Microsoft pits Surface Pro 7 vs MacBook Pro in ad featured during NFL playoffs

Microsoft Surface Pro 7
Microsoft Surface Pro 7 (Image credit: Windows Central)

What you need to know

  • Microsoft's latest advertisement compares the Surface Pro 7 to the MacBook Pro.
  • The ad ran during the NFC and AFC championship games for the NFL.
  • It focuses on the Surface Pro 7's touchscreen, price, and detachable keyboard.

If you joined the millions of people that watched the NFC and AFC championship games for the NFL over the weekend, you likely saw Microsoft's latest advertisement for the Surface Pro 7. In the spirit of competition, the ad places the Surface Pro 7 and Apple's MacBook Pro against each other. The ad focuses on several ways that the Surface Pro 7 stands out against the MacBook Pro, including a full touchscreen.

Microsoft and Apple have a long running rivalry across several form factors and device categories, so it's not surprising to see Microsoft square up against Apple. The MacBook Pro has garnered attention and adoration from customers and the media, so it's timely to show of the Surface Pro 7 to get some points back in the eyes of the public.

The advertisement features a young man comparing some of the features of the two devices. Unsurprisingly, it focuses on ways the Surface Pro 7 bests its competition, including its touchscreen, support for a pen, detachable keyboard, and lower price. He also points out that the Surface Pro 7 can run more games than the MacBook Pro. Surface devices aren't known for gaming, but in general, Windows 10 is a better operating system for games that macOS.

The Surface Pro 7 and MacBook Pro aren't exactly in direct competition. Microsoft has a Surface Laptop 3 that is a more traditional laptop. For what it's worth, many of the benefits highlighted in the ad, apart from the detachable keyboard, also apply to the Surface Laptop 3. While the Surface Pro 7 and MacBook Pro aren't the same form factor, people often compare them and pick between them when it comes to grabbing a device.

Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He's covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean's journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.