Quick Overview
- The Surface Studio is a desktop all-in-one device with a 28-inch PixelSense display that supports 10-point multi-touch and the Surface Pen.
- The iPad Pro is powered by an Apple M1 or M2 chip, up to 16GB of RAM, and up to 2TB of storage.
- The iPad Pro starts at $799 for the 11-inch model with an Apple M1 chip, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage.
The Microsoft Surface Studio and the Apple iPad Pro are two of the most popular devices for creative professionals. Both offer powerful hardware, intuitive software, and sleek designs. But which one is right for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll dive into the key differences between the Surface Studio and the iPad Pro to help you make an informed decision.
Hardware
Surface Studio: The Surface Studio is a desktop all-in-one device with a 28-inch PixelSense display that supports 10-point multi-touch and the Surface Pen. It features a powerful 8th-generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processor, up to 32GB of RAM, and up to 1TB of SSD storage.
iPad Pro: The iPad Pro is a tablet available in 11-inch and 12.9-inch models. It has a Liquid Retina display with ProMotion technology, which supports 120Hz refresh rates for smoother scrolling and drawing. The iPad Pro is powered by an Apple M1 or M2 chip, up to 16GB of RAM, and up to 2TB of storage.
Software
Surface Studio: The Surface Studio runs Windows 10 or Windows 11, providing access to a wide range of desktop applications and software. It also comes pre-installed with Microsoft Office and Surface Dial, a unique input device that enhances productivity.
iPad Pro: The iPad Pro runs iPadOS, which is a mobile operating system designed specifically for tablets. It offers a wide range of apps from the App Store, including Adobe Creative Cloud and Procreate. However, it lacks the compatibility with desktop software that Windows offers.
Input Devices
Surface Studio: The Surface Studio comes with the Surface Pen, a digital pen that supports 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity and tilt detection. It also has a Surface Dial, which can be used for rotating, zooming, and scrolling.
iPad Pro: The iPad Pro is compatible with the Apple Pencil, a digital pen that supports 2,048 levels of pressure sensitivity and tilt detection. It also has a Smart Keyboard Folio, which provides a physical keyboard and trackpad.
Display
Surface Studio: The Surface Studio has a 28-inch PixelSense display with a resolution of 4500 x 3000 pixels. It supports 10-point multi-touch and the Surface Pen. The display is bright, color-accurate, and offers wide viewing angles.
iPad Pro: The iPad Pro has an 11-inch or 12.9-inch Liquid Retina display with a resolution of 2388 x 1668 pixels or 2732 x 2048 pixels, respectively. It supports ProMotion technology, which provides a smooth and responsive experience. The display is also bright, color-accurate, and offers wide viewing angles.
Performance
Surface Studio: The Surface Studio offers powerful performance with its Intel Core i5 or i7 processor and up to 32GB of RAM. It can handle demanding tasks such as video editing, graphic design, and 3D modeling with ease.
iPad Pro: The iPad Pro offers impressive performance with its Apple M1 or M2 chip and up to 16GB of RAM. It can handle most creative tasks with ease, but it may struggle with intensive tasks such as 4K video editing or 3D rendering.
Portability
Surface Studio: The Surface Studio is a desktop device and is not portable. It requires a dedicated workspace and is not suitable for users who need to work on the go.
iPad Pro: The iPad Pro is a tablet and is highly portable. It can be easily carried around and used in different locations. It is ideal for users who need to work on the move.
Price
Surface Studio: The Surface Studio starts at $3,499 for the base model with an Intel Core i5 processor, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage.
iPad Pro: The iPad Pro starts at $799 for the 11-inch model with an Apple M1 chip, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage. The 12.9-inch model starts at $1,099.
The Verdict
The Microsoft Surface Studio and the Apple iPad Pro are both excellent devices for creative professionals. The Surface Studio offers more powerful hardware, a larger display, and a wider range of input devices. It is ideal for users who need a desktop-like experience with maximum performance.
The iPad Pro is more portable and offers a more intuitive operating system. It is ideal for users who need a device that they can use on the go and for tasks that do not require intensive hardware.
Ultimately, the best choice between the Surface Studio and the iPad Pro depends on your individual needs and budget. Consider the factors discussed in this comparison to make an informed decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which device is better for drawing and sketching?
Both the Surface Studio and the iPad Pro offer excellent drawing and sketching experiences. The Surface Studio has a larger display and supports the Surface Pen with 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity. The iPad Pro has a smaller display but offers the Apple Pencil with 2,048 levels of pressure sensitivity.
2. Which device is better for video editing?
The Surface Studio offers more powerful hardware and a larger display, making it better suited for video editing. It can handle 4K video editing with ease and provides a more desktop-like experience.
3. Which device is better for graphic design?
Both the Surface Studio and the iPad Pro are capable of handling graphic design tasks. The Surface Studio offers more powerful hardware and a larger display, while the iPad Pro offers a more portable and intuitive experience.
4. Which device is better for 3D modeling?
The Surface Studio offers more powerful hardware and a larger display, making it better suited for 3D modeling. It can handle complex 3D models with ease and provides a more desktop-like experience.
5. Which device has better battery life?
The iPad Pro has better battery life than the Surface Studio. The Surface Studio is a desktop device and requires a constant power source, while the iPad Pro is a tablet with a built-in battery that can last for up to 10 hours on a single charge.