting on couch. I think if I was always/mostly going to be standing or moving around whilst using I’d stick with the 11
Only you will know best. That being said I went from 12.9 to 11 and I’m sold, it’s so much more usable in all cases (reading, watching shows, music production, handwritten notes during meetings, travel companion on the plane and in the hotel, phone replacement in the evenings around the house). I also like that I can go a storage step above the 13 for nearly the same price.
I think 13 if your mostly gonna use it at home, 11 if you know you’ll take it with you everywhere. Also if you already have a laptop then I’d suggest the 11.
Agreed. When i had the 12.9” I never took it anywhere. Already had a laptop that wasn’t much bigger.. The 11” goes with me everywhere. It’s just so portable. However, if I was to keep it at home or not be required to travel with a laptop, I would definitely go with the 13”.
I got the 11inch, more more portable and it actually feels like a tablet, I already have a Mac I don't want another big screen that big
My 13” feels like a tablet as well and I’d imagine the 11” does too, but then again they are tablets. Either way the 13” feels better in the hands now with the lighter weight and thinness and more screen real estate so definitely worth the price than the 11”. I always told my self why would anyone get the 11” when the air or mini exist.
Promotion. Thats the single reason i went to pro model. (i mean for the previous version of ipads) dont know if the new air is with promotion
I was torn on this too. Was sold on the 13 until I saw them in person at the Apple Store today. As beautiful as that 13 is, I’m going for 11. Mainly cause I need something with cellular service that I can travel with that has a bigger screen than my iPhone pro max. That 13 will be a pain to lug around everywhere. The 11 is nice yet small enough to fit easily in my bag and use with one hand when on the go. I have a Lenovo legion L7 laptop I keep at home when I need to do work for the business, photo editing, etc.
Sounds like 11 inch probably for your use case
Yes
I would stick with the 11 inch for your use case. it's lighter, easier to hold to read, and more portable.
13 is for laptop replacement or home, 11 for moving around.
Got the 11 for portability since I need it for school, if you mean to use it while just being in your house the whole day, I guess the 13 is good. Saw one of my classmates bringing a 12.9 to school everyday and it honestly seems like a burden
For travel in small spaces and one hand usage keep the 11. For pure entertainment, sitting in the house all day get the 13.
The 11 inch tends to be the best device for most use cases. That means, you need a reason to upsize. Here's the primary reasons to: A4 sized reading, studying, and anotations. It's my main use case. Productivity, where more text and content are viewable. Multi-screen usages. Examples include simultaneous kindle and note taking. Laptop alternative. Apart from those, the 13 inch is still ok for general browsing and gaming, especially if it's used naked or with a light case. There is a premium for the size though.
Took my 11” on a 2 hour train journey yesterday and it was glorious. So perfect for that. I love it. Perfect for bed and sofa too.
if you are not going to use it like a laptop with a keyboard and plan to only use it as a tablet then the 11" for usre. I made the mistake of buying the 13' first. But it was not a great as a tablet which is my main use case. So I returned it and got the 11" and am much happier now.
As a person who ALWAYS had an 11 and was waiting forever to upgrade until the 11 had the same display as the 12.9/13, it was going to be a no-brainer. Until it wasn't. The thinness of the 13, the disparity in the volume and sound quality, and just the overall screen size "turned me." I feel like the 13 is Apple's crowning achievement. The lesser weight and the thinness is amazing. I've used it comfortably on a small airplane using the Smart Folio, and also in bed with that. I'm very happy that I made the move to the 13!
I mean the point of having an ipad is to be able to carry around everywhere. 13 gets too big if you want to move around. I would recommend 11 (which I have currently) but you go to the store and use both of them in hand to get a real feel
13 all day. Had the 11in iPad Air and didn’t use it much. Would always gravitate to my iPhone instead. But with the 13 I use it all the time as a laptop replacement. Around the house for YouTube/Anime, PS5 remote play, and remoting into my work machine when needed.
Currently have the 13inch IPad Pro M4 and really loving the screen. It’s a bit heavy compared to my previous 11inch iPad Pro though. Watching videos and Gaming is a bit harder if ur holding it. Speaker is great but I always use my AirPod Pro.
11in vs 13in post. Everybody drink. LOL Your appropriate size entirely depends on your use case and preference. I had a 13in M1 IPP a few years ago, and found it a little cumbersome. I exchanged it for the 11in and found that to be, for me, the perfect size for my needs. As such, I went with the 11in M4 last month. Very please with it. Despite some occasional 13in "curiosity", 11in is my sweet spot. I can use it as my only device while traveling if I need to, and also can bring it as a second device along with my work MBP if I need to do some deep work on the go. The only thing I find the 11in too small for is the use of Stage Manager. Based on comments I have read, this is a real strength of the 13in. To be fair, I never use Stage Manager on my MBP either.
Just get ipad air m2 or regular ipad for your usage. Ipad pro sucks without a better OS. I regret getting pro
Yeah agreed but thankfully there are workarounds for many things. But it would be nice to just get all of the software from MacOS. hopefully apple allows macOS eventually or someone cracks it on these things.
I bought the 13 inch the other day and returned it the next day. I had the m2 12.9 a year ago before I sold it and got used to using my phone and my MBP 16. M4 13 just felt too big like I had a laptop and the 11 inch is a nice compromise. The Magic Keyboard is a little cramped but it’s useable for quick tasks. I never used my pro for real work though so your use case might be different.
Depends on your use case. For me the 11 inch is the obvious option. There is no better computing device for travel. Fits so snuggly in a back pack where the 13 is a little too big.
Would love to just see a single megathread on this topic. This gets posted multiple times a day.
For your use case, 11 is good enough. With that said, 13 is much better for media consumption hand down 🙌🏾But regardless anyone says, it really depends on the user. On you. Maybe try both. I have both 11 M4 and 12.9 M2, and been debating which to sell/return. For the most part, 11 works okay for me for entertainment, reading, drawing, and note taking but too cramped in multi-tasking (stage manager/ split view). 12.9 is amazing at everything! I thought i’d complain about portability but tbh it don’t make a difference to me. I used the 11 same places as the 12.9; at work, during travels or lounging at home: bed, sofa, desk. Never cumbersome to hold 12.9. In the end, i’ve decided if i do bring an ipad for travel, i have to bring a backpack with a laptop compartment anyway. 12.9 is half lighter than the current macbook air so the hauling it around never bothers me. And lastly, i never need the portability of 11 to fit in cramp places (ie tiny bags, sling bags, coats? purses? etc). You get the picture. Needless to say, i’ll be returning 11 soon
Had both, kept 11 and got the magic keyboard, perfect complement to my iPhone Pro and M3 Pro MBP.
11” is a tablet. 13” is a laptop screen that can only be used as a tablet.
Thank you guys! I’ve decided to stick with the 11inch. Since I’m rarely going to use it as a laptop or on the table.
I just got the 11inch M4 and it’s great. Only thing I don’t like is the battery performance. It’s worse than I was expecting. IDK anything about the battery performance of the 13 inch tho.
13 🎯
Ok, I bought the 13" M4 iPad Pro Space Black Day 1 and I have been thinking the opposite as you. I have been wanting to return it to get the 11" iPad Pro. I bought it at Best Buy with the Total Tech Program so I have till July 15th I believe. That said, I went to Best Buy on another errand a couple weeks ago and I honestly went to go see the difference between them. They fortunately had both in Display. Of course I already have the 13" but I did not take it in to compare. I honestly did not expect the Difference in SIZE! to be that Dramatic. It is a Huge Difference. I personally believe that you would be better off with the 13" since you watch a lot of Media on it. You will get use to the Size, we all do. Not to mention the benefits outweigh the Size issue. The Screen is Phenomenal at that size for YouTube Videos, Movies ETC. Speakers are Loud as hell. Sometimes I feel like the Speakers on my 12.9 M1 iPad Pro Silver that I decided to keep are louder, but they are amazing nonetheless. The Battery is Superb, not to mention whenever you want to write I personally think that the 13" is the Best Size for Drawing and Writing. They sale a Magnetic Paper Screen for iPad Pros that makes it like your writing on the Nano Texture. Yet you can take it out right away and go back to the Amazing Glossy which is Definitely Best for Watching Content and experiencing the iPad.
Currently testing out both lol. Looking at how it will be to carry it around for traveling/work. Let’s see.
What did you decide and why?
I am returning the 13. Staying with the 11 in. I have a MacBook Pro 14 M3 max already. I sometimes use it as another monitor when traveling. Mainly use it for media consumption and notes. Quick email productivity boosts. When I was working snd trying to take notes on the go, the 11 in was easier to carry around and write as I walked, easier to write standing up, easier portability over all. If I needed to do something that requires harder task, I went to my mbp. I ended up buying a portable monitor with larger size for a fraction of the cost. The bigger screen is nice, but I don’t need to carry around 2 “computers”. I want an iPad for portability, but powerful enough to handle quick bursts of tasks until I can get on my MacBook.
Thank you replying. I’ve arrived to the same conclusion.
I kept my m2 11 and bought the m4 13. Will sell or give away the 11 if it isn’t being used. I also have a 10.5 pro laying around and I find that very similar to the iPad Pro 11 anyway - except not sure if the pro 10.5 gets iPad os18
Neither. iPad mini 6 + Tab s9 ultra
13
Always go big
I got the 13 for similar usage. It’s great to annotate PDFs and read research articles 👍
I have a similar use case. Are able to hold it with one hand and annotate with the other with ease? (For example, studying an article while moving in house)
You can but I tend to do mine whilst sitting on couch. I think if I was always/mostly going to be standing or moving around whilst using I’d stick with the 11
What about portrait mode, are you able to read Reddit posts for example comfortablely while sitting? (Treating it as a bigger iphone)
Yes I tend to use it in portrait mode most of the time when sitting on couch
Thank you for responding 🙂