If you’re looking for a high-end tablet and are unsure whether to choose the Surface Pro or the iPad Pro, comparing the Surface Pro vs iPad Pro can help you make an informed decision.
Both tablets are specifically designed for professionals, offering impressive performance and versatility.
However, selecting between the two can be challenging.
In this article, we’ll compare the Surface Pro and the iPad Pro to assist you in making the right choice.
The Surface Pro is a 2-in-1 device that runs on Windows 11, making it an excellent option for those who need a full-fledged computer experience.
On the other hand, the iPad Pro runs on iPadOS and is optimized for mobile use, making it ideal for on-the-go productivity.
While the Surface Pro has a larger display and more ports, the iPad Pro boasts a better battery life and a more extensive app ecosystem.
We’ll delve into these and other features to help you decide which tablet is best for you.
Design
When it comes to design, both the iPad Pro and Surface Pro have their own unique features that set them apart from each other.
iPad Pro Design
The iPad Pro has a sleek and modern design that is both lightweight and easy to carry around.
It features a unibody aluminum chassis that is available in two sizes, 11-inch and 12.9-inch.
The iPad Pro has a slim profile and rounded edges, making it comfortable to hold for extended periods of time.
It also has a magnetic strip on the side that allows for easy attachment and charging of the Apple Pencil.
The Apple Pencil is an essential accessory for the iPad Pro, and its design complements the tablet perfectly.
It is slim, lightweight, and easy to grip, making it comfortable to use for long periods of time.
The Apple Pencil also attaches magnetically to the side of the iPad Pro, making it easy to keep it close by when you need it.
Surface Pro Design
The Surface Pro has a more traditional tablet design, with a kickstand that allows it to be propped up on a desk or table.
The kickstand is adjustable, so you can find the perfect angle for your needs.
The Surface Pro also has a detachable keyboard, which makes it easy to switch between tablet and laptop modes.
The Surface Pro has a magnesium alloy chassis, which gives it a premium look and feel.
It is available in a variety of colors, including Platinum, Matte Black, and Cobalt Blue.
The Surface Pro is also available in two sizes, 12.3-inch and 13.5-inch.
In terms of accessories, the Surface Pen is a must-have for the Surface Pro.
It is designed to work seamlessly with the tablet, and features a customizable button that can be used to launch apps or perform other functions.
The Surface Pen attaches magnetically to the side of the tablet, so you can keep it close by at all times.
Overall, both the iPad Pro and Surface Pro have unique designs that cater to different needs.
The iPad Pro is more lightweight and portable, while the Surface Pro is more versatile and can be used as a laptop replacement.
Both tablets are compatible with their respective styluses, which are essential for note-taking, drawing, and other tasks.
Display
When it comes to high-end tablets, display quality is one of the most important factors to consider.
Both the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 and the Apple iPad Pro offer impressive displays, but there are some differences to keep in mind.
iPad Pro Display
The iPad Pro features an impressive 12.9-inch XDR display with a resolution of 2732 x 2048 pixels.
This display uses Mini LED technology, which allows for more precise and accurate lighting control, resulting in deeper blacks and brighter colors.
The iPad Pro’s display also features ProMotion technology, which allows for a refresh rate of up to 120Hz, resulting in smoother animations and more responsive touch input.
Surface Pro Display
The Surface Pro 9 features a 13-inch PixelSense display with a resolution of 2880 x 1920 pixels.
While this display doesn’t use Mini LED technology, it still offers impressive color accuracy and brightness.
The Surface Pro 9’s display also features a 3:2 aspect ratio, which is great for productivity tasks like working on documents and browsing the web.
In terms of size, the iPad Pro’s display is slightly larger than the Surface Pro’s, but the difference is negligible.
Both displays offer great viewing angles and are easy to read in bright sunlight.
Overall, while the iPad Pro’s Mini LED display offers some advantages over the Surface Pro’s display, both displays are great for different use cases.
If you prioritize color accuracy and brightness, the iPad Pro may be the better choice.
If you prioritize productivity tasks and a more traditional aspect ratio, the Surface Pro may be the better choice.
Processor
When it comes to tablets, the processor is one of the most important components to consider.
It determines how fast your device can run, how smoothly it can handle multitasking, and how quickly it can launch and run apps.
In this section, we’ll take a closer look at the processors used in the iPad Pro and Surface Pro.
iPad Pro Processor
The iPad Pro is powered by Apple’s M1 chip, which is also used in the latest MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Mac Mini.
The M1 chip is a powerful and efficient processor that delivers fast performance and long battery life.
It has an 8-core CPU and an 8-core GPU, which work together to handle even the most demanding tasks with ease.
The M1 chip also includes a 16-core Neural Engine, which is designed to accelerate machine learning tasks.
This makes the iPad Pro a great choice for artists, designers, and other creative professionals who need to work with complex graphics and animations.
Surface Pro Processor
The Surface Pro is powered by a Microsoft SQ3 processor, which is a custom chip designed specifically for the Surface Pro.
It has a quad-core CPU and an integrated GPU, which deliver solid performance for everyday tasks like web browsing, email, and word processing.
The SQ3 processor is not as powerful as the M1 chip used in the iPad Pro, but it is still a capable processor that can handle most tasks with ease.
It also has a fanless design, which means it runs quietly and doesn’t get too hot even under heavy use.
In terms of raw processing power, the M1 chip used in the iPad Pro is definitely more powerful than the SQ3 processor used in the Surface Pro.
However, the Surface Pro is still a great choice for users who need a versatile and portable device for everyday use.
Here is a quick comparison table to summarize the key differences between the iPad Pro and Surface Pro processors:
| Processor | iPad Pro (M1 chip) | Surface Pro (Microsoft SQ3 processor) |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | 8-core | Quad-core |
| GPU | 8-core | Integrated |
| Neural Engine | 16-core | N/A |
| Fanless design | No | Yes |
Overall, both the iPad Pro and Surface Pro have capable processors that can handle most tasks with ease.
The M1 chip used in the iPad Pro is more powerful, but the Surface Pro is still a great choice for users who need a versatile and portable device for everyday use.
Keyboard And Stylus
When it comes to productivity and creativity, the keyboard and stylus are two essential accessories for any tablet.
In this section, we’ll compare the keyboard and stylus options for the iPad Pro and the Surface Pro.
iPad Pro Keyboard And Stylus
The iPad Pro has two keyboard options: the Smart Keyboard Folio and the Magic Keyboard.
The Smart Keyboard Folio is a slim, lightweight keyboard that attaches magnetically to the iPad Pro.
It’s made of durable, water-resistant material and provides a comfortable typing experience.
The Magic Keyboard, on the other hand, is a more premium option.
It has a backlit keyboard, a trackpad, and a floating design that allows you to adjust the viewing angle of your iPad Pro.
For the stylus, the iPad Pro uses the Apple Pencil 2.
It’s a sleek, well-designed stylus that provides a natural writing and drawing experience.
It attaches magnetically to the iPad Pro and charges wirelessly when attached.
The Apple Pencil 2 also has a touch-sensitive area that allows you to switch between tools with a double-tap.
Surface Pro Keyboard And Stylus
The Surface Pro has the Type Cover and the Surface Slim Pen 2 as its keyboard and stylus options, respectively.
The Type Cover is a detachable keyboard that attaches magnetically to the Surface Pro.
It has a full-sized keyboard and a large trackpad, making it easy to type and navigate.
The Type Cover is also backlit, making it easy to type in low-light conditions.
The Surface Slim Pen 2 is a precise, responsive stylus that attaches magnetically to the Surface Pro.
It has a slim, ergonomic design that’s comfortable to hold and provides a natural writing and drawing experience.
The Surface Slim Pen 2 also has a touch-sensitive button that allows you to quickly access tools.
In conclusion, both the iPad Pro and the Surface Pro have excellent keyboard and stylus options.
The iPad Pro has the Magic Keyboard and the Apple Pencil 2, while the Surface Pro has the Type Cover and the Surface Slim Pen 2.
It ultimately comes down to personal preference and which accessories best fit your needs.
Productivity And Portability
When it comes to productivity and portability, both the iPad Pro and Surface Pro have their strengths and weaknesses.
Here’s what you need to know about each.
iPad Pro Productivity And Portability
The iPad Pro’s portability is one of its biggest strengths.
It’s incredibly thin and light, making it easy to take with you wherever you go.
The battery life is also impressive, giving you up to 10 hours of use on a single charge.
However, the iPad Pro’s operating system, iPadOS, is still limited compared to a full desktop operating system like Windows.
This means that some productivity tasks may be more difficult to accomplish on an iPad Pro.
That being said, the iPad Pro does have some features that make it a great productivity tool.
For example, the Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard Folio make it easy to take notes and type up documents on the go.
The iPad Pro also has a USB-C port, which allows you to connect to a variety of accessories and peripherals.
Surface Pro Productivity And Portability
The Surface Pro’s portability is also impressive, thanks to its slim design and lightweight build.
It’s a bit heavier than the iPad Pro, but still easy to carry around with you.
The battery life is also good, giving you up to 13.5 hours of use on a single charge.
One of the biggest advantages of the Surface Pro is its operating system, Windows 11.
This allows you to run full desktop applications, making it a great choice for productivity tasks.
The Surface Pro also has a variety of ports, including USB-C and Thunderbolt 4, which makes it easy to connect to a wide range of accessories and peripherals.
In terms of productivity features, the Surface Pro also has some advantages over the iPad Pro.
For example, the Surface Pen and Type Cover make it easy to take notes and type up documents on the go.
The Surface Pro also has LTE connectivity, which means you can stay connected even when you’re away from Wi-Fi.
Overall, both the iPad Pro and Surface Pro are great options for productivity and portability.
It really comes down to your personal preferences and what you need to get done.
If you need full desktop applications and a variety of ports, the Surface Pro is the way to go.
If you prioritize portability and ease of use, the iPad Pro may be the better choice for you.
Price
When it comes to high-end tablets, both the Microsoft Surface Pro and the Apple iPad Pro come with a hefty price tag.
In this section, we will compare the prices of the two devices.
iPad Pro Price
The iPad Pro comes in two sizes: 11 inches and 12.9 inches.
The base model of the 11-inch iPad Pro starts at $799, while the base model of the 12.9-inch iPad Pro starts at $1,099.
However, the price can go up significantly depending on the storage and connectivity options you choose.
For example, the 12.9-inch iPad Pro with 2TB of storage and cellular connectivity costs $2,399.
Surface Pro Price
The Microsoft Surface Pro also comes in two sizes: 13.5 inches and 15 inches.
The base model of the 13.5-inch Surface Pro starts at $899, while the base model of the 15-inch Surface Pro starts at $1,199.
Like the iPad Pro, the price can go up depending on the storage and connectivity options you choose.
For example, the 15-inch Surface Pro with 1TB of storage and 4G LTE costs $2,799.
Overall, both the iPad Pro and the Surface Pro are expensive devices.
If you’re on a tight budget, you may want to consider other options.
However, if you’re looking for a high-end tablet with top-of-the-line specs, both the iPad Pro and the Surface Pro are worth considering.
Surface Pro Vs iPad Pro: Which Is Better?
When it comes to high-end tablets, the Microsoft Surface Pro and the Apple iPad Pro are two of the most popular options on the market.
Both offer powerful performance, sleek designs, and a range of features that make them ideal for work and play.
But which one is better? Let’s take a closer look.
Design And Build
The iPad Pro has a sleek and modern design, with a thin frame and rounded edges.
It features a Liquid Retina display that offers stunning visuals and supports the Apple Pencil for precise drawing and note-taking.
The Surface Pro, on the other hand, has a more traditional laptop-like design, with a kickstand and detachable keyboard.
It also features a high-resolution PixelSense display and supports the Surface Pen for drawing and note-taking.
Performance
Both the Surface Pro and the iPad Pro offer excellent performance, thanks to their powerful processors and ample memory.
The iPad Pro is powered by Apple’s M1 chip, while the Surface Pro features 11th Gen Intel Core processors.
Both tablets can handle demanding tasks with ease, from video editing to gaming.
Software
One of the biggest differences between the Surface Pro and the iPad Pro is the software they run.
The iPad Pro runs on iOS, which offers a user-friendly interface and a wide range of apps.
The Surface Pro runs on Windows 10, which offers more versatility and compatibility with traditional desktop software.
Price
When it comes to price, the Surface Pro and the iPad Pro are both on the higher end of the spectrum.
The Surface Pro starts at $899, while the iPad Pro starts at $799.
However, the Surface Pro includes a detachable keyboard, while the iPad Pro requires the purchase of a separate keyboard.
Overall, both the Surface Pro and the iPad Pro are excellent tablets that offer powerful performance and a range of features.
The choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and what you plan to use the tablet for.
Key Takeaways
If you’re in the market for a new tablet, the Surface Pro and iPad Pro are two of the best options available.
Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind when deciding which one is right for you:
Operating System
The Surface Pro 9 runs on Windows 11, while the iPad Pro runs on iOS.
If you’re used to using a Windows computer, the Surface Pro might be the better choice for you.
However, if you’re already an iPhone user and are comfortable with iOS, the iPad Pro might be a better fit.
Design
Both the Surface Pro and iPad Pro are 2-in-1 devices that can be used as both a tablet and a laptop.
The Surface Pro has a detachable keyboard, while the iPad Pro has a Smart Keyboard Folio that attaches magnetically.
The iPad Pro also has Face ID, which allows you to unlock the device with your face.
Ports
The Surface Pro has a USB-C port and a headphone jack, while the iPad Pro has a USB-C port and no headphone jack.
If you need to use wired headphones, you’ll need to use an adapter with the iPad Pro.
Digital Art
Both the Surface Pro and iPad Pro are popular choices for digital artists.
The Surface Pro comes with a stylus, while the Apple Pencil is sold separately for the iPad Pro.
Both styluses are highly responsive and accurate.
Price
The Surface Pro 9 starts at $1,299 for the basic model with 8GB of memory and 128GB of storage, while the iPad Pro starts at $799 for the 11-inch model with 128GB of storage.
However, if you want a larger screen and more storage, the price difference between the two devices becomes less significant.
Overall, both the Surface Pro and iPad Pro are excellent devices that offer a lot of features and functionality.
Your choice will ultimately come down to your personal preferences and needs.
