iPad Pro versus the Surface Pro 4 - this is the battle of the year, where tablets are concerned.
Even before the Pro 4 was unveiled, a number of pundits have already pitted the two digital slates against each other, with rumored specs and info leaks about Microsoft's latest tablet used as reference.
And now that the device in question has finally been announced, tech fans can now make a proper comparison of both gadgets.
Display
Obviously, the Pro 4's 12.3-inch screen is a bit smaller than that of Apple's latest slate, which measures 12.9 inches. However, the Microsoft slate trumps its rival in the ppi department, as the former has 267 pixels per inch, while the latter is 2ppi short at 265ppi.
The SP4's resolution (2,736 x 1,824) is pretty much the same as that of the iPad Pro (2732 x 2048), thanks to Microsoft's PixelSense technology, the PC maker's answer to Apple's Retina display technology.
Design
"The iPad Pro measures 5 percent longer and 10 percent wider than the Surface Pro 4. The iPad, though, is 18 percent thinner," Gizmag noted. "Weights vary a bit, with the Core i5 and i7 versions of the Surface coming in heavier than the Core M version, and the cellular iPad Pro weighing a bit more than the Wi-Fi only one."
The Pro 4 appear to be a winner in the port department as it has " a USB 3.0 port, a microSD card reader, and a MiniDisplay port," PC Mag said. The iPad Pro only has a port for the Lightning connector.
Processor
"The 6th-generation Core i5 and i7 Surfaces are likely to have the most raw power, but Apple's A9X system-on-a-chip (a variant of the one found in the latest iPhones) should blaze through iOS without any hitches," Gizmag also said.
Looks like both are pretty much neck and neck in this arena.
Accessories
The Pro 4 comes with a new and improved Type Cover, which can be had after shelling out $130 for it. Similarly, the iPad Pro also has its own Smart Keyboard, which is sold separately at $169 - considerably higher than Microsoft's offering. Also, the Surface Pro 4's stylus comes free with the tablet, while you'll still have to buy the Apple Pencil. Considering these things, it appears Apple's tablet is more expensive than that of Microsoft.
The major point of differentiation between the two tablets is the operating system - a factor that ultimately also becomes a significant decision-making one. Deciding on which one to get depends on which OS you're more comfortable in using or is more compatible with your current tech set up right now. If you own mostly Apple products, it makes sense to get the iPad Pro as Apple products are generally designed to work well with each other.
For those using a mostly Windows ecosystem, Apple tech has compatibility issues with such a set up. This will then clue you in on the better device to own.
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