What To Know
- The ongoing rivalry between Microsoft and Apple in the tablet market has reached new heights with the introduction of the Surface Pro X and the iPad Pro.
- The Surface Pro X features a magnesium alloy chassis with a Platinum finish, while the iPad Pro comes in a Space Gray or Silver aluminum body.
- The Surface Pro X has a kickstand that allows it to be used in multiple positions, while the iPad Pro requires a separate keyboard case for similar functionality.
The ongoing rivalry between Microsoft and Apple in the tablet market has reached new heights with the introduction of the Surface Pro X and the iPad Pro. These two devices represent the pinnacle of their respective ecosystems, offering a blend of power, portability, and versatility. In this comprehensive guide, we will compare the Microsoft Surface Pro X and the iPad Pro across key aspects to help you make an informed decision about which tablet suits your needs best.
Design and Build Quality
The Surface Pro X and the iPad Pro are both sleek and well-crafted devices. The Surface Pro X features a magnesium alloy chassis with a Platinum finish, while the iPad Pro comes in a Space Gray or Silver aluminum body. Both tablets are thin and lightweight, with the Surface Pro X weighing slightly more due to its larger display. The Surface Pro X has a kickstand that allows it to be used in multiple positions, while the iPad Pro requires a separate keyboard case for similar functionality.
Display
The Surface Pro X boasts a 13-inch PixelSense Flow display with a resolution of 2880 x 1920. It supports Dolby Vision and has a refresh rate of 60Hz. The iPad Pro comes with a 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with a resolution of 2732 x 2048. It also supports Dolby Vision and has a higher refresh rate of 120Hz, providing smoother scrolling and animations.
Performance
The Surface Pro X is powered by a custom-designed Microsoft SQ2 processor, while the iPad Pro is equipped with an Apple M1 chip. Both processors are extremely capable, but the M1 has a slight edge in terms of raw performance. The Surface Pro X has 8GB or 16GB of LPDDR4x RAM, while the iPad Pro offers 8GB or 16GB of faster LPDDR5 RAM. In terms of storage, both devices come with options ranging from 128GB to 1TB.
Operating Systems
The Surface Pro X runs on Windows 11, while the iPad Pro runs on iPadOS 15. Windows 11 offers a more traditional desktop-like experience with support for legacy applications and a wide range of software. iPadOS 15 is optimized for touch input and provides a more intuitive and streamlined user experience. Both operating systems have their strengths and weaknesses, and the choice largely depends on your preferences and usage habits.
Battery Life
The Surface Pro X has a battery life of up to 15 hours, while the iPad Pro can last up to 10 hours. However, it’s important to note that battery life can vary depending on usage patterns.
Connectivity
The Surface Pro X features two USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 4 support, a Surface Connect port, and a microSD card slot. The iPad Pro has a single USB-C port with Thunderbolt 4 support and a magnetic Smart Connector. Both devices support Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0.
Accessories
The Surface Pro X can be paired with a variety of accessories, including the Surface Pen, Surface Keyboard, and Surface Mouse. The iPad Pro supports the Apple Pencil and the Magic Keyboard.
Price
The Surface Pro X starts at $999, while the iPad Pro starts at $799. The price can vary depending on the configuration and accessories included.
Which Tablet is Right for You?
The choice between the Microsoft Surface Pro X and the iPad Pro depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize performance, versatility, and compatibility with legacy applications, the Surface Pro X is a great option. If you prefer a more intuitive user experience, longer battery life, and a wider selection of accessories, the iPad Pro is a solid choice.
Alternatives to Consider
If you’re looking for alternatives to the Surface Pro X and the iPad Pro, here are a few options to consider:
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra
- Lenovo Yoga Duet 7i
- Acer Swift 3 2-in-1
Frequently Discussed Topics
1. Which tablet has a better display?
The iPad Pro has a slightly better display than the Surface Pro X due to its higher refresh rate and support for HDR content.
2. Which tablet is more powerful?
The iPad Pro is slightly more powerful than the Surface Pro X due to its faster M1 chip.
3. Which tablet has better battery life?
The Surface Pro X has better battery life than the iPad Pro, with up to 15 hours of usage.
4. Which tablet is more versatile?
The Surface Pro X is more versatile than the iPad Pro due to its ability to run legacy applications and its compatibility with a wider range of accessories.
5. Which tablet is better for students?
Both the Surface Pro X and the iPad Pro are excellent choices for students. The Surface Pro X is better suited for students who need a device for both work and play, while the iPad Pro is better for students who prioritize portability and ease of use.
