Surface Pro 4 vs. iPad Pro

Attribute	Surface Pro 4	iPad Pro
Operating System	Windows 10	iOS
Screen Size	12.3 inches	12.9 inches
Resolution	2736 x 1824 pixels	2732 x 2048 pixels
Processor	Intel Core i5/i7	Apple A12X Bionic
RAM	4GB/8GB/16GB	4GB/6GB
Storage Options	128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB	64GB/256GB/512GB/1TB
Camera	8MP rear, 5MP front	12MP rear, 7MP front
Battery Life	Up to 9 hours	Up to 10 hours
Weight	1.73 lbs (786g)	1.39 lbs (631g)

Design and Portability

The Surface Pro 4 and iPad Pro both offer sleek and modern designs, but they differ in terms of portability. The iPad Pro is thinner and lighter, making it more convenient to carry around. It weighs only 1.03 pounds for the 11-inch model and 1.41 pounds for the 12.9-inch model. On the other hand, the Surface Pro 4 is slightly heavier, weighing 1.73 pounds. However, the Surface Pro 4 compensates for its weight with a more versatile design. It features a built-in kickstand that allows users to adjust the viewing angle, making it ideal for productivity tasks.

Display

When it comes to display quality, both devices excel. The iPad Pro boasts a Liquid Retina display with ProMotion technology, offering a resolution of 2388 x 1668 pixels for the 11-inch model and 2732 x 2048 pixels for the 12.9-inch model. The Surface Pro 4, on the other hand, features a PixelSense display with a resolution of 2736 x 1824 pixels. Both displays provide vibrant colors, sharp details, and excellent viewing angles. However, the Surface Pro 4's display offers a higher pixel density, resulting in crisper text and more detailed images.

Performance and Productivity

When it comes to performance, the Surface Pro 4 has the upper hand. It is powered by Intel Core processors, ranging from Core m3 to Core i7, depending on the configuration. This allows for seamless multitasking and smooth performance, even with demanding applications. The iPad Pro, on the other hand, utilizes Apple's A12Z Bionic chip, which is powerful but not as capable as the Surface Pro 4's Intel processors. While the iPad Pro is excellent for everyday tasks and creative work, the Surface Pro 4 is better suited for resource-intensive tasks such as video editing or 3D modeling.

Operating System and Software

The choice between the Surface Pro 4 and iPad Pro largely depends on the preferred operating system and software ecosystem. The iPad Pro runs on iOS, which offers a user-friendly interface and a vast selection of optimized apps from the App Store. It is particularly well-suited for creative professionals who can take advantage of apps like Procreate and Adobe Photoshop. On the other hand, the Surface Pro 4 runs on Windows 10, providing a full desktop experience and compatibility with a wide range of software. This makes it a more versatile choice for professionals who rely on specific applications or need to run legacy software.

Input Methods and Accessories

One of the key differences between the Surface Pro 4 and iPad Pro lies in their input methods and available accessories. The iPad Pro relies primarily on touch input and supports the Apple Pencil, which is highly responsive and precise. It also offers a Smart Keyboard Folio that attaches magnetically and provides a comfortable typing experience. The Surface Pro 4, on the other hand, offers a detachable keyboard cover called the Type Cover, which features a trackpad and backlit keys. Additionally, the Surface Pro 4 supports the Surface Pen, which offers a natural writing and drawing experience. These accessories make the Surface Pro 4 a more suitable choice for users who require a laptop-like experience.

Connectivity and Expandability

Both the Surface Pro 4 and iPad Pro offer a variety of connectivity options, but the Surface Pro 4 provides more versatility. It features a USB 3.0 port, a microSD card reader, a Mini DisplayPort, and a headphone jack. This allows users to connect external devices, transfer files, and expand storage easily. The iPad Pro, on the other hand, offers a USB-C port, which provides faster data transfer speeds and supports a wide range of accessories. However, it lacks the flexibility of a traditional USB port and requires adapters for connecting certain devices. In terms of expandability, the Surface Pro 4 allows users to upgrade the storage by replacing the SSD, while the iPad Pro's storage is fixed.

Battery Life and Charging

When it comes to battery life, the iPad Pro has a slight advantage. It offers up to 10 hours of web browsing or video playback, depending on the model and usage. The Surface Pro 4, on the other hand, provides around 9 hours of battery life, which is still impressive considering its more powerful hardware. Both devices support fast charging, allowing users to quickly recharge their devices. However, the iPad Pro requires a separate purchase of the fast-charging adapter, while the Surface Pro 4 includes it in the box.

Price and Value

Price is an important factor to consider when comparing the Surface Pro 4 and iPad Pro. The iPad Pro starts at a lower price point, making it more accessible to a wider range of users. However, it is worth noting that the cost can increase significantly when adding accessories such as the Apple Pencil or Smart Keyboard Folio. On the other hand, the Surface Pro 4 has a higher starting price but includes the Surface Pen and a kickstand, providing better value for users who require these features. Additionally, the Surface Pro 4 offers more configuration options, allowing users to choose the specifications that best suit their needs and budget.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both the Surface Pro 4 and iPad Pro are powerful and versatile devices, but they cater to different user preferences and needs. The iPad Pro excels in terms of portability, display quality, and software ecosystem, making it an excellent choice for creative professionals and users who prioritize mobility. On the other hand, the Surface Pro 4 offers superior performance, a more versatile design, and compatibility with a wide range of software, making it a better option for professionals who require a laptop-like experience and need to run resource-intensive applications. Ultimately, the choice between the Surface Pro 4 and iPad Pro depends on individual requirements, budget, and preferred operating system.