As the M4 iPad Pro finally meets its competition with the new Surface Pro 11, which boasts an X Elite processor that’s significantly more powerful than its predecessors and offers improved battery life, it's time to do a full comparison. There are quite a few differences between these two pro tablets, some of which might surprise us.

Design and Build

Starting with the design, both devices have their unique strengths. The iPad Pro’s magic keyboard allows it to float in the air, giving it a sleek and futuristic look. The keyboard itself has a robust aluminum cover and a responsive magnetic trackpad. On the other hand, the Surface Pro 11 sticks with a more traditional design. Its keyboard attaches magnetically at the bottom, feels a bit flimsier compared to the iPad’s, and uses a diving board-style trackpad.

However, the Surface Pro 11 shines with its flexibility. The adjustable kickstand allows for a wide range of viewing angles, providing a natural typing angle and the ability to use the device without the keyboard attached. This flexibility can be particularly useful in various scenarios, making the Surface Pro 11 versatile.

One standout feature of the Surface Pro 11 is its user-serviceable SSD, which allows for easy and cost-effective upgrades compared to the iPad Pro, where you're stuck with the storage capacity you initially purchase.

Portability

Both the iPad Pro and the Surface Pro 11 are incredibly portable, but they cater to slightly different needs. The iPad Pro is remarkably thin and lightweight, making it ideal for prolonged handheld use. In contrast, the Surface Pro 11, while still portable, is thicker and heavier due to its built-in stand, SSD, and cooling fans. This makes it less ideal for extended handheld use but offers more in terms of versatility and upgradeability.

Display

When it comes to displays, both tablets offer impressive performance. The iPad Pro has a higher-rated brightness and superior anti-reflective coatings, making it a better option for outdoor use or bright environments. However, the Surface Pro 11’s OLED display holds its own, offering excellent brightness and HDR performance. While the contrast isn’t as high as the iPad’s, the Surface Pro 11’s display is still highly impressive for most use cases.

Connectivity

Connectivity is an area where the Surface Pro 11 takes a clear lead. It offers multiple USB-C ports with ultra-fast speeds (40 GB per second), along with a magnetic connector for charging. The iPad Pro, in comparison, has only one USB-C port, though it does include an additional port on the keyboard for charging. For professionals who need various peripheral connections, the Surface Pro 11 offers more flexibility out of the box.

Performance

In terms of raw performance, the Surface Pro 11 with its X Elite processor is a formidable competitor. The X Elite processor features 12 performance cores, significantly outpacing the M4 chip in the iPad Pro in multi-core performance.

Benchmark Tests
Single-Core Performance: The M4 chip still leads in single-core performance, scoring higher than the X Elite processor.
Multi-Core Performance: The X Elite processor scores 14,689, surpassing the M4’s performance and showcasing its capability in handling demanding tasks.
Battery Life

Battery life is another critical factor for many users. In our tests, the iPad Pro’s efficient M4 chip and iPadOS manage to keep it running longer on a single charge. After extensive use, the iPad Pro retained 92% battery compared to the Surface Pro 11’s 72%. However, computer consulting the Surface Pro 11’s battery performance is still impressive, especially considering its higher power draw and more powerful hardware.

Application Performance

When it comes to specific applications, the Surface Pro 11 shows its strength. For instance, in Lightroom, the Surface Pro 11 outperformed the iPad Pro in exporting 48 images, completing the task in 1 minute and 24 seconds compared to the iPad Pro’s 2 minutes and 34 seconds. This significant difference highlights the Surface Pro 11’s efficiency and power in handling professional-grade software.

User Experience

The operating systems on these devices cater to different user needs. The iPad Pro, with its iPadOS, excels in tasks that benefit from touch and pen input, such as drawing with the Apple Pencil. However, iPadOS can feel limiting for users who need a full desktop experience.

The Surface Pro 11, running Windows, offers the full desktop experience in a tablet form factor. This means you can run full desktop applications like Adobe Premiere Pro, Microsoft Office, and others without any limitations. This flexibility makes the Surface Pro 11 a true laptop replacement for many professionals.

Audio and Camera
Audio

Both devices offer excellent audio quality, but the iPad Pro edges out slightly due to its superior sound quality from a thinner device. The Surface Pro 11, while not as impressive, still provides loud and clear audio with good bass, making it a solid performer.

Camera

For video calls and photography, both tablets offer high-quality front cameras. The Surface Pro 11’s 1440p front camera provides a wide field of view and excellent HDR performance. The iPad Pro’s 1080p front camera also performs well, with the added advantage of being in landscape mode, which is preferable for video calls.

Conclusion

Both the Surface Pro 11 and the M4 iPad Pro are excellent devices, each with its strengths and weaknesses. The iPad Pro’s sleek design, superior display, and efficient performance make it an excellent choice for users who prioritize portability and a high-quality screen. However, its limitations in connectivity and software may be a dealbreaker for some professionals.

The Surface Pro 11, with its superior multi-core performance, flexible design, and full desktop operating system, is a more versatile device. It excels in areas where the iPad Pro falls short, making it the better choice for users who need a powerful, portable device that can handle a wide range of professional tasks.

Ultimately, the choice between these two devices comes down to your specific needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a sleek, high-performance tablet for creative work and media consumption, the iPad Pro is hard to beat. But if you need a versatile, powerful device that can replace your laptop, the Surface Pro 11 is the real pro tablet.

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