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As the Microsoft Surface has evolved, it’s become one of the industry’s go-to hybrid tablets.
But is it as good as an iPad Pro?
Apple iPad Pro M4 (7th generation).Apple
To find out, we compared theiPad Pro (7th gen)to theSurface Pro 10 for Business.
Which one will work best for you?
Apple
Overall Findings
The operating system is mobile-optimized.
Surface Pro 10 for Business.Microsoft
Apps are designed for touch.
Secure out of the box.
Apps are vetted before being made available for download at the App Store.
Ultra Retina XDR display, 12MP Ultra Wide front-facing camera, 12MP Wide rear-facing camera.
Runs Windows and desktop applications.
Greater flexibility and open file system leave it open to attack.
Takes a performance hit because the operating system isn’t optimized for mobile.
Build your own rig (pick the processor, RAM, etc.).
PixelSense Display, 1440p Quad HD camera, and 10.5-megapixel rear-facing camera.
These devices give solid performance and many customization options for working or playing on the go.
They also provide access to hundreds of apps in the companies' respective app stores.
The biggest difference between these two tablets comes down to Windows vs. iPadOS.
If you want a true tablet that’s secure, iPad Pro is a fantastic choice.
Apps: Mobile vs.
Desktop Apps
iPadOS is optimized for mobile.
Runs mobile versions of software, including Office.
The App Store has mobile-optimized alternatives to desktop applications.
Runs the Windows desktop operating system.
Install desktop versions of Office and Photoshop.
Apps that run well in laptop mode don’t run as smoothly when the unit is in tablet mode.
The apps are the number one deciding factor between the Surface Pro and the iPad Pro.
The Surface Pro runs a full version of the Windows operating system.
Microsoft
Where the iPad Pro shines is in having apps designed for a touch-based machine.
Much of the software that runs on Windows is designed for a mouse or touchpad.
It’s not a big deal if you use the Surface Pro smart keyboard, which includes a touchpad.
However, one reason to buy a Surface Pro is to use it as a laptop and a tablet.
Unfortunately, not all software runs smoothly when you use your fingers.
The software you use comes down to what you need.
If you need software that is only available on the Windows platform, you need a Windows rig.
Windows has an advantage in the enterprise.
At home, the iPad is king.
Open file system leaves Surface Pro vulnerable to attack.
Antivirus software is strongly recommended.
Security is a priority for everyone.
The iPad is a more secure rig in terms of malware like viruses and ransomware.
Apple’s curated App Store is also a boon for those who worry about security.
To thwart these attacks, wrap up the web page or the web surfing app.
Performance: iPad Pro Offers More Bang for the Buck
Optimized for mobile.
Better value in lower-end models than Surface Pro.
Runs apps designed for mobile, which take up less storage space.
More of a laptop than a tablet.
Many customization options mean you could get the gadget you want.
It’s easy to list technical specifications and benchmarks.
The Surface Pro is more of a laptop than a tablet.
It has many customization options, including upgrading the processor, boosting theRAM, and adding storage.
For example, 8 GB of RAM in the lower-end M4 iPad Pro models makes multitasking smooth.
This model compares well with the iPad Pro, despite Apple’s unit having more raw processing power.
1,600 nits of brightness with HDR.
12MP rear-facing camera capable of shooting 4K video.
PixelSense Display is solid.
1440p Quad HD front-facing camera.
10.5-megapixel rear-facing camera capable of shooting HD video.
Apple consistently pushes the boundaries of rig displays.
TheTrue Tone displayoffers a fantastic range of colors and supports ultra-HD.
It also alters the colors on the screen based on ambient lighting.
This feature generates a realistic reaction when transitioning between sunlight and indoor lighting or shade.
However, you may not notice the difference unless you hold an iPad Pro next to a Surface Pro.
Its 12-megapixel rear-facing camera is slightly better than the 10.5-megapixel camera in the Surface Pro.
The iPad Pro can shoot video in4K, whereas the 1440p camera on the Surface Pro is only 2K.
Doesn’t come with a stylus, but the Apple Pencil is a nicethough expensiveaddition.
Unlike some Surface Pros, the latest model doesn’t come with a stylus.
Some Surface Pro models include theSurface Pen.
The iPad Pro has a smart keyboard, and theApple Pencilis a high-tech stylus.
Neither peripheral is included with the iPad Pro.
Skip the smart keyboard with either equipment when making your initial purchase.
You may be amazed at how much you might get done using the on-screen keyboard.
If you do a lot of typing, the smart keyboard is an excellent addition.
The iPad Pro works with mostBluetooth keyboards.
The same goes for the stylus.
Price: iPad Pro Is a Better Deal
Lower entry-level price.
Comparing the specs, the iPad Pro is considerably less expensive.
13-inch Surface Pro is larger than the entry-level 11-inch iPad Pro.
Comparing the specs, the Surface Pro offers similar performance to the iPad but at a higher price point.
An entry-level iPad Pro costs less than the entry-level Surface Pro.
However, this isn’t an even comparison.
The Surface Pro 10 for Business was released in 2024.
The most recent iPad Pro was released in 2024.
It runs Windows and desktop software, offers more configuration options, and can be used as a tablet.
If you mainly want a tablet, the iPad Pro offers the best tablet experience at a lower cost.
It’s optimized for mobile use but converts to a capable laptop with a smart keyboard.
The most significant factor to consider is your preference for Windows vs. iPadOS.
For iPads without a Home button, press and holdOn/Off/SleepandVolume Down.
Totake screenshots on an iPad Prowith a Home button, press and release thetopandHomebuttons to capture a screenshot.
For iPads without a Home button, press and release thetopandVolume Upbuttons.
you might also use an Apple Pencil by sliding it up from a corner.
Totake screenshots on Surface Prowith a Windows button, press and hold theWindowsbuttonand theVolume Downbutton simultaneously.
For modern Surface models without the built-in Windows button, press and hold thePowerandVolume Upbuttons to take a screenshot.
To factory reset a Surface Pro, go to your gear’s recovery parameters toreset Windows.
How you do this depends on which version of Windows you’re running.
Go to Bluetooth options, turn on Bluetooth, add a gadget, and choose your AirPods.
To switch sound output, select theSpeakericon on your taskbar, then select thearrownext to the volume control.
