Microsoft Surface Pro 4 vs. Apple iPad Pro: How do they compare to each other?

Microsoft Surface Pro 4Microsoft official website

The Microsoft Surface Pro 4 was recently launched and the Apple iPad Pro is expected to follow by the middle of November. Both devices are pitched as the leading tablet-laptop hybrid in the market today. Here is a basic rundown of their specs and features, which may determine which one is the better option.

The Surface Pro 4 features an all-metal magnesium body while the iPad Pro has an all-metal aluminum body, which makes both very sturdy and classy choices. They are also similar in dimension, although the Surface Pro 4 is thinner and the iPad Pro is slightly longer and wider.

Display size is also similar with the iPad Pro being slightly larger with a 12.9-inch screen compared to the Surface Pro 4's 12.3-inch screen. Both devices have optional keyboards but the Surface Pro 4 also comes with a stand and a stylus.

iPad ProApple official website

Performance and OS is where the Surface Pro 4 has a slight advantage but mostly on the upper tiers. The iPad Pro runs on iOS 9 and comes with a powerful A9X processor and 4 GB of RAM but in tems of storage space it only has two options, 32 GB and 128 GB, which can appear very limited for some users.

As detailed by NeuroGadget, the Microsoft Surface Pro 4 comes in different builds. It can come with the Intel Core M3 processor, Core i5 or the Core i7, and its 4 GB RAM can be upgraded all the way up to 16 GB. Storage space goes from 128 GB up to 1 TB.

On the lower tier, the iPad Pro is a better option due to its lower price and the wide range and accessbility of apps. On the upper tier however, consumers willing to spend over $2,000 will be better off with the more powerful Microsoft Surface Pro 4 due to its performance capabilities and the fact that it runs on Windows 10.

The Surface Pro 4 is already available while the iPad Pro will officially launch this November, although a specific release date has yet to be announced.