Microsoft Surface Pro X vs iPad Pro: The Crucial Guide for Students and Professionals
What To Know
- The Surface Pro X comes with a detachable keyboard, while the iPad Pro requires a separate purchase for a keyboard accessory.
- The Surface Pro X claims to offer up to 15 hours of battery life, while the iPad Pro boasts up to 10 hours of battery life.
- The Surface Pro X offers a more traditional laptop-like experience with Windows 11, while the iPad Pro has a more streamlined and touch-centric interface with iPadOS.
The Microsoft Surface Pro X and iPad Pro are two of the most popular premium 2-in-1 tablets on the market. They offer a similar blend of power, portability, and versatility, making them ideal for students, professionals, and creatives alike. However, there are some key differences between the two devices that may influence your decision. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the details of the Microsoft Surface Pro X vs. iPad Pro, examining their design, performance, features, battery life, and more, to help you make an informed choice.
Design and Build:
The Surface Pro X and iPad Pro both feature sleek and premium designs. The Surface Pro X has a magnesium alloy chassis, while the iPad Pro utilizes aluminum. Both devices are lightweight and portable, with the Surface Pro X weighing in at 1.7 pounds and the iPad Pro at 1.5 pounds. The Surface Pro X comes with a detachable keyboard, while the iPad Pro requires a separate purchase for a keyboard accessory.
Display:
The Surface Pro X boasts a 13-inch PixelSense display with a resolution of 2880 x 1920 pixels. It offers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and sharp details. The iPad Pro, on the other hand, comes with a 12.9-inch Liquid Retina display with a resolution of 2732 x 2048 pixels. It also features ProMotion technology, which adjusts the refresh rate up to 120Hz for smoother scrolling and animations.
Performance:
The Surface Pro X is powered by Microsoft’s custom-designed SQ3 processor, while the iPad Pro is equipped with Apple’s M2 chip. Both processors offer impressive performance for everyday tasks, such as web browsing, email, and office productivity. However, the M2 chip has a slight edge in more demanding applications, such as video editing and gaming.
Features:
The Surface Pro X runs on Windows 11 Pro, providing a familiar desktop experience with access to a wide range of software. It also supports the Surface Pen for note-taking and drawing. The iPad Pro runs on iPadOS, which is optimized for touch-based interactions and offers a curated selection of apps. It also supports the Apple Pencil for similar functionality.
Battery Life:
Battery life is a crucial factor when it comes to portable devices. The Surface Pro X claims to offer up to 15 hours of battery life, while the iPad Pro boasts up to 10 hours of battery life. However, real-world battery life may vary depending on usage patterns.
Connectivity:
Both the Surface Pro X and iPad Pro offer a range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, and USB-C ports. However, the Surface Pro X has the advantage of a built-in LTE modem, allowing for cellular connectivity on the go.
Accessories:
The Surface Pro X and iPad Pro both have a range of compatible accessories, including keyboards, mice, and styluses. The Surface Pro X’s detachable keyboard is included with the device, while the iPad Pro requires a separate purchase.
Price:
The Microsoft Surface Pro X starts at $999, while the iPad Pro starts at $799. The price may vary depending on the configuration and accessories included.
Summary:
The Microsoft Surface Pro X and iPad Pro are both excellent premium 2-in-1 tablets, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. The Surface Pro X offers a versatile Windows experience, a detachable keyboard, and LTE connectivity. The iPad Pro, on the other hand, excels in performance, has a slightly larger display with ProMotion technology, and benefits from the iPadOS ecosystem. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your specific needs, preferences, and budget.
What You Need to Learn
1. Which device is better for students?
Both the Surface Pro X and iPad Pro are suitable for students. The Surface Pro X offers a more traditional laptop-like experience with Windows 11, while the iPad Pro has a more streamlined and touch-centric interface with iPadOS.
2. Which device is better for artists?
The iPad Pro has a slight edge for artists due to its larger display with ProMotion technology and its compatibility with the Apple Pencil. However, the Surface Pro X also supports the Surface Pen and offers a more versatile software ecosystem for creative applications.
3. Which device has better battery life?
The Surface Pro X claims to have better battery life than the iPad Pro, with up to 15 hours compared to 10 hours. However, real-world battery life may vary depending on usage patterns.
4. Which device is more portable?
Both devices are lightweight and portable, but the iPad Pro has a slight advantage in weight, coming in at 1.5 pounds compared to 1.7 pounds for the Surface Pro X.
5. Which device has a better camera?
The iPad Pro has a better rear camera than the Surface Pro X, with a 12-megapixel wide-angle lens and a 10-megapixel ultrawide lens. The Surface Pro X has a 10-megapixel rear camera.
