Surface Studio vs. iMac Pro: Which Device Reigns Supreme in Creativity and Productivity?

When it comes to high-performance all-in-one computers, the Microsoft Surface Studio and the Apple iMac Pro stand out as two of the most popular choices for creative professionals. Both devices offer stunning displays, powerful processors, and a wide range of features designed to enhance productivity and creativity. However, there are also some key differences between the two machines that can make one a better choice for certain users. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the specifications, features, and performance of the Microsoft Surface Studio and the iMac Pro to help you make an informed decision about which one is right for you.

Design and Build Quality

Microsoft Surface Studio: The Surface Studio features a sleek and modern design with a 28-inch PixelSense display that can be tilted and adjusted to a variety of angles. The base of the device houses a powerful processor, graphics card, and other components, while the display itself is incredibly thin and lightweight. The overall build quality is excellent, with a sturdy aluminum frame and a premium feel.

iMac Pro: The iMac Pro also boasts a stylish design with a 27-inch Retina 5K display. The all-in-one design means that the computer, display, and speakers are all housed in a single unit, resulting in a clean and minimalist look. The iMac Pro is constructed from high-quality materials, including an aluminum unibody, and feels solid and well-built.

Display

Microsoft Surface Studio: The Surface Studio’s PixelSense display is one of its standout features. It offers a resolution of 4500 x 3000 pixels, resulting in a sharp and detailed image. The display also supports the Surface Pen, allowing you to draw, sketch, and annotate directly on the screen. The Surface Studio’s display is also unique in that it can be tilted and adjusted to a variety of angles, making it ideal for both creative work and general use.

iMac Pro: The iMac Pro’s Retina 5K display is also impressive, with a resolution of 5120 x 2880 pixels. The display is known for its wide color gamut and high brightness, making it ideal for color-critical work. The iMac Pro’s display does not support touch input, but it does support Apple’s True Tone technology, which automatically adjusts the color temperature of the display to match the ambient lighting.

Performance

Microsoft Surface Studio: The Surface Studio is available with a range of processor and graphics card options. The base model features a 7th-generation Intel Core i5 processor and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 graphics card. Higher-end models offer more powerful processors, such as the 8th-generation Intel Core i7, and more powerful graphics cards, such as the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 or GTX 1080. The Surface Studio’s performance is generally excellent, and it can handle demanding creative tasks with ease.

iMac Pro: The iMac Pro is powered by Intel’s Xeon W processors, which are designed for professional workstations. The base model features a 10-core Xeon W processor, while higher-end models offer 14-core or 18-core processors. The iMac Pro also comes with a powerful AMD Radeon Pro graphics card, with options ranging from the Radeon Pro 580 to the Radeon Pro Vega 64X. The iMac Pro’s performance is exceptional, and it is capable of handling even the most demanding creative tasks with ease.

Features

Microsoft Surface Studio: The Surface Studio comes with a number of features that are specifically designed for creative professionals. These include the Surface Pen, which allows you to draw, sketch, and annotate directly on the screen. The Surface Studio also supports the Surface Dial, which can be used to control various aspects of the device, such as zooming, scrolling, and adjusting the volume.

iMac Pro: The iMac Pro also comes with a number of features that are designed for creative professionals. These include the True Tone display, which automatically adjusts the color temperature of the display to match the ambient lighting. The iMac Pro also supports Apple’s Touch Bar, which provides a customizable touch-sensitive OLED strip that can be used to access shortcuts and controls for various applications.

Operating System

Microsoft Surface Studio: The Surface Studio runs on Windows 10, which provides a wide range of features and compatibility with a wide range of software. Windows 10 also includes a number of features that are specifically designed for creative professionals, such as the Windows Ink Workspace and the Creative Cloud integration.

iMac Pro: The iMac Pro runs on macOS Mojave, which is Apple’s latest operating system. macOS Mojave offers a number of features that are specifically designed for creative professionals, such as the Final Cut Pro X video editing software and the Logic Pro X music production software. macOS Mojave also includes a number of features that are designed to improve productivity, such as the Dark Mode and the Stacks feature.

Price

Microsoft Surface Studio: The Surface Studio is available in a range of configurations, with prices starting at $2,999. The base model features a 7th-generation Intel Core i5 processor and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 graphics card. Higher-end models offer more powerful processors, more powerful graphics cards, and larger storage capacities.

iMac Pro: The iMac Pro is available in a range of configurations, with prices starting at $4,999. The base model features a 10-core Xeon W processor and an AMD Radeon Pro 580 graphics card. Higher-end models offer more powerful processors, more powerful graphics cards, and larger storage capacities.

Which One is Right for You?

The Microsoft Surface Studio and the iMac Pro are both excellent all-in-one computers that are well-suited for creative professionals. The Surface Studio offers a unique display that can be tilted and adjusted to a variety of angles, as well as support for the Surface Pen and Surface Dial. The iMac Pro offers exceptional performance, a stunning display, and a wide range of features that are designed for creative professionals.

Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you are looking for a versatile all-in-one computer with a unique display and support for pen input, the Surface Studio is a great option. If you are looking for a high-performance all-in-one computer with a stunning display and a wide range of features, the iMac Pro is a great option.

Frequently Discussed Topics

Q: Which device has a better display?
A: Both the Surface Studio and the iMac Pro have excellent displays. The Surface Studio’s display can be tilted and adjusted to a variety of angles, while the iMac Pro’s display offers a wider color gamut and higher brightness.

Q: Which device is more powerful?
A: The iMac Pro is generally more powerful than the Surface Studio. The iMac Pro offers more powerful processors and graphics cards, as well as more RAM and storage capacity.

Q: Which device is more versatile?
A: The Surface Studio is more versatile than the iMac Pro. The Surface Studio’s display can be tilted and adjusted to a variety of angles, and it supports the Surface Pen and Surface Dial.

Q: Which device is better for creative professionals?
A: Both the Surface Studio and the iMac Pro are well-suited for creative professionals. The Surface Studio offers a unique display and support for pen input, while the iMac Pro offers exceptional performance and a wide range of features.

Q: Which device is more affordable?
A: The Surface Studio is more affordable than the iMac Pro. The base model Surface Studio starts at $2,999, while the base model iMac Pro starts at $4,999.