Key points
- The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 and the Apple iPad Pro are two of the most popular premium tablets on the market, offering a blend of portability, power, and versatility.
- The Surface Pro 9 has a USB-C port with Thunderbolt 4 support, while the iPad Pro has a USB-C port with Thunderbolt 3 support.
- The Surface Pro 9 is a better choice for those who prioritize versatility and desktop-like functionality, while the iPad Pro is ideal for those who value portability, a premium display, and a seamless user experience.
The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 and the Apple iPad Pro are two of the most popular premium tablets on the market, offering a blend of portability, power, and versatility. However, choosing between these two devices can be a daunting task, especially considering their similarities and differences. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the key aspects of the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 vs iPad Pro to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build
Both the Surface Pro 9 and iPad Pro feature sleek and modern designs. The Surface Pro 9 has a detachable keyboard and a built-in kickstand that allows for multiple angles of use. It’s made of a combination of aluminum and magnesium alloy, giving it a premium feel. The iPad Pro, on the other hand, is a more traditional tablet with a slim profile and a unibody aluminum construction. It’s slightly lighter than the Surface Pro 9, but it lacks a built-in kickstand.
Display
The Surface Pro 9 comes with a 13-inch PixelSense Flow display with a resolution of 2880 x 1920 pixels. It offers a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and animations. The iPad Pro has a 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with a resolution of 2732 x 2048 pixels. It also supports a 120Hz refresh rate and features mini-LED technology for improved contrast and HDR performance.
Performance
The Surface Pro 9 is powered by the latest 12th-generation Intel Core processors, while the iPad Pro uses Apple’s M2 chip. Both devices offer excellent performance for everyday tasks and demanding applications. However, the iPad Pro has a slight edge in graphics performance, making it better suited for intensive tasks like video editing and gaming.
Operating System
The Surface Pro 9 runs on Windows 11, while the iPad Pro runs on iPadOS 16. Windows 11 offers a more desktop-like experience with full support for legacy applications and a wider range of peripherals. iPadOS 16 is optimized for touch interactions and provides a more streamlined and intuitive user interface.
Battery Life
The Surface Pro 9 is rated for up to 15.5 hours of battery life, while the iPad Pro can last up to 10 hours on a single charge. Both devices support fast charging, but the Surface Pro 9 has a slightly faster charging speed.
Connectivity
Both the Surface Pro 9 and iPad Pro offer a variety of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1. The Surface Pro 9 has a USB-C port with Thunderbolt 4 support, while the iPad Pro has a USB-C port with Thunderbolt 3 support. The Surface Pro 9 also features a microSD card slot for expandable storage.
Accessories
The Surface Pro 9 and iPad Pro both have a wide range of accessories available. The Surface Pro 9 can be paired with the Surface Pen and Surface Keyboard for a more laptop-like experience. The iPad Pro supports the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard for similar functionality.
Pricing
The Surface Pro 9 starts at $999, while the iPad Pro starts at $799. The price varies depending on the configuration and storage capacity.
The Final Verdict
The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 and iPad Pro are both excellent devices that offer a unique blend of productivity and entertainment. The Surface Pro 9 is a better choice for those who prioritize versatility and desktop-like functionality, while the iPad Pro is ideal for those who value portability, a premium display, and a seamless user experience. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Top Questions Asked
Q: Which device has a better operating system?
A: Both Windows 11 and iPadOS 16 have their strengths and weaknesses. Windows 11 offers a more desktop-like experience with full support for legacy applications, while iPadOS 16 provides a more streamlined and touch-optimized experience.
Q: Which device is better for gaming?
A: The iPad Pro has a slight edge in graphics performance, making it better suited for intensive gaming. However, both devices can handle most casual games and even some more demanding titles at reduced settings.
Q: Which device has a longer battery life?
A: The Surface Pro 9 has a longer rated battery life of up to 15.5 hours, while the iPad Pro can last up to 10 hours on a single charge.
Q: Which device is more portable?
A: The iPad Pro is slightly lighter and has a slimmer profile than the Surface Pro 9, making it more portable.
Q: Which device has more accessories available?
A: Both the Surface Pro 9 and iPad Pro have a wide range of accessories available, including keyboards, pens, and cases. However, the Surface Pro 9 has a slight edge in terms of available accessories.