iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series)
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iPad 11 (2025, A16 series)
Starting at
£392.50£429.00 new
iPad Pro (2021, M1 series)
Starting at
£476.53£749.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) and iPad Pro (2021, M1 series)?
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) comes down to the RAM, battery and refresh rate. Refurbished, the iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) starts at £392.50, £84.03 less than the iPad Pro (2021, M1 series). The iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) is the newer model, released in 2025.
Refurbished from
RAM
Battery
Refresh rate
Weight
- The iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.
- The iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) has a bigger battery: 10758 mAh vs 7698 mAh.
- The iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) has a smoother screen: 120 Hz vs 60 Hz.
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) specs
The iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) and the iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) offer distinct differences that will suit different users. The iPad Pro has a larger battery and more RAM, making it suited for users who want longer usage and smoother multitasking. Its screen refresh rate is higher, which benefits those who appreciate smoother motion in animations and scrolling. The iPad 11 offers newer Bluetooth technology and a touchscreen, which may appeal to users wanting some of the latest connectivity and interaction features. It also supports the first generation Apple Pencil with an adapter, while the iPad Pro works with the second generation Pencil. The Pro includes Face ID and a LiDAR scanner, supporting those who use facial recognition or augmented reality features. Overall, the iPad 11 suits everyday use with some newer tech, while the iPad Pro suits professionals or users wanting more power and advanced display features.
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) price
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iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) battery life and software updates
Battery life and software support are key durability considerations. Battery capacity differs, which affects how long you can use each device between charges.
Battery Capacity
The iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) has a larger 10758 mAh battery, which can provide longer usage on a single charge. The iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) has a 7698 mAh battery, which suits everyday use where lighter tasks and shorter sessions are common. If you often use your iPad for extended periods without charging, the iPad Pro's larger battery is useful.
Software Updates
This means both devices are up to date in terms of software compatibility, which matters if you want to keep your tablet current over time.
Battery
Maximum operating system supported
Software updates
Year of release
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) performance
Performance depends on processor power, memory, and storage options. The devices have different processors and RAM amounts, which affect speed and multitasking. Storage options also vary, giving you more choice depending on your needs.
Processor and RAM
The iPad Pro features the Apple M1 processor and 8 GB of RAM, which supports smoother multitasking and can handle demanding apps well. The iPad 11 has the Apple A16 processor with 6 GB of RAM, which performs well for everyday tasks and moderate app use. Choose the iPad Pro if you want higher memory for keeping many apps open.
Storage Options
Both models offer 128 GB and 256 GB storage options. The iPad Pro also comes with larger capacities up to 2 TB, making it suitable for users who store large files like videos or extensive app libraries. The iPad 11's storage choices are simpler, fitting general use.
Processor
RAM
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) screen
Screen quality affects how you experience visuals and interaction. Both devices have similar screen sizes and pixel density, but differ in brightness and refresh rate, which influence clarity and smoothness.
Brightness and Resolution
The iPad Pro offers up to 600 nits brightness, which provides a brighter screen for use in well-lit environments. The iPad 11's screen reaches 500 nits, which works well indoors and in moderate lighting. Both have high resolution and the same pixel density, so images appear sharp on both.
Refresh Rate
The iPad Pro supports a 120 Hz refresh rate, resulting in smoother scrolling, animations, and drawing experiences. The iPad 11 has a 60 Hz refresh rate, which is standard and suitable for everyday use. Users who prioritise fluid motion will prefer the iPad Pro's display.
Brightness
Display glass
Pixel density
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) camera
Audiovisual features include cameras, speakers, and video recording. Both devices have similar camera resolutions and video capabilities, but differ in speaker setup.
Speakers
The iPad Pro features four speaker audio, offering a richer and more immersive sound experience, especially when watching videos or playing games. The iPad 11 has stereo speakers in landscape mode, which still delivers good sound but with less spatial depth. Choose the iPad Pro if audio quality is a priority.
Front camera
Front camera definition
Main camera
Rear camera definition
Speakers
Video recording
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) size and design
Additional features cover accessories, connectivity, and design details that affect daily use. Differences include Apple Pencil compatibility, Bluetooth versions, biometric options, and carrier support.
Apple Pencil Compatibility
The iPad Pro supports the Apple Pencil 2nd generation and the Apple Pencil (USB-C) without adapters. The iPad 11 works with the first generation Apple Pencil but requires a USB-C to Apple Pencil adapter for charging. This matters if you use a stylus frequently and prefer the newer Pencil's features.
Bluetooth and Connectivity
The iPad 11 includes Bluetooth 5.3, offering newer wireless technology that can improve connection stability and efficiency. The iPad Pro has Bluetooth 5.0, which still supports common wireless accessories well. Both use USB Type-C connectors and support Wi-Fi 6.
Biometric and Sensor Features
Face ID is available on the iPad Pro, enabling facial recognition for unlocking and authentication. The iPad 11 does not have Face ID. The iPad Pro also includes a LiDAR scanner, which enhances augmented reality applications. These features suit users who want advanced security and AR capabilities.
Carrier and SIM Support
The iPad Pro is unlocked and supports a Nano SIM card, allowing cellular connectivity. This affects users who need mobile data access without relying on Wi-Fi.
Touch and Design
The iPad 11 supports touch input, while the iPad Pro does not list touch in its specs. Both devices have similar physical dimensions and weight, making them equally portable and comfortable to hold.
120hz
Apple pen compatible
Bluetooth version
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Double sim
Face
Generation number
Headphones connectivity
Height
Lidar scanner
Minimum system requirements mac
Minimum system requirements windows
Promotion
Sim format
Touch
Weight
Width
Wifi technology
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) or iPad Pro (2021, M1 series): which should you buy?
Buy the iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £392.50, £84.03 less than the iPad Pro (2021, M1 series)
- you want the newer model (2025)
Buy the iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 6 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (10758 mAh vs 7698 mAh)
- you want a smoother screen (120 Hz vs 60 Hz)
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) FAQs
iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) vs iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) comes down to the RAM, battery and refresh rate. The iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB. The iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) has a bigger battery: 10758 mAh vs 7698 mAh.
The iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £392.50 compared with £476.53 for the iPad Pro (2021, M1 series).
The iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) has a bigger battery: 10758 mAh vs 7698 mAh.
The iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27. The iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) is still supported and can run iPadOS 27.
The iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) is newer, but the main specs we compare are the same. Refurbished, it costs £84.03 less (from £392.50 vs £476.53).
Refurbished, the iPad 11 (2025, A16 series) comes in 128GB and 256GB, and the iPad Pro (2021, M1 series) in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB.
