Apple has unveiled a 9.7-inch iPad Pro, joining the existing 12.9-inch model much like the iPad Air. Despite its smaller size, this new iPad Pro excels in several key areas over its larger counterpart.
Key advantages include the best display and protective glass, superior cameras, better value with accessories, and rose gold color option. 
Apple has introduced features in the 9.7-inch model not yet available on the 12.9-inch version, giving it distinct edges for now.
The 9.7-inch iPad Pro boasts a superior display in nearly every metric except size. Apple highlights it as the world's brightest and least reflective screen. It achieves higher brightness levels, and its protective glass reduces glare by up to 40% more effectively.
It also features a 25% wider color gamut for richer colors and greater accuracy. The standout innovation is True Tone technology, which uses ambient light sensors to adjust the display's white balance to match surrounding lighting conditions.
This eliminates the mismatch you've likely noticed on white Apple devices under warm yellow lights, where the bezel appears off-white compared to the screen.
While we haven't yet tested the 9.7-inch iPad Pro hands-on, its camera specs significantly outpace the 12.9-inch model.
Note: The 9.7-inch iPad Pro launches March 31 in select countries.
The rear camera is a 12MP sensor with LED flash—a first for iPad—versus 8MP on the larger model. It supports 4K video, Live Photos, a wider f/2.2 aperture for better low-light performance, sapphire crystal lens cover, improved face detection, and more, per Apple's specs.
The front camera upgrades to 5MP with Retina Flash from the 12.9-inch's 1.2MP, marking substantial improvements.
The 9.7-inch iPad Pro starts at $599, $200 less than the 12.9-inch model. Pair it with accessories for even better value: the Smart Keyboard costs $149 ($20 less than the larger version's), and the Apple Pencil is $99.
The complete setup—iPad Pro, Pencil, and Smart Keyboard—totals $849, Apple's most affordable laptop-like package under $900.
Rose gold enthusiasts will appreciate this exclusive color on the 9.7-inch model. The 12.9-inch sticks to standard gold, silver, and space gray.
SEE ALSO: 3 reasons why the iPad Pro may not be a big hit
