Surface Book 3 vs iPad Pro: Which one is superior?
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Key notes
- Surface Book 3 is a 2-in-1 device while iPad Pro (2020) is your typical tablet.
- Surface Book offers computing power, while iPad Pro brings simplicity.
- Our Microsoft Surface page is your go-to resource for everything related to tablets and laptops from Microsoft.
- Head over to our Laptop hub for everything to do with buying, reviewing, and comparing the best Windows 10 laptops on the market
Considering the inherent build of Surface Book 3 and iPad Pro (2020), the two devices may seem to be worlds apart. The Surface is the hallmark of Microsoft’s 2-in-1 devices, while the iPad Pro symbolizes Apple’s dominance in game-changing innovation. Both are the most powerful gadgets so far in their respective product lines.
Still, making a Surface Book 3 vs Ipad Pro comparison is not necessarily a stretch, especially if you are considering replacing one with the other.
Comparing Surface Book 3 vs iPad Pro
Surface Book 3
- Comes with a 15” or 13.5” touchscreen
- 10th gen Intel Core i7-1065G7 chip
- 17.5-hour battery life
- Assembly quality could be better
The Surface Book 3 model offers the option of a 15” or 13.5” touchscreen. You can get one with an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650, or Intel Iris Plus Graphics GPU. The graphics capabilities of the device suits higher-end gaming applications.
As far as processing speed is concerned, the device supports multiple options. The 15-inch version has a 10th gen Intel Core i7-1065G7 chip.
The 13-inch version offers a choice of a 10th gen Intel Core i7-1065G7 or a 10th gen Intel Core i5-1035G7 processor. Surface Book 3 15” has 17.5-hour battery life, while its smaller counterpart supports up to 15.5 hours of usage.
The device gives you the option of up to 2TB of solid-state drive (SSD) storage. Regarding screen resolution, you can go with the 3000 x 2000 (267 PPI) or 3240 x 2160, (260 PPI) model. You also have multiple choices for RAM, including the version supporting up to 32GB of random access memory.
Also, Surface Book 3 can detach from the keyboard to function as a tablet.
iPad Pro (2020)
- A storage capacity of up to 1TB
- 6GB RAM, and it is powered by an A12Z Bionic chip
- LED-backlit multi-touch tech
- The speaker could be better
There are two variants of this gadget: iPad Pro 11-inch and iPad Pro 12.9-inch. They are similar in many ways, including storage capacity of up to 1TB. The device has a 6GB RAM, and its powered by an A12Z Bionic chip that boasts 64-bit architecture.
Resolution-wise, iPad Pro 12.9 offers 2732 x 2048 (264 PPI). The display utilizes LED-backlit multi-touch tech. It also uses oleophobic coating as an anti-fingerprint feature.
Comparisons
Surface Book 3 is a different form factor altogether, considering it is a 2-in-1. It is a laptop with the versatility to quickly transform to a tablet on demand. Its processor packs a punch, while the RAM and storage capacity are ideal for applications that require higher computing power.
The device comes with discrete GPUs, which is a significant advantage compared with the iPad. These types of graphics devices have their own random access memory. They do not rely on system RAM to work well with video or graphics-intensive applications.
Surface Book 3 has a bigger display than iPad pro (2020). It also has a superior resolution, which would be ideal for gaming or other scenarios that demand high levels of picture clarity.
The gadget has a longer battery life, compared to its rival, which supports up to 10 hours of typical usage.
Nonetheless, iPad Pro (2020) would be perfect for users who prefer the simplicity of a tablet. It also has superior cameras 12MP (wide) and 10MP (ultra wide). Surface Book 3 cameras have a lower resolution—5MP (front-facing) and 8MP (rear cam).
Of course, nothing beats the iPad when it comes to features like biometric scanning and facial recognition.
Both devices have similar attributes still. For example, they support advanced connectivity options like USB-C and the 802.11ax Wi-Fi standard. They also have built-in Bluetooth 5.0 tech.
| Specs | Surface Book 3 15" | iPad Pro (2020) 12.9" |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 15-inch | 12.9-inch |
| Display | Resolution: 3240 x 2160, (260 PPI) 10 point multi-touch G5 | Resolution: 2732 x 2048 (264 PPI) LED-backlit Multi‑Touch with IPS |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB |
| Processor | Quad-core 10th Gen Intel Core i7-1065G7 | A12Z Bionic chip |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti with Max-Q | N/A |
The Surface Book 3 vs iPad Pro comparison is not easy to make since the two devices are somewhat different form factors. But if price and simplicity of use are important to you, the iPad would be ideal.
On the other hand, the Surface Book is an excellent option for tasks that demand higher computing power.
Don’t hesitate to share your feedback, including any questions, in the comments section below.
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