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Azeroth1

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Apr 20, 2010
304
700
I know there are many posts like this this. Which iPad Pro is the best bang for the buck for media consumption? I see various refurbs from 2017 or 2018 in the mix and am fine with refurbs.

I want this for the better screen and currently have an iPad Mini 5 with 256gb storage.
 

sparksd

macrumors G3
Jun 7, 2015
9,964
33,962
Seattle WA
My 2018 12.9 Pro is great for video media. I never watched much on my 10.5 Pro but that changed with the larger display of the 12.9.
 

cambookpro

macrumors 604
Feb 3, 2010
7,228
3,365
United Kingdom
I think any would do the job. If you only want a better screen, any recent Pro will do. I presume you'd want ProMotion? If not, any reason why you wouldn't consider an Air 3? It has a P3 laminated screen too.
 

MisterSavage

macrumors 601
Nov 10, 2018
4,841
5,739
You're the only one that can answer this. Some people would be fine with either size. Some people strongly prefer the 11 or the 12.9. I'm team 11.
 

Azeroth1

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Apr 20, 2010
304
700
I think any would do the job. If you only want a better screen, any recent Pro will do. I presume you'd want ProMotion? If not, any reason why you wouldn't consider an Air 3? It has a P3 laminated screen too.

interesting I had not considered that in the Air. So are the screens between the two the same including refresh rate? Basically I wanted the best screen possible
[automerge]1585492306[/automerge]
My 2018 12.9 Pro is great for video media. I never watched much on my 10.5 Pro but that changed with the larger display of the 12.9.
Ive been reading some about light spots on the 10.5. Is that a widespread issue that you’ve experienced in your older device?
 

cambookpro

macrumors 604
Feb 3, 2010
7,228
3,365
United Kingdom
interesting I had not considered that in the Air. So are the screens between the two the same including refresh rate? Basically I wanted the best screen possible
The Air doesn't have 120Hz refresh and is 500 nits vs 600 nits, but other than that is the same as the 10.5" Pro screen. If it's just for Netflix/YouTube etc, I would think that 120Hz wouldn't make a difference as the content is still 30/60 fps. Of course the scrolling etc might be nicer.

Though on second thoughts you might be better off getting a refurb 10.5" Pro instead vs a new Air as they are around the same price.

If you want a more modern iPad, the 2018 11" has come down in price a fair bit on the refurb store - $549 for 64GB WiFi currently. I think that's the best bang for buck iPad at the moment, but you will be paying for things you may not necessarily use (Pencil 2 support, A12X, USB-C, FaceID, better rear camera, etc.).
 

sparksd

macrumors G3
Jun 7, 2015
9,964
33,962
Seattle WA
interesting I had not considered that in the Air. So are the screens between the two the same including refresh rate? Basically I wanted the best screen possible
[automerge]1585492306[/automerge]

Ive been reading some about light spots on the 10.5. Is that a widespread issue that you’ve experienced in your older device?

Have had the 10.5 for 2.5 years and no white spots. "widespread" is hard to say as there are no real statistics available. You'll see forum posts on the issue bit that's the nature of forums.
 

rui no onna

Contributor
Oct 25, 2013
14,906
13,229
Watching videos, the bigger the better so any 12.9. There are some excellent deals on Apple refurb for both 2017 and 2018 Pros.
 
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AutomaticApple

Suspended
Nov 28, 2018
7,401
3,378
Massachusetts
I know there are many posts like this this. Which iPad Pro is the best bang for the buck for media consumption? I see various refurbs from 2017 or 2018 in the mix and am fine with refurbs.

I want this for the better screen and currently have an iPad Mini 5 with 256gb storage.
The 11" iPad Pro seems like the preferred size for media consumption.
 

augustya

Suspended
Feb 17, 2012
3,331
464
If it is only Media Consumption and that too no Mobility without even a blink of eye 12.9" People take the 11" because they also look for Portability.
 

EugW

macrumors G5
Jun 18, 2017
14,652
12,577
Best bang for the buck: 10.5" iPad Pro
Best compromise between portability and screen size: 11" iPad Pro
Biggest screen: 12.9" iPad Pro (of course)

10.5" iPad Pro has a screen resolution of 2224x1668, which means for 16:9 material, it is 2224x1251 = 2.78 Megapixels.
11" iPad Pro has a screen resolution of 2388x1668, which means for 16:9 material, it is 2388x1343 = 3.21 Megapixels.
That means that for 16:9 material, the 11" screen is 15% larger than the 10.5". The two iPad Pros are the same weight.

OTOH, for 4:3 material (like old TV shows), they will show the exact same image size, at 2224x1668 = 3.71 Megapixels.

EDIT:

To further expand on this:

What this means is that for 16:9 material, both the 10.5" and the 11" will have black bars on the top and bottom, but the black bars will be shorter on the 11". OTOH, for 4:3 material, the 10.5" will be full screen, whereas the 11" will have black bars on each side.
 
Last edited:

ed.

macrumors regular
Jan 31, 2008
218
175
One important usability detail: if you plan on watching videos in bed a lot, consider the size and weight. A 12.9 iPad pro falling on your nose is no fun!
 
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ericwn

macrumors G5
Apr 24, 2016
12,113
10,902
I’d get a 12.9 - in good working order. 4 speakers and the biggest display, just factor in a good stand for it too.
 

EugW

macrumors G5
Jun 18, 2017
14,652
12,577
I’d get a 12.9 - in good working order. 4 speakers and the biggest display, just factor in a good stand for it too.
Problem is on the couch and in bed, you most likely usually would not be using a stand, and the 12.9" is kinda heavy to hold for long periods. Sometimes you can rest it on a pillow or whatever though.

12.9" may sometimes also be awkward on the plane in cramped economy class if the person in front tilts the seat back.
 
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ericwn

macrumors G5
Apr 24, 2016
12,113
10,902
Problem is on the couch and in bed, you most likely usually would not be using a stand, and the 12.9" is kinda heavy to hold for long periods. Sometimes you can rest it on a pillow or whatever though.

True. I had a case in mind with stand functionality actually.
 
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rui no onna

Contributor
Oct 25, 2013
14,906
13,229
One important usability detail: if you plan on watching videos in bed a lot, consider the size and weight. A 12.9 iPad pro falling on your nose is no fun!
For watching, since I don't need to touch the screen constantly (as I do while reading), I keep the iPad farther away. I also simulate the fall and make sure it's far enough that it won't fall on my face. :p
 
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nburwell

macrumors 603
May 6, 2008
5,555
2,459
DE
The 11” IPP, for me, is great for media consumption — especially when watching Netflix/Hulu at night in bed. 12.9” would be great as well, but it would be a bit much when using in bed.
 

1rottenapple

macrumors 601
Apr 21, 2004
4,753
2,774
The iPad Pro with the 4 speakers can’t be beat by other iPads. I remember watching a movie one time and the sound went from left to right and I was genuinely impressed.
 

ericwn

macrumors G5
Apr 24, 2016
12,113
10,902
The iPad Pro with the 4 speakers can’t be beat by other iPads. I remember watching a movie one time and the sound went from left to right and I was genuinely impressed.

The question of this discussion however is which iPad Pro to pick. They all have 4 speakers. Any insight?
 

1rottenapple

macrumors 601
Apr 21, 2004
4,753
2,774
The question of this discussion however is which iPad Pro to pick. They all have 4 speakers. Any insight?
Depends on a persons budget. Pre-2018 if the money is tight but if you want the best get a refurb 2018 11 or 12.9. They’re great devices. I hear the touch ID pro are good but I recommend 2018. The screen is great. Having the full display available is great.
 

MrMister111

macrumors 68040
Jan 28, 2009
3,895
381
UK
To further expand on this:

What this means is that for 16:9 material, both the 10.5" and the 11" will have black bars on the top and bottom, but the black bars will be shorter on the 11". OTOH, for 4:3 material, the 10.5" will be full screen, whereas the 11" will have black bars on each side.
I was about to ask about this for my next iPad purchase. I have a 10.5 at the moment, and as you say on movies the black bars are quite big.

Do you have a pic of the comparison in the black bar on a 10.5 and 11 so I can compare? How big is the difference?

Thanks
 
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