Microsoft Surface Pro 4 vs. iPad Pro comparison: a few differences but they're important

Microsoft Surface Phone 4Microsoft

No other two devices will deliver a more exciting battle of specs and features than the Microsoft Surface Pro 4 and the Apple iPad Pro, which have been going toe to toe on the market for months now.

With what the two products can offer, it will be a challenge to see which device users should go for. This comparison should help these troubled customers in landing a decision.

When it comes to size, there isn't much difference. The iPad Pro comes with a hulking 12.9-inch display while the Microsoft Surface Pro 4's screen is slightly smaller at 12.7 inches.

Display resolution won't be much of an issue because both the screens of the rival devices look amazing. Performance-wise, the Apple iPad Pro, owing to its A9X processor, runs smoothly and incredibly nippy.

The same goes for the Microsoft Surface Pro 4, which, even just the standard model with the Intel Core i3 processor, did not falter even after being set in the highest, most power-consuming settings.

In terms of the design and accessories, Microsoft's 2-in-1 device feels more like a laptop. It has a backlit keyboard (sold separately), trackpad and an adjustable screen—features that the iPad Pro lack.

Both devices come with a stylus, although iPad Pro users will have to purchase the Apple Pencil separately. The Surface Pro 4's Surface Pen is packaged with the device.

What the large Apple tablet boasts that its rival doesn't is the cellular network support, which, for some, is the selling point of the device.

Apple iPad ProApple

One key department that the Microsoft Surface Pro 4 and the iPad Pro should excel in is the battery life, since they are instruments of portability and convenience.

Critics have said that the Microsoft hybrid isn't doing a good job in that department, as it does not last longer than it should or at least as long as users need it to be.

However, Microsoft has already recognized the issue and has provided a solution since then. Unfortunately, Tech Radar believes that the battery can still do better, although it did improve drastically.

Meanwhile, another deal-breaker is the RAM and memory of the devices, which influence the pricing. The entry-level iPad Pro is at $599 and it comes with 32GB memory. For the 128GB and 256GB models, buyers will have to shell out $1,079.99 and $1,229.99, respectively.

Microsoft Surface Pro 4's standard model offers 128GB storage bundled with an Intel Core i3 processor and 4GB RAM. This comes with an $899 price tag. Add $100 to get a version powered by Core i5.

The 256GB version with 8GB RAM and Intel Core i5 is priced at $1,199 (previously $1,299). Bump up the chipset to Intel Core i7 and the price goes up to $1,449 (previously $1,599). For those who would like 16GB RAM with that, they'll need $1,649.