11 vs 13-inch iPad Pro (or Air): Which size to get for drawing?

[@teohontech7141]

Forgot to mention the price difference of 11 and 13-inch is significant USD 300

[@brandongreen5790]

To add to this: there is a $50 price hike if you choose to get the 13"inch magic keyboard over the 11"(at apple).

[@KiLLJOY1056]

13” is good for drawing at home/studio on a surface, 11” is good for on the go drawing, outside, on the lap or hands, and taking with you places. I still enjoy my iPad mini 6 too, but the 11 just feels like the right size.

[@user-or6is8fw3r]

Been watching you for at least 6 years and you’re always so real thank you

[@teohontech7141]

Thanks!

[@user-or6is8fw3r]

@@teohontech7141 please keep it up! Whether it’s iPads or sketchbook videos your videos are top tier and soo informative!! I have a question! Will the ipad air 13” 128gb be enough for few years or should I get the 256gb!?

[@DragonthornX]

As someone coming from a 10.2in, I decided to go for the 12.9in pro. I definitely miss the portability and compactness of the 10.2in. But my biggest draw of the 12.9 was that I like to use the split screen function a lot. I also don’t really sketch outdoors that much and often I am at a desk.

[@HM-qf8ml]

Great to see both of these out in the elements and live drawings of BOTH. Thanks so much for taking the time to do this.

[@yenahh6954]

In my experience (judt bought ipad air 11") it's actually enough, not cramped, not overly large that it gets annoying to travel.

[@AnaClaudia-px6ll]

Yes, it's perfect in all way. And in drawings u have to zoom in and out so the difrerence between the screen size and the value aren't worth it at all

[@fishnsteve]

As a professional graphic designer for 28 years, I genuinely think the best iPad size for drawing is 24" iPad AirPro

[@pandamaroodraws]

With a magic smart keyboard folio of course

[@whatdoiknow8654]

Bro stfu and get a life lmfao

[@krazzysu]

😂

[@emmmmmmmmmmmettschmidt]

Don’t forget the Apple Pencil pro ultra with the M5 max chip

[@Imgodyournot]

@@emmmmmmmmmmmettschmidtnow with 8k gaming on your new Apple Pencil pro ultra! 😂

[@ragecandy]

for drawing always the bigger the better, your wrist and eyes will thank you

[@ottocarson]

Not if you want it as a sketchbook

[@3polygons]

True. Specially for long sessions and professional artwork. For fast sketches, I could agree with ottocarson. Even if I personally love to sketch on big canvases, but that's me, I started with traditional too many decades ago, I love big canvases. But for fast notes like for example going to a museum and taking fast sketches of angles of an historic item (if allowed) a smaller size would prove useful and more comfy in that situation. Or fast sketches in a coffee shop. But if it's a comfy Starbucks, with the coaches, I might prefer the 13" new AIR M2 or the latest 12.9" iPad Pro (not this new 13" M4 iPad Pro). For long sessions, I've painted on several tablets, and it's not just me, a lot of other people tell me they end up with pain, neck/back/wrist/arm hurting (it affects differently to each person). Also, with those can't really draw from the elbow or shoulder like you can with a Wacom/Huion/XP-Pen of the L or XL size (or on an A3 or A2 paper). Pen tablets or pen displays, I mean. I have an old Wacom XL and it's amazing to be able to draw like in a large sheet of paper or a canvas. Never getting pain of any kind. There's also that if the composition is detailed, like a realistic painting, it is much better to see it most of the time in full view, for composition reasons, not zooming constantly, which it's what you end up doing in that kind of detailed projects with a tiny screen size. Still, I think long sessions is rarely the use case for sketching. Doing a full project with the tablet would be, though.

[@ennasheher]

@@3polygonsthanks for your insight. would you say ipads are bad for long sessions, even with 13”? or were you specifically talking about the 11”?

[@3polygons]

​@@ennasheher Apologies for the 4 days delay in replying this. 11 inches is even worse, but I generally speak about the 13" size, considering it (or 12.4, 12.9) a bare minimum. I have known of a number of artists getting pain after long sessions, and I get usually back, forearm, shoulder, neck or wrist pain (not all at a time, usually) if I use my Samsung S7 FE (12.4 inches) for long sessions, and previously with an iPad. For me, a long session can be 5 hours, but consider I work all day, freelancing and other stuff. So, is not even "only" 8 hours a day. And even getting a rest during lunch time is often not enough if you already started (even unknowingly) to get some problem in your neck or back in the morning, for example. The issue with the neck and back is not exclusive of small tablets. Display pens can produce it too, mostly as in less or more degree, you need to slightly (at least) hunch over the tablet. A straight back and neck, but both fully relaxed in muscles and tendons (never in tension!), is the total ideal, and I only get that using a classic intuos Pro L or XL (or other brand with a big "medium" size at least), flat on the table, and looking at a vertical (professional color, also, not possible with most display pens) monitor, which I have at a healthy distance (not too far, not too close). But workflows and people vary a lot. A hobbyist might never ever notice, dedicating like 3 hours session tops (some discomfort can appear after or during a 3 hours session, though). And never needing professional screens (uniformity, etc) and accurate color. If you are forced (due to the company job seat's available hardware, etc) to use a standalone 13" tablet or a pen display, then multiply the stretching, and relaxing of the back, neck, shoulder, wrist and whole arm. And as in general with tech work: palm, back of the hand and fingers stretching, to try to counter the appearance of carpal tunnel, or minimize the pain if you have it slightly already (best is full rest, tho). So, do breaks often, even take a walk in the room, etc (sadly, not every company allows this). All that will minimize it, but in my opinion, drawing over a tiny surface produces certain forced position of too many body parts, more tension than drawing over a 22" or 24" pen display. And even less, with a Wacom L or the largest medium tablets of the competitors (like a XPPen Deco Pro Medium). But I very strongly recommend going for Wacom if one is ready to spend the 400+ bucks or so for a Wacom L. Till recently, there was at XP's site a 22R Pro for 400 bucks. An offer, total bargain. Supports 90% of Adobe RGB which is pretty good for a display tablet. But I don't know how smooth is the pen control, or if are there any issues with that model. For a sketchbook, 'on the go' solution, while I keep recommending pen/pencil and paper notebooks ;) , IMO smart purchases are the newest (till date of writing this) iPad AIR 13" with the m2 processor, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ (make sure that you get the model with 8GB RAM and 12.4 inches!!. Probably the wifi only model, and it's called "FE+"). I recommend s9, not 8 or 7 as you will want the support for updates as long as possible. Having 6 or 8GB of RAM is hugely important to have more layers and work at higher resolution in many apps. The standard iPad I think it still has only 3GB. Completely and absolutely irrelevant if it is only for sketching. With the Samsung devices, Android in general, you depend mostly on Krita, Infinite Painter, Art Rage, Sketchbook Pro or Ibis Paint (there are actually many more, those are some of my favorites). I am loving the Amazon Scribe (imo better for drawing that Remarkable) for merely black and white, sensitive to pressure "pencil" sketches (if using the pencil tool/icon!). Which is maybe a too specific use, not the cup of coffee for most people. Like most e-ink devices, terrible refresh rate, sometimes it leaves some ghosting, no color, and you don't have access to much art related software, or software, in general. All of which is common to most e-ink devices. But the "premium" Scribe pen (not the standard you get) which you can buy without getting the Amazon Scribe, is amazing. It works with _WAY_ better pressure sensitivity than the S-Pen that comes with Samsung devices; even while the s-pen is good. Go guess. Same, I also (even if not as wonderful) prefer the Lamy AL-Star than the standard s-pen (good also if prefer thicker pens). You can use almost any Wacom EMR compatible with Samsung Galaxy Tab S tablets. Which rocks. And the SD card is another advantage. But I would never use my S7 FE like a pen tablet/display tablet + PC replacement, for actual work or just more serious personal projects. The day Apple would release (maybe never) a 20" iPad I'd be tempted to buy it for some studio (in-house, I mean) work... Or not, as I can imagine the price... :D

[@kanachiaki]

Thank you for this, it's the review I was looking for and needed to decide. I think I'm gonna go for the 11" coz, as I have a home set up with Wacom + desktop etc, I need it to mainly draw outdoors and on the go (I have a small and old iPad 6th gen and, although it still works, it's showing its age). The 11" would give me a bit more screen space as well but still retaining the portability (I use it to read books and watch videos when travelling too). Thank you again, I always turn to you for honest, relatable and in depth reviews 😊

[@sonofyoutube6248]

thanks for making this video.. i had huge dilema choosing between 11 or 13.. my mainly used for drawing, watching, ready novel, and web browsing

[@paflepiaf8676]

So what are the conclusions because I kind of have the same dilemma

[@-S-JM]

So which one did you chose ?

[@teohontech7141]

Just know that for most tasks, 13 will have to be done on some support, e.g. tablet. Unless you don't mind holding that huge tablet for a long time. Big screen is good if you use often use split screen, Stage Manager, external wireless display, import reference photos into drawing apps.

[@mr559]

Get the 13 if you're not going to be drawing the way Teoh is (holding with one hand and drawing with the other.) I bought the Tab S9+ and regret not getting the ultra. I tend to draw on a table or on my lap. Having the extra size for references and moving your hand and arm for bigger motion.

[@teohontech7141]

@@mr559 I've the S9 Ultra too and I use it mostly at home. When I use it outdoors, I always wish I brought the smaller tablet. But even for the Ultra, I don't hold it in hand for long periods when browsing or watching content because it's just so big.

[@StruwenPetra]

I like the bigger one - 13“ Nice video - thank you. 😃

[@Furshia]

As you stated the 11" isn't really a small tablet. Personally I don't mind the size of the 11 inch it's still good for drawing. The 13" is more for indoors only or stationed tablet

[@PeaksW_]

Would you rather draw on a large index card or an actual piece of paper

[@inisipisTV]

​@@PeaksW_- The 11" is about the size of a letter bond paper. It's big enough. A Cell phone is about the size a mail envelope.

[@brandongreen5790]

@@PeaksW_ terrible analogy.

[@PeaksW_]

@@brandongreen5790 my bad professor 🫡

[@bartmuz]

Whats the matter with people. They take macbook 13" into them bagpacks and it is OK! - then they affraid to take 13" iPad to them bagpacks because of the (the same!) size like the smallest macbook

[@cammiluna]

I imagine the 13" ipad would be better for making comic pages, but I've hapilly done my comic pages on the 11" ipad pros since 2020 because I no longer need to be chained to a desk when making comics like back when I've drawn on desktop software via 13" Wacom Cintiqs. I've tried a couple of friends' bigger ipad pros and my arms are weak, so I was only able to draw on them when they're rested on a table.

[@teohontech7141]

For creating comic pages 13 is better and allows you to see the page at or almost full page printed size

[@boyodeman]

thank you for the comparison. Really nice sketches too.

[@terroristeoverdoz]

I am not related to the industry but one month ago I started to take drawing as my new hobby, I would say 13" is 'just enough' to draw, especially for beginner like me I like to look at reference (split screen), so bigger size is better for me, and even using a 13" I still do not have enough space I need to zoom in and out frequently. If you use only indoor comfortable place I would say go for the 13".

[@bartmuz]

everybody take macbook 13" outdoor - so WHY iPad 13" would be only indoor????? This is The same size like the small macbook

[@lukekaps]

You’re an amazing artist wow and great video, enjoy your 11 i know I’m enjoying mine !

[@GarciaBonnie]

It looks perfectly normal now, and I can't imagine switching to a smaller size!

[@angelang2104]

First of all, thank you for the effort and quality of your videos. Now, the request: I would like the 11-13 comparison of the iPad Pro to read pdfs of mathematics books such as topology, differential geometry. Thanks in advance and best wishes.

[@teohontech7141]

If you have to read PDF, go with 13 inch. Imagine an A4-sized PDF printed on an A5-sized paper. That's the PDF reading experience on the 11-inch tablet.

[@abie3723]

Thanks a lot for this review! What I really wonder is iPad Air 13 inch. Especially for artists because I find its screen very dim and disappointing. Could you please make a review about it from digital art perspective?

[@teohontech7141]

iPad Air has advertised 600 nits brightness, so in the real world it's probably 500-600 nits. That is very bright for indoor use, bright enough for outdoor use but under shelter, e.g. train station with sunlight streaming in. If you need even brighter, then the other option is the 1000 nits OLED display from M4 iPad Pro. For indoor use, there's no difference between 600 and 1000 nits because auto-brightness will not run at 100% brightness anyway.

[@kookesstuff]

Personally 11 for casual and portability (although an ipad at anyshape is already portable, i think 11 inch is more... 'Baggable'😂) 13 for larger canvas and free space

[@tucoerquilenne6765]

My question is for those of us who are used to the M1 IPad Pro is the new M2 IPad Air just as good, even without the 120 Pro Motion Display. I am always indoors so the brighter screen isn't really necessary although the OLED screen will be a huge upgrade.

[@teohontech7141]

For indoor use, there isn't much difference between OLED and LCD unless one watches lots of HDR content

[@nephrologynurse]

Thank you so much Mr Teoh for the in depth ❤informative painstaking Video.

[@sublimechimp]

If you are fortunate enough to afford the 13 inch, I would recommend it to anyone who doesn’t travel a lot. The iPad 11 inch is compact in comparison. The 13 allows you to spread your energy and awareness over a larger surface area. It’s a more relaxing, fun, joyous experience. More open. The iPad 11 almost feels like a device to do secret tasks on, its smaller FOV requires focus to use. Whereas the 13 is more in-to-it-ive

[@bartmuz]

The size of 13 inch iPad = the size 13 inch Macbook - the smallest and super portable macbook on the market

[@LKirahs]

I still can't decide between the iPad Pro 11" and the iPad Air 13". I would like to spend my free time learning to draw in my spare time after work. I certainly won't be drawing outside - and certainly not often.

[@teohontech7141]

13 will make you put it on table more than in hand.

[@pandamaroodraws]

If I could go back again, I would pick the 11” but I got the iPad Pro 3rd (or 4th) gen and I don’t want to rebuy accessories so everything has to stay the same size when I upgrade. I think Apple adjusted the measurements because of people like me.

[@teohontech7141]

No point buying the new tablet when the old one still works

[@paflepiaf8676]

Why would you pick the 11” rather than the 13” ? I just ask because I plan on buying one

[@mimiltakes]

I appreciate your effort.

[@pendantblade6361]

Holding my Samsung s9 (the base model) is tiring enough. Sometimes I wished Samsung made a iPad mini sized machine that makes it easier to sketch outdoors. As is, I'm just using a an A6 sketchbook for that.

[@lz-c]

It would be great if you could do a tutorial for beginners on how to use concepts app 👍

[@potbtech]

Nice hands-on review. I assume you'd recommend the 11' Air with 256 and Apple Pencil Pro to someone new to Procreate and Fresco with plans of getting into calligraphy, sketching, and using the device as a teleprompter with a glide gear setup.

[@3polygons]

IMO, that or... better the 13 inches AIR new (M2) version with the Pencil Pro. This would be my choice (I've been drawing and painting for a very long time). It would make reading easier, too.

[@potbtech]

@@3polygons Hey, thanks for the reply. The 13 inch air seems a bit of an overkill. And it doesn’t fit my Teleprompter. So won’t be simply more expensive but require getting another teleprompter to fit it, which is almost the same difference in price again. So I’ll likely opt for the 11 inch version

[@3polygons]

@@potbtech That's a good decision. :)

[@potbtech]

@@3polygons I agree!

[@clickboom3231]

Ive been drawing on an ipad for 5 years, 11 inch one, and I have never held the ipad in the air with one hand like in this video, its always rested on something, even if it was 20 grams, that is the most un natural way to hold anything and draw

[@teohontech7141]

Do you stand and draw?

[@mythicalism1468]

If I'm using the ipad just for some general media viewing, web surfing, mostly notetaking during school where I have to move around a lot, pdf editing, and some occassional drawing, would you suggest the 11 inch or the 13 inch? I think i would prefer the larger screen for notetaking but I am inclined to get the 11 inch for its portability and ease of use as my commute on train is around 2 hours daily...

[@teohontech7141]

11 is more than big enough for note taking. With 13-inch, you'll have to constantly find some way to put it down, on a table, on a case that's foldable.

[@Gekko858]

Great comparison. Would you go for 13" if price was the same or still opt for 11" version for writing/studying and drawing?

[@teohontech7141]

I will still go with 11-inch. It's just way easier to handle when outdoors. But if I use the tablet mostly indoors, then 13-inch is good.

[@Gekko858]

@@teohontech7141 thank you for your response. I agree the 11” inch is much better to handle. For the money (unless macOS is enabled via virtual machine at WWDC) I’ll go for the portable -$300 version. I feel as though I’d enjoy picking up the 11” more. Also, I noticed via a KZbin review battery life is +30min on 11” over the 13”.

[@Chokocoful]

Have you ever used any hand straps or accessories to hold the ipad in one hand while you sketch? I haven't bought an ipad yet but I've been trying to research tools to hold it in one hand.

[@teohontech7141]

There are such straps that provide better handling but they also add more weight. Some are removable to keep the tablet slim, but installing it requires setup time which I guess is still quite quick.

[@tupana3263]

Xiaomi pad 6s pro vs iPad ?

[@shartzie]

Question: If you tend to use the iPad Pro with the MKB, and sketches once in a while, which size would you recommend?

[@teohontech7141]

Comes down to hold long are you gonna hold the tablet with your hand. 13 is still a tabletop tablet despited the significantly reduced weight

[@shartzie]

@@teohontech7141 I tend to use the iPad with the keyboard on my lap. Tried both and the 13 tends to topple. I do want to be able to use the iPad as a proper tablet too. RN I’m using the iPad mainly for long form writing, content consumption, productivity apps etc. FCP and Photoshop I’d do on my 15 inch MBP anyway. What would you recommend?

[@Ryoryoryoryoyamada]

Thank you

[@anshulkashyap1289]

Which one will be better for note taking on a table?

[@teohontech7141]

Not much difference

[@esraaelbanhawy3717]

I got a new s9fe tablet Should i buy screen protector Or it will damage s pen ?

[@teohontech7141]

Pen should work fine with screen protector. No problem. If pen tip wears down you can find replacement on Amazon

[@aprendopianoymusica]

What is the app you are using for drawing in this video?

[@teohontech7141]

concepts.app/en/

[@Beki_Playz]

I really want too play cod as a 5th on leaderboard and idk if the 13 or 11 is better I'm 10 yro and pretty small hands and also draws, which is better?

[@teohontech7141]

Probably 11 unless you want to set the tablet on the table while playing. Weight is an issue.

[@raftaarr.r3498]

Does M4 pro too having the the heating issue with the Pencil pro use just like the M2 Air? Someone please reply those who own any of the device and do they face this issue or not?

[@teohontech7141]

No heating issues with mine

[@raftaarr.r3498]

@@teohontech7141 Thanks for the reply. I am going for the M4 then.

[@yabibiin]

I like my iPad Air 13 inch

[@kvrmd25]

What case did you get for the 11 inch?

[@teohontech7141]

A generic slim case with flap to prevent Apple Pencil from falling out. No protection on the sides.

[@nihilx1666]

I just upgraded from an 12.9 M2 to the 11“ M4, mostly because of the size. What do you think of the grain with the OLED display? Personally I think it’s quite noticeable but on the other hand the mini LED has light bloom, so I’m trying to make up my mind what’s the lesser annoyance

[@teohontech7141]

Now that I look extremely close at the display, I can see the grain on standard glass and nano-texture glass models. I've been using it for a few weeks now and it's now now that I notice the grain upon close inspection. Mine's not that obvious. Certainly not as obvious compared to miniLED bloom.

[@paflepiaf8676]

Why did you buy an 11” rather than 13” ?

[@nihilx1666]

@@teohontech7141 Thanks for your answer! I think I’m leaning in the same direction, the bloom is really annoying when working in dark environments, whereas the grain is kind of "in the background" if that makes sense

[@nihilx1666]

@@paflepiaf8676 Partially because of money, partially because I wanted to have a smaller size iPad. I‘m on the go a lot and the bigger device is inconvenient in situations like drawing in a crowded train, outside or when sitting down during my nightly walk. The smaller iPad is easier to carry around and quickly throw in a bag.

[@StandaloneVR]

Hi can you talk me about the pwm flickering of the new oleds please? I need an ipad for drawing comics and illustrations. Are those displays worth the investment? Thx

[@YOY9047]

What is the software?

[@nicetrayyy]

Concepts

[@darkredwine]

Do you have both with Cellular?

[@teohontech7141]

No. Cellular is an extra USD 200

[@darkredwine]

@@teohontech7141 Can you draw everything offline, as well as cut videos offline?

[@ShyamsundarGupta1973]

How did you managed to get whatsapp on your ipad?

[@teohontech7141]

It's just a shortcut to whatsapp website

[@vanmore5124]

Put a proper protective case on it and then lean it onto something. All problems solved.

[@pooo808]

Bro i am from tamil nadu.

[@cirke1477]

24” iPad Pro , they are all far too small

[@Royzilya]

Reviews in office are better or at least, please reduce noise. Also, could you show more painting, color, with complicated tone work, because okay line you can do almost on any tablet, even without pressure. So it's not best use case and demo.

[@nicetrayyy]

He said he’s moving and renovating his house, so he can’t record in there.

[@Royzilya]

@@nicetrayyy Okay, then this part of comment I cancel.

[@crazyjorge7879]

I sketch outdoors. Let me just say it should be an Olympic Sport.

[@TheodoreVinch]

why u have whatsapp?

[@teohontech7141]

Just a bookmark to web whatsapp