iPad Pro 11-inch (2025) vs iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2025): Which Should You Buy in 2026?
Quick Verdict
Winner: iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2025) — 8.5/10
The iPad Pro 12.9‑inch (2025) wins overall thanks to its mini‑LED XDR display (1600 nits peak vs 1200 nits on the 11‑inch) and higher maximum storage, which benefit creators who need color accuracy and space. The 11‑inch model remains a strong contender for users prioritizing portability and a lower price point, offering the same M5 performance in a lighter package. For most professional workflows that rely on a large, bright screen, the 12.9‑inch is the clear choice.
See the interactive comparison →iPad Pro 11-inch (2025) Overview
The iPad Pro 11-inch (2025) is a compelling option in the Tablet space, offering a solid balance of performance and value.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to carry (≈1.04 kg)
- M5 performance matches the larger model (per Geekbench 6)
- Lower starting price than the 12.9‑inch model
Cons
- LCD panel lacks mini‑LED XDR brightness
- Smaller screen reduces multitasking real‑estate
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2025) Overview
The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2025) brings its own strengths to the table, making it a worthy contender in this comparison.
Pros
- Mini‑LED XDR display offers higher brightness and contrast (per RTINGS)
- Larger screen improves creative workflows and multitasking
- Higher max storage option (2 TB)
Cons
- Heavier than the 11‑inch (≈1.58 kg)
- Higher starting price
Head-to-Head Comparison
Here is how the iPad Pro 11-inch (2025) and iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2025) stack up on key specifications and our scored criteria:
Both products excel in different areas. The iPad Pro 11-inch (2025) tends to lead in Lightweight and easy to carry (≈1.04 kg), while the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2025) stands out for Mini‑LED XDR display offers higher brightness and contrast (per RTINGS).
Who Should Buy What
Buy the iPad Pro 11-inch (2025) if…
- You want lightweight and easy to carry (≈1.04 kg)
- You want m5 performance matches the larger model (per geekbench 6)
- You want lower starting price than the 12.9‑inch model
Buy the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2025) if…
- You want mini‑led xdr display offers higher brightness and contrast (per rtings)
- You want larger screen improves creative workflows and multitasking
- You want higher max storage option (2 tb)
Our Recommendation
If you can only choose one, we recommend the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2025). The iPad Pro 12.9‑inch (2025) wins overall thanks to its mini‑LED XDR display (1600 nits peak vs 1200 nits on the 11‑inch) and higher maximum storage, which benefit creators who need color accuracy and space. The 11‑inch model remains a strong contender for users prioritizing portability and a lower
Run the interactive comparison →Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: iPad Pro 11-inch (2025) or iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2025)?
The iPad Pro 12.9‑inch (2025) wins overall thanks to its mini‑LED XDR display (1600 nits peak vs 1200 nits on the 11‑inch) and higher maximum storage, which benefit creators who need color accuracy and space. The 11‑inch model remains a strong contender for users prioritizing portability and a lower price point, offering the same M5 performance in a lighter package. For most professional workflows that rely on a large, bright screen, the 12.9‑inch is the clear choice.
What are the scores for iPad Pro 11-inch (2025) and iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2025)?
iPad Pro 11-inch (2025) scores 7.5/10 and iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2025) scores 8.5/10 in our independent evaluation.
What are the main advantages of the iPad Pro 11-inch (2025)?
Lightweight and easy to carry (≈1.04 kg). M5 performance matches the larger model (per Geekbench 6). Lower starting price than the 12.9‑inch model.
What are the main advantages of the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2025)?
Mini‑LED XDR display offers higher brightness and contrast (per RTINGS). Larger screen improves creative workflows and multitasking. Higher max storage option (2 TB).
Is the iPad Pro 11-inch (2025) worth the price?
The iPad Pro 11-inch (2025) offers strong value for its price point, especially for users who prioritize performance and build quality.
Who should buy
Buyers who prioritize iPad's strengths and want the best in this category.
Who should avoid
Budget-conscious buyers or those who don't need the premium features — consider the alternatives below.
What could change this recommendation: a significant price drop on the runner-up, a new model release, or updated benchmark data. This page is re-verified periodically.
Get notified when prices drop
We'll alert you when iPad Pro 11-inch (2025) or iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2025) hits a new low — or when our recommendation changes.