Apple iPad 11th Gen (A16) vs Apple iPad Pro 11" (2022, M2)
The Verdict
Apple's 11th Gen iPad delivers exceptional value for general consumption, featuring the capable A16 Bionic chip, 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, and solid 10-hour battery life at $349. Its 12MP ultrawide front camera with Center Stage excels for video calls. However, the iPad Pro 11" (2022) justifies its $799 premium through the M2 processor, ProMotion's 120Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling, expanded storage up to 2TB, Thunderbolt connectivity, and advanced features like LiDAR scanning and Apple Pencil hover detection. Professional creators, multitaskers, and those needing Stage Manager's desktop-like capabilities benefit significantly from the Pro's superior performance. For casual browsing, media consumption, and light productivity, the 11th Gen iPad provides remarkable bang for buck. Select the iPad Pro if demanding apps, video editing, or specialized tools are priorities; choose the standard iPad for everyday tasks and budget-conscious buyers.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple iPad 11th Gen (A16) if…
- →A16 Bionic chip enables Apple Intelligence AI features
- →Most affordable iPad with Apple Intelligence support
- →10-hour battery life handles a full day of classes or work
Buy the Apple iPad Pro 11" (2022, M2) if…
- →Same M2 power as the 12.9" in a more portable form factor
- →120Hz ProMotion display is buttery smooth for drawing and scrolling
- →Thunderbolt connectivity for pro workflows and external displays
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple iPad 11th Gen (A16)
Pros
- A16 Bionic chip enables Apple Intelligence AI features
- Most affordable iPad with Apple Intelligence support
- 10-hour battery life handles a full day of classes or work
- Center Stage front camera keeps you in frame during video calls
- Apple Pencil support for note-taking and drawing
Cons
- Still limited to 60Hz — no ProMotion
- No OLED or mini-LED display option
- 128 GB base storage fills up fast with apps and media
- Apple Pencil sold separately
Apple iPad Pro 11" (2022, M2)
Pros
- Same M2 power as the 12.9" in a more portable form factor
- 120Hz ProMotion display is buttery smooth for drawing and scrolling
- Thunderbolt connectivity for pro workflows and external displays
- Face ID is fast and reliable for secure unlocking
- Lighter at 466 g — comfortable for extended handheld use
Cons
- LCD panel lacks the mini-LED contrast of the 12.9" model
- Still $799 before keyboard and pencil accessories
- iPadOS multitasking remains limited compared to macOS
- 128 GB base storage fills quickly with pro apps and media
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple iPad 11th Gen (A16) | Apple iPad Pro 11" (2022, M2) |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iPadOS 18 | iPadOS 16 (upgradable to iPadOS 17+) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 477 g | 466 g (Wi-Fi) |
| Dimensions | 248.6 x 179.5 x 7.0 mm | 247.6 x 178.5 x 5.9 mm |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 10 hours Wi-Fi browsing | Up to 10 hours web browsing on Wi-Fi |
| Capacity | 7606 mAh | 7538 mAh (28.65 Wh) |
| Cameras | ||
| Rear | 12 MP wide, 4K video | — |
| Front camera | 12 MP ultrawide with Center Stage | — |
| Display | ||
| Size | 10.9 inches | 11 inches |
| Type | Liquid Retina IPS LCD | Liquid Retina IPS LCD |
| Resolution | 2360 x 1640 | 2388 x 1668 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz ProMotion |
| Storage | ||
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB |
| Expandable storage | ||
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB (16 GB on 1 TB/2 TB) |
| Chipset | Apple A16 Bionic | Apple M2 (8-core CPU, 10-core GPU) |
| Connectivity | ||
| USB | USB-C | Thunderbolt / USB 4 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Cellular | ||
| Stylus Support | ||
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This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
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