The latest iPad Pro comes in two sizes that feel different in hand and daily use. This article summarizes the findings of many Indonesian reviewers to help determine the most suitable size without having to watch hours of comparison videos.

Quick Points for iPad Pro 11-inch vs 13-inch

• 11-inch: most portable, great for notes, reading, and mobile work; becomes heavy when paired with the Magic Keyboard.
• 13-inch: spacious screen for multitasking, drawing, and as a second display; weight and bag footprint are noticeably more significant.
• M5 vs M4: performance jump of 15–25% in benchmarks and significant improvements in AI acceleration; battery life is similar, around 10 hours.
• Display: Tandem OLED in the new series with rich colors; Nano-Texture option reduces glare but slightly sacrifices micro sharpness.
• Price and accessories: noticeable price difference between sizes; Magic Keyboard is expensive and adds weight, Apple Pencil Pro is essential for the latest series.

Where the iPad Pro Stands Now and User Expectations

For many users, the iPad Pro is a device between a phone and a laptop: light enough for content consumption, powerful enough for certain creative tasks. Market expectations for 2026 push for high-quality OLED panels, fast M-series performance, and an accessory ecosystem that expands functionality—yet iPadOS remains a productivity limit for some work scenarios.

What Reviewers Say About the Two Sizes

The majority of reviewers assess that the size difference impacts the experience more than just specifications. The 11-inch excels in portability and comfortable handling, while the 13-inch provides real workspace for split view, video timelines, and drawing canvases. Regarding chip generations, the consensus states that the M5 brings noticeable improvements in AI loads (scene removal, reframe, upscaling) and new connectivity support like Wi‑Fi 7 and external 120Hz output; for daily activities like browsing and note-taking, the gap between M4 and M5 is not dramatic.

There are differing opinions on the display: some prefer Nano-Texture for its real reduction in glare in bright spaces; others still choose glossy glass for its perception of sharpness and more “punchy” OLED contrast. In audio, the 13-inch is generally praised for being more immersive due to slightly more convincing volume and channel separation. For gaming, both run modern heavy titles smoothly; the differentiating factor returns to screen size and speakers.

Reasons to Choose 11-inch or 13-inch

Choose 11-inch if:

• High mobility, often working in cafes/classes/transportation.
• Prioritizing comfortable handling, quick notes, reading documents.
• More often using a stylus for handwriting than for large drawing canvases.

Choose 13-inch if:

• Multitasking two applications side by side and creative timelines is routine.
• Often used as a second monitor for a Mac, needing more vertical space.
• Focused on illustration/sketching, photo/video, or music with complex UIs.

Common Concerns

• Weight with keyboard: 11-inch + Magic Keyboard reaches ~1.04 kg; 13-inch + keyboard ~1.24 kg—approaching ultrabook weight.
• Package price: iPad Pro + Magic Keyboard + Pencil Pro results in high total costs; added value is felt if features are maximally utilized.
• Screen glare: glossy glass offers the best contrast but is reflective; Nano-Texture reduces glare but slightly diminishes micro sharpness.
• iPadOS: despite the fast chip, system limitations—file handling, certain pro applications—restrict it as a full laptop replacement for some users.

Size Recommendations Based on User Type

• Students, field journalists, sales: 11-inch. Note-taking, reading PDFs, signing, and quick work are more comfortable. Battery and weight are more friendly.
• Illustrators, UI/UX designers, light photo editors, musicians: 13-inch. Canvas and UI plugins are more spacious, virtual controls are more accurate.
• MacBook 13–14 inch users: 11-inch as the ideal companion; it doesn’t feel redundant when used as a second screen.
• External monitor/stationary work users: 13-inch. More optimal for a fixed work hub, including external output up to 120Hz on the new generation.
• If aiming for AI leaps and connectivity: prioritize the M5 model; for general use, the M4 is still very fast and often more budget-friendly.

Final Decision: Which One to Buy?

For most people, the 11-inch is a safe choice: lighter, flexible, and versatile enough. The 13-inch feels “pro” when the large screen is truly utilized—multitasking, drawing canvas, or regular second display. Regarding generations, the M5 is appealing for workflows that leverage AI acceleration and external output; if focused on content consumption and light productivity, the M4 remains relevant.

Alternatives Worth Considering

• iPad Air 11/13 inch (M2): good panel, lightweight, more reasonable price; suitable if maximum pro features are not needed.
• MacBook Air 13/15: if the main work requires full desktop applications and traditional multitasking.
• Third-party foldable/external keyboards: lighter options compared to the Magic Keyboard to maintain mobility.

One Sentence Before Checkout

Determine your primary priorities—mobility or screen space—then match them with your AI/performance needs and accessory budget; only then choose the size and generation that is most efficient for daily use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 11-inch enough for drawing?

Sufficient for sketches and light illustrations; the canvas feels limited for complex layers. If illustration workflow is dominant, the 13-inch is more comfortable.

M4 vs M5, is the difference noticeable in daily use?

For general tasks, the difference is small. The M5’s improvements are most noticeable in AI-based features, newer connectivity, and external display support.

Is Nano-Texture or glossy better?

Nano-Texture minimizes glare in bright spaces; glossy provides better subjective contrast/sharpness. Choose based on your work environment.

Is the Magic Keyboard essential?

No. It offers an “almost laptop” experience but adds weight and cost. Alternative external keyboards/trackpads can be lighter and cheaper.

Can the iPad Pro replace a laptop?

It can for certain workflows (writing, meetings, markup, light editing). For complex desktop work, a laptop is still more practical.

Source: Bestindotech