Apple’s iPad Pro isn’t creating a new category; the idea of a large-screen tablet that’s good for both productivity and casual “consumption” has been the domain of Windows tablets for years. The category even has a de facto flagship: the Microsoft Surface Pro 3.
While the two products serve a similar purpose, they’re very distinct pieces of hardware. In addition to the obvious branding, the iPad Pro has its roots in Apple’s mobile ambitions whereas the Surface Pro 3 is really a PC first. Each approach has its merits and trade-offs
So what are you getting with each super tablet? We put their specs side by side to compare. While you examine the details, though, keep in mind the Surface Pro 3 hasn’t had a refresh in a year and a half, and Microsoft is widely expected to debut version 4 sometime this fall, possibly before the iPad Pro's November release date.
Apple iPad Pro vs. Microsoft Surface Pro 3
iPad Pro
|
Surface Pro 3
| |
|---|---|---|
Screen Size
|
12.9 inches
|
12 inches, 3:2 aspect ratio
|
Resolution and Pixel Density
|
2,742 x 2,048, 265ppi
|
2,160 x 1,440, 216ppi
|
Processor
|
Apple A9X
|
Intel Core i3, i5 or i7 (Haswell)
|
RAM
|
unknown
|
4GB or 8GB
|
GPU
|
Apple A9X
|
Intel HD Graphics 4200 (i3), 4400 (i5) or 5000 (i7)
|
Weight
|
1.57 pounds
|
1.76 pounds (2.42 pounds with keyboard)
|
Battery Life
|
Up to 10 hours
|
Up to 9 hours
|
Storage Space
|
32GB, 128GB
|
64GB, 128GB, 256GB or 512GB
|
OS
|
iOS 9
|
Windows 8.1 (upgradeable to Windows 10)
|
Ports
|
Apple Lightning
|
USB 3.0 (1), miroSD, Mini DisplayPort
|
Wireless
|
802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.0 (Smart/LE)
|
802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.0 (Smart/LE)
|
Camera
|
8MP rear iSight camera, 720p front FaceTime camera
|
Two 5MP cameras (front and rear)
|
Accessories
|
Apple Pencil ($99 option)
|
Digital pen
|
Price
|
starts at $799 (avail. November)
|
$799 - $1,799, depending on configuration
|
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