In the realm of premium tablets, Apple’s iPad Pro has long been a dominant force, renowned for its exceptional performance, display quality, and user experience. However, Microsoft’s introduction of the Surface Pro 12-inch presents a formidable challenger, prompting consumers to reconsider their options. This article provides an in-depth comparison of these two devices, examining their design, display, performance, battery life, accessories, and overall value to determine which tablet best suits your needs.
Design and Build Quality
The Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch boasts a sleek, minimalist design with flat edges and a back panel, measuring a mere 6.4 mm in thickness. Weighing approximately 682 grams (1.5 pounds), it offers a lightweight and portable experience. In contrast, the Microsoft Surface Pro 12-inch is slightly thicker at 7.8 mm and features a built-in kickstand with a 165-degree full-friction hinge, allowing for versatile positioning without the need for additional accessories. Despite both devices weighing nearly the same, the Surface Pro’s slightly rounder edges contribute to a more comfortable grip during extended use.
Display Quality
Display performance is a critical factor for many users. The iPad Pro 12.9-inch is equipped with a 2732 x 2048 Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED panel, delivering exceptional brightness and color accuracy. Its 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and responsiveness, enhancing the overall user experience. Conversely, the Surface Pro 12-inch features a 2196 x 1464 LCD panel with a 90Hz refresh rate. While the Surface Pro’s display is commendable, it falls short in brightness and refresh rate compared to the iPad Pro, which may be a consideration for users prioritizing display quality.
Performance and Hardware
Under the hood, the Surface Pro 12-inch is powered by Qualcomm’s 8-core Snapdragon X Plus chip paired with 16GB of RAM. This configuration handles everyday tasks such as web browsing, document editing, and light multitasking with ease. Benchmark tests indicate that the Snapdragon X Plus excels in multi-threaded tasks, though the iPad Pro 12.9-inch, equipped with Apple’s M2 chip featuring an 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine, leads in single-threaded performance. The iPad Pro’s M2 chip, combined with up to 16GB of RAM, makes it particularly adept at graphics-intensive tasks like gaming, 4K video editing, and 3D rendering.
Battery Life
Battery longevity is essential for mobile productivity. Microsoft claims the Surface Pro 12-inch offers approximately 12 hours of web browsing on a single charge, though the exact battery capacity remains undisclosed. The iPad Pro 12.9-inch houses a 10,758 mAh battery, providing around 10 hours of medium to light usage per charge. Both devices support USB-C charging, offering convenience and compatibility with a range of charging accessories.
Accessories and Expandability
Both tablets support a range of accessories to enhance functionality. The Surface Pro 12-inch is compatible with the Surface Pen Slim, available separately for $130, and a keyboard priced at $149. The iPad Pro 12.9-inch supports the Apple Pencil (USB-C) for $80 and the Magic Keyboard for $187. Both keyboards offer a satisfactory typing experience with sizable trackpads for precise navigation. Notably, the Surface Pro includes a built-in kickstand, eliminating the need for additional accessories to prop up the device, whereas the iPad Pro requires a separate stand or case for similar functionality.
Software and Ecosystem
The choice between these devices also hinges on their respective operating systems and ecosystems. The iPad Pro runs on iPadOS, offering a vast array of applications optimized for touch input, particularly appealing to creatives and designers. Apple’s ecosystem ensures seamless integration across devices, enhancing user experience for those already invested in Apple’s products. In contrast, the Surface Pro operates on Windows 11, providing access to full desktop versions of software like Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite. This makes the Surface Pro advantageous for users requiring tools exclusive to Windows or those benefiting from a desktop environment.
Pricing and Value
Pricing is a crucial consideration. The Surface Pro 12-inch starts at $799, with availability beginning on June 20. The iPad Pro 12.9-inch is priced around $885. Both devices offer storage upgrade options, with pricing scaling accordingly. When factoring in accessories, the overall investment for each device becomes comparable, making the decision largely dependent on individual preferences and requirements.
Conclusion
Both the Microsoft Surface Pro 12-inch and the Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch are exceptional devices, each with its strengths. The iPad Pro excels in display quality and graphics performance, making it ideal for creatives and users seeking a premium visual experience. The Surface Pro offers versatility with its built-in kickstand, a more traditional desktop experience, and compatibility with a broader range of software, appealing to professionals requiring a laptop-like environment. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on your specific needs, preferred operating system, and how you plan to use the device in your daily workflow.
