Microsoft Surface vs. iPad: flexibility, function, and finding your fit

At first glance, it’s hard to decide between the Microsoft Surface and iPad tablets, and they tend to suit each individual differently. If you’re looking for a powerhouse combo of laptop and tablet that’ll perform during any task, have a look at the Microsoft Surface Pro models. Those of you looking to get the most out of your mobile apps while streaming, viewing, or editing on a screen larger than a phone, check out the iPad models Back Market has in store. 

Why you can trust this guide 

Founded in 2014, Back Market is a global marketplace that partners with certified refurbishers across 20 countries to offer rigorously tested, top-quality devices. Every product undergoes a strict functional and cosmetic testing protocol, making sure screens, batteries, and internal components meet original manufacturer standards.  

Reviews on Back Market reflect authentic customer experiences verified by purchase and delivery data, giving you the chance to make informed decisions. With a transparent grading system, a six-month minimum warranty, and dedicated, responsive support, Back Market builds confidence through every refurbished product. Trust in these reviews stemming from unwavering quality control and community-driven feedback. 

"iPad came earlier than anticipated! It works great. As expected with refurbished items, there were a few scratches but it is in great condition! Definitely worth it if you’re looking for something that won’t break the bank!”

— Janae W. 

Microsoft Surface Pro 9 vs. iPad Pro (M4) comparison 

The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 vs. iPad Pro (M4) is a fairly new debate that puts the two top-notch tablet models up against each other to see which one takes the cake. The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is a top seller. It has gained a growing following amongst users who lean towards creative applications that run natively on Windows or rely on full desktop versions of software like Illustrator, Photoshop, or specialized CAD programs. The Apple iPad, on the other hand, is engineered as a premier mobile creative platform and geared towards incredible performance for demanding creative tasks like 4K video rendering and intricate 3D design. 

Apple iPad (2022) vs. Surface Pro 7 vs. Surface Pro 6 comparison 

This next section is a comparison between the Apple iPad (2022) vs. Surface Pro 7 vs. Surface Pro 6. These are three older models that are geared towards college students looking to get a device that'll make their lives easier and the best bang for their buck. The iPad is easily portable and works beautifully for academic tasks like reading, note-taking, and collaborative projects. The Microsoft Surface Pro, on the other hand, is ideal for students who use specific Windows-only applications like specialized engineering software or advanced statistical analysis tools. 

Main specifications  

Have a look at the main specifications of the models we’ll be comparing today and figure out which ones suit you the best. The core specifications will give you an indication of where these models shine, how efficient they are at the tasks you have in mind, and how they compare to each other in various arenas.  

Microsoft Surface Pro 9 

• Display: 13-inch PixelSense™ Flow, 2880 x 1920 resolution, 120Hz refresh rate 

• Processor: 12th Gen Intel® Core™ i5/i7 or Microsoft SQ® 3 (5G models) 

• Memory (RAM): 8GB, 16GB, or 32GB LPDDR5 RAM 

• Storage: Removable SSD options: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB 

• Graphics: Intel® Iris® Xe Graphics or Microsoft SQ® 3 Adreno™ 8CX Gen 3 GPU 

• Battery life: Up to 15.5 hours (Wi-Fi); up to 19 hours (5G models) 

• Weight: Approximately 1.9lbs (Wi-Fi); 1.9lbs (5G) 

 Microsoft Surface Pro 7 

• Display: 12.3-inch PixelSense™, 2736 x 1824resolution, 60Hz refresh rate  

• Processor: 10th Gen Intel® Core™ i3, i5, or i7 

• Memory (RAM): 4GB, 8GB, or 16GB LPDDR4x RAM 

• Storage: SSD options: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB 

• Graphics: Intel® UHD Graphics (i3) or Intel® Iris™ Plus Graphics (i5/i7) 

• Battery life: Up to 10.5 hours 

• Weight: Approximately 1.7lbs (i3/i5); 1.7lbs (i7) 

 Microsoft Surface Pro 6 

• Display: 12.3-inch PixelSense™ touchscreen, 2736 x 1824 resolution, 60Hz refresh rate 

• Processor: 8th Gen Intel® Core™ i5-8250U or i7-8650U (quad-core) 

• Memory (RAM): 8GB or 16GB LPDDR3 RAM 

• Storage: SSD options: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB  

• Graphics: Intel® UHD Graphics 620  

• Battery life: Up to 13.5 hours of local video playback 

• Weight: Approximately 1.69lbs (i5); 1.73lbs (i7) 

 Apple iPad Pro (M4, 2024) 

• Display: 11-inch or 13-inch Ultra Retina XDR with tandem OLED, up to 1600 nits brightness, 120 Hz refresh rate 

• Processor: Apple M4 chip (9-core CPU for 256GB/512GB models; 10-core CPU for 1TB/2TB models) 

• Memory (RAM): 8GB (256GB/512GB models) or 16GB (1TB/2TB models) 

• Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB 

• Graphics: 10-core GPU with hardware-accelerated ray tracing 

• Battery life: Up to 10 hours 

• Weight: Approximately 0.97lbs (11-inch); 1.28lbs (13-inch) 

 Apple iPad (10th Generation, 2022) 

• Display: 10.9-inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD, 1640 x 2360 resolution, 60Hz refresh rate 

• Processor: Apple A14 Bionic chip 

• Memory (RAM): 4GB 

• Storage: 64GB or 256GB 

• Graphics: Apple GPU (4-core graphics) 

• Battery life: Up to 10 hours 

• Weight: Approximately 1.05lbs (Wi-Fi); 1.06lbs (LTE) 

Benefits and features of each model 

Powered by Apple’s first OLED Ultra Retina XDR display and the M4 chip, the iPad Pro (M4) blurs lines between tablet and workstation. It offers up to a 10-core GPU with hardware-accelerated ray tracing, instant app launches, and pro-level video editing. Its Magic Keyboard support and thin, light design make it perfect for creative professionals on the move. 

“The display is probably the best display you will have ever seen in your life. Swiping across the screen at 120Hz feels like you are moving glossy butter across the smoothest glass surface your fingers have ever touched.”

- Reddit user 

The 2022 iPad balances affordability with performance via its A14 Bionic chip, 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, and Apple Pencil support. It handles note-taking, light photo editing, streaming, and web browsing with ease. Students and everyday users will appreciate its reliable responsiveness, long battery life, and vibrant color options. 

“This is an awesome machine: I use it extensively for reading, writing, some art, schedule my lessons / rehearsals, streaming and it's a joy to look at and use.”

- Reddit user  

With a 13-inch 120Hz PixelSense Flow display, choice of 12th Gen Intel® Core™ or SQ® 3 (5G) processors, up to 32GB of RAM, and removable SSD storage, the Surface Pro 9 is a true laptop-tablet hybrid. Thunderbolt 4 ports, LTE/5G options, and up to 15.5 hours of battery (Intel) empower power users and road warriors alike. 

“I love my Surface Pro 9… the speakers and screen are awesome and the 60 fps makes scrolling so much nicer.”

- Reddit user   

Featuring a 12.3-inch PixelSense display, 10th Gen Intel® Core™ options, up to 16GB LPDDR4x RAM, and USB-C connectivity, the Surface Pro 7 delivers full Windows in a slim, light chassis. It’s ideal for students, business users, and creatives who need a dependable device for note-taking, document work, and media playback. 

“It's been a super-convenient device for me. I've got a desktop and a couple of ‘regular’ laptops, but the Pro 7 is the thing I carry around with me.”

- Reddit user  

With its 12.3-inch PixelSense display, 8th Gen Intel® Core™ i5/i7 CPUs, up to 16GB RAM, and up to 13.5 hours of video playback, the Surface Pro 6 is still a solid everyday companion. Lightweight and durable, it excels for commuters and students needing note-taking, web browsing, and MS Office productivity on a budget. 

“I have that model and that's a fair price. I still use mine every day and it works well for MS Office, web browsing, writing, and watching films.”

- Reddit user  

Pros and cons 

Shopping tips 

When it comes to shopping for the ideal tablet after you’ve worked your way through this in-depth guide to the iPad vs. Surface Pro debate, there are a couple of things to think about before going further. Firstly, think about what you prefer and need. If you’re short on cash but looking for something to make your life easier, have a look at the iPad (2022) or Surface Pro 6 models. If you’re a fan of the Windows OS system, the Microsoft Surface models are a no-brainer. For absolute power, portability, and performance at the touch of your fingers, check out the iPad Pro (M4) models.  

If your concern is affordability, the refurbished options on Back Market are the ideal place for you to look for deals. Each device comes with a rating from Fair to Excellent, so you know what you’re getting into, and it's also come with a one-year warrantyjust right without worrying about losing out in the end. 

Benefits of buying refurbished smartphones 

Is there really a debate anymore regarding new vs. Refurbished devices? We don’t think so. Back Market is a leading force in the refurbished technology arena, offering devices that go through rigorous testing, quality checks, and performance checks before being listed on our website. They’re also a boatload cheaper than buying the devices new, so you’re more than likely to find something in your budget that suits you.    When we talk about the environment, refurbished models are second to none. Buying refurbished means not contributing to higher levels of e-waste or rising levels of CO2 emissions. 

The 30-day money-back guarantee and one-year warranty on all models purchased through back Market is what seals the deal for most customers. Not only can you get a top-quality device at a cheaper price, but you also don’t have to worry about missing out on the warranty that comes with a new device. It’s a win-win for all. 

Got an old device? Trade it in for even more savings  

Back Market also offers a Trade-in program, so you can sell your old devices and use the cash to reduce the cost of another model. The trade-in process is also easier than you could possibly think. All you have to do is answer a few short questions about your device and wait for our offer. Once you get the offer, you can ship your device off to us at no cost, and the money will be transferred into your account when your device is verified.  

Here’s a price comparison 

*Back Market prices taken at the date of publication — these are subject to change. 

Final thoughts 

When trying to choose an iPad vs. Surface Pro, your choice comes down to what suits you the best. If you’re a die-hard Windows fan and you’re looking for a portable workstation that’ll handle all the complex tasks you do on the daily, your only consideration is which Microsoft Surface Pro works best for you. If what you’re looking for is a powerhouse tablet that functions like a tablet but can handle complex tasks like video rendering, and editing, and more, the iPad Pro (M4) is a top contender. The iPad (2022), on the other hand, is the perfect companion for students, anyone whose main use involves streaming and basic tasks, or someone looking for an entry level tablet with decent processing power. 

Thanks to Back Market, refurbished devices are now easy to come by and come with money-back guarantees and warranties, so you don’t have to worry about getting duped. You can save a bunch of money, play your part in helping rid the planet of unnecessary waste, and get a top-quality device all at the same time, in just a few clicks.