Apple thinks its new 9.7-inch iPad Pro is a perfect replacement device for the millions still using years old laptops. Despite the obvious jabs at Windows, Apple did, at least, bring down the entry price to its new Pro range of tablets, first launched in late 2015.
The new one is smaller and cheaper than the existing 12.9-incher. Which sounds a lot like the Windows 10-powered Surface 3. The Surface 3 is a smaller version of the Surface Pro 3, a tablet that can replace your laptop.
On size and price alone, these two become competitors. So how do they match up? Here's what we know.
| Category | Surface 3 | iPad Pro 9.7 |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 10 | iOS 9 |
| Display | 10.8-inches 1920x1280 | 9.7-inch 2048x1536 |
| Processor | Intel Atom X7 | Apple A9X |
| Storage | 64/128GB SSD | 32/128/256GB |
| RAM | 2GB or 4GB | unknown |
| LTE | LTE version available | LTE version available |
| microSD | Yes | No |
| Front camera | 3.5MP | 5MP |
| Rear camera | 8MP | 12MP |
| Battery | 28 Wh | 27.5 Wh |
| Dimensions | 10.52 x 7.36 x 0.34 in(267 x 187 x 8.7 mm) | 9.4 x 6.6 x 0.24 in(240 x 169.5 x 6.1 mm) |
| Weight | 1.37 lbs (622 g) | 0.96 lbs (435 g) |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac |
| Bluetooth | 4.0 | 4.2 |
| Ports | Full size USB 3.0, miniDP, microUSB, 3.5mm headset | Lightning port, 3.5mm headset |
| Pen | Yes ($59 extra) | Yes ($99 extra) |
| Keyboard | Yes ($129 extra) | Yes ($149 extra) |
| Price | from $399 | from $599 |
Much of the story remains the same as when we looked at the Surface Pro 3 next to the bigger iPad Pro. The biggest difference comes at the top: Windows 10, a full desktop operating system or iOS 9, a mobile one.
And the smaller iPad Pro is still fantastically expensive. The tablet alone is $200 more than the current basement price for the Surface 3, with half the internal storage. The iPad Pro does pull ahead in other areas — it's lighter, thinner, has a better camera, and will probably get longer battery life — but those are secondary stats after you've already made a much bigger decision about the approach you want your tablet of choice to take.
To get the 'full' iPad Pro experience with the new 9.7-inch model you'll be spending around $850 (if you get Apple's own keyboard) compared to around $590 if you get everything from Microsoft. With these two, there's a clear winner on price, and it's the Surface.
We'll be able to talk more decisively about the iPad Pro 9.7 when it goes on sale. But given what we know of its big brother and what we see here, there are some very big key difference between it and the Surface 3.
The iPad has a higher resolution screen, better cameras, a option larger internal storage and is smaller and lighter all around. But the Surface 3 is a full Windows computer that also has an optional keyboard and pen and costs significantly less. There's still a lot to be said for a full desktop OS against iOS.
So, what say you? Be sure to let us know in the comments below!
