A tablet can be a handy tool for getting work done for designers, creatives, artists, notetakers, and photographers. Apple iPads have dominated the scene, but they are not the only tablets in the market, with Microsoft’s Surface series providing tough competition. Undoubtedly, both are designed with top-notch technology to provide a quality experience for users, but how do they compare to each other?
Unless you are loyal to either Apple or Microsoft products, deciding which of the two is best for you can be challenging. As mentioned, both provide quality tablets that perform almost similar essential functions. However, one will be more appealing based on several factors, such as price and features. Here are similarities between Apple iPad and Microsoft Surface and how they compare.
Apple iPad vs. Microsoft Surface: Side-By-Side Comparison
| Apple iPad | Microsoft Surface | |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Apple Inc | Microsoft Corporation |
| Operating system | iPadOS | Windows 10 and 11 depending on the model |
| Stylus | Apple pencil | Surface pen |
| Form factor | Tablet | Convertible laptop/tablet |
| Processor | M2, M1, A15 Bionic, A14 Bionic, and A13 Bionic processors | Intel Ivy Bridge processors, ARM processors |
| Battery life | Up to 10 hours (varies with model) | Up to 16 hours (varies with model) |
| Expandable storage | No | Yes (some models have a MicroSD card slot) |
| Storage options | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB (varies with model) | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB (varies by model) |
| Camera | 12MP front and 8MP/12MP back | 5MP front and 8MP/10MP back |
| Charging | USB-C, Lightning connector | USB-C, USB-A |
| Keyboard compatibility | Supports Apple Magic Keyboard and other third-party keyboards | Compatible with Surface Type Cover and other third-party keyboards |
| Price range | From $469 to $1,057 | From $179 to $2,250 |
- Supports Wi-Fi 6E
- Comes with an Apple M2 processor
- Thin, sleek bezels with an aluminum chassis
- 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display
Apple iPad vs. Microsoft Surface: What’s the Difference
The bottom line is both products are amazing in their unique features and specification, but they differ in several key aspects that will affect your purchase decision. Here are a few considerations to make before deciding which suits you best.
Operating System
Apple iPad and Microsoft Surface tablets run on in-house operating systems, meaning you should expect the best out of both. However, each has its limitations, in comparison especially. Microsoft Surface tablets use Windows OS, which is highly customizable, allowing users to install third-party applications and tweak settings to their desire. The highlight of the Windows operating system is that it is a full-featured desktop operating system meaning that Surface tablets can run desktop applications such as Adobe and Microsoft Office.
In contrast, Apple iPads operate on iPadOS, designed specifically for tablets. The operating system allows users to connect their tablets seamlessly with other Apple products like laptops and smartphones. In comparison to the full desktop windows, however, the iPadOS is limited. For instance, iPads cannot support desktop applications and can only run applications designed for tablets.
While Windows OS is great, it has its fair share of downsides, such as compatibility issues. Not all desktop applications are optimized to run on a tablet form factor. This may lead to some applications not working as intended.
Design
Apple iPads and Surface tablets have distinct designs that reflect their respective brand philosophies. Right off the rip, you will notice that the two tablet brands have different form factors: Apple iPads have the conventional tablet form factor, while Microsoft Surface tablets can either be used as laptops or tablets. The design is rather interesting, allowing you to use your device in up to three ways: the standard laptop setup, the halfway folded-down easel setup, and the flat tablet setup.
Microsoft Surface tablets have a more utilitarian design, emphasizing versatility and productivity. They often come with detachable keyboards, which are efficient when you want to switch to desktop mode. Additionally, most Surface tablets come with a stylus which is great for note-taking, designing, and drawing, although some iPads come with the same. Apple iPads have a sleek design that focuses on portability and simplicity. Additionally, there’s not much on both sides of an iPad, as the display surrounded by thin bezels dominates the front, while the back has the Apple logo and camera. They are made using aluminum and glass, which make them vulnerable to damage. iPads are compatible with Apple’s Magic Keyboard, but you’ll have to purchase this separately for most models.
- i5-2450M CPU model
- Up to 15.5 hours of battery life
- 13” PixelSense touchscreen
- Virtually edge-to-edge 13” PixelSense touchscreen
- Surface Slim Pen 2
Applications
Both iPads and Surface tablets have a wide selection of applications, but as mentioned earlier, Microsoft Surface tablets can be used as desktops, meaning they support desktop applications. This feature enables the tablets to be suitable for particular types of work like animation.
On the other hand, iPads mainly support applications optimized for tablets, including creative apps and games. This could result in some applications not working correctly.
Battery Life
Comparing Microsoft Surface and iPad tablets’ battery life is not exactly straightforward. Generally, however, both brands have devices with decent battery life to last you over 10 hours on a single charge. For instance, Microsoft claims that the Surface 8 Pro can take you through 16 hours before you need your charge. It is worth noting that this number can change significantly depending on other factors, such as daily usage patterns.
On the other hand, Apple says that the iPad Pro (2022) can last 10 hours before you charge it again. While the iPad’s battery capacity is somewhat inferior to the Surface’s, Apple focuses on using energy-efficient components like processors that significantly improve the battery life.
Performance
While both provide fantastic performance for different occasions, Surface tablets have the edge over iPads due to their powerful processors that can handle intensive tasks such as video editing. Their operating system is also optimized to support desktop applications and thus provide better performance.
Apple iPads, however, have longer battery life and are optimized for efficiency. Of course, iPadOS is explicitly designed for iPads, meaning it runs more smoothly than the Windows operating system on Surface tablets.
Price
Both products are generally not cheap, but Surface tablets are typically priced higher because they are designed as full-featured desktops that can also be used as tablets with powerful processors, making them suitable for handling demanding tasks. There are affordable Surface tablets, such as the Surface 3, which retails at $179, while premium ones cost around $2,250, like the Surface Pro 9.
- 10.8-inch full HD display
- 4GB RAM with 64GB SSD
- Intel Quad-Core Atom x7-Z8700 processor
- Turn it into a computer by pairing it with your wireless keyboard
Apple has several iPad models in its catalog, cutting across a range of price points, ensuring you can find tablets within your budget. However, expensive models are more recent and have advanced specs and features that improve overall performance. The iPad Mini (2021) retails at around $469, while the most recent iPad Pro costs about $1,057.
- 8.3-inch Retina Display (2266 x 1488 pixels)
- Apple A15 Bionic chip
- 12MP Ultra Wide front camera
- Touch ID for security
Apple iPad vs. Microsoft Surface: 7 Must-Know Facts
- IPads run on Apple’s iPadOS, while Microsoft Surface Tablets operate on Windows.
- Microsoft’s are priced higher than iPads, with the latest model retailing at $2,250 and $1,057, respectively.
- Microsoft Surface tablets have two form factors and can be used as tablets or laptops.
- Both devices support styluses suitable for drawing, designing, and note-taking.
- Surface tablets have several ports, including USB-C, USB-A, Surface Connect, headset jack, and MicroSD card slot.
- iPads have optional detachable Magic Keyboards that can convert your tablet into a laptop setup.
- iPads are designed with power-efficient features that improve their battery life. The iPad Pro can take you through 10 hours of web browsing and video playback.
Apple iPad vs. Microsoft Surface: Which One is Better? Which One Should You Use?
Both products are fantastic and unique in their own way; however, at the end of the day, one is likely to tickle your fancy more. Surface tablets are great if you plan on doing demanding tasks on them. They have a fully-featured desktop operating system that enables them to handle desktop applications such as Adobe Photoshop. Their form factor allows users to use devices as tablets or laptops, which can be great for always moving creatives.
Apple iPads have decent battery life and provide premium devices at considerably affordable prices compared to Microsoft Surface. If you want a tablet that performs great and won’t break the bank, an iPad is a great place to start. To decide which one is best for you, consider your preferences, needs, and budget, but we recommend a Surface tablet because of its versatility and durability.
- Apple 2022 12.9-inch iPad Pro (6th Generation)
- Supports Wi-Fi 6E
- Comes with an Apple M2 processor
- Thin, sleek bezels with an aluminum chassis
- 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display
- Microsoft Surface Pro 9
- i5-2450M CPU model
- Up to 15.5 hours of battery life
- 13” PixelSense touchscreen
- Virtually edge-to-edge 13” PixelSense touchscreen
- Surface Slim Pen 2
- Microsoft Surface 3 10.8 FHD (1920x1280) Touchscreen 2-in-1 Education and Business Laptop Tablet (Intel Quad-Core Atom x7-Z8700, 4GB RAM, 64GB SSD) Mini DP, WiFi AC, Webcam, Windows 10 Pro (Renewed)
- 10.8-inch full HD display
- 4GB RAM with 64GB SSD
- Intel Quad-Core Atom x7-Z8700 processor
- Turn it into a computer by pairing it with your wireless keyboard
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