Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M5) vs Apple iPad (A16)
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M5) ($1,199) vs Apple iPad (A16) ($449) — side-by-side specs, weight, pros and cons to help you pick the right pro tablet.
Spec-by-spec
| Spec | Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M5) | Apple iPad (A16) |
| Price | $1,199 | $449 |
| Weight | 444g | 477g |
| Chip | M5 | A16 |
| Display | 11" Ultra Retina XDR tandem OLED | 11" Liquid Retina |
| Thickness | 5.3 mm | — |
| Security | Face ID | Touch ID top button |
| Accessories | Apple Pencil Pro, Magic Keyboard | Apple Pencil (USB-C) |
| Weight | 444 g (Wi-Fi) | 477 g (Wi-Fi) |
Pros & Cons
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M5)
- Full Pro display and chip under a pound
- One-handed reading is actually comfortable
- Fits bags the 13-inch cannot
- $300 less than the 13-inch
- Cramped for serious illustration
- Still $1,199 before accessories
- Same iPadOS limits as the 13-inch
Apple iPad (A16)
- $449 entry into a mature ecosystem
- A16 is plenty for media and notes
- Same 11-inch screen size as the Air
- Years of software support at this price
- No Pencil Pro — USB-C Pencil only
- Heavier than the 11-inch Air it undercuts
- Unlaminated display feels less premium
Apple iPad (A16) is the better value at $449. If weight matters most, Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M5) carries lighter at 444g. Both are part of our curated pro tablet index — tap through to check current pricing.