The Microsoft Surface Pro appears to be winning over consumers that were previously loyal to the Apple iPad Pro. With better overall specs and a price that keeps getting lower and lower, the Redmond-based tech giant will continue to wow with the arrival of the Surface Pro 5.
Display and Support. The iPad Pro's display is physically larger at 12.9-inches, while the Surface Pro has a 12.3-inch display. The Apple tablet has a 264 ppi pixel density while the Surface has a 267 ppi. The iPad Pro has a slightly higher resolution at 2732 x 2048 while the Surface Pro's is at 2736 x 1824. Know Your Mobile reported that the size of the Surface Pro 4 is preferable due to its slightly smaller size.
For support, the iPad Pro's Pencil Stylus and Smart Keyboard Cover will cost extra. The Surface Pro already includes a stylus and offers an optional keyboard cover. The Microsoft keyboard cover is really a winner because it features a glass trackpad which allows the Surface to be used like a regular laptop. In addition, it also supports a mouse that can be plugged into the USB port or connected via Bluetooth.
OS and Specs. The Surface Pro wins, hands down. It runs the Windows 10, full desktop OS and is capable of desktop-class apps. The iPad Pro runs the iOS 9 which does have a lot of apps, but cannot compare to a full desktop OS.
The A9X chip of the iPad Pro is insanely fast while the Intel Skylake Core M3 and even the i5 are relatively weak. However, the Surface Pro offers a powerful Core i7 as an option. In terms of memory, the Surface is the clear winner with 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB options.
Price. This is the most interesting part. The Apple iPad Pro Wi-Fi only units sell for $799 (32GB), $899 (128GB), and $999 (256GB). The Wi-Fi + Cellular units are $1,029 (128GB) and $1,129 (256GB). The Surface Pro 4 sells between $699 for the 128 GB Core m3 and up to $1,499 for the 256GB Core i7. But the 128 GB Core i5 is currently only $799.
The 128GB i5 is a whopping 20% off right now. Many speculate that Microsoft will continue to offer sales similar to this
Overall Appeal. Forbes reported that the iPad Pro plays second fiddle to the Surface Pro in the powerful tablet/ultraportable laptop hybrid market. The Redmond-based tech giant is believed to be putting most of their effort on beating the iPad Pro and the iPad because they know that they cannot compete with the MacBook Pro. This is part of a business strategy which is proving to be useful.
Verdict. The Microsoft Surface Pro seems to be the clear winner overall. The Surface Pro 5 is set to be released in Spring of this year with even more impressive specs. Will it be able to outperform and outsell the MacBook Pro? Thoughts and comments below.
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