Which is right for you? microsoft surface pro 9 vs. ipad pro in-depth comparison
What To Know
- The Surface Pro 9 has a more traditional laptop design, with a 13-inch display and a kickstand that allows you to use it in a variety of positions.
- The iPad Pro is a more affordable and user-friendly device, but it is not as powerful as the Surface Pro 9.
- If you need a powerful and versatile device that can run desktop applications, the Surface Pro 9 is a good choice.
The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 and iPad Pro are two of the most popular 2-in-1 devices on the market today. They both offer a great balance of portability, power, and versatility. But which one is right for you? In this blog post, we’ll compare the Surface Pro 9 and iPad Pro in detail, so you can make an informed decision.
Design
The Surface Pro 9 and iPad Pro are both well-designed devices. The Surface Pro 9 has a more traditional laptop design, with a 13-inch display and a kickstand that allows you to use it in a variety of positions. The iPad Pro has a more tablet-like design, with a 12.9-inch display and a slim profile.
Both devices are made from high-quality materials. The Surface Pro 9 has a magnesium alloy body, while the iPad Pro has an aluminum body. Both devices are also available in a variety of colors.
Display
The Surface Pro 9 and iPad Pro both have high-quality displays. The Surface Pro 9 has a 13-inch PixelSense display with a resolution of 2880 x 1920. The iPad Pro has a 12.9-inch Liquid Retina display with a resolution of 2732 x 2048.
Both displays are bright and colorful. The Surface Pro 9’s display has a slightly higher resolution, but the iPad Pro’s display has a higher refresh rate of 120Hz. This makes the iPad Pro’s display smoother and more responsive.
Performance
The Surface Pro 9 and iPad Pro are both powerful devices. The Surface Pro 9 is powered by a 12th-generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processor. The iPad Pro is powered by an Apple M2 processor.
Both processors are very fast and capable. However, the iPad Pro’s M2 processor is slightly faster than the Surface Pro 9’s Intel Core i5 processor.
Battery Life
The Surface Pro 9 and iPad Pro both have good battery life. The Surface Pro 9 can last up to 15 hours on a single charge. The iPad Pro can last up to 10 hours on a single charge.
However, the Surface Pro 9’s battery life is more variable than the iPad Pro’s battery life. The Surface Pro 9’s battery life will be shorter if you use it for demanding tasks, such as gaming or video editing.
Software
The Surface Pro 9 and iPad Pro run different operating systems. The Surface Pro 9 runs Windows 11, while the iPad Pro runs iPadOS.
Windows 11 is a more traditional desktop operating system, while iPadOS is a more mobile-oriented operating system. Both operating systems have their own advantages and disadvantages.
Windows 11 is more powerful and versatile than iPadOS. It allows you to run a wider range of software, including desktop applications. However, Windows 11 is also more complex than iPadOS.
iPadOS is simpler and easier to use than Windows 11. It is also more optimized for touch input. However, iPadOS is not as powerful as Windows 11. It does not allow you to run desktop applications.
Accessories
The Surface Pro 9 and iPad Pro both have a wide range of accessories available. These accessories include keyboards, mice, styluses, and cases.
The Surface Pro 9’s accessories are more expensive than the iPad Pro‘s accessories. However, the Surface Pro 9’s accessories are also more versatile. They can be used with other Windows devices, such as the Surface Laptop and Surface Book.
Price
The Surface Pro 9 and iPad Pro are both expensive devices. The Surface Pro 9 starts at $999.99, while the iPad Pro starts at $799.00.
The price of the Surface Pro 9 and iPad Pro will vary depending on the configuration you choose. The more powerful the configuration, the higher the price.
Which One is Right for You?
The Surface Pro 9 and iPad Pro are both excellent devices. The Surface Pro 9 is a more powerful and versatile device, but it is also more expensive. The iPad Pro is a more affordable and user-friendly device, but it is not as powerful as the Surface Pro 9.
Ultimately, the best device for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you need a powerful and versatile device that can run desktop applications, the Surface Pro 9 is a good choice. If you want a more affordable and user-friendly device that is great for media consumption and light productivity tasks, the iPad Pro is a good choice.
Beyond the Basics
Operating System
The Surface Pro 9 runs Windows 11, a traditional desktop operating system. This gives it the advantage of being able to run a wider range of software, including legacy applications and professional-grade software. The iPad Pro runs iPadOS, a mobile-oriented operating system that is designed for touch input. It offers a simplified and intuitive user interface, making it easier to use for casual users.
App Ecosystem
Both devices have access to a wide range of apps, but the selection differs based on the operating system. The Surface Pro 9 has access to the full suite of Windows applications, including desktop software and productivity tools. The iPad Pro has access to the Apple App Store, which offers a wide variety of mobile apps, games, and entertainment options.
Pen Support
Both devices support pen input, but the experience varies. The Surface Pro 9 comes with a built-in pen that is designed to work seamlessly with the device. It offers precise and low-latency input, making it ideal for note-taking, sketching, and digital art. The iPad Pro also supports pen input, but it requires the purchase of an Apple Pencil. The Apple Pencil offers similar functionality to the Surface Pen, but it is not included with the device.
Keyboard and Trackpad
The Surface Pro 9 comes with a detachable keyboard and trackpad, giving you the flexibility to use it as a traditional laptop or tablet. The keyboard is backlit and has a comfortable typing experience. The trackpad is responsive and supports multi-touch gestures. The iPad Pro does not come with a keyboard or trackpad, but it supports the use of external accessories. You can purchase a separate keyboard or trackpad to enhance the typing and navigation experience.
Connectivity
Both devices offer a range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and USB ports. The Surface Pro 9 has a Thunderbolt 4 port, which provides high-speed data transfer and external display support. The iPad Pro has a USB-C port, which supports data transfer, charging, and external display output.
Portability
The Surface Pro 9 is slightly larger and heavier than the iPad Pro, but it is still relatively portable. It weighs 1.9 pounds and measures 11.3 x 8.2 x 0.37 inches. The iPad Pro is thinner and lighter, weighing 1.4 pounds and measuring 11 x 8.5 x 0.25 inches. Both devices are easy to carry around and can be used on the go.
Key Points
The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 and iPad Pro are both excellent devices that offer a unique blend of power, portability, and versatility. The Surface Pro 9 is the better choice for users who need a powerful and versatile device that can run desktop applications. The iPad Pro is the better choice for users who want a more affordable and user-friendly device that is great for media consumption and light productivity tasks.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Which device has a better display?
The Surface Pro 9 has a slightly higher resolution display, but the iPad Pro’s display has a higher refresh rate. This makes the iPad Pro’s display smoother and more responsive.
Which device is more powerful?
The Surface Pro 9 is powered by a 12th-generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processor, while the iPad Pro is powered by an Apple M2 processor. The iPad Pro’s M2 processor is slightly faster than the Surface Pro 9’s Intel Core i5 processor.
Which device has better battery life?
The Surface Pro 9 can last up to 15 hours on a single charge, while the iPad Pro can last up to 10 hours on a single charge. However, the Surface Pro 9’s battery life is more variable than the iPad Pro’s battery life.
Which device has a better operating system?
Windows 11 is a more powerful and versatile operating system than iPadOS. It allows you to run a wider range of software, including desktop applications. However, Windows 11 is also more complex than iPadOS.
Which device is more affordable?
The iPad Pro starts at $799.00, while the Surface Pro 9 starts at $999.99. The price of both devices will vary depending on the configuration you choose.