IPad Pro Vs Surface Pro 4 | Here Is Detailed Comparison

In the world of iPad, two names are the most popular: iPad Pro and Surface Pro 4. This article analyzes various features of the iPad Pro vs Surface Pro 4.

IPad Pro Vs Surface Pro 4 | Detailed Comparison
When it comes to choosing a high-end tablet that can function as a laptop replacement, two of the most popular choices are Apple’s iPad Pro and Microsoft’s Surface Pro 4. Both devices are designed to offer portability, power, and versatility, making them ideal for professionals, students, and creatives alike. However, each tablet caters to a slightly different audience with distinct strengths and weaknesses.

In this detailed comparison, we will explore the differences between the iPad Pro and Surface Pro 4 based on various key aspects such as design, display, hardware, software, accessories, and overall performance.

iPad Pro vs Surface Pro 4

The iPad Pro starts at $ 599 (for the 9.7-inch iPad Pro) and $ 799 (for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro). On the other hand, the Surface Pro 4 starts at $ 899.

The iPad Pro uses an A9X processor and the Surface Pro 4 uses the 6th generation Core processor. Below is a comparison of some other features of the iPad Pro compared to Surface Pro 4.

1. Design & Build Quality

Both Apple and Microsoft have ensured that their premium tablets feature high-end design aesthetics with a strong build. Let’s take a closer look at the design language of both devices.

iPad Pro Design

The iPad Pro follows Apple’s minimalist yet elegant approach to design. It features:
✔ A sleek aluminum unibody that feels sturdy and premium.
✔ Ultra-thin profile at just 6.9mm (for 12.9-inch model), making it one of the slimmest high-performance tablets.
✔ Weight: 713 grams (Wi-Fi model, 12.9-inch), making it easy to carry around.
✔ Rounded edges and a smooth back, providing a comfortable grip.

Surface Pro 4 Design

Microsoft, on the other hand, has designed the Surface Pro 4 to be a tablet-first device with laptop functionality. It features:
✔ A magnesium alloy body with a more industrial, professional look.
✔ Slightly thicker at 8.4mm, but still relatively slim for a laptop-replacement device.
✔ Weight: 786 grams, making it heavier than the iPad Pro.
✔ Comes with a built-in kickstand, allowing users to adjust the screen angle easily.

Winner: If portability and elegance matter, the iPad Pro wins. If adjustability with a built-in stand is preferred, the Surface Pro 4 is a better choice.

2. Display Quality

Both devices boast impressive displays, but Apple’s Retina technology and Microsoft’s PixelSense display offer different advantages.

iPad Pro Display

✔ Available in 11-inch and 12.9-inch Liquid Retina displays.
✔ Resolution: 2732 x 2048 pixels (12.9-inch model).
✔ Uses ProMotion technology, which enables a 120Hz refresh rate, making scrolling and drawing smoother.
✔ True Tone adjusts the screen color temperature based on ambient lighting.
✔ Extremely bright and has industry-leading color accuracy.

Surface Pro 4 Display

✔ Features a 12.3-inch PixelSense display.
✔ Resolution: 2736 x 1824 pixels (higher pixel density than iPad Pro).
✔ Supports multi-touch and stylus input with excellent precision.
✔ Excellent color reproduction but lacks True Tone or 120Hz refresh rate.

Winner: The iPad Pro’s display is superior due to higher refresh rate (120Hz), True Tone, and better brightness levels. However, the Surface Pro 4 offers a slightly sharper resolution.

3. Performance & Hardware

iPad Pro Performance

✔ Powered by Apple’s M1 or M2 chip, making it faster than many laptops.
✔ 8GB or 16GB RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking.
✔ Runs on iPadOS, optimized for efficiency and speed.
✔ Limited file management compared to a traditional desktop OS.

Surface Pro 4 Performance

✔ Powered by Intel Core m3, i5, or i7 processors.
✔ 4GB, 8GB, or 16GB RAM options, depending on the configuration.
✔ Runs full Windows 10 (upgradeable to Windows 11), offering full desktop functionality.
✔ Handles desktop applications (Photoshop, AutoCAD, Visual Studio, etc.) with ease.

Winner: If you need desktop-level power with full Windows applications, the Surface Pro 4 is the better choice. If you prefer speed, efficiency, and mobile-friendly apps, the iPad Pro is a great alternative.

4. Software & Operating System

This is where the biggest difference lies between the two devices.

iPad Pro – iPadOS

✔ iPadOS is optimized for touch interaction.
✔ The App Store offers thousands of optimized apps, but lacks traditional desktop software.
✔ Multitasking is better than before, but still not as powerful as Windows.
✔ Limited external drive support.

Surface Pro 4 – Windows OS

✔ Runs full Windows 10/11, allowing users to install any desktop software.
✔ Better for productivity tasks like Microsoft Office, Adobe Suite, and development software.
✔ Offers true multitasking with a desktop-like experience.
✔ Supports file explorer, external drives, and full customization.

Winner: The Surface Pro 4 wins for users needing a full desktop environment, while the iPad Pro is better for a tablet-friendly experience.

5. Stylus & Keyboard Compatibility

Both devices support a stylus and keyboard, enhancing their usability for creatives and professionals.

Apple Pencil & Magic Keyboard (iPad Pro)

✔ Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) offers industry-leading latency and precision.
✔ Feels natural for drawing and writing, with great pressure sensitivity.
✔ Magic Keyboard is well-built but expensive.

Surface Pen & Type Cover (Surface Pro 4)

✔ Surface Pen has 4,096 pressure levels, making it excellent for drawing.
✔ Supports eraser function and tilt shading.
✔ The Type Cover keyboard is more laptop-like but less stable on laps.

Winner: The Apple Pencil is better for drawing, but the Surface Pro 4 keyboard offers a better typing experience.

6. Battery Life

iPad Pro Battery

✔ Lasts 10-12 hours on a single charge.
✔ Optimized for low-power consumption.
✔ Charges via USB-C (some models support fast charging).

Surface Pro 4 Battery

✔ Lasts 6-8 hours under normal usage.
✔ Consumes more power due to Windows OS and Intel processors.

Winner: The iPad Pro has significantly better battery life than the Surface Pro 4.

7. Price & Value for Money

iPad Pro Pricing

✔ Starts at $799 (11-inch) and $1099 (12.9-inch).
✔ Apple Pencil and Keyboard sold separately.

Surface Pro 4 Pricing

✔ Starts at $799, but higher configurations get expensive.
✔ Keyboard and Surface Pen sold separately.

Winner: The Surface Pro 4 offers more functionality for the price, but the iPad Pro is a better investment for long-term use.

Conclusion

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