As Microsoft Surface has evolved, it has become one of the industry's preferred hybrid tablets. But is it as good as the iPad Pro? To find out, we compared the iPad Pro (7th generation) to the Surface Pro 10 Business Edition . Which one is best for you?
The operating system is optimized for mobile devices.
Apps are designed for touch.
Ready to use right out of the box.
Apps are reviewed before they are available for download on the App Store.
Super Retina XDR display, 12MP ultra-wide-angle front camera, 12MP wide-angle rear camera.
Run Windows and desktop applications.
Greater flexibility and an open file system make it vulnerable to attacks.
Since the operating system is not optimized for mobile devices, performance suffers.
Build your own device (choose processor, RAM, etc.).
PixelSense display, 1440p Quad HD cameras, and 10.5-megapixel rear camera.
These devices offer reliable performance and many customization options for work or entertainment on the go. They also provide access to hundreds of apps in the company's respective app stores. What's more, the iPad Pro and Surface Pro are more or less comparable in price, depending on which device configuration you choose.
The biggest difference between the two tablets is Windows vs. iPadOS. If you want a truly secure tablet, the iPad Pro is an excellent choice. If you need a full desktop version running applications like Microsoft Office and Adobe Photoshop, check out the Surface Pro.
iPad ProiPadOS is optimized for mobile devices.
Run mobile versions of software, including Office.
The App Store offers mobile-optimized alternatives to desktop apps.
Runs Windows desktop operating system.
Install the desktop versions of Office and Photoshop.
Apps that work well in laptop mode don't run as smoothly when the device is in tablet mode.
Apps are the number one deciding factor between Surface Pro and iPad Pro. When most people buy a computer, their primary concern is what they can do with it, in other words, the software they can run on it.
Surface Pro runs a full version of the Windows operating system. This configuration gives it more customizable features, access to open file systems, and access to powerful software, including desktop versions of Office and Photoshop.
Where the iPad Pro shines is with apps designed specifically for touch devices. Much of the software that runs on Windows is designed for use with a mouse or touchpad. This isn't a big deal if you use the Surface Pro Smart Keyboard, which includes a touchpad. However, one of the reasons to buy a Surface Pro is to use it as both a laptop and a tablet. Unfortunately, not all software runs smoothly when you use your fingers.
The software you use depends on your needs. If you need software that is only available on the Windows platform, you need a Windows device. However, the Apple App Store is full of great options, and there's a lot you can do in your web browser. Windows has advantages in the enterprise. At home, the iPad is king.
iPad ProReady to use right out of the box.
Applications must pass security checks before they are available for download.
The open file system makes Surface Pro vulnerable.
Antivirus software is highly recommended.
Safety is everyone's top priority. The idea that someone could hijack a computer and hold files or data for ransom is enough to worry anyone.
The iPad is a safer device when it comes to malware like viruses and ransomware. Windows provides greater flexibility in opening file systems, but this openness makes Windows computers vulnerable to attacks. iPad places each application and that application's documents in a separate environment that is inaccessible to other applications. This way, the iPad is less likely to be infected by a virus and the files on the iPad are less likely to be hijacked.
Apple's well-curated App Store is also a boon for those worried about security. Malware can slip through the App Store, but this is rare and such malware can be discovered within weeks. The biggest malware threat to the iPad comes from web browsers, where web pages may pretend to hijack the iPad. To prevent these attacks, close the page or web browser.
iPad ProOptimized for mobile devices.
Better value than the Surface Pro among lower-end models.
Run apps designed for mobile devices and take up less storage space.
It's more of a laptop than a tablet.
Many customization options mean you can get the device you want.
Run applications designed for the desktop, which take up more storage, require a faster processor, and require more RAM.
It's easy to list technical specifications and benchmarks. Still, specs don't matter when comparing a device with a mobile OS to a device with a desktop OS. The Surface Pro is more like a laptop than a tablet. It has many customization options, including upgrading the processor, enhancing RAM, and adding storage.
For example, the 8 GB of RAM in the lower-end M4 iPad Pro model makes multitasking smoother. The same 8 GB of RAM in the entry-level Surface Pro slows down the tablet, even if it's only running one app.
The 256 GB in the lower-end Surface Pro might sound good compared to the iPad Pro models with 256 GB of storage, but it's not. The software on the Surface Pro takes up more space than the iPad Pro because it is desktop software and is not optimized for mobile devices.
If you're considering a Surface Pro, the lower-end model with an Intel Core Ultra 5 processor, 8 GB of RAM, and 256 GB of storage will be enough for most people. This model compares well to the iPad Pro, although Apple's device has more raw processing power.
iPad ProThe True Tone display offers a stunning color range and supports Ultra High Definition (HD).
HDR brightness is 1,600 nits.
12MP front camera.
12MP rear camera, capable of shooting 4K video.
The PixelSense display is solid.
1440p Quad HD front-facing cameras.
The 10.5-megapixel rear camera is capable of shooting HD videos.
Apple continues to push the boundaries of device displays. The True Tone display is available in a variety of colors and supports Ultra HD. It also changes the colors on the screen depending on the ambient light.
This feature produces realistic reactions when transitioning between sunlight and room lighting or shadows. However, unless you place the iPad Pro next to the Surface Pro, you probably won't notice the difference.
The iPad Pro also features a better set of cameras on the front and back of the device. Its 12-megapixel rear camera is slightly better than the 10.5-megapixel camera in the Surface Pro. The iPad Pro can shoot 4K video, while the 1440p camera on the Surface Pro can only shoot 2K.
iPad ProDoesn't come with Smart Keyboard, but works with many Bluetooth keyboard models.
There's no stylus included, but the Apple Pencil is a nice, if pricey, addition.
Doesn't come with Smart Keyboard, but works with many Bluetooth keyboard models.
Unlike some Surface Pros, the latest model doesn't come with a stylus.
Microsoft's ads showcasing the Surface tablet focused on the smart keyboard attached to it, but the keyboard doesn't come with the Surface Pro. Some Surface Pro models include Surface Pen.
The iPad Pro has a smart keyboard and the Apple Pencil is a high-tech stylus. Neither peripheral is included with the iPad Pro.
Skip the Smart Keyboard for either device when buying it for the first time. You might be surprised at how much you can get done with the on-screen keyboard. If you type a lot, a smart keyboard is a great addition. iPad Pro works with most Bluetooth keyboards.
The same goes for the stylus. These are great for artists, but you may find that an inexpensive stylus will suit your needs as well.
iPad ProLower entry-level price.
Comparing the specs, the iPad Pro is much cheaper.
The 13-inch Surface Pro is larger than the entry-level 11-inch iPad Pro.
Comparing specs, the Surface Pro performs similarly to the iPad, but costs more.
The entry-level iPad Pro costs less than the entry-level Surface Pro. However, this isn't an even comparison. The iPad Pro is faster than the Surface Pro, which has an Apple M4 chip processor, but the Surface Pro has a slightly larger display.
The fairest comparison is between a Surface Pro with an Intel Core Ultra 5 processor, 8 GB of RAM, and 256 GB of storage, and a 13-inch iPad Pro with 256 GB of storage. The iPad Pro is faster, but other than the price, the two devices have essentially the same specs.
Surface Pro 10 commercial version will be released in 2024.
Apple is known for the hefty prices of its laptops and desktops, but the iPad has been one of the best deals in tech since its release. Each version seems to raise the bar for laptop performance, and most models still cost under $1,000.
The latest iPad Pro will be released in 2024.
Choosing iPad Pro or Surface Pro depends on what you plan to use the device for. If you mainly want a laptop, the Surface Pro with the attached Smart Keyboard is your best choice. It runs Windows and desktop software, offers more configuration options, and can be used as a tablet.
If you mainly want a tablet, the iPad Pro offers the best tablet experience at a lower cost. It's optimized for mobile use but converts into a powerful laptop with a smart keyboard.
The most important factor to consider is your preference for Windows vs. iPadOS. Even if you like the iPad Pro's better security and lower price tag, if you must use software that only runs on Windows, the Surface Pro is the only choice.
If open file access or plugging in a flash drive is important, the Surface Pro wins again. But if you don't rely on Windows software, the iPad Pro offers more features at a lower price, has a better display and superior camera, and is more secure out of the box.
FAQTo turn off your iPad Pro using the Home button, press and hold the On/Off/Sleep button until the slider appears, then slide to power off. For iPads without a home button, hold down On/Off/Sleep and Volume Down .
To take a screenshot on iPad Pro using the Home button, press and release the top button and the Home button to take the screenshot. For iPads without a Home button, press and release the top button and Volume Up button. You can also use the Apple Pencil by swiping up from the corner.
To take a screenshot on Surface Pro using the Windows button, press and hold the Windows button and the Volume Down button simultaneously. For modern Surface models that don't have a built-in Windows button, hold down the Power and Volume Up buttons to take a screenshot.
To factory reset your Surface Pro, go to your device's recovery settings to reset Windows. How you do this depends on the version of Windows you're running.
To connect your AirPods to Surface Pro, open the AirPods case and press the sync button until the light flashes. Go to Bluetooth Settings, turn on Bluetooth, add a device, and select your AirPods. To switch sound output, select the speaker icon on the taskbar, and then select the arrow next to the volume control.
