Apple iPad 11th Gen (A16) vs Apple iPad Pro 13" (M5, 2025)
The Verdict
The Apple iPad 11th Gen (A16) and Apple iPad Pro 13" (M5, 2025) sit in the same category and end up appealing to slightly different buyers. The Apple iPad 11th Gen (A16) is the cheaper of the two at $349 versus $1,299, a difference of about $950. Apple iPad 11th Gen (A16) stands out for a16 bionic chip enables apple intelligence ai features, while Apple iPad Pro 13" (M5, 2025) is praised for largest ipad pro with tandem oled at 13 inches. Use the side-by-side spec table below to compare cameras, displays, battery life and connectivity in detail and decide which one fits your priorities.
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 13" (M5, 2025) if…
- →Largest iPad Pro with tandem OLED at 13 inches
- →M5 chip for desktop-class performance
- →Apple Pencil Pro + Magic Keyboard support
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 13" (M5, 2025)
Pros
- Largest iPad Pro with tandem OLED at 13 inches
- M5 chip for desktop-class performance
- Apple Pencil Pro + Magic Keyboard support
- Wi-Fi 7 and Thunderbolt
Cons
- $1299 starting price
- 579g is heavy for a tablet
- iPadOS still limits pro workflows vs macOS
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple iPad 11th Gen (A16) | Apple iPad Pro 13" (M5, 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iPadOS 18 | iPadOS 19 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 477 g | 579 g |
| Dimensions | 248.6 x 179.5 x 7.0 mm | 281.6 x 215.5 x 5.1 mm |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 10 hours Wi-Fi browsing | Up to 10 hours |
| Capacity | 7606 mAh | — |
| Cameras | ||
| Rear | 12 MP wide, 4K video | 12 MP wide, 12 MP ultrawide, LiDAR |
| Front camera | 12 MP ultrawide with Center Stage | 12 MP TrueDepth, Center Stage |
| Display | ||
| Size | 10.9 inches | 13.0 inches |
| Type | Liquid Retina IPS LCD | Ultra Retina XDR tandem OLED |
| Resolution | 2360 x 1640 | 2732 x 2048 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz ProMotion |
| Storage | ||
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB | 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB |
| Expandable storage | ||
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 8 GB | 16 GB |
| Chipset | Apple A16 Bionic | Apple M5 (10-core CPU) |
| Connectivity | ||
| USB | USB-C | Thunderbolt / USB 4 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 (N1 chip) |
| 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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