Microsoft Surface Pro vs. Apple iPad Pro – The Ultimate Tablet Showdown

Comparing Microsoft’s Surface Pro and Apple’s iPad Pro may seem like comparing apples to oranges given their different computing perspectives. However, with the release of Surface Pro 6, it’s intriguing to see how it stacks up against the powerful iPad Pro. Despite their differences, they’re surprisingly similar in design and price.

Now, in the battle iPad Pro vs Surface Pro, which device do you think offers more perks?

Surface Pro 6 vs. iPad Pro Specs Comparison

Below, we look at the two concerned devices. We will compare each one of them in terms of design, performance, portability, and price to help you identify which is worth of your hard-earned money.

Design

If we take a look at the design spectrum, it’s quite obvious that the iPad Pro and the Surface Pro 6 are on contradicting ends. While Apple’s iPad Pro has more aluminum material, Microsoft’s Surface Pro has magnesium. That said, you can really notice the difference in weight, with the iPad weighing 1.57 pounds and the Surface Pro coming in at 1.71 pounds.

In addition to weight, there is another noticeable difference between the two new devices – the kickstand. For the iPad to stay propped up, it has to rely on keyboard covers or cases, which are often bought and purchased separately. Meanwhile, the Surface Pro has a special kickstand that can be adjusted and rotated up to 165 degrees. That could be a major advantage for those of you who prefer to use their devices in a laptop-like mode.

As for the display of both devices, it seems that Microsoft and Apple gave importance to more pixels to ensure users will have an enjoyable viewing experience. Apple’s iPad Pro features a nifty 12.9” display with a resolution of 2,732 x 2,048 and a pixel density of 264. Microsoft’s Surface Pro 6, on the other hand, has a slightly smaller display that measures 12.3-inches. Nonetheless, it has a resolution of 2,736 x 1,824 and a pixel density of 267.

If pixel density is your primary concern, then the Surface Pro 6 will make an excellent choice. But if you consider the overall design, then any of these two devices will suffice as they are both capable of giving you a premium-like feeling.

Performance

Performance-wise, the differences of both devices boil down to the chipsets and operating systems. The iPad Pro runs the latest iOS 12, while the Surface Pro 6 is supported by Windows 10/11. Don’t worry, though. Regardless of your choice, there are configurations you can alter for a better performance and an improved storage space.

Now, let’s examine the chipsets. At a price starting at $900, Microsoft Surface Pro 6 already comes with a quad-core 8th Gen Intel Core i5 or i7 processor. It also has an 8 GB or 16 GB RAM and a storage space of up to 1 TB.

The iPad Pro, on the contrary, only comes with a 4 GB to 256 GB storage, an embedded M-10 co-processor, and a 64-bit A10x chip. The price is much lower anyway. As low as $800, you can get yourself the newest iPad Pro.

Sure, the iPad Pro sounds like an enticing option, but you have to keep in mind that iOS 12 is still an operating system that is designed for mobile. That means, if you choose it over Surface Pro 6, you cannot run heavy photo and video editing apps and software.

Then again, both devices have different strengths depending on the scenario. While the iPad Pro gives you access to a plethora of apps from the App Store that are meant for tablet usage, the Surface Pro 6 allows you to multi-task.

Another interesting thing about both devices is they come with options for a pen; however, in the iPad Pro’s case, it is a pencil. Like the keyboard covers and cases, the stylus is not included in the price, so you have to purchase it separately.

Considering the specs, the Microsoft Surface Pen and the Apple iPad Pro Pencil are both capable of accomplishing similar drawing and inking tasks. It’s just that Apple has not yet specified the sensitivity levels of their pencil. Even so, it’s a great addition to have.

Portability

Do you want a device that is portable and easy to carry around? Not a problem! Both the iPad Pro and the Surface Pro 6 are equally portable. But if we say ultimate portability, the Apple’s iPad wins. Measuring 12” x 8.66” x 0.27”, the iPad Pro is a bit longer than the Surface Pro, which has a dimension of 11.5” x 7.9” x 0.33”, but Apple’s device is lightweight. It could be difficult to hold it with one hand, but because it is light, you can easily slip it inside your bag and travel with it.

Furthermore, the battery life of the iPad Pro is quite impressive. Based on tests, it could last up to 10 hours. As for Microsoft’s Surface Pro 6, the company claims it has a battery life of 13.5 hours, but it has yet to be tested and confirmed.

Finally, we’ll look into the connectivity features of the two. The iPad Pro only has one proprietary Lightning Port, which means you have to buy a legit and official Apple dongle to connect the device to printers and monitors. As for Surface 6 Pro, connectivity is not a problem. Not only does it have a USB 3.0 port, it also has a mini-Display port.

Be that as it may, we have to make a judgement based on portability. The iPad Pro is designed to be a mobile device. And if portability is taken into account, having one port is indeed an advantage because you need not use printers, external drives, and keyboards. Makes sense?

Which Device is the Best?

At the end of the day, you make the decision. You can decide to buy the Surface Pro 6 or purchase the iPad Pro. While the iPad Pro is a cheaper option, again, both devices have their strengths. If you are not comfortable with using your device as a tablet, then Surface Pro 6 is a great buy. But if you want to have access to a wider selection of apps, then get the iPad Pro. We just have a friendly and handy reminder. Regardless of what device you get, be sure to optimize it for better performance. If you opt for the iPad Pro 6, download Outbyte macAries, otherwise install Outbyte PC Repair.