What To Know
- The Surface Pro 8 features a magnesium alloy chassis with a platinum finish, while the iPad Pro is crafted from recycled aluminum with a silver or space gray finish.
- The Surface Pro 8 starts at $1,099, while the iPad Pro starts at $799 for the 11-inch model and $1,099 for the 12.
- The Microsoft Surface Pro 8 and the iPad Pro are both exceptional 2-in-1 devices that offer a unique blend of power and portability.
In the realm of 2-in-1 devices, the Microsoft Surface Pro 8 and the Apple iPad Pro stand as formidable contenders. These versatile tablets offer a blend of portability, performance, and productivity that caters to a wide range of users. But which one is the right choice for you? To help you make an informed decision, we’ve compiled a comprehensive comparison of the Microsoft Surface Pro 8 vs. iPad Pro.
Design and Build Quality
The Surface Pro 8 and iPad Pro boast sleek and sophisticated designs. The Surface Pro 8 features a magnesium alloy chassis with a platinum finish, while the iPad Pro is crafted from recycled aluminum with a silver or space gray finish. Both devices are lightweight and portable, making them easy to carry around. However, the Surface Pro 8 has the advantage of a built-in kickstand that allows for flexible positioning.
Display
The Surface Pro 8 sports a 13-inch PixelSense Flow display with a resolution of 2880 x 1920 pixels. The iPad Pro comes in two sizes: 11-inch and 12.9-inch. The 11-inch iPad Pro has a Liquid Retina display with a resolution of 2388 x 1668 pixels, while the 12.9-inch iPad Pro boasts a Liquid Retina XDR display with a resolution of 2732 x 2048 pixels. All displays offer vibrant colors, sharp details, and wide viewing angles.
Performance
The Surface Pro 8 is powered by 11th-generation Intel Core processors, while the iPad Pro is equipped with Apple’s M1 chip. Both devices deliver excellent performance for everyday tasks, such as browsing the web, checking emails, and running office applications. However, the iPad Pro has a slight edge in graphics-intensive tasks due to the M1 chip’s integrated GPU.
Storage and Memory
The Surface Pro 8 offers a range of storage and memory configurations, starting from 128GB of storage and 8GB of RAM. The iPad Pro also provides various options, starting with 128GB of storage and 8GB of RAM. Both devices support external storage expansion via microSD cards (Surface Pro 8) or external drives (iPad Pro).
Operating System
The Surface Pro 8 runs on Windows 11, while the iPad Pro runs on iPadOS 15. Windows 11 offers a more desktop-like experience with support for traditional desktop applications and a wide range of software. iPadOS 15 is a tablet-optimized operating system that provides a more touch-friendly interface and a curated selection of apps.
Connectivity
The Surface Pro 8 and iPad Pro offer a comprehensive suite of connectivity options. Both devices feature Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless connectivity. The Surface Pro 8 has the added advantage of Thunderbolt 4 ports that enable high-speed data transfer and external display support.
Battery Life
The Surface Pro 8 and iPad Pro offer comparable battery life. The Surface Pro 8 is rated for up to 16 hours of battery life, while the iPad Pro is rated for up to 10 hours of battery life. Actual battery life may vary depending on usage patterns.
Accessories
Both the Surface Pro 8 and iPad Pro offer a range of accessories to enhance their functionality. The Surface Pro 8 has a dedicated Surface Pen and Type Cover keyboard that provide additional input options. The iPad Pro supports the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard, which offer similar capabilities.
Price
The Surface Pro 8 starts at $1,099, while the iPad Pro starts at $799 for the 11-inch model and $1,099 for the 12.9-inch model. The price varies depending on the specific configuration and accessories chosen.
The Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
The Microsoft Surface Pro 8 and the iPad Pro are both exceptional 2-in-1 devices that offer a unique blend of power and portability. The Surface Pro 8 excels in versatility with its built-in kickstand and Windows 11 operating system, which provides a more desktop-like experience. The iPad Pro impresses with its sleek design, powerful M1 chip, and tablet-optimized iPadOS operating system.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize versatility and desktop-class performance, the Surface Pro 8 is the ideal choice. If you prefer a sleek and portable device with a tablet-first experience, the iPad Pro is the better option.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q: Which device has a better display?
A: Both the Surface Pro 8 and iPad Pro offer excellent displays. The Surface Pro 8 has a slightly larger display with a higher resolution, but the iPad Pro’s Liquid Retina XDR display has a higher pixel density and supports HDR content.
Q: Which device has longer battery life?
A: The Surface Pro 8 has a slightly longer battery life than the iPad Pro, but actual battery life may vary depending on usage patterns.
Q: Which device is more affordable?
A: The iPad Pro starts at a lower price than the Surface Pro 8, but the Surface Pro 8 offers more storage and memory options at higher price points.
