IPad Pro 10.5 Vs. IPad Pro 11 M1: Which Should You Buy?

Hey everyone! Choosing the right iPad Pro can feel like navigating a tech jungle, right? Today, we're diving deep into a showdown between two fantastic tablets: the iPad Pro 10.5 and the iPad Pro 11 M1. These two powerhouses, though separated by a few years and a significant processor upgrade, both bring their own unique strengths to the table. We'll break down the nitty-gritty of their specs, performance, display quality, and overall value to help you decide which one deserves a spot in your tech arsenal. So, grab your coffee, sit back, and let's get this comparison started! This article is all about helping you decide which iPad Pro is the perfect fit for your needs and budget. We'll cover everything from the design and display to the performance and features, so you can make an informed decision and invest your money wisely.

Design and Build Quality: A Tale of Two iPad Generations

Let's kick things off by talking about the looks and feel. The iPad Pro 10.5, released in 2017, features a design that, while still sleek, is starting to show its age a bit. It has the classic thick bezels around the display and a physical home button, which some people still love. The aluminum unibody construction feels premium and solid, and it's available in silver, space gray, and gold. It's a well-built device that has stood the test of time and shows excellent build quality.

On the other hand, the iPad Pro 11 M1, launched in 2021, sports the modern, edge-to-edge display design that's become synonymous with the iPad Pro. The bezels are much thinner, giving you more screen real estate in a similar-sized body. The removal of the home button means you navigate with gestures, which takes a little getting used to but ultimately feels more intuitive. The M1 model boasts a more squared-off design with flat edges, giving it a more contemporary look. The available colors are silver and space gray. In terms of portability, both iPads are relatively lightweight and easy to carry around, but the newer design of the 11-inch model makes it feel more modern and premium. The flat edges of the 11-inch model also make it easier to hold and less likely to slip. The build quality on both devices is top-notch, with both being crafted from premium materials, which ensures durability and a premium feel. The iPad Pro 11 M1 comes out on top here thanks to its more modern design and the enhanced use of space, but the iPad Pro 10.5 still holds its own with its classic aesthetic and solid build. The overall build quality and materials used are a testament to Apple's commitment to quality in both models.

Size and Portability

When it comes to size and portability, the iPad Pro 11 M1 has a slight advantage. The smaller bezels result in a similar footprint to the iPad Pro 10.5 despite having a larger display. Both devices are easy to carry around, but the 11-inch model feels a bit more modern and sleek. The 10.5-inch model is still very portable, but the thicker bezels make the overall device slightly larger. If portability is a key factor for you, then the iPad Pro 11 M1 is the better choice. Both iPads are thin and light, making them perfect for on-the-go use, whether you're commuting, traveling, or just moving around the house. The difference in size is minimal, but it's noticeable when holding both devices side-by-side. The weight difference is also negligible, so you won't feel a significant difference when carrying them around. The overall design and portability of the iPad Pro 11 M1 give it a slight edge in this category.

Display: Visual Feast - iPad Pro 10.5 vs. iPad Pro 11 M1

Let's talk about the screens, shall we? The display is arguably the most important part of any tablet experience, and both of these iPads shine in this area, but with some key differences. The iPad Pro 10.5 features a gorgeous 10.5-inch Retina display with True Tone technology. True Tone automatically adjusts the screen's color temperature to match the ambient lighting in your environment, making the display easier on your eyes. It offers excellent color accuracy, brightness, and sharpness, making it perfect for browsing, watching videos, and even light creative work. The display also has a 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate, meaning the screen refreshes 120 times per second, which makes everything feel incredibly smooth and responsive. This higher refresh rate is a huge win for scrolling and gaming, making everything feel buttery smooth.

The iPad Pro 11 M1 takes it up a notch with an 11-inch Liquid Retina display. While it also features True Tone and ProMotion, the overall viewing experience is even better. The display is brighter, with a wider color gamut, and offers a higher contrast ratio. The smaller bezels give you more screen real estate, making the viewing experience more immersive. The Liquid Retina display technology used in the 11-inch model offers more vivid colors and deeper blacks, enhancing the overall visual experience. One of the significant advantages of the iPad Pro 11 M1 is its support for HDR (High Dynamic Range) content, allowing for an even more vibrant and dynamic viewing experience. This is especially noticeable when watching HDR movies and TV shows. The ProMotion technology is still present, providing the same smooth and responsive feel. In terms of overall display quality, the iPad Pro 11 M1 has a clear edge, thanks to its brighter screen, wider color gamut, and support for HDR. Both displays are excellent, but the iPad Pro 11 M1 delivers a more premium visual experience. The differences in color accuracy and brightness are noticeable when comparing the two models side-by-side, with the 11-inch model offering a more vibrant and immersive viewing experience. Ultimately, both displays are excellent, but the iPad Pro 11 M1 offers a more premium and enhanced visual experience that is hard to ignore, especially if you are a content consumer. The ProMotion technology is a standout feature on both models, making the user experience exceptionally smooth and responsive.

Performance: Power Under the Hood

Now, let's get into the heart of the matter: performance! This is where the iPad Pro 11 M1 really flexes its muscles. The iPad Pro 10.5 is powered by the A10X Fusion chip, which was a powerhouse in its day. It still handles everyday tasks, like web browsing, email, and streaming video, with ease. The performance is more than adequate for most users, and it can handle some light gaming and creative tasks. You'll likely notice some slowdowns or lag when running more demanding apps or multitasking heavily.

The iPad Pro 11 M1, however, is equipped with Apple's M1 chip. This chip is a game-changer, bringing desktop-class performance to the tablet. The M1 chip offers a massive performance boost compared to the A10X Fusion chip, with significantly faster CPU and GPU performance. This means the iPad Pro 11 M1 can handle virtually any task you throw at it, from demanding games and video editing to complex creative projects. Multitasking is a breeze, and apps open and switch almost instantly. The M1 chip is incredibly efficient, offering excellent battery life while delivering peak performance. The difference in performance between the two iPads is substantial, with the iPad Pro 11 M1 outperforming the iPad Pro 10.5 in every category. The M1 chip not only offers faster performance but also enables advanced features, such as the ability to run more demanding applications and handle more complex workflows. The iPad Pro 11 M1 is an absolute beast when it comes to performance, making it a great choice for anyone who needs a powerful and versatile tablet. The overall performance improvements offered by the M1 chip are a significant upgrade, making it a clear winner in this category. The iPad Pro 11 M1's performance is not just about raw power; it also provides a smoother and more responsive user experience, particularly when multitasking or running demanding applications. The jump in performance is very noticeable in everyday use, as well as in professional workflows.

Gaming and Creative Tasks

If you're into gaming or creative tasks, the performance difference becomes even more apparent. The iPad Pro 11 M1 can handle the latest games at high settings with no issues, and it's perfect for video editing, graphic design, and other demanding creative workflows. The iPad Pro 10.5 can handle these tasks, but you might experience some lag or slower rendering times. The M1 chip allows the iPad Pro 11 M1 to excel in areas where the iPad Pro 10.5 might struggle, giving it a significant advantage for users who prioritize performance. When it comes to gaming, the iPad Pro 11 M1 delivers a smoother and more immersive experience, with faster load times and higher frame rates. Creative professionals will appreciate the iPad Pro 11 M1's ability to handle complex projects without slowing down. The improved GPU performance of the M1 chip also contributes to a smoother and more responsive experience when using creative applications. The difference in gaming performance is particularly noticeable in graphically intensive games, where the iPad Pro 11 M1 delivers a more fluid and visually appealing experience. The iPad Pro 11 M1 is simply in a different league when it comes to performance, making it the better choice for gamers and creative professionals. The M1 chip's capabilities provide a significant advantage in all performance aspects.

Features and Accessories: Enhancing Your iPad Experience

Let's talk about the extras! Both iPads support the Apple Pencil, but they use different generations. The iPad Pro 10.5 supports the first-generation Apple Pencil, which charges via Lightning and attaches to the iPad with a USB port. The iPad Pro 11 M1 supports the second-generation Apple Pencil, which magnetically attaches and charges wirelessly on the side of the iPad. The second-generation Apple Pencil has a more streamlined design and offers some added features, such as double-tap gestures to switch between tools. The iPad Pro 11 M1 also supports the Magic Keyboard, a keyboard case that magnetically attaches to the iPad and offers a trackpad and backlit keys. This turns the iPad into a near-laptop replacement. The iPad Pro 10.5 is compatible with older keyboard cases, but they lack the same level of integration and features as the Magic Keyboard. Both iPads also have excellent cameras. The iPad Pro 10.5 has a 12MP rear camera and a 7MP front-facing camera. The iPad Pro 11 M1 has a 12MP wide camera, a 10MP ultrawide camera, and a 12MP front-facing camera with Center Stage, which automatically keeps you in the frame during video calls. The iPad Pro 11 M1’s cameras are an upgrade over the iPad Pro 10.5’s. The iPad Pro 11 M1's camera system is more versatile, with the addition of an ultrawide lens, which provides additional creative options. The Center Stage feature is a nice addition, making video calls more convenient and user-friendly.

Apple Pencil and Keyboard Compatibility

The Apple Pencil and keyboard compatibility are key considerations. The iPad Pro 11 M1’s support for the second-generation Apple Pencil is a significant advantage, with its more convenient charging and enhanced features. The Magic Keyboard is a game-changer, especially for productivity users. The iPad Pro 10.5 still provides support for the Apple Pencil and keyboard cases, but lacks the same level of integration. For those who rely on these accessories, the iPad Pro 11 M1 offers a superior experience. The second-generation Apple Pencil is a more refined and user-friendly experience, while the Magic Keyboard provides a near-laptop experience that the iPad Pro 10.5 cannot match. The enhanced features of the iPad Pro 11 M1 make it a better choice for users who heavily use the Apple Pencil and keyboard. The overall integration and features offered by the iPad Pro 11 M1 provide a better user experience.

Battery Life: Keeping You Powered

Both iPads offer excellent battery life, but there can be subtle differences depending on usage. The iPad Pro 10.5 typically provides around 10 hours of web browsing or video playback, which is more than enough for a full day of use. The iPad Pro 11 M1 also offers similar battery life, but the M1 chip's efficiency can sometimes extend the battery life slightly, depending on the tasks you're performing. Both iPads use a USB-C port for charging, making it easy to charge them with the same charger as your other devices. You won't have to worry too much about battery life with either of these iPads, as they can both easily get you through a full day of use. The battery life is similar, but the M1 chip's efficiency might provide a slight edge to the iPad Pro 11 M1, especially with heavier workloads. The charging time is also similar for both models. The battery life of both iPads is impressive, and they should easily last through a typical day of use. Both the iPad Pro 10.5 and the iPad Pro 11 M1 offer excellent battery life, ensuring you can stay productive and entertained throughout the day. The slight edge of the M1 chip’s efficiency is a bonus. The overall battery performance is excellent in both models.

Price and Value: Making the Right Choice

Okay, let's talk about the money! The iPad Pro 10.5, being an older model, is typically available at a lower price point, especially if you buy it used or refurbished. This makes it a great value for those on a budget. You can often find them for a fraction of the price of the iPad Pro 11 M1. The iPad Pro 11 M1, being the newer and more powerful model, comes with a higher price tag. However, you're paying for cutting-edge technology and enhanced performance, which is worth it for many users. The value proposition depends on your needs and budget. If you're looking for a great tablet for everyday tasks, media consumption, and light creative work, the iPad Pro 10.5 offers excellent value. If you need top-tier performance, a more modern design, and advanced features, the iPad Pro 11 M1 is worth the investment. It's a matter of balancing your needs with your budget to choose the best option. The iPad Pro 10.5 offers excellent value for the price, especially if you are not a power user. The iPad Pro 11 M1 offers incredible value for the performance and features it delivers, even at its higher price point.

Making the Decision

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs. If you're on a tight budget and want a great tablet for everyday use, the iPad Pro 10.5 is a fantastic option. It still delivers a smooth and responsive experience, with a beautiful display and excellent battery life. If you need the best possible performance, a more modern design, and advanced features, the iPad Pro 11 M1 is the clear winner. The iPad Pro 11 M1 is better for gaming, creative work, and multitasking. The iPad Pro 10.5 is still a great tablet, but the iPad Pro 11 M1 has the edge in terms of performance and features. The decision really boils down to your budget and your needs. If you're a casual user, the iPad Pro 10.5 will serve you well. If you're a power user, the iPad Pro 11 M1 is the better investment. Consider what you plan to use the iPad for, how important performance is to you, and how much you're willing to spend. Both iPads are great devices, but they cater to different needs and budgets. The iPad Pro 11 M1 is ideal for those who demand the best possible performance and features. The iPad Pro 10.5 is a great value for those who want a solid tablet without breaking the bank. The best iPad is the one that best suits your needs and budget.

Thanks for hanging out, and I hope this comparison helps you make the perfect choice! Let me know if you have any questions in the comments below. Happy shopping, and enjoy your new iPad! Choosing between the iPad Pro 10.5 and the iPad Pro 11 M1 is a decision that should be tailored to your individual requirements and financial capabilities. Consider the intended use cases, performance needs, and desired feature set to make the most informed choice. Both iPads offer unique strengths, and the best decision relies on a balance between these aspects. The iPad Pro 11 M1 offers superior performance and features for users who require advanced capabilities, while the iPad Pro 10.5 offers significant value for users with more moderate needs.