Apple iPad Pro 11" (M5, 2025) vs Microsoft Surface Pro 9
The Verdict
The Apple iPad Pro 11" (M5, 2025) and Microsoft Surface Pro 9 sit in the same category and end up appealing to slightly different buyers. Both launched at roughly the same price ($999 vs $999), so cost is unlikely to be the deciding factor. 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 9 is praised for full windows 11 experience in a tablet form factor. 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 9 if…
- →Full Windows 11 experience in a tablet form factor
- →120Hz PixelSense Flow display is sharp and smooth
- →Thunderbolt 4 on Intel models for pro connectivity
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 9
Pros
- Full Windows 11 experience in a tablet form factor
- 120Hz PixelSense Flow display is sharp and smooth
- Thunderbolt 4 on Intel models for pro connectivity
- Removable SSD for easy storage upgrades and data security
- Versatile kickstand adapts to any angle for laptop or studio mode
Cons
- Type Cover keyboard and Slim Pen sold separately — adds $300+
- Fanless design throttles under sustained heavy workloads
- SQ3 (ARM) model has app compatibility issues
- Base $999 only gets i5/8 GB/128 GB — underpowered for the price
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple iPad Pro 11" (M5, 2025) | Microsoft Surface Pro 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iPadOS 19 | Windows 11 Home / Pro |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 444 g | 879 g |
| Dimensions | 249.7 x 177.5 x 5.1 mm | 287 x 209 x 9.3 mm |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 10 hours | Up to 15.5 hours (typical usage) |
| Capacity | — | 47.7 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 i5-1235U / i7-1255U (or Microsoft SQ3 for 5G) |
| Connectivity | ||
| USB | Thunderbolt / USB 4 | 2x USB-C (Thunderbolt 4 on Intel) |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 (N1 chip) | Wi-Fi 6E |
| 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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