Quick comparison: Surface Pro 3 versus iPad Pro

As it turns out Microsoft must be on to a good thing with the Surface Pro 3, because Apple reinterpreted a number of features we're already used to for it's new, larger iPad. There's a keyboard dock, a pen, sorry, Pencil and the ability to run apps side by side to name a few.

The iPad Pro isn't set to hit store shelves until November, so real-world comparisons will have to wait. And hopefully by then there'll be a new Surface Pro to talk about.

In any case, here's a quick look at the two spec-to-spec. As is often the way with Apple products, there's still some unknown factors right now. But here's what it looks like so far.

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CategorySurface Pro 3iPad Pro
OSWindows 10 ProiOS 9
Display12-inches 2160x144012.9-inch 2732x2048
ProcessorIntel Core i3/i5/i7Apple A9X
Storage64/128/256/512GB32/128GB
RAM4GB or 8GBunknown
LTENo cellular versionLTE version available
microSDYesNo
Front camera5MP1.2MP
Rear camera5MP8MP
Battery42Wh3850mAh
Dimensions292 mm x 201.3 mm x 9.1 mm305.7 mm x 220.6 mm x 6.9 mm
Weight800 grams713 grams (723 grams for LTE)
Wifi802.11 a/b/g/n/ac802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Bluetooth4.04.2
PenYes (Included)Yes ($99 extra)
KeyboardYes ($129 extra)Yes ($169 extra)
Pricefrom $799from $799

The biggest difference has to be right at the top: The operating system. One runs a mobile OS, one a full desktop OS. You're also going to be spending over $1000 to get the 'full' iPad Pro experience with Pencil and keyboard, which is a lot, however you look at it. The Surface Pro 3 is at least marginally cheaper.

We'll be able to talk more when the iPad Pro is on sale. Maybe against the Surface Pro 3, maybe it's successor. Time will tell. Be sure to sound off in the comments with your own thoughts!

Richard Devine
Managing Editor - Tech, Reviews

Richard Devine is a Managing Editor at Windows Central with over a decade of experience. A former Project Manager and long-term tech addict, he joined Mobile Nations in 2011 and has been found on Android Central and iMore as well as Windows Central. Currently, you'll find him steering the site's coverage of all manner of PC hardware and reviews. Find him on Mastodon at mstdn.social/@richdevine