The Apple iPad lineup is crowing than ever . antecedently , when opt an iPad Air , you just needed to consider store capacity and cellular capabilities . Now , like the iPad Pro , you also get to opt between two screenland sizes . I ’ve received email from readers confuse about whether the 13 - in model is a better pick for watching movies . The short answer ? No . A bigger iPad does n’t of necessity mean a proficient screen for video pulmonary tuberculosis .
I late switched to the13 - in iPad Air ( 2025)from my 11 - inch iPad Air ( 2020 ) , and it made me recognise that both pad are made for unlike use cases . If you ’re confused about which screen size of it is correct for your next iPad Air or iPad Pro , here ’s a breakdown based on my experience .
Look at the aspect ratio, not the display size
The 13 - inch iPad Air and iPad Pro have a 4:3 expression proportion , whereas the 11 - inch models feature a 16:11 covert . So , those extra two inches on the bigger iPads do n’t immediately translate to a ripe movie - watching experience .
Most movies are made in 21:9 , while standard videos on platforms like YouTube are typically in 16:9 . These formats bet substantially on a 16:11 screen , with less letterboxing ( thickheaded black margin on the top and bottom ) compare to a 4:3 display .
If you ’re corrupt a 13 - inch iPad Air or iPad Pro just for watching movies or videos , I ’d recommend the 11 - inch theoretical account instead . The larger iPads are better for productiveness and originative work , but when it come up to videos , they sum more smuggled bars than giving you a big screen for message . As a result , the available screenland size for TV between the two iPad screen sizes is n’t significantly different .
When should you buy a 13-inch iPad Air or iPad Pro?
The 13 - in iPads are ideal for creatives who need a with child canvas . If you ’re a digital artist using theApple Pencil Pro , the bigger iPads give you more elbow room for in - app options ( like in Lightroom , Final Cut Pro ) and a roomy field for delete exposure or picture . The excess filmdom material the three estates is just more comfortable and convenient for originative workflows .
They also work well with the Magic Keyboard . Plus , iPadOS 18features likeStage Managerand schism - screen multitasking are loose to manage on a larger screen . If you use Stage Manager to multitask while track Slack or Teams messages , the bigger screen will service you better .
The 13 - column inch iPads also make splendid secondary displays for your Mac . When want , you may nibble up this external display and preserve your body of work on the go since it runs a functional operating scheme . It is not a laptop computer replacement , but if you need to do any laptop - panache work on your iPad , the 13 - in modeling is the way to go .
Notably , the 13 - in iPad Air also features a bright blind at 600 nits , making it a better fellow if you ferment out of cafes or co - running spaces .
When should you buy an 11-inch iPad Air or iPad Pro?
The 11 - inch model is best suited for television consumption and tablet - sharpen project like browsing , on-line shopping , and reading . Basically , anything you ’d typically do on your iPhone — but want a larger screen to make it easier — the 11 - inch iPad nails it .
It also works corking for creatives who want portability . While the 13 - inch is n’t exactly bulky , if you already move around with a laptop and want to add another gimmick to your creative work flow , the 11 - column inch iPad come upon the right equipoise .
Personally , I prefer carry the 8 - inch iPad Mini alongside my laptop for meter reading and browse . But if you need a video - first iPad , the 11 - inch models are your best bet . you could pair them with a Magic Keyboard for word processing , but the experience wo n’t be quite as good as on the larger framework .
When should you buy the 8-inch iPad Mini?
TheiPad Minifeatures a snug to 3:2 aspect ratio ( 1.52:1 to be precise ) . It is my preferent tablet and I consider it the perfect blend of portability and functionality . If your main task include graze the web , replying to emails , or reading ebooks , the iPad Mini is the good tablet for you .
While we ’ve been talking about video - focalise iPads and how moving picture - watching equivalence on the 13 - column inch vs. 11 - inch screens , the iPad Mini is made for a different audience — those who desire a reading - first tablet . I also use it for photo editing inLightroom , and it performs well for most task . Plus , it supports the Apple Pencil Pro , making it a great portable canvas for creatives .
The 8 - in size is fabulously travel - friendly and does n’t summate bulk to my gear . I carry it on trip loaded with Kindle Quran , saved Chrome Page , and more to study during commute or flights . If you ’re after the most portable iPad , this is the one to get .
Which is the best iPad?
My comparability only cover cover sizes for the iPad Air and iPad Pro . Choosing between those comes after you ’ve figure out which iPad is best for you overall . If you ’re shy , check out ourBest iPads in 2025list to help oneself you decide .
That enjoin , the baseiPad ( 2025)with an 11 - inch projection screen is probably the good option for most the great unwashed . It offers a dandy exhibit , pot of power with the A16 chipset , and now comes with double the base storage ( 128 GB ) . It does n’t supportApple Intelligence , but for now , those lineament are n’t life - change on other iPads either . If you want a no - bother iPad that just works , this one delivers .
A brief equipment failure on which iPad appeal the most to whom based on filmdom sizing –
Ultimately , choosing between 8 - column inch , 11 - inch , and 13 - in screen door size of it amount down to your workflow and anteriority . Bigger is n’t always better , and it depend on what you ’re going to utilise your iPad for .
