Surface pro vs. ipad pro: the top 5 differences

In the realm of premium 2-in-1 devices, the Microsoft Surface Pro and Apple iPad Pro stand as formidable contenders, each offering a unique blend of functionality, design, and ecosystem integration. This comprehensive comparison delves into the key differences between these two industry-leading devices to help you make an informed decision that aligns with your specific needs.

Design and Build Quality

The Microsoft Surface Pro exudes a sleek and professional aesthetic, featuring a solid magnesium alloy chassis that feels both durable and lightweight. Its signature kickstand provides excellent flexibility, allowing you to position the device at various angles for optimal comfort and productivity.

Apple’s iPad Pro, on the other hand, boasts a more minimalist and refined design. Its unibody aluminum construction ensures structural integrity while maintaining a remarkably slim profile. The iPad Pro’s iconic flat edges and rounded corners lend it a modern and sophisticated look.

Display

The Microsoft Surface Pro offers a 13-inch PixelSense display with a resolution of 2880 x 1920 pixels. It supports up to 10-point multi-touch and Surface Pen input, providing a responsive and immersive experience for drawing, writing, and navigation.

The Apple iPad Pro features a Liquid Retina XDR display with a resolution of 2732 x 2048 pixels. It utilizes mini-LED technology to deliver exceptional contrast, brightness, and color accuracy. The iPad Pro also supports Apple Pencil input, offering precise and natural drawing and writing capabilities.

Operating System and Software

The Microsoft Surface Pro runs on Windows 11, providing access to a vast library of desktop applications, including the full Microsoft Office suite. It also supports the use of touch and stylus input, offering a versatile and intuitive user experience.

The Apple iPad Pro runs on iPadOS, which is optimized for touch-first interactions. It features a wide range of apps designed specifically for the iPad, including productivity tools, creative software, and entertainment platforms.

Performance

The Microsoft Surface Pro is powered by Intel Core processors, offering a range of performance options. The latest models feature 11th and 12th generation Intel CPUs, providing sufficient power for multitasking, content creation, and demanding applications.

The Apple iPad Pro utilizes Apple’s own M-series chips, which deliver impressive performance and efficiency. The latest iPad Pro models are equipped with the M2 chip, offering exceptional speed and graphical capabilities for demanding tasks such as video editing, 3D modeling, and gaming.

Battery Life

The Microsoft Surface Pro offers a battery life of up to 15 hours on a single charge. However, actual battery life may vary depending on usage patterns and power settings.

The Apple iPad Pro has a slightly longer battery life, offering up to 18 hours of video playback on a single charge. Again, actual battery life may vary depending on usage patterns and power settings.

Accessories and Ecosystem

The Microsoft Surface Pro ecosystem includes a range of accessories designed to enhance productivity and creativity. These include the Surface Pen, Surface Keyboard, and Surface Dock, which offer additional functionality and connectivity options.

The Apple iPad Pro ecosystem also offers a variety of accessories, including the Apple Pencil, Magic Keyboard, and USB-C hubs. These accessories provide enhanced input capabilities, productivity features, and connectivity options.

Pricing and Value

The Microsoft Surface Pro starts at $799 for the base model with an Intel Core i3 processor and 8GB of RAM. The price increases with higher-end configurations, additional storage, and accessories.

The Apple iPad Pro starts at $799 for the 11-inch model with an A12X Bionic chip and 128GB of storage. The 12.9-inch model starts at $1,099. The price increases with higher-end configurations, additional storage, and accessories.

The Verdict

Both the Microsoft Surface Pro and Apple iPad Pro are exceptional 2-in-1 devices that offer a compelling blend of productivity, creativity, and portability. The best choice for you depends on your specific needs and preferences.

If you value a versatile device that runs the full Windows operating system, supports a wide range of accessories, and provides a more traditional laptop-like experience, the Microsoft Surface Pro is an excellent choice.

If you prioritize a sleek and portable device with a touch-first operating system, exceptional display quality, and a robust app ecosystem, the Apple iPad Pro is a formidable contender.

Information You Need to Know

Q: Which device is better for students?

A: Both the Microsoft Surface Pro and Apple iPad Pro can be suitable for students, depending on their specific needs. The Surface Pro offers a more versatile experience with its Windows operating system and support for traditional desktop applications. The iPad Pro, on the other hand, is more portable and offers a touch-first experience optimized for note-taking, digital textbooks, and creative projects.

Q: Which device is better for artists and designers?

A: For artists and designers, the choice between the Microsoft Surface Pro and Apple iPad Pro depends on their preferred workflow and software. The Surface Pro offers a larger display and support for a wider range of drawing and design applications. The iPad Pro, however, provides a more portable and touch-centric experience that may be more suitable for sketching, illustration, and digital painting.

Q: Which device has a better battery life?

A: The Apple iPad Pro generally offers a slightly longer battery life than the Microsoft Surface Pro. However, actual battery life may vary depending on usage patterns and power settings.