iPad Pro vs Surface Pro comparison: Windows or iOS 9… which tablet is best?

[The EngiNeer]

iPad Pro vs Surface Pro comparison: Windows or iOS 9… which tablet is best?

 

 

Microsoft clearly got it right with the Surface Pro as the iPad Pro not only sounds like it, but looks like it too. But which tablet is the best? We compare the new iPad with the latest Surface Pro and spot the differences to help you choose.

 

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It had been rumoured for more than a year, but no-one expected Apple to announce an iPad Pro at an iPhone launch event (much less that Microsoft would also appear on stage). But it's real and its closest competitor is Microsoft's Surface Pro. Both tablets run Office and both have physical keyboards, but which should you buy? Here's our iPad Pro vs Surface Pro comparison.

 

It would be easier to compare the new iPad with the Surface Pro 3, but the Surface Pro 4 is about to launch in a few weeks, so we'll make comparisons with both of them. Bear in mind that we're going by rumours about the Surface Pro 4 as no specs have been confirmed at this time. Microsoft is keeping tight-lipped until the 6 October launch. We will, of course, update this article when the Surface Pro 4 is official.

 

SPECIFICATIONS

 

Here are the key specs for the iPad Pro

 

• iOS 9
• Apple A9X 64-bit processor
• 4GB RAM
• Up to 128GB storage
• 12.9in Retina display (2732x2048, 264ppi, 4:3) multitouch display
• Lightning port
• 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi, dual-channel
• Bluetooth 4.2
• 8Mp iSight camera, 1.2Mp FaceTime camera
• Four speakers with auto orientation
• Optional Apple Pencil
• Battery life up to 10 hours (web browsing)
• 305x220x6.9mm
• 713g (723g cellular model)

 

And here are the Surface Pro 3's vital stats:

 

• Windows 8.1 Pro (free upgrade to Windows 10 Pro)
• Intel Haswell Core i3/i5/i7 processor
• Up to 8GB DDR3 RAM
• Up to 512GB SSD
• 12in ClearType full-HD (2160x1440, 216ppi, 3:2) multitouch display
• USB 3.0 port
• 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi
• Bluetooth 4.0
• Mini DisplayPort
• 2x 5Mp cameras (front and rear)
• Stereo speakers with Dolby sound
• Surface Pen
• Battery life up to nine hours (web browsing)
• 292x201.3x9.1mm
• 800g

 

PRICE

 

The cheapest Surface Pro 3 costs £639, which includes the Surface Pen, but not the keyboard (that's £110 extra for any Pro 3). This model has a Core i3, 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage.

The most expensive has a Core i7, 8GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. That's £1549.

 

The 32GB iPad Pro costs $799 (we expect it to be £599 in the UK), but the Pencil could cost as much as £79 inc VAT, making the comparable price £678 for the entry-level model. The Smart Keyboard is likely to cost £129 inc VAT.

 

Opt for the 128GB iPad Pro and you'll pay at least £100 more if not £120 extra. Add another £100 for the cellular model, which is available exclusively in 128GB guise.

 

 

First VERDICT

 

When we reviewed the Surface Pro 3 - almost a year ago - we concluded that it was the best yet. It's the most portable of laptops and an acceptable tablet. Nothing has changed with the update to Windows 10. With the iPad Pro, it's the best yet in some ways - it's the most powerful iPad and has the highest resolution screen - but it may not be the best choice for everyone who wants an iPad. Until we've reviewed it we can't come to any firm conclusions but it's likely to be the opposite of the Surface Pro: a fantastic tablet and an acceptable laptop.