Apple iPad Pro M4 11" vs 13": Which Screen Size Should You Buy?
When it comes to choosing between the 11-inch and 13-inch models of the Apple iPad Pro M4, the decision isn’t as straightforward as just picking the bigger screen. Both sizes offer powerful performance and stunning displays, but subtle differences in design, usability, and price can make one a better fit depending on your needs. Here’s a detailed breakdown to help you decide which iPad Pro size suits your lifestyle and work style best.
Design and Core Specs: What’s the Same and What’s Different?
Both the 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Pros share the same internal specs and features. Under the hood, they are identical in performance, camera capabilities, and thickness. The primary difference lies in their physical dimensions:
The 11-inch model is about 1.25 inches shorter in height and roughly 1.5 inches narrower in width than the 13-inch when held in portrait mode.
Both models have the same thickness, camera setup, and internal hardware.
This means you get the same powerhouse device whether you choose the smaller or larger screen, but the size difference does affect how you interact with the device.
Speaker and Display Quality: Close but with Minor Differences
In terms of audio, the 13-inch iPad Pro has a slight edge with speakers that deliver more low-end punch. However, in everyday use, this difference is subtle enough that you likely won’t notice unless you’re comparing them directly side by side.
Both iPads feature gorgeous Tandem OLED displays with True Motion technology, enabling smooth 120Hz scrolling. They reach up to 1,000 nits of brightness for SDR content and can push to 1,600 nits for HDR, making the screens vibrant and sharp on both models.
Screen Size Reality Check: Bigger Isn’t Always Dramatic
You might expect the 13-inch iPad Pro to feel massively larger than the 11-inch, but the difference is surprisingly modest. Much of the extra size on the 13-inch comes from its height in landscape mode, which means when watching widescreen 16:9 content like YouTube videos or movies, the screen size difference is even less noticeable.
For day-to-day content consumption like streaming videos or reading, the 11-inch model is more than sufficient and still provides a comfortable viewing experience.
Multitasking and Productivity: Does Screen Size Matter?
When it comes to multitasking, the 13-inch iPad Pro offers a bit more screen real estate, allowing you to fit slightly larger windows side by side. You get more height and width for apps, which can be handy for research projects or working with multiple apps simultaneously.
However, in practical use, the difference isn’t huge. With the 11-inch, you can adjust window sizes and switch back and forth between apps easily. The 13-inch does allow for downsizing windows for more flexible layouts, which is a plus for power users.
The real advantage of the larger screen becomes clear when you’re dealing with content-heavy applications such as:
Large spreadsheets
Reading and annotating big PDFs
Photo and video editing apps with multiple toolbars and icons
For these scenarios, the 13-inch’s extra space helps keep everything visible without feeling cramped.
Portability and Comfort: The Feel of Each Size in Your Hands
One of the most noticeable differences is how each iPad feels when you hold it. The 11-inch iPad Pro feels much more natural and comfortable to grip in both portrait and landscape modes. It fits well in your hands and is easier to interact with over long sessions.
On the other hand, the 13-inch model can feel abnormally large and a bit unwieldy, especially in portrait mode, where it almost feels too big to hold comfortably for extended use.
The Magic Keyboard Experience: Typing Differences Between Sizes
If you’re thinking about pairing your iPad Pro with Apple’s Magic Keyboard, size matters here too. The 13-inch Magic Keyboard features larger keys with more spacing, closely mimicking the typing experience on a MacBook Pro or Air. This makes typing feel more natural and less cramped.
The 11-inch Magic Keyboard has smaller keys, a smaller palm rest area, and a smaller trackpad. However, it’s more compact and fits better in tight spaces like airplane trays or small desks.
While I personally love the portability of the 11-inch Magic Keyboard, it does take some getting used to the smaller, closely packed keys. The 13-inch keyboard feels more like a traditional laptop keyboard but is bulkier and takes up more desk space.
Drawing on the iPad Pro: Which Size Works Best?
For artists and creatives who use the Apple Pencil, deciding between the 11-inch and 13-inch models can be tricky. The 11-inch is much more comfortable to hold while drawing, whether you prefer portrait or landscape orientation.
However, the smaller screen does mean less canvas space. If you want to maximize your drawing area and reduce the need to pan or zoom frequently, the 13-inch is the better choice.
So, the decision comes down to your drawing style:
Prefer holding the iPad while drawing? Choose the 11-inch.
Want more screen real estate and work mostly on a desk? Go for the 13-inch.
Price Comparison: What’s the Cost Difference?
Price is another important consideration. The 11-inch iPad Pro starts at $1,000, while the 13-inch begins at $1,300. If you want to add the Magic Keyboard, the 11-inch version costs $300, and the 13-inch keyboard is $350.
In total, opting for the 13-inch model will set you back at least $300 more than the equivalent 11-inch setup.
Which iPad Pro Should You Buy? Recommendations Based on Use Case
Here’s a quick guide to help you choose:
Choose the 11-inch iPad Pro if:
You’re a creative professional who frequently uses the Apple Pencil and prefers a more comfortable, portable device.
You mostly use your iPad on the go or prefer smaller, more manageable windows for multitasking and productivity.
You do light productivity work like typing emails and writing documents.
Choose the 13-inch iPad Pro if:
You use your iPad Pro primarily on a desk and want to maximize screen space for drawing, editing, or multitasking.
You work with intensive, content-heavy apps such as Final Cut Pro, Da Vinci Resolve, Adobe Lightroom, or large spreadsheets.
You want the larger Magic Keyboard for a more laptop-like typing experience.
You need bigger text or more screen real estate when reading PDFs or working with detailed applications.
For many users, the 11-inch iPad Pro offers all the functionality they need with the added benefit of portability and comfort. However, if you’re turning your iPad into a workstation or creative hub, the 13-inch’s extra space can be a game-changer.
Final Thoughts: My Personal Pick
Personally, I lean towards the 11-inch iPad Pro because I value portability and find it easier to hold and use throughout the day. Most of the apps I use don’t benefit significantly from the extra screen height of the 13-inch model, and the smaller footprint fits better into my workflow.
That said, if you’re a power user who relies on large, complex applications or prefers a laptop-like setup, the 13-inch iPad Pro is worth the extra investment for the enhanced screen real estate and keyboard experience.
So, which iPad Pro size do you prefer? The 11-inch or the 13-inch? Drop your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear your perspective!
