Apple iPad Pro 13" (M5, 2025) vs Microsoft Surface Pro 11 (Tablet)
The Verdict
The Apple iPad Pro 13" (M5, 2025) and Microsoft Surface Pro 11 (Tablet) sit in the same category and end up appealing to slightly different buyers. The Microsoft Surface Pro 11 (Tablet) is the cheaper of the two at $999 versus $1,299, a difference of about $300. The Apple iPad Pro 13" (M5, 2025) is the newer release, which usually means a faster chipset and longer software support. Apple iPad Pro 13" (M5, 2025) stands out for largest ipad pro with tandem oled at 13 inches, while Microsoft Surface Pro 11 (Tablet) is praised for copilot+ pc npu with on-device ai features. 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 13" (M5, 2025) if…
- →Largest iPad Pro with tandem OLED at 13 inches
- →M5 chip for desktop-class performance
- →Apple Pencil Pro + Magic Keyboard support
Buy the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 (Tablet) if…
- →Copilot+ PC NPU with on-device AI features
- →Excellent battery life from Snapdragon X Plus
- →Sharp 13-inch 120Hz PixelSense display
Pros & Cons
Apple iPad Pro 13" (M5, 2025)
Pros
- Largest iPad Pro with tandem OLED at 13 inches
- M5 chip for desktop-class performance
- Apple Pencil Pro + Magic Keyboard support
- Wi-Fi 7 and Thunderbolt
Cons
- $1299 starting price
- 579g is heavy for a tablet
- iPadOS still limits pro workflows vs macOS
Microsoft Surface Pro 11 (Tablet)
Pros
- Copilot+ PC NPU with on-device AI features
- Excellent battery life from Snapdragon X Plus
- Sharp 13-inch 120Hz PixelSense display
- Two USB 4 ports for fast external connectivity
- Removable SSD and Wi-Fi 7 support
Cons
- Type Cover keyboard and Slim Pen sold separately
- Some x86 Windows apps still need emulation on ARM
- Heavier than most Android/iPad tablets
- Premium pricing once accessories are added
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple iPad Pro 13" (M5, 2025) | Microsoft Surface Pro 11 (Tablet) |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iPadOS 19 | Windows 11 Home (Copilot+ PC) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 579 g | 895 g |
| Dimensions | 281.6 x 215.5 x 5.1 mm | 287 x 209 x 9.3 mm |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 10 hours | Up to 14 hours local video playback |
| Capacity | — | 53 Wh |
| Cameras | ||
| Rear | 12 MP wide, 12 MP ultrawide, LiDAR | 10 MP 4K |
| Front camera | 12 MP TrueDepth, Center Stage | Quad HD ultrawide with Windows Hello |
| Display | ||
| Size | 13.0 inches | 13 inches |
| Type | Ultra Retina XDR tandem OLED | PixelSense Flow LCD (OLED optional) |
| Resolution | 2732 x 2048 | 2880 x 1920 |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz ProMotion | 120Hz |
| Storage | ||
| Storage options | 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB | 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB |
| Expandable storage | ||
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 16 GB | 16 GB LPDDR5x |
| Chipset | Apple M5 (10-core CPU) | Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus |
| Connectivity | ||
| USB | Thunderbolt / USB 4 | 2x USB-C / USB 4 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 (N1 chip) | Wi-Fi 7 |
| Cellular | ||
| Stylus Support | ||
Want to compare a third product?
Add another product for a 3-way comparison.
Related Comparisons
- Apple iPad Pro 13" (M5, 2025) vs Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+
- Apple iPad Pro 13" (M5, 2025) vs Huawei MatePad Pro 13.2
- Apple iPad Pro 13" (M5, 2025) vs Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+
- Apple iPad Pro 13" (M5, 2025) vs Lenovo Yoga Tab 13
- Apple iPad Pro 13" (M5, 2025) vs Microsoft Surface Pro 8
- Apple iPad Pro 13" (M5, 2025) vs Microsoft Surface Pro 9
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.
Explore more in tablets, see all Apple products or all Microsoft products. View full details for the Apple iPad Pro 13" (M5, 2025) or the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 (Tablet).