Are you in the market for a new tablet and choosing which will win the Surface Pro 8 vs iPad Pro battle?
Both are top-of-the-line tablets with impressive features, making it a tough choice.
In this article, we’ll break down the key differences between the two, so you can make an informed decision.
First, let’s talk about design.
The iPad Pro has a sleek and slim design with a nearly bezel-less display, whereas the Surface Pro 8 has a slightly thicker bezel and a kickstand that allows you to prop up the tablet at different angles.
The iPad Pro also has a more vibrant display, perfect for photo editing or watching movies.
However, the Surface Pro 8 offers more ports, including a USB-C port and a headphone jack, making it more versatile for different types of users.
Design And Form Factor
When it comes to design and form factor, the Surface Pro 8 and iPad Pro are both sleek and modern 2-in-1 tablets that are sure to turn heads.
Let’s take a closer look at the design of each device.
Surface Pro 8 Design
The Surface Pro 8 has a premium look and feel, with a magnesium-aluminum body that is both durable and lightweight.
The device comes in two colors: Platinum and Matte Black.
The Surface Pro 8 also features a built-in kickstand that can be adjusted to any angle, making it easy to use in a variety of settings.
One of the most notable design changes from previous Surface Pro models is the reduction of bezels.
The Surface Pro 8 has slimmer bezels than its predecessors, which gives the device a more modern and sleek appearance.
The device also features a USB-C port, which is a welcome addition for those who prefer this type of connector.
iPad Pro Design
The iPad Pro has a similar design to previous models, with an aluminum body that is both durable and lightweight.
The device comes in two sizes: 11 inches and 12.9 inches.
The iPad Pro also features a built-in kickstand that can be adjusted to any angle, making it easy to use in a variety of settings.
One of the most notable design changes from previous iPad Pro models is the reduction of bezels.
The iPad Pro has slimmer bezels than its predecessors, which gives the device a more modern and sleek appearance.
The device also features a USB-C port, which is a welcome addition for those who prefer this type of connector.
Overall, both the Surface Pro 8 and iPad Pro have impressive designs that are sure to please.
The Surface Pro 8 has a more modern and sleek appearance due to its slim bezels, while the iPad Pro has a more traditional design with an aluminum body.
Ultimately, the choice between the two devices will come down to personal preference.
Display And Screen
When it comes to choosing between the Surface Pro 8 and the iPad Pro, the display and screen are some of the most important factors to consider.
In this section, we’ll take a closer look at the display and screen of both devices to help you decide which one is right for you.
Surface Pro 8 Display
The Surface Pro 8 features a 13-inch PixelSense display with a resolution of 2736 x 1824 pixels.
It has a brightness of up to 400 nits and a contrast ratio of 1500:1.
The Surface Pro 8’s display is not as impressive as the iPad Pro’s, but it’s still a solid choice for everyday use.
iPad Pro Display
The iPad Pro is known for its stunning display, and the latest model is no exception.
The 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display has a resolution of 2732 x 2048 pixels and a brightness of up to 1600 nits.
It also has a contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1 and supports ProMotion technology, which means it can adjust its refresh rate up to 120Hz for smoother scrolling and more responsive touch input.
The iPad Pro’s display also features True Tone technology, which adjusts the color temperature based on the ambient lighting in the room.
Additionally, it has a mini-LED backlighting system that provides deeper blacks and brighter whites.
Which One Is Right For You?
If you’re looking for a device with a stunning display, the iPad Pro is the clear winner.
Its Liquid Retina XDR display with mini-LED backlighting is one of the best on the market, and it supports ProMotion technology for a smoother and more responsive experience.
However, if you don’t need the absolute best display and are more interested in a versatile 2-in-1 device, the Surface Pro 8 is still a solid choice.
Its PixelSense display is not as impressive as the iPad Pro’s, but it’s still a great option for everyday use.
Ultimately, the choice between the Surface Pro 8 and the iPad Pro comes down to your personal preferences and needs.
If you prioritize a stunning display, the iPad Pro is the way to go.
But if you need a versatile 2-in-1 device that can handle a variety of tasks, the Surface Pro 8 is still a great option.
Performance And Productivity
When it comes to performance and productivity, both the Surface Pro 8 and iPad Pro are impressive devices.
Let’s take a closer look at each one.
Surface Pro 8 Performance
The Surface Pro 8 is powered by either an 11th Gen Intel Core i5 or i7 processor, which offers excellent performance for most productivity tasks.
The i5 model comes with 8GB or 16GB of RAM, while the i7 model comes with 16GB or 32GB of RAM.
This means that you can run multiple applications at the same time without any lag or slowdowns.
In addition, the Surface Pro 8 comes with either 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB of storage, depending on the configuration you choose.
This gives you plenty of space to store all your important files and documents.
The Surface Pro 8 also comes with Windows 11, which is optimized for productivity and offers a range of features that can help you get more done.
For example, you can use Windows Hello to log in quickly and securely, and Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1 ensure fast and reliable wireless connectivity.
iPad Pro Performance
The iPad Pro is powered by Apple’s M1 chip, which is a powerful processor that offers excellent performance for most productivity tasks.
The M1 chip is also optimized for battery life, which means that you can use your iPad Pro for extended periods without needing to charge it.
The iPad Pro comes with either 8GB or 16GB of RAM, depending on the configuration you choose.
This means that you can run multiple applications at the same time without any lag or slowdowns.
In addition, the iPad Pro comes with either 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB of storage, depending on the configuration you choose.
This gives you plenty of space to store all your important files and documents.
The iPad Pro also comes with iPadOS, which is optimized for productivity and offers a range of features that can help you get more done.
For example, you can use the Smart Connector to connect your iPad Pro to a keyboard, and the Apple Pencil to take notes or draw sketches.
Overall, both the Surface Pro 8 and iPad Pro offer excellent performance and productivity features.
Depending on your needs, one may be a better choice than the other.
Keyboard And Trackpad
When it comes to 2-in-1 tablets, the keyboard and trackpad are crucial components that can make or break the user experience.
In this section, we’ll compare the keyboard and trackpad of the Surface Pro 8 and the iPad Pro to help you decide which one is best for you.
Surface Pro 8 Keyboard
The Surface Pro 8 comes with the Type Cover, which is a detachable keyboard that attaches magnetically to the tablet.
The keyboard is backlit and has a comfortable, responsive typing experience with good key travel and spacing.
The trackpad is large, smooth, and responsive, making it easy to navigate through the Windows 11 operating system.
One downside of the Type Cover is that it is sold separately, which can add to the overall cost of the Surface Pro 8.
Additionally, the Type Cover lacks a touchpad gesture to switch between virtual desktops, which can be inconvenient for power users.
iPad Pro Keyboard
The iPad Pro can be paired with the Magic Keyboard, which is a full-sized keyboard with a built-in trackpad.
The keyboard is backlit and has a scissor mechanism that provides a comfortable typing experience with good key travel and spacing.
The trackpad is also responsive and supports multi-touch gestures, making it easy to navigate through the iPadOS 15 operating system.
One downside of the Magic Keyboard is that it is also sold separately, which can add to the overall cost of the iPad Pro.
Additionally, the Magic Keyboard lacks a function row, which can be a deal-breaker for some users.
Overall, both the Surface Pro 8 and the iPad Pro have excellent keyboards and trackpads.
The Type Cover and Magic Keyboard are both great options that provide a comfortable typing experience and responsive trackpad.
Ultimately, the decision between the two will come down to personal preference and which operating system you prefer to use.
Ports And Connectivity
When it comes to ports and connectivity, both the Surface Pro 8 and iPad Pro have a lot to offer.
Let’s take a closer look at what each device has to offer.
Surface Pro 8 Ports
The Surface Pro 8 comes with two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports, a Surface Connect port, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Thunderbolt 4 is new on the Surface this year and provides access to faster data transfers and more charging options.
The Surface Connect port is used to connect the Surface Dock and other accessories.
iPad Pro Ports
The iPad Pro has a single Thunderbolt 4 USB-C port and a 3.5mm headphone jack.
The USB-C port provides fast data transfer speeds and can be used to connect to external displays, cameras, and other accessories.
Both devices also have Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless connectivity and built-in kickstands for easy viewing angles.
In terms of ports and connectivity, the Surface Pro 8 has a slight advantage with its additional Thunderbolt 4 USB-C port and Surface Connect port.
However, the iPad Pro’s single Thunderbolt 4 USB-C port is still versatile enough for most users.
Ultimately, the choice between the two devices will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
Price And Value
When it comes to price, the Surface Pro 8 and iPad Pro are both premium devices with high price tags.
However, they offer different value propositions depending on your needs.
Surface Pro 8 Price
The Surface Pro 8 starts at $1,099 for the base model with an 11th Gen Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage.
If you want more power and storage, you can upgrade to the Core i7 model with up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage for $2,699.
The Surface Pro 8 is also available with optional LTE connectivity for an additional $150.
iPad Pro Price
The iPad Pro starts at $799 for the 11-inch model with an M1 chip, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage.
If you want the larger 12.9-inch display, you’ll need to pay at least $1,099.
Upgrading to 1TB of storage will cost you $1,499 for the 11-inch model and $1,799 for the 12.9-inch model.
While the Surface Pro 8 is more expensive than the iPad Pro, it does come with a detachable keyboard and pen, which are sold separately for the iPad Pro.
Additionally, the Surface Pro 8 runs on Windows 11, which offers more productivity features than iPadOS.
On the other hand, the iPad Pro has a more powerful M1 chip, which makes it a better choice for demanding tasks like video editing and gaming.
It also has a better display with ProMotion technology and support for the Apple Pencil 2.
Ultimately, the decision between the Surface Pro 8 and iPad Pro comes down to your needs and budget.
If you need a laptop replacement with a full desktop operating system, the Surface Pro 8 is the way to go.
If you want a powerful tablet with a great display and Apple ecosystem integration, the iPad Pro is the better choice.
Surface Pro 8 vs iPad Pro: Which Is Right For You?
When it comes to choosing between the Surface Pro 8 and the iPad Pro, it really depends on what you’re looking for in a tablet.
Both devices have their strengths and weaknesses, and it’s important to consider which features are most important to you.
If you’re looking for a tablet that can also function as a laptop replacement, the Surface Pro 8 is the way to go.
It runs on Windows 11, which means you have access to the full suite of Microsoft Office apps and can easily switch between tablet and desktop mode.
The Surface Pro 8 also has a built-in kickstand and a detachable keyboard, making it easy to use on a desk or on the go.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a tablet that’s primarily for entertainment and creative work, the iPad Pro might be a better fit.
It has a larger screen than the Surface Pro 8, and the Apple Pencil allows for precise drawing and note-taking.
The iPad Pro also has a more extensive app store, with many apps that are optimized for the tablet’s larger screen.
In terms of hardware, both devices are powerful and have high-quality displays.
The Surface Pro 8 has a slightly higher resolution and pixel density than the iPad Pro, but the difference is negligible for most users.
The iPad Pro has a better front-facing camera and Face ID, while the Surface Pro 8 has a better rear-facing camera.
Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what you’ll be using the tablet for.
If you need a tablet that can function as a laptop replacement, go with the Surface Pro 8.
If you’re looking for a tablet for creative work and entertainment, the iPad Pro is the way to go.
Key Takeaways
When it comes to choosing between the Surface Pro 8 and the iPad Pro, there are a few key takeaways to keep in mind.
First, the Surface Pro 8 is a great choice for those who need a full-fledged computer in a tablet form factor.
With Windows 11, you have access to a wide range of software and applications, making it a versatile device for work or play.
The iPad Pro, on the other hand, runs on iPadOS, which is more limited in terms of software options.
Second, the Surface Pro 8 offers a wider range of ports, including USB-C, USB-A, and a headphone jack.
This makes it easier to connect to external devices like monitors, keyboards, and mice.
The iPad Pro, on the other hand, only has a single USB-C port.
Third, the Surface Pro 8 has a better keyboard and trackpad than the iPad Pro.
The Surface Pro Type Cover is a full-sized keyboard with backlit keys and a large trackpad, while the iPad Pro’s Magic Keyboard is smaller and less comfortable to type on for long periods of time.
Fourth, the iPad Pro has a better display than the Surface Pro 8.
With a resolution of 2732 x 2048 and a pixel density of 264 PPI, the iPad Pro’s Liquid Retina display is bright and crisp.
The Surface Pro 8’s display, while still high-quality, has a lower resolution of 2880 x 1920 and a slightly lower pixel density of 267 PPI.
Finally, the Surface Pro 8 has better battery life than the iPad Pro.
With up to 16 hours of video playback, the Surface Pro 8 can last all day on a single charge.
The iPad Pro, while still offering solid battery life, only lasts up to 10 hours of web browsing or video playback.
Overall, both the Surface Pro 8 and the iPad Pro are excellent tablets that offer unique features and capabilities.
Depending on your needs and preferences, one may be a better fit for you than the other.
