iPad Pro vs Microsoft Surface Pro 4: Specs, Hardware & Features Compared

Microsoft and Apple have been at each other's throats for a long time, but way back when it was the PC vs the Mac (and more recently, actually, remember the "I'm a PC, I'm a Mac" ads?). But it's fair to say that for a long time Apple has had Microsoft well and truly on the backfoot when it comes to mobile devices - for Apple, this war was being fought against Google's Android. This situation is turning now though, with the advent of Windows 10, Microsoft is re-entering the arena under new leadership, and with a few new tricks up its sleeve.

Microsoft’s Surface Pro 4 is arguably in a better position to live up to such bold claims. It runs a full-fat desktop OS in the form of Windows 10, while Apple’s iPad Pro — despite the Pro branding — still runs on the company’s mobile OS, iOS 9. Both feature keyboards and stylus-support, but they also differ in quite a few other ways — the Surface is very much a PC for a post-PC world, while the iPad Pro looks to build on what users are already doing with tablets just in a more professional environment. Apple wants people editing videos and images on the iPad Pro and has been very vocal in its dissent for Microsoft’s Surface Pro 4. Tim Cook has even been on TV bashing the Surface Pro 4, claiming Microsoft is trying TOO HARD… whatever that means. This is kind of weird though, considering Apple has borrowed not one, not two BUT three key features from Microsoft’s Surface and its Windows software — the keyboard, the stylus AND the split screen mode in Windows 10. Guess Mr. Cook is feeling a little insecure about his BIG iPad?

But does that claim bear out in real life? And just how do the two tablet hybrids compare against each other? Let’s take a look.

iPad Pro vs Microsoft Surface Pro 4: Design and Specs

Microsoft Surface Pro 4
Display: 12.3-inch 2736 x 1824 pixel at 267 pixels per inch
Storage: 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB
Processors: Intel Skylake Core M3, Core i5, or Core i7
RAM: 4GB, 8GB, or 16GB
OS: Windows 10 Pro
Cameras: 8MP front, 5MP rear
Connectivity: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.0, USB 3.0, microsSD
Size: 292 mm x 201 mm x 8.45
Weight: 786 grams

iPad Pro
Display: 12.9-inch 2732×2048 pixel at 264 pixels per inch
Storage: 32 and 128GB
Processors: 64-bit A9X and M9
RAM: 4GB
OS: iOS 9.1
Cameras: front 1.2MP 720p HD camera and a rear 8MP 1080p HD camera
Connectivity: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.2, GPS, optional 4G
Size: 305 mm × 220 mm × 7 mm
Weight: 710 grams

iPad Pro vs Microsoft Surface Pro 4: Display
The display of the iPad Pro is physically larger at 12.9-inches, compared to the Surface Pro’s 12.3-inches. Both come in at a similar pixel density of 264 and 267 ppi, respectively. But the iPad Pro has a slightly higher resolution at 2732×2048 pixels versus the Surface Pro’s 2736 x 1824. Overall there's not a lot in it, but you could argue the Surface is a bit more portable, while the iPad Pro has that bigger, ever-so-slightly sharper display for presenting things to people. Swings and roundabouts.

iPad Pro vs Microsoft Surface Pro 4: OS
This is another area where–if you are comparing the iPad Pro and Surface Pro as hybrid “we don’t need no laptops anymore” devices–then the Surface Pro wins hands down. That’s because it runs Windows 10, a full desktop OS along with desktop-class apps. The iPad Pro runs iOS 9–while there’s a lot of apps for that, it doesn’t compare to being able to run a full desktop OS like Windows 10 or OS X on the Mac.

iPad Pro vs Microsoft Surface Pro 4: Accessory Support
Again, we're looking at these two devices as laptop replacements–and again the Surface Pro wins here. That’s because it supports an insane amount of accessories. The iPad Pro works with Apple’s new Pencil Stylus and Smart Keyboard Cover (both will cost you extra), but that’s it.

iPad Pro vs Microsoft Surface Pro 4: Price & Verdict
As a laptop or desktop replacement, the Surface Pro 4 blows away the iPad Pro. It is a TRUE laptop replacement because it runs a desktop class OS and apps and offers a wide range of accessories and ports.

On the flipside, if you opt for a Surface Pro 4 over an iPad Pro you’re going to be paying for it. But given the aforementioned benefits and the fact that the iPad Pro is a first generation device -- and Apple's first generation devices are never the one you want to opt for -- then this should not be a dealbreaker for you.

The iPad Pro costs £679 for the 32GB Wi-Fi model, £799 for the 128GB Wi-Fi model, and £899 for the 128GB Wi-Fi + Cellular model. That's without the keyboard and pen though, add those on top and you're looking at just over a grand all-in.

The Surface Pro ranges from £740 for the relatively weak entry level model (128GB, Intel Core m3, 4GB RAM) all the way up to £1799 for the top of the line model (512GB, Intel Core i7, 16GB RAM). For that amount of money, the Surface better be both a true top of the line tablet and also a laptop replacement.