What To Know
- The iMac Pro is significantly more expensive than the Surface Studio 2, but it offers more powerful hardware and a higher-resolution display.
- The Surface Studio 2 offers a unique and versatile experience with its touchscreen and Dial interface, while the iMac Pro provides unmatched performance and a premium macOS ecosystem.
- 2 aspect ratio provide a more immersive and versatile experience for artists and designers, while the iMac Pro’s higher resolution and 5K display offer sharper visuals and more screen real estate for video editing and graphic design.
When it comes to the ultimate creative workstation, the Microsoft Surface Studio 2 and the Apple iMac Pro are two of the most formidable contenders. Both devices boast impressive specs, sleek designs, and powerful software ecosystems. However, there are key differences that set these two machines apart.
Display:
- Surface Studio 2: 28-inch PixelSense touchscreen display with a 3:2 aspect ratio, 4500 x 3000 resolution, and 120Hz refresh rate.
- iMac Pro: 27-inch Retina 5K display with a 16:9 aspect ratio, 5120 x 2880 resolution, and 60Hz refresh rate.
The Surface Studio 2’s touchscreen and 3:2 aspect ratio provide a more immersive and versatile experience for artists, designers, and architects. The iMac Pro’s higher resolution and 5K display offer sharper visuals and more screen real estate for video editing and graphic design.
Processor and Memory:
- Surface Studio 2: Intel Core i7-7820HQ or i5-7300HQ processor, up to 32GB RAM.
- iMac Pro: Intel Xeon W-2145B or W-2155B processor, up to 128GB RAM.
The iMac Pro offers a significant advantage in processing power with its Xeon processors and up to 128GB of RAM. This makes it ideal for demanding tasks such as 3D rendering, video transcoding, and complex simulations. The Surface Studio 2’s i5 and i7 processors are still capable, but they may struggle with more intensive workloads.
Graphics:
- Surface Studio 2: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 or 1070 GPU.
- iMac Pro: AMD Radeon Pro Vega 56 or 64 GPU.
Both devices offer dedicated graphics cards, but the iMac Pro‘s Vega GPUs are more powerful, especially for professional-grade 3D modeling and animation. The Surface Studio 2’s GTX GPUs are still capable for most creative tasks, but they may not be suitable for highly demanding workloads.
Storage:
- Surface Studio 2: 1TB or 2TB hybrid drive (HDD + SSD).
- iMac Pro: 1TB or 2TB SSD.
The iMac Pro‘s SSD offers significantly faster storage speeds than the Surface Studio 2’s hybrid drive. This can improve performance for tasks that require frequent data access, such as video editing and large file transfers.
Features:
- Surface Studio 2: Dial interface, Surface Pen support, optional Surface Arc Mouse.
- iMac Pro: Touch Bar, Magic Mouse 2, Magic Keyboard.
The Surface Studio 2’s unique Dial interface and Surface Pen provide intuitive controls for creative tasks. The iMac Pro’s Touch Bar offers a customizable shortcut menu, while the Magic Mouse 2 and Keyboard provide a more traditional experience.
Operating System:
- Surface Studio 2: Windows 10 Pro.
- iMac Pro: macOS Catalina.
Windows 10 Pro offers a wide range of software compatibility, including Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office. macOS Catalina provides a more streamlined and intuitive user experience, as well as access to Apple’s professional-grade software such as Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro X.
Price:
- Surface Studio 2: Starting at $3,499.
- iMac Pro: Starting at $4,999.
The iMac Pro is significantly more expensive than the Surface Studio 2, but it offers more powerful hardware and a higher-resolution display.
Which One is Right for You?
The Surface Studio 2 is an excellent choice for artists, designers, and architects who value versatility, touch input, and a more affordable price point. The iMac Pro is the better option for professionals who require maximum processing power, graphics performance, and a premium user experience.
The Verdict
Both the Microsoft Surface Studio 2 and the Apple iMac Pro are exceptional creative workstations. The Surface Studio 2 offers a unique and versatile experience with its touchscreen and Dial interface, while the iMac Pro provides unmatched performance and a premium macOS ecosystem. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which device has a better display for creative work?
A: The Surface Studio 2’s touchscreen and 3:2 aspect ratio provide a more immersive and versatile experience for artists and designers, while the iMac Pro’s higher resolution and 5K display offer sharper visuals and more screen real estate for video editing and graphic design.
Q: Which device is more powerful?
A: The iMac Pro offers significantly more processing power and graphics performance than the Surface Studio 2, making it ideal for demanding tasks such as 3D rendering, video transcoding, and complex simulations.
Q: Which device is more affordable?
A: The Surface Studio 2 starts at a lower price point than the iMac Pro, making it a more budget-friendly option for creative professionals.
