Microsoft's Compact Surface Devices vs MacBook Air and iPad Pro: A Size-Based Comparison
Let's Talk Budget Surface Devices: Microsoft recently dropped some competitive ultraportable devices onto the market, shaking things up a bit! We've got the Surface Laptop 13-inch – scaled down from the larger 13.8-inch model, as well as a fresh 12-inch version of the Surface Pro. These babies are designed to go head-to-head with both Apple's MacBook Air and iPad Pro, all while keeping your wallet happy.
Dropping the Dough
Alongside size and price reductions, these new Surface devices also bring some spec downgrades. For starters, the Laptop model slashes the resolution of its display from 2304 x 1536 to 1920 x 1280, dropping HDR support, and the refresh rate from 120Hz down to 60Hz. The Pro variant, on the other hand, skimps on the keyboard, which isn't included by default, although it's been redesigned to lay flat magnetically. The revamped Surface Pro also moves the place for its Surface Pen to the back of the device, where it charges directly. The Pro's screen also takes a refresh rate hit, dropping to 90Hz from 120Hz.
Both new Surface devices trade the convenient Surface Connect ports for standard USB-C 3.2, which isn't the worst thing, but it does mean you might trip and take a tumble with your laptop in tow. Internally, these devices run on the 8-Core Snapdragon X Plus chip from Qualcomm, a step down from prior models' default cores. They start off respectable with 16GB of RAM, but offer just 256GB of storage, with the option to upgrade to 512GB, but at a price.
Can these budget babes take on Apple?
Comparing specs, Apple's alternatives often come out on top, with one minor exception. Let's focus on those displays because they really make a difference!
Apple's Liquid Retina panel in the MacBook offers HDR with a resolution at 2560 x 1664, albeit limited to a 60Hz refresh rate. Meanwhile, the iPad Pro 11-inch model boasts a sharp 2420 x 1668 resolution, plus it's OLED and has a variable refresh rate that reaches up to 120Hz.
Performance-wise, whilst the Snapdragon chip in the new Surfaces is undoubtedly efficient, it definitely doesn't compare to Apple's M4 chip, which drives both the latest iPad Pro and MacBook Air, outperforming them in both single-core and multi-core tests.
But here's an interesting tidbit. The smaller 12-inch Pro is completely fanless, just like the MacBook Air and iPad Pro. And thanks to a more thermally efficient processor, Microsoft managed to remove the vents from the previous version of the Pro. Sadly, the same can't be said for the 13-inch Surface Laptop, which still includes vents, because you know hey, heat ain't cool!
Pocket-Friendly Practicality
Microsoft seems to have zeroed in on keeping costs as low as possible with these new models, and with some compromises come savings. And folks, PC beats Mac here! Prices for these models start below $1,000, undercutting the MacBook Air and iPad Pro's entry-level prices. The Surface Laptop 13-inch kicks things off at $899 and the Surface Pro 12-inch at $799. The base MacBook Air sets you back $999 for the 13-inch model and $1,199 for the 15-inch version, while the iPad Pro starts at $999 for the 11-inch version and $1,299 for the 13-inch upgrade. So, if you're all about keeping a lid on costs, the new Surface models might just be your ticket to tech heaven, just keep those compromises in mind.
That being said, upgrades don't come cheap on either side. Adding the keyboard to the 12-inch Pro costs an extra $150, and sizing up the storage to 512GB will inflate the cost another $100, bringing your total to $1,049. The 13-inch laptop jumps another $100 if you want to bump the storage to 512GB, bumping up the cost to $999. However, as is often the case, when comparing PC to Mac, the decision boils down to balancing price with performance, and Surface is now more affordable than ever, but remember, there's a catch with those savings. Luckily, the rest of Microsoft's Surface lineup remains available, so if you're willing to pay more, you can still find more performant alternatives to Apple's machines.
These budget babes are available for pre-order from Amazon, Microsoft, and various other retailers. The Surface Pro 12-inch is also up for pre-order at Best Buy, Microsoft, and Amazon, and both models will hit the shelves on May 20th. So, get ready to make some smart, budget-friendly, tech-decisions, friends!
- The Microsoft Surface Laptop 13-inch and the Surface Pro 12-inch, designed to rival Apple's MacBook Air and iPad Pro, offer similar specifications but at lower price points, starting at $899 and $799 respectively.
- When it comes to displays, Apple's MacBook and iPad Pro models outshine the Surface devices, both offering higher resolutions and better display technologies, such as HDR and variable refresh rates.
- In terms of performance, Apple's M4 chip, found in the latest iPad Pro and MacBook Air, outperforms the 8-Core Snapdragon X Plus chip in the new Surface devices in both single-core and multi-core tests.
- Despite some compromises, such as lowered resolution and the absence of Surface Connect ports, the new Surface models offer affordable price points, undercutting the entry-level prices of Apple's MacBook Air and iPad Pro.
