Choosing which device to invest in for the classroom is a big decision and can take a considerable amount of time. There are many great tablets on the market making it difficult to narrow down the options. You want something that is durable, functional for the classroom and secure, with a good quality screen display and is enjoyable for students and staff to use. Two popular tablets on the market right now that fit the bill are the iPad Pro and the Surface Pro 4. In this Infographic we compare the two tablets side by side.

1. DISPLAY – WHAT SIZE IS THE
SCREEN AND THE RESOLUTION?
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ARE THE IPAD PRO AND
SURFACE PRO 4 WORTH THE PRICE?
WHICH IS BETTER VALUE?
PRICES FOR THE IPAD PRO START AT £530 FOR THE STANDARD CONFIGURATION.
PRICES FOR THE MICROSOFT SURFACE PRO 4 START AT £596 FOR THE STANDARD CONFIGURATION.
The main discrepancies between the Microsoft Surface Pro and the iPad Pro are not as apparent in the specifications. The difference is more in the ability of the
device to accomplish multitasking in the classroom. Additionally, the availability and the capability to run multiple apps simultaneously varies between the two
devices. The Surface Pro 4 provides better processing capability and more memory which makes running the wide variety of applications for Windows 10 a breeze.
The iPad Pro is geared more toward a tablet experience with a selection of light apps that load quickly. For more complex applications, the Windows platform
offers better capability in terms of running data intensive classroom applications. The Surface Pro 4 is more aimed at educational institutions and businesses trying
to integrate a functional tablet model into their curriculum without sacrificing Windows capability and compatibility.
If you are undecided, the easiest way to determine the best value is to decide exactly what you are looking for in a classroom device. For instance, if you primarily
use laptops, the Surface Pro 4 may be the way to go while adding the tablet option. On the other hand, if you are looking to integrate a tablet into classroom
learning, the iPad Pro will offer an affordable and functional tablet experience. Add the Smart Keyboard and you have just added a laptop option for classroom
learning as well.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Design: Stylish slim design
0.33 inches thick
lightweight 1.69 pounds.
Dimensions:
Overall dimensions 12.3 x 7.93 x 0.33 inches.
Solid Construction:
Sturdy magnesium unibody
attractive silver colour.
PixelSense Display:
12.3 inch PixelSense display
With 10-point Multi-Touch functionality
fingerprint resistant coating.
Kickstand:
Multi-function kickstand is attached to the device,
(as opposed to the optional keyboard for the iPad Pro
Keyboard: Optional Smart Keyboard easily clicks
in to the tablet and shuts down the display when
closed. It is also equipped with dedicated keys
for using Windows shortcuts.
Design: Stylish slim design
6.9mm thickness
lighter weight 1.57 pounds.
Dimensions:
Overall dimensions 8.7 inches x 12.9 inches x 0.27 inches.
Solid Construction:
Sturdy aluminum unibody
design prevents problems with flexing
variety of colours including silver, gold, and grey.
Retina Display: Advanced 12.9 inch Retina display
with Multi-Touch subsystem oleophobic coating to
resist fingerprints.
Keyboard: The optional Smart Keyboard offers an
attached kickstand which provides versatility when
using the iPad Pro in different modes. The keyboard
is comprised of woven fabric to enhance response
and includes conductive material underneath which
eliminates the need for on/off switches, batteries, or
power cords. The conductive fabric is capable of
withstanding repeated folding over the long term.
Audio: Dual stereo with Dolby Audio Premium
Embedded into the unibody chassis.
Port Connectivity:
1x full-size USB 3.0 port, 1x microSD card reader,
1x 3.5mm headset jack, 1x Mini Display Port,
dual microphones, cover port embedded.
Camera:
Front: 5.0 MP HD camera
Rear: 8.0 MP autofocus with 1080p HD video
recording
Battery: Lithium ion battery (up to 9 hours use).
Processing Performance:
6th Generation Intel Core m3, i5, or i7 processor.
Optional 4GB, 8GB or 16GB RAM (Random Access
Memory).
Wi-Fi: Compatible with the 802.11a/b/g/n/ standard
and is 2.4GHz and 5GHz dual channel to help access
the fastest wireless connection.
Bluetooth:
4.0 wireless technology
Audio: Four speakers for producing stereo sound.
Embedded into the aluminum chassis which
enhances speaker output.
Smart Connector: Located on the longer edge of the
chassis collaborates with the conductive fabric on the
optional keyboard. (This allows you to power the keyboard
using the iPad Pro tablet.)
Port Connectivity:
With one Lightning connector, one Smart Connector, one
3.5mm headphone jack, dual microphones embedded .
Camera:
Front: 1.2 MP FaceTime camera (720p HD video recording).
Rear: 8 MP iSight camera autofocus with 1080p HD video
recording.
Battery: Lithium-polymer battery (up to 10 hours use).
Wi-Fi: Designed with the latest 802.11ac standard and is
compatible with the previous standards of 802.11a/b/g/n/.
Wi-Fi connectivity is dual channel 2.4GHz and 5GHz.
Bluetooth:
4.2 wireless technology
Security: Windows Hello technology provides a way
to secure homework and personal data by logging on
with a smile for facial recognition. Add the optional
keyboard with fingerprint ID and you can enhance
device security.
Surface Pen: Surface Pen offers a sleek silver
aluminum design and allows you to modify digital
documents. It is also designed with a natural
working eraser on the end tip.
Multiple Mode Functionality: The accelerometer
gyroscope and ambient light sensor allow students
to use the Surface Pro 4 in a variety of different
modes including portrait, landscape, and a variety
of tilted angles using the attached kickstand.
Mix optional Surface Pen and Smart Keyboard
and you have a functional classroom laptop.
Storage: Available with a Solid State drive (SSD) and
the option of 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB of internal
storage.
Apps: Displaying up to four apps simultaneously.
All apps can be run in the background creating an
authentic desktop mode.
Security: Touch ID functionality allows you to secure
homework and personal data using fingerprint
recognition to unlock the device.
Multi-Touch Subsystem: Helps to improve the
precision and response of the optional Apple Pencil.
The subsystem allows the pencil to recognise pressure
sensitivity for creating a broad range of artistic effects.
Multiple Mode Functionality: The three-axis gyro
accelerometer and ambient light sensor allows students
to use the device in portrait or landscape mode. Lay the
device flat on a table for collaborative classroom projects
without sacrificing display quality. The Apple Pencil further
enhances this mode with the ability to draw on the tablet
while resting your wrists on the screen. Add the optional
keyboard with attached kickstand and the iPad Pro
becomes a functional classroom laptop.
Voice Commands: Siri 6 allows you and your students to
generate voice messages, use the iPad Pro hands free, and
configure reminders due dates and other classroom events.
Storage: Offers up to 128GB of internal storage.
Apps: Equipped with a series of free apps with the
ability to run up to two applications simultaneously.
DEVICE FUNCTIONALITY
BOTH THE IPAD AND THE SURFACE PRO 4 OFFER DIFFERENT MODES OF
FUNCTIONALITY FOR ENHANCED USE IN THE CLASSROOM.
Surface Pen: The Surface Pen provides students
with the tool they need to create classroom
notes, draw, or modify digital documents. The
Surface Pen feels like you are writing with a
conventional pen and paper with a point on one
end and a functional eraser on the other. Additio-
nally, you can rest your wrist on the screen to
draw on the display, convert handwriting to text,
and highlight important information when reading
eBooks or PDF documents.
Surface Pen Kit: Add the Surface Pen Tip Kit to
expand your options to switch from a ballpoint
pen type of experience to a #2 pencil. The kit is
compatible with the newest version of the Surface
Pen.
Smart Keyboard: The Smart Keyboard is a Type
Cover which clicks in place to instantly convert
Surface Pro 4 from a tablet to a laptop. The
keyboard is available in a variety of colours
including black, blue, bright blue, red, and teal.
There is also a Surface Pro 4 keyboard with
fingerprint ID which helps your students to easily
unlock the device using this technology.
All accessories mentioned here are optional and
must be purchased separately.
Apple Pencil: The Apple Pencil is Apple’s proprietary
technology and expands on the versatility of
Multi-Touch technology. The pencil is equipped with
accurate pressure sensors which sense the different
types of pressure you typically apply when using a
conventional pencil. To create thicker lines, press
harder. For thinner lines, use a lighter touch. The
Apple Pencil also can be charged using the Lightning
connector under the magnetic cap which attaches to
the Lightning port in the iPad Pro.
Smart Keyboard: The Smart Keyboard is designed to
fold and unfold and converts the iPad Pro to a laptop.
It also functions as a protective cover for the tablet
device when not in use. The durable fabric is desig-
ned to withstand daily wear and tear which makes it
ideal for student use. The Smart Keyboard is also
essential for adding a kickstand to create an
additional mode for presentations and classroom
projects.
All accessories mentioned here are optional and must
be purchased separately.
THE SURFACE PRO 4
is equipped with a 12.3-inch (diagonal) PixelSense
display and LED backlighting with 10-point
Multi-Touch display technology.
The resolution is 2736 x 1824 at 267 ppi (pixels per
inch). The display is fully laminated with antireflective
and fingerprint resistant oleophobic coating.
THE IPAD PRO
is equipped with a 12.9-inch (diagonal) Retina display and
LED backlighting with Multi-Touch display technology. The
resolution is 2732 x 2048 at 264 ppi (pixels per inch). The
display is fully laminated with antireflective and finger-
print-resistant oleophobic coating.
ACCESSORIES – ARE THEY INCLUDED
OR PURCHASED SEPARATELY?
BOTH THE IPAD PRO AND SURFACE PRO 4 OFFER AN ARRAY OF ACCESSORIES WHICH
HELP TO MAXIMISE DEVICE USAGE. HERE WE WILL HIGHLIGHT THE MAIN ACCESSORIES.
£596
£530
WHICH TABLET IS MORE
SUITABLE FOR THE CLASSROOM?
DESIGN AND AESTHETICS
BOTH THE IPAD PRO AND THE SURFACE PRO 4 SPORT A SOLID BUILD, SLEEK DESIGN,
AND LARGER SCREEN WITH A FEW SLIGHT DIFFERENCES WHEN COMPARED SIDE-BY-SIDE.
APPLE
IPAD
PRO
MICROSOFT
SURFACE
PRO 4
VS
SURFACE PRO 4 IPAD PRO
SURFACE PRO 4 IPAD PRO
SURFACE PRO 4 IPAD PRO
SURFACE PRO 4 IPAD PRO
SURFACE PRO 4 IPAD PRO
At first glance, the iPad Pro and Surface Pro 4 sport similar designs however,
this does not mean that each device provides equal functionality for the classroom.
LET’S COMPARE!