Epic Tablet Stand-Off: Apple iPad Pro Vs Microsoft Surface Pro 4, Which One Is Better For You?
An Apple iPad Pro vs Microsoft Surface Pro 4 comparison is indeed a pretty tough one.
Both devices can rightfully claim their position among the most powerful tablets yet, but they're definitely not aimed at the same type of user.
Primarily targeted toward the tech-savvy creative population as well as those who like to play as much as they work, the iOS 9-powered Apple iPad Pro brings along a rather big but beautiful 12.9-inch screen. It has quad speakers and works with an optional keyboard and Pencil.
Meanwhile, the Microsoft Surface Pro 4 is more of a laptop replacement and is powered by a sixth generation Core processor and Windows 10. It also brings you a built-in kickstand, an optional keyboard and pen.
Because of the kickstand, the Surface Pro 4 can be positioned dynamically to find just the apt angle. The keyboard is also smoother and more versatile than that of the iPad Pro.
The display in the Surface Pro 4 is 12.3-inch, with 2736x1824p resolution and 267-ppi. At 12.9-inch, the iPad Pro's display is slightly bigger and it offers a resolution of 2732x2048p and 264ppi.
In terms of overall display quality, both devices stand more or less in the same league with neither having a distinct advantage over the other.
In terms of storage capacity, the Surface Pro gives you three options, 128GB, 256GB and 512 GB. Same goes with the RAM, 4GB, 8GB and an insane 16GB.
Compared to that, the iPad Pro has fewer variants, two to be precise, 32GB and 128GB. The RAM is 4GB. The Surface Pro 4 seems to have a clear advantage in this aspect as it gives you more choices.
In terms of raw processing power, the 64-bit A9X in the iPad Pro does deliver some serious speed whereas the Surface Pro 4 brings you three chip options, a weaker Intel Skylake Core M3, Core i5 and a Core i7.
Both devices carry 8MP primary cameras with more or less the same image quality.
But when it comes to the front camera, the Surface Pro 4 gives you 5MP as compared to the iPad Pro's 1.2 MP.
The number of ports in the Surface Pro is also higher (including one microSD slot and USB 3.0).
The bottom-line, while the iPad Pro is definitely a beautifully designed and powerful device aimed, it lags behind the Surface Pro in many disciplines including specs and performance (except for one-the latter does not have cellular connectivity).