iPad Pro vs. Surface Pro 4: The big tablet comparison
With the iPad Pro, Apple has launched a direct competitor to the Surface Pro 4. In our comparison iPad Pro vs. Surface Pro 4 we show you the two top tablets in comparison.
iPad Pro vs. Surface Pro 4: size, display, weight
- Display: The Surface Pro 4 has a 12.3-inch display on which a whopping 2736 x 1824 pixels are distributed. The iPad Pro is 12.9 inches and 2, 732 x 2, 048 pixels. The iPad has a slightly better resolution and a larger screen.
- Size: The Surface has a size of 29 x 20 centimeters. At only 8.45 millimeters, the Surface Pro 4 is thicker than the iPad: Because that is an incredible 6.9 millimeters thin and 30.6 x 22.1 centimeters in size.
- Weight: The Surface is slightly heavier than the iPad. The m3 model weighs 766 grams, the i5 and i7 versions weigh 786 grams. The iPad, on the other hand, weighs only 724 grams.
iPad Pro or Surface Pro 4: The performance in comparison
- The iPad Pro has an Apple A9X processor with two cores, which brings it to 2.26 GHz. Together with the perfectly tailored operating system, the tablet also displays all apps smoothly in the split screen and without stutters. Even complex graphics are no problem.
- The Surface Pro 4 is available in three versions: With the m3, i5 and i7 processor from the sixth generation from Intel, the so-called Skylake processors.
- The smallest version with a m3 processor can hardly compete with the iPad Pro: Although it is suitable for office applications and for surfing, you have to expect weaknesses in demanding programs such as Photoshop.
- With the i5 version, the Surface comes close to the performance of the iPad: all applications run smoothly, even graphics programs from Adobe can be used without stutters.
- The i7 processor in the largest Surface model brings even more performance. The top model of the Surface Pro 4 puts the iPad Pro in the shade on the data sheet. Due to the different systems, a direct comparison is difficult.
Storage equipment and connections of the iPad Pro compared to the Surface Pro 4
- As already described above, the Surface Pro 4 is available in three versions: The smallest model has 128 GB SSD storage and 4 GB RAM. This is followed by the i5 version with 256 GB of memory and 8 GB of RAM and the i7 version with up to 1 TB and 16 GB of RAM.
- The iPad Pro is also available with various configurations: 32 GB or 128 GB of memory are available. The 128 GB version is also available with a SIM card slot.
- With the Surface Pro 4, the memory can be expanded using Micro SD, with the iPad you have to make do with the built-in memory.
- The Surface also has a USB 3.0 connection ahead of the iPad: The iPad only has the Apple-typical Lightning connection.
iPad Pro vs. Surface Pro 4: accessories
- Both tablets are available with optional accessories: a keyboard that can be connected with a magnet turns the tablets into a notebook replacement and an interactive stylus rounds off the package.
- Thanks to the large key spacing and key travel, the Type Cover of the Surface Pro offers the feeling of a full notebook keyboard. The large touchpad with 5-point multi-touch recognition is also a plus. Cost: 149.99 euros.
- The iPad Pro also offers an optional keyboard. Here too, a large key spacing and a real key stroke ensure a good typing experience. However, the touchpad is missing.
- The pen on the Surface Pro 4 is a special highlight: 1024 pressure levels ensure maximum precision and an interchangeable pen tip enables switching between pen and pencil. Particularly practical: You can attach the new pen to the surface of the Surface Pro 4 magnetically. Cost: 64.99 euros.
- The Apple Pencil does not offer as many functions as the Surface Pen, but is just as precise. It reacts to pressure and inclination, making writing in different pen thicknesses possible. Price: 109 euros.
Apple iPad Pro vs. Surface Pro 4: price and conclusion
- In terms of performance and mobility, the two tablets are roughly on par. The biggest difference is the operating system: Apple naturally uses iOS, while Microsoft has installed Windows 10 on its devices.
- The Surface Pro 4 is therefore particularly suitable as a work tool for office applications, while the iPad Pro is more in the entertainment niche. Only apps from Apple's store can be installed on the iPad, while the Surface offers a full-fledged operating system that you can expand with all Windows programs.
- Depending on the equipment, the Surface Pro 4 costs between 950 and 2300 euros.
- The iPad Pro is available from 780 euros. The large version with 128 GB and LTE costs around 1000 euros.
In the next practical tip, we will show you the cheaper Surface Pro 3 compared to the Surface Pro 4.