Windows Surface Vs. Apple iPad: The Best Pro Tablets

iPad Pro and Surface Pro are the popular 2-in-1 solutions for users who are always on the go. They are light, versatile, and big enough to do almost all sorts of tasks without an issue.

So how do these devices stack against each other regarding specs? Read and find out in our iPad Pro vs. Surface Pro comparison.

iPad Pro Vs. Surface Pro: Performance & Processor

Under the hood, iPad Pro 2021 and 2022 use Apple-made M1 and M2 processors, respectively.

Both processors have snappy performance in single-core and multi-core tasks, one of the many things the iPad Pro does better than the iPad Air.

The Surface Pros use 10th and 11th-generation Intel Core i5/i7 processors. Everyday tasks like web surfing and running apps work smoothly on these tablets.

If you're into gaming, a second-hand iPad Pro is a wise choice, as M1/M2 processors easily handle demanding games without frame rate drops.

But if you do ordinary tasks and performance is your main concern, even older iPads Pro performance at a budget price is impressive.

Surface Pro Vs. iPad Pro: Software / Operating System

The Surface Pro 8 has built-in Windows 11, providing a worthwhile touch-friendly experience. On the Pro 7, you get preloaded Windows 10 but with a free Windows 11 update.

The iPad Pro contender of 2022 runs on iPadOS 16.1, which has introduced new multitasking features such as resizable windows and viewing four apps simultaneously.

The iPad Pro 2021 comes with iPadOS 14.5.1 or iPadOS 15.7, which is upgradable to iPadOS 16.1.

iPad Pro Pencil Vs. Surface Pro: Pen

The Surface pen and Apple pencil differ in latency, with Surface Pen responding at 21ms and Apple Pen at 9ms.

However, since both these styluses respond in milliseconds, you won't feel a difference in speed in real-life usage.

Switching to an eraser by double tapping on the Apple pencil is tricky, with many users accidentally switching to an eraser mid-writing. Surface Pen makes it easy by having the eraser at the other end like a traditional pencil.

Apple iPad Pro Vs. Surface Pro: Design & Display

Regarding screen size, iPad Pro has come a long way from its 1st Gen 9.7" iPad Pro model.

iPad Pro and Surface Pro are almost equal in refresh rates, pixel density, and brightness. Both have large immersive screens, with iPad Pro 12.9 inches screen and Surface Pro packing 13 inches.

This is an improvement on Surface Pro 8's part, as the last Surface Pro had thicker bezels with a lesser screen-to-body ratio.

Compare Surface Pro And iPad Pro: Battery Life.

The iPad Pro 2022 delivers around 10 hours and 48 mins of web surfing and app usage, just as Apple claims.

However, the Surface Pro 8 falls short of its promise of 16 hours of battery life. The Surface Pro 8 delivers around 9-10 hours of battery life while surfing the web and running regular apps.

Running more demanding tasks drains the battery even quicker, so iPad Pro is the safer bet for future-proofing.

Microsoft Surface Pro Vs. iPad Pro: Price

PhoneBot offers refurbished iPad Pro 12.9 2021 at a starting price of A$1399. The one with Wi-Fi and Cellular support has a starting cost of A$1479.

The iPad Pro 12.9 2022 is slightly pricey and starts from A$1999.

On the flip side, Microsoft Surface devices cost a little less. The Surface Pro 8 starts from A$1029, whereas Surface Pro 7 i5 costs only A$599. For an i7 processor on Pro 7, you'll have to pay A$749.

Note that the Styluses and Keyboards for both are sold separately, impacting the total bill significantly.

iPad Pro Vs. Surface Pro: Model Comparison

Here's how the latest models of both lineups compare.

iPad Pro 2022 M2 Vs. Surface Pro 8

Both devices stack equally against each other regarding design, size, resolution, and refresh rate. The main difference between iPad Pro 2022 vs. Surface Pro 8 exists in the chips and OS they run.

The iPad Pro features a desktop-class M2 chip that easily blows the Intel chips out of the water. The OS running on iPad is more touch-friendly than Surface Pro, which runs Windows 11 tailored for PCs.

Microsoft Surface Pro 7 Vs. iPad Pro 2021 M1

Both contenders have immersive screens, with Surface Pro having a smaller 12.3" screen. The advertised battery life is almost the same for both devices.

Again the main difference between iPad Pro M1 vs. Surface Pro 7 comes down to the processors. The M1 processor on iPad Pro is way faster than you could ask for and leagues ahead of Intel processors.

Both these iPads are among the best iPads to buy in Australia, so if you have the budget, look no further than these two. But if you're short on budget, PhoneBot has cheaper iPads.

Macbook Pro Vs. Surface Pro: Which Is Right For You?

Which of the two is a better fit for professionals? Read on to know.

iPad Pro Vs. Surface Pro: For Editors

Given the powerful M1 and M2 processors, media editing workloads, both light and demanding, will run smoothly on iPad Pro.

Surface Pro, however, may need to improve in demanding editing projects.

Surface Pro Vs. iPad Pro For Graphic Design

As for Graphic designing, iPad Pro again leads the game by having impressive feature-rich apps and a touch-friendly OS.

The 2nd Gen Apple Pencil and powerful chipset make the experience even more seamless.

On the other hand, you have Windows 11, that's yet to be fully optimized to give an authentic tablet experience.

Apple iPad Pro Vs. Surface Pro: For Illustrators

Both devices stack almost equally when it comes to illustrating. Both support styluses with minimal latency.

However, for the all-over user experience, iPad Pro is already popular among creatives, with most of them using it as a drawing tablet and making a living off it.

Microsoft Surface Pro Vs. iPad Pro: For Music Producers

The Surface Pro 8 would be your better option as a Music Producer. It runs a full-fledged desktop-class OS having the support of most music app developers.

Moreover, Surface Pro 7 and 8 feature a 3.5mm headphone jack and USB-C and A ports, two must-needed things for your music journey.

iPad Pro Vs. Surface Pro For Architects

The iPad Pro will be the best choice for architects as it provides a seamless touch experience. Since your work will involve site inspections, the iPad Pro comes in a lighter 11" version.

Read our comparison for more details on how iPad Pro 11" compares with 12.9".

Moreover, the camera on iPad has a LiDAR scanner that'll help you with measuring purposes.

iPad Pro Vs. Surface Pro For Students

Both devices are considered the best student laptops. With lightweight and stylus support, they are easier to carry and use.

But if you need more processing power, choose iPad Pro for future-proofing.

So what's your pick out of these two? If you liked the Apple contender more, you don't have to go for costly newer ones since refurbished iPad Pro provide just as much value.