Apple iPad Pro 11" (M5, 2025) vs Microsoft Surface Pro 8
The Verdict
The Apple iPad Pro 11" (M5, 2025) and Microsoft Surface Pro 8 sit in the same category and end up appealing to slightly different buyers. The Apple iPad Pro 11" (M5, 2025) is the cheaper of the two at $999 versus $1,099, a difference of about $100. The Apple iPad Pro 11" (M5, 2025) is the newer release, which usually means a faster chipset and longer software support. Apple iPad Pro 11" (M5, 2025) stands out for m5 chip with 3.5x ai performance vs m4, while Microsoft Surface Pro 8 is praised for 120hz display was a major upgrade over surface pro 7's 60hz. Use the side-by-side spec table below to compare cameras, displays, battery life and connectivity in detail and decide which one fits your priorities.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple iPad Pro 11" (M5, 2025) if…
- →M5 chip with 3.5x AI performance vs M4
- →Ultra Retina XDR tandem OLED display
- →Wi-Fi 7 via N1 chip, C1X modem for cellular
Buy the Microsoft Surface Pro 8 if…
- →120Hz display was a major upgrade over Surface Pro 7's 60Hz
- →Thunderbolt 4 ports enable docking and eGPU connectivity
- →Removable SSD for IT-friendly storage swaps
Pros & Cons
Apple iPad Pro 11" (M5, 2025)
Pros
- M5 chip with 3.5x AI performance vs M4
- Ultra Retina XDR tandem OLED display
- Wi-Fi 7 via N1 chip, C1X modem for cellular
- Apple Pencil Pro support
- Thunderbolt / USB 4 connectivity
Cons
- Starting at $999 is expensive
- Still 5.1mm thin limits thermal headroom
- No headphone jack
Microsoft Surface Pro 8
Pros
- 120Hz display was a major upgrade over Surface Pro 7's 60Hz
- Thunderbolt 4 ports enable docking and eGPU connectivity
- Removable SSD for IT-friendly storage swaps
- Slim bezels modernized the Surface Pro design language
- 16-hour battery life is excellent for a Windows tablet
Cons
- 11th gen Intel CPUs feel outdated against 12th/13th gen competitors
- Accessories not included — keyboard and pen cost extra
- No headphone jack removed a basic convenience
- Starts at $1,099 for an i5/8 GB configuration
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple iPad Pro 11" (M5, 2025) | Microsoft Surface Pro 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iPadOS 19 | Windows 11 Home / Pro |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 444 g | 891 g |
| Dimensions | 249.7 x 177.5 x 5.1 mm | 287 x 208 x 9.3 mm |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 10 hours | Up to 16 hours (typical usage) |
| Capacity | — | 51.5 Wh |
| Cameras | ||
| Rear | 12 MP wide, 12 MP ultrawide, LiDAR | — |
| Front camera | 12 MP TrueDepth, Center Stage | — |
| Display | ||
| Size | 11.0 inches | 13 inches |
| Type | Ultra Retina XDR tandem OLED | PixelSense Flow IPS |
| Resolution | 2420 x 1668 | 2880 x 1920 |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz ProMotion | 120Hz |
| Storage | ||
| Storage options | 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB |
| Expandable storage | ||
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 16 GB | 8 GB / 16 GB / 32 GB |
| Chipset | Apple M5 (10-core CPU) | Intel Core i5-1135G7 / i7-1185G7 (11th Gen, Quad-core) |
| Connectivity | ||
| USB | Thunderbolt / USB 4 | 2x Thunderbolt 4 USB-C |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 (N1 chip) | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Cellular | ||
| Stylus Support | ||
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This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
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