Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

iPad [iPad Pro 11] vs. [iPad Pro 10.5 + iPhone 7]

TomOSeven

TomOSeven

Suspended
Original poster
Jul 4, 2017
571
699
Hey lads,

I'm currently using a Galaxy A50 2019, which is a 6.4 inch Android smartphone with USB-C.

I was considering to go balls to the wall with Apple and get a newer iPhone (thinking that sure they'd come with USB-C at this point), but since they're still on Lightning, that's not an option.

Since I don't want to carry two sets of cables, I now have two options:

1. Get an iPad Pro 11 alongside my existing Android Smartphone (both USB-C)
2. Get an iPad Pro 10.5 (2017) and an iPhone 7 (both lightning)

Price for each:

1. 999 + 150 + 70 = 1219 (iPad Pro 11 with 256 GB and LTE, Pen, Smart Folio)
2. 650 + 320 + 80 + 30 - 250 = 830 (iPad Pro 10.5 with 512 GB and LTE, refurb, iPhone 7 256 GB Refurb, 1st gen Pencil, Smart Cover, minus sale of Galaxy)

So the Lightning option is way cheaper. I prefer the smart cover over the folio, I like touch ID and I'd love to have a smaller phone. I'm also gaining the 'synergy' of two iOS devices.

On the other hand, the newer iPad just looks amazing, has USB-C (and thus, support for external storage and USB-C monitors), I'm assuming has an even nicer display and better speakers etc. It's also got better pencil support and no silly stick-the-pen-in-the-butt implementation.

The Galaxy is also obviously the better phone, with a beautiful OLED screen, 128 GB internal storage, SD-card, dual SIM etc. But the iPhone 7 has iOS, which I prefer, and is way smaller. Since I only use my phone for WhatsApp, maps and music, I don't mind the smaller screen.

Which option would you go for?
 
Last edited:
Go for the USB-C iPad Pro if you can spend the money; it's more capable and just a really great device. But any other iPad will do "iPad-tasks" just as well if you don't really care too much about external storage and some little details like looks and screen and speakers (which are indeed better).

Secondly, get an iPhone if you prefer iOS and wanted a smaller phone anyway. This will require you to get over the whole "don't want to carry two different cables" "issue", which as you can guess from the quotes does not seem like a problem to me at all.
 
sunapple said:
This will require you to get over the whole "don't want to carry two different cables" "issue", which as you can guess from the quotes does not seem like a problem to me at all.
Click to expand...

I can only imagine you've never been in a situation where you have one cable type for everything.

It's not just that you have to carry one fewer cable, you also have to own much less stuff, you never need to worry about whether the right cable is in the right place at your home etc. And it's a much neater solution.
 
TomOSeven said:
I can only imagine you've never been in a situation where you have one cable type for everything.

It's not just that you have to carry one fewer cable, you also have to own much less stuff, you never need to worry about whether the right cable is in the right place at your home etc. And it's a much neater solution.
Click to expand...

Nobody with a modern Apple setup (USB-C MacBook, iPad Pro, iPhone) has one cable for everything, so I'm sure it's not that big a deal. We're talking not getting the device you want, purely for cable-convenience. To each their own of course.

BTW you could get a USB-C to Lightning cable, so you don't have to have two separate chargers.
 
sunapple said:
Nobody with a modern Apple setup (USB-C MacBook, iPad Pro, iPhone) has one cable for everything, so I'm sure it's not that big a deal.
Click to expand...

That's a weird argument.

There's lots of features that Apple users don't have that other people do, doesn't mean those aren't important or convenient features to have.

I don't even understand how you can argue that buying / carrying two sets of cables is more convenient than just one. Seems like you've been drinking the 'Apple can do no wrong' Kool-Aid.
 
I have a 3rd Gen iPad Air - chose it over the pro as I just couldn't justify the additional cost, and couldn't really see the difference with the display.

Having a lightening cable doesn't bother me. I have a 2015 MBP with USB-A, a 2019 MBP with USB-C, and an iPhone/iPad with lightening. It's a pain in the backside - but I'm just used to carrying multiple cables/adapters. They don't really take up much space, and they're a couple of bucks each - not a big deal IMO.
 
TomOSeven said:
That's a weird argument.

There's lots of features that Apple users don't have that other people do, doesn't mean those aren't important or convenient features to have.

I don't even understand how you can argue that buying / carrying two sets of cables is more convenient than just one. Seems like you've been drinking the 'Apple can do no wrong' Kool-Aid.
Click to expand...

Your argument for not getting the devices you want is carrying one extra cable. I argue lots of people can deal with that, therefore you could think about doing the same. Makes perfect sense, except when you’re just not open for suggestions. I clearly wasted my time trying to help. Good luck 😅
 
  • Like
Reactions: muzzy996
sunapple said:
Your argument for not getting the devices you want is carrying one extra cable.
Click to expand...

It's not just CARRYING one extra cable.

I appreciate you trying to help, but the solution to just spend even more money isn't one I find feasible unless it's a very clean solution, sorry.
 
Brian Y said:
Adapters/cables are dirt cheap these days. Cost of the devices should be a bigger issue than the cost of any cables/adapters.
Click to expand...

3 2m Lightning cables on Amazon are like 15 bucks, so it's not about the cost of the cables for me.

I meant that the scenario sunapple suggested would entail both the iPhone and the more expensive iPad, so we'd be looking at 1500+ Euros, 700 more than the cheaper one of my combinations.
 
I’m a huge fanboy for the older ipad design over the newer one looks-wise for what’s it worth ;) And an ipad gets much better with an iphone around.

However investing in the lightning connector lifestyle seems kind of like a short term solution. Not only do you miss out of being able to use your “one cable” with soon to be literally any other device you might encounter during everyday life, you also have to consider that the next time you need to upgrade either the phone or ipad, it will likely be USB-C as well.

Ideally I’d like to suggest an adapter USB-C female to Lightning male on a short string attached to the cable. I know such dongles exist however I don’t know if they’re good and if you can get one elegantly pre-strung on a USB-C cable.
 
Is the cable a dealbreaker. I don’t understand? I get that it’s a bit more convenient but I have all types of cable connected to a single hub at home. Same at work, and it’s no bother for me to plug/unplug as required. My iPad case has a little pouch attached that keeps my usb c, standard usb (headphone) & 3.5 adapter. It’s all still very neat/organised imo.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: muzzy996
I have extensively used both the iPad Pro 11 and the 10.5. The 10.5 is surprisingly good. It’s an amazing choice on a budget. However, if the iPad Pro 11 fits within your budget as well, definitely go for it. The screen, Face ID, and Apple Pencil 2 support make it a better experience.
 
TomOSeven said:
Hey lads,

I'm currently using a Galaxy A50 2019, which is a 6.4 inch Android smartphone with USB-C.

I was considering to go balls to the wall with Apple and get a newer iPhone (thinking that sure they'd come with USB-C at this point), but since they're still on Lightning, that's not an option.

Since I don't want to carry two sets of cables, I now have two options:

1. Get an iPad Pro 11 alongside my existing Android Smartphone (both USB-C)
2. Get an iPad Pro 10.5 (2017) and an iPhone 7 (both lightning)

Price for each:

1. 999 + 150 + 70 = 1219 (iPad Pro 11 with 256 GB and LTE, Pen, Smart Folio)
2. 650 + 320 + 80 + 30 - 250 = 830 (iPad Pro 10.5 with 512 GB and LTE, refurb, iPhone 7 256 GB Refurb, 1st gen Pencil, Smart Cover, minus sale of Galaxy)

So the Lightning option is way cheaper. I prefer the smart cover over the folio, I like touch ID and I'd love to have a smaller phone. I'm also gaining the 'synergy' of two iOS devices.

On the other hand, the newer iPad just looks amazing, has USB-C (and thus, support for external storage and USB-C monitors), I'm assuming has an even nicer display and better speakers etc. It's also got better pencil support and no silly stick-the-pen-in-the-butt implementation.

The Galaxy is also obviously the better phone, with a beautiful OLED screen, 128 GB internal storage, SD-card, dual SIM etc. But the iPhone 7 has iOS, which I prefer, and is way smaller. Since I only use my phone for WhatsApp, maps and music, I don't mind the smaller screen.

Which option would you go for?
Click to expand...
Why not get an iPhone 8 instead of an iPhone 7?
 
  • Like
Reactions: Aydy
The iPhone 8 doesn't even offer anything I value all that much over the 7. It's 150 Euros more expensive for the 256 GB version and has that weird glass back that I don't want.
 
TomOSeven said:
3 2m Lightning cables on Amazon are like 15 bucks, so it's not about the cost of the cables for me.

I meant that the scenario sunapple suggested would entail both the iPhone and the more expensive iPad, so we'd be looking at 1500+ Euros, 700 more than the cheaper one of my combinations.
Click to expand...

It's actually only 70$ more expensive then your most expensive option if you factor in selling the A50.

I found out that this year, according to your own threads, you've not only owned both a 10.5" and 12.9" iPad Pro, you've also already asked if you should get the 11" (and went for the older model). You already have all the info you could get out of a forum like this and apparently already made up your mind for 99%, which is why you're getting answers in directions you're not looking for.

If you want to know what makes the most sense; it's probably going to be iOS on both devices and the most recent generation you can afford. At this point, you should probably just decide yourself.
 
  • Like
Reactions: muzzy996
I also like to charge my devices with the same charger. I use one iPad charger for iPhone, iPad, Airpods, Magic Keyboard and the remote. The Macbook Air has the Magsafe 2 so when deciding which iPad to get (11 or 10,5), one of the things I considered was that the 10,5 comes with the charger I already use with almost everything else, while getting the 11 inch would mean a third USB-C charger. Of course, this wasn’t the deciding factor, other things tilted the decision toward the 10,5, but I did consider this.

As for the question, I’d personally go for the second option, so you can pair the iPad with the iPhone. The 11 is a better iPad than the 10,5, but for me the phone + tablet combo trumps the iPad Pro 11 inch.
 
TomOSeven said:
Hey lads,

I'm currently using a Galaxy A50 2019, which is a 6.4 inch Android smartphone with USB-C.

I was considering to go balls to the wall with Apple and get a newer iPhone (thinking that sure they'd come with USB-C at this point), but since they're still on Lightning, that's not an option.

Since I don't want to carry two sets of cables, I now have two options:

1. Get an iPad Pro 11 alongside my existing Android Smartphone (both USB-C)
2. Get an iPad Pro 10.5 (2017) and an iPhone 7 (both lightning)

Price for each:

1. 999 + 150 + 70 = 1219 (iPad Pro 11 with 256 GB and LTE, Pen, Smart Folio)
2. 650 + 320 + 80 + 30 - 250 = 830 (iPad Pro 10.5 with 512 GB and LTE, refurb, iPhone 7 256 GB Refurb, 1st gen Pencil, Smart Cover, minus sale of Galaxy)

So the Lightning option is way cheaper. I prefer the smart cover over the folio, I like touch ID and I'd love to have a smaller phone. I'm also gaining the 'synergy' of two iOS devices.

On the other hand, the newer iPad just looks amazing, has USB-C (and thus, support for external storage and USB-C monitors), I'm assuming has an even nicer display and better speakers etc. It's also got better pencil support and no silly stick-the-pen-in-the-butt implementation.

The Galaxy is also obviously the better phone, with a beautiful OLED screen, 128 GB internal storage, SD-card, dual SIM etc. But the iPhone 7 has iOS, which I prefer, and is way smaller. Since I only use my phone for WhatsApp, maps and music, I don't mind the smaller screen.

Which option would you go for?
Click to expand...

Option 2. However, you state that the A50 is “obviously the better phone”. So, how important is the software to you? For me it would be option 2 without a doubt but I don’t value the galaxy, and The iPhone 7 might even have a better camera.
 
Personally cannot wait for iPhone to get USB C as all my other Apple devices are USB C.
 
If the cleanliness of having just a single cable is of upmost importance to you the decision is pretty clear - go USB-C. I see no reason why you should buy hardware based off of older connection type just to simplify your life for the short term. At some point iPhones will have USB-C or something else. It’s really up to you whether the cost difference is justifiable given what you may or may not perceive as value additives in the newer iPad Pro vs the older generation. If all you really see is the USB-C port then the question is - is a USB-C port worth the extra 400. For some of us (myself included) the answer is heck no, but we’re not you.
 
muzzy996 said:
If all you really see is the USB-C port then the question is - is a USB-C port worth the extra 400. For some of us (myself included) the answer is heck no, but we’re not you.
Click to expand...


It's funny, because it's obviously much more than the USB-C port (slightly larger display, presumably even better speakers, newer SoC, nicer pen experience, higher resale value, FaceID) but at the same time I'm losing a lot of stuff I liked in the older iPads (I LOVED the smart cover, prefer TouchID, headphone jack, home button, sturdier design).

So it's not an easy decision. The only thing I do know is that I don't want a 12.9" iPad any more.
 
I just got a 512 Gig iPP 10.5 and I'm going iPad only for two weeks while my laptop is in for a repair.

My decision to go with the older, Lightning, iPad will definitely bite me in the ass then, seeing as how I have a USB-C monitor. But overall I'm confident I made the right choice. The refurbished one was actually 500 Euros cheaper, 600 if you factor in accessories.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back