Tablets have become ubiquitous tools for work and play. And when it comes to tablets, two big names stand out from the crowd — Apple and Microsoft, with their iPad and Surface lines.
Deciding between an iPad and a Surface device ultimately comes down to your priorities and needs. But understanding the key differences between these tablet options can help point you in the right direction.
Operating Systems: iPadOS vs. Windows
The iPad runs Apple‘s streamlined iPadOS, while the Surface utilizes the full Windows operating system. This translates to some key differences:
- Apps: iPads can only run iOS apps designed specifically for the platform. Surfaces provide access to the entire library desktop programs like Photoshop, Office 365, etc.
- Functionality: iPadOS is simpler with limited multitasking options. Windows allows extensive desktop-class features and customizations.
- Getting Things Done: iPads favor intuitive, touch-friendly designs for content consumption. Surfaces offer more productivity power and file system access for business or creative workflows.
There are tradeoffs with both approaches here. iPadOS is cleaner and more fluid, while Windows provides power at the expense of some complexity.
Design: Sleek iPads vs. Versatile 2-in-1 Surfaces
The iPad‘s slim, aluminum body and edge-to-edge display oozes modern elegance. Microsoft Surface devices have a more utilitarian look, prioritizing versatility with their 2-in-1 form factors and detachable keyboard covers.
You can use a Surface as three distinct devices — a laptop, tablet, or easel-stand canvas for drafting projects. iPads only allow tablet or quasi-laptop functionality when adding an optional extra keyboard case.
So Surfaces offer increased flexibility, while iPads boast more refined industrial design. Ultimately form should follow function based on your needs.
Power and Performance
The latest iPad Pro models are now equipped with Apple‘s wicked fast M2 chip, while Surface devices utilize a range of Intel, AMD, and custom ARM processors. Both product lineups offer excellent performance.
In terms of benchmarks, the iPad Pro edges out most Surfaces with its efficiency-focused silicon. But Surfaces close this gap by enabling full desktop applications and intense multitasking iPadOS can struggle with.
If you want cutting edge portable speed, the iPad Pro is tops. For raw processing muscle and workflow support, Surfaces have the upper hand.
Price and Product Ranges Differ Greatly
Apple offers a wide spectrum of iPad models at various price points — everything from the affordable $329 iPad to the loaded $2,399 12.9-inch iPad Pro.
Microsoft‘s Surface lineup is more concentrated at the high end, targeted squarely at creative, business, and power users. Mainstream Surfaces start around $800, with premium models ranging up past $3,500.
So while iPad offers better diversity, Surfaces focus specifically on premium offerings. Budget is a key factor here.
Which Tablet is Best Suited for You?
With their different designs, operating systems, and strengths, iPads and Surfaces each cater to slightly different needs:
- iPads are great for social media, web browsing, streaming, light productivity, mobile gaming, and creativity apps. Perfect for casual users.
- Surfaces excel when serious horsepower is required — intensive multitasking, elaborate digital art, video editing, coding and development work. A true laptop replacement.
There are certainly use case overlaps too. But in broad terms, that division captures the essence.
My recommendation? If you want a super portable tablet for everyday functions and content enjoyment, choose the iPad. For maximum productivity as a creative professional or business user, the Surface line has you covered.
Hopefully breaking down their differences here provides helpful guidance in determining which device better matches your individual needs and preferences. Any questions, feel free to get in touch!
