With Apple having unveiled its take on a professional-level hybrid 2-in-1 tablet, fans and observers alike are now asking: how will the recently launched iPad Pro compare with the upcoming iteration of Microsoft's Surface Pro lineup?
Although rumors say that the Surface Pro 4 is already scheduled for release next month, Microsoft is keeping mum on the details, especially the specs of the upcoming device. Some speculations, though, say that the Surface Pro 4 will match, if not exceed, the specs of its current iteration, the Surface Pro 3.
In terms of display, it is rumored that the Surface Pro 4 will be almost the same as the Surface Pro 3. The upcoming Microsoft hybrid will reportedly come in two variants – one measuring 12 inches and a bigger one at 14 inches, both having 2160 x 1400 pixel resolution.
Meanwhile, the iPad Pro's display is halfway between the two reported Microsoft variants, coming in at 12.9 inches. It has a 2048 x 2732 pixel resolution, with a pixel density of 265 ppi.
Under the hood, both tablets pack an upgraded version of their predecessor's specs. The iPad Pro is run by the Apple A9X chipset with a reported 4 GB of RAM. The new Surface Pro, meanwhile, will reportedly be coming with its i3, i5, and i7 variants running the new Skylake chipset.
With regard to storage, the iPad Pro was unveiled in 32- and 128-GB editions. Microsoft, meanwhile, is rumored to be doing away with the 64-GB base model of the Pro 3, and instead will offer the Surface Pro 4 in 128-, 256-, and 512-GB versions.
Comparing the prices, though, it seems Microsoft will have the upper hand. Apple will be introducing its iPad Pro – when it becomes available for purchase in November – with a $799 price tag for the base 32-GB model, plus additional fees for add-ons like the Apple Pencil. The Surface Pro 4, meanwhile, will most likely carry an $800 packaged price tag for the 128-GB, 12-inch model.
