Tech head-to-head
Apple iPad (10th generation)vsApple iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation, M1)
Two Apple models that average 8.0 and 8.5. Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation, M1) takes Performance, 9.2 to 7.6.
8.0
The base iPad finally with USB-C and a landscape camera. The Pencil story is still awkward.
Price and availability change constantly, so we don't quote them here — the link opens current listings on eBay. eBay listings come from individual sellers: condition, battery health, and what's in the box differ from one to the next, so read the listing and the return terms before you buy.
The 120Hz screen and Face ID are why you pay more for it than the Air. The M1 is the same.
Price and availability change constantly, so we don't quote them here — the link opens current listings on eBay. eBay listings come from individual sellers: condition, battery health, and what's in the box differ from one to the next, so read the listing and the return terms before you buy.
Where they diverge
The widest gap is Performance, Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation, M1) ahead 9.2 to 7.6. They come closest on Ease of use, 8.4 to 8.2. Left of center is Apple iPad (10th generation), right is Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation, M1).
Which one to pick
Take the Apple iPad (10th generation)
Leads on Value.
- Video calls; the front camera sits on the long edge where it belongs
- A family tablet for streaming, browsing, and school apps
- You want USB-C so it shares a charger with everything else
Take the Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation, M1)
Leads on Performance, Durability, Ease of use and Design.
- Drawing or note-taking where the 120Hz screen makes the Pencil feel immediate
- You move large files and want the Thunderbolt port's speed
- Four speakers and Face ID are worth the premium to you
What each one gets wrong
Apple iPad (10th generation)
- Handwritten notes are the point; the Pencil options lag the Air's
- You'd use it with a keyboard for hours; the Air's M1 handles multitasking better
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation, M1)
- You expected mini-LED; only the 12.9-inch model of this generation has it
- The Air's M1 already covers what you do; the chip is identical
Specs, side by side
| Spec | Apple iPad (10th generation) | Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation, M1) |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 10.9-inch Liquid Retina (LCD) | 11-inch Liquid Retina (LCD, ProMotion up to 120Hz) |
| Chip | A14 Bionic | Apple M1 |
| Unlock | Touch ID (top button) | Face ID |
| Port | USB-C | Thunderbolt / USB 4 |
| Pencil | Apple Pencil (1st gen, via adapter) or Apple Pencil (USB-C) | Apple Pencil (2nd generation) |
| Storage | 64GB, 256GB | 128GB to 2TB |
| Memory | — | 8GB (16GB on 1TB and 2TB) |
Rankings they both appear in
Questions
- Both are Apple. Which one do I want?
- Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation, M1) leads on Performance, Durability, Ease of use and Design. If Value matters more to you, take the Apple iPad (10th generation) instead. Apple iPad (10th generation) averages 8.0 and Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation, M1) averages 8.5, over the 5 axes Tech is scored on.
- Where do the two Apple models actually differ?
- Performance is the widest gap, Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation, M1) ahead 9.2 to 7.6. Every axis lands somewhere different, so the profile shapes differ as much as the totals.
- Which one ranks higher in "Used iPads on eBay: where M1 pays off and where it doesn't"?
- Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation, M1) sits at #2 in "Used iPads on eBay: where M1 pays off and where it doesn't", Apple iPad (10th generation) at #4.