iPad Pro 11 M5 vs iPad (11th-gen)
Buy the iPad Pro 11 M5 if you need pro-level performance, a 120Hz Ultra Retina XDR display, Thunderbolt, or Apple Pencil Pro support. Buy the iPad 11th-gen if you mainly stream, browse, take notes, and want to spend as little as possible. On November 3, 2026 the Pro's best new price was $1,099.99 at Amazon, versus $399.99 at Amazon for the 11th-gen iPad — a $700 gap. The 11th-gen iPad also dipped to $320.00 on November 1, 2026, so it pays to watch its price history.
Today the iPad (11th-gen) costs $700.00 less at its best price.
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iPad Pro 11 M5
Choose the iPad Pro 11 M5 if you edit video, run heavy creative apps, or want the best display and fastest chip Apple puts in a tablet.
- M5 chip and 12GB of memory handle video editing, 3D, and AI workloads.
- 120Hz Ultra Retina XDR display with P3 wide color and True Tone.
- Thunderbolt / USB 4 for fast external drives and displays.
- Face ID, four speakers, four studio-quality microphones, Wi-Fi 7.
- Up to 2TB storage and nano-texture glass option on 1TB/2TB models.
What separates them
| iPad Pro 11 M5 | iPad (11th-gen) | |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | Apple M5 | Apple A16 (penta-core) |
| Memory | 12GB unified memory (16GB on 1TB/2TB models) | 6GB RAM |
| Display | 11-inch Ultra Retina XDR, 2420x1668, 10-120Hz ProMotion | 11-inch IPS LED, 2360x1640, standard refresh |
| Storage options | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB | 128GB or 256GB |
| Port | Thunderbolt / USB 4 | USB-C |
| Weight | 0.98 lb (444 g) | 16.8 oz (about 1.05 lb) |
| Stylus support | Apple Pencil Pro | Apple Pencil (USB-C) and first-gen Apple Pencil via adapter |
| Price (Nov 3, 2026) |
Price history
- iPad Pro 11 M5: lowest $1,099.00 on Nov 3 at UCLA Store.
- iPad (11th-gen): lowest $320.00 on Nov 1 at Walmart; $399.99 on Nov 3.
Prices at every store
iPad Pro 11 M5
- University of Alabama Supply StoreNew
In stock
$1,099.00+ $5.99 shippingObserved Nov 3, 2026, 7:41 AM - UCLA StoreNew
In stock
$1,099.00+ $8.95 shippingObserved Nov 3, 2026, 7:41 AM - PC Richard & SonNew
In stock
$1,128.00Free shippingObserved Nov 3, 2026, 7:41 AM - AmazonNew
Availability unknown
As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.
$1,099.99Free shippingObserved Nov 3, 2026, 6:58 PM
Also available at
- The Centre College BookstoreCheck price at The Centre College Bookstore
- Compton College Campus StoreCheck price at Compton College Campus Store
- Dyersburg State CC Bookstore - DyersburgCheck price at Dyersburg State CC Bookstore - Dyersburg
Specs compared
| Spec | iPad Pro 11 M5 | iPad (11th-gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 0.98 pound (444 grams) | 16.8 oz |
| Display resolution | 2420-by-1668-pixel resolution at 264 ppi | 2360 x 1640 |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB | 128 GB Storage, 256 GB Storage |
| Operating System | iPadOS | iPadOS |
| Color | Silver | Silver, Blue |
| Language / Region | English / United States | English / United States |
| Network Connectivity | 5G | 5G |
| Screen Size | 11 in screen | 11 in screen |
| Battery Life | 10 hours battery | 10 hours battery |
| Rear Camera Resolution |
What reviewers say
iPad Pro 11 M5
Owners and reviewers generally praise the M5 iPad Pro's speed, display and build, calling it the fastest tablet available. Criticism centers on price and on iPadOS not fully using the hardware for laptop-style work.
- Very fast M5 performance in pro apps
- Excellent 120Hz display
- Slim, light design
- Strong accessory ecosystem with Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard
- High price, particularly for more storage
- iPadOS limits multitasking versus a Mac
- Accessories add significant cost
- Battery life is average under heavy load
iPad (11th-gen)
Reviewers generally praise the 11th-gen iPad for its larger screen, doubled storage, and dependable performance at a reasonable price. Common criticisms include the non-laminated display and the lack of a headphone jack.
Questions and answers
- Is the iPad Pro 11 M5 worth $700 more than the iPad 11th-gen?
- Only if you use pro apps, edit video, or want the 120Hz XDR display. For browsing, streaming, and notes, the 11th-gen iPad does the job at $399.99 at Amazon as of November 3, 2026.
- Which has the better screen?
- The iPad Pro 11 M5. It has an 11-inch Ultra Retina XDR panel with 10-120Hz ProMotion, P3 wide color, and True Tone. The 11th-gen iPad uses a standard 60Hz IPS LED display.
- Which lasts longer?
- The iPad Pro 11 M5 should stay useful longer. Its M5 chip and 12GB of memory leave far more headroom for future apps than the A16 and 6GB in the 11th-gen iPad.
- Can I use the same Apple Pencil on both?
- No. The iPad Pro 11 M5 works with Apple Pencil Pro. The 11th-gen iPad supports Apple Pencil (USB-C) and the first-gen Apple Pencil with an adapter.
- Which is better for students?
- The 11th-gen iPad covers notes, textbooks, and lectures at $399.99 at Amazon as of November 3, 2026. Choose the Pro only if your coursework needs heavy creative or engineering apps.
- Does the 11th-gen iPad price fluctuate?
- Yes. It hit $320.00 on November 1, 2026 and $399.99 on November 3, 2026. Check the price history before buying.