Versus Engine
Apple M5 iPad Pro (OLED) vs Surface Laptop Ultra
Specs, price and the one trade-off that actually decides it — Apple M5 iPad Pro (OLED) against Surface Laptop Ultra, side by side.
Cheaper to start
Tie
Both start at a similar price.
Best ecosystem
Tie
Neither lists native integrations.
Standout
Apple M5 iPad Pro (OLED)
Apple M5 chip
Apple M5 iPad Pro (OLED)
Apple's professional tablet with a Tandem OLED display and the M5 processor.
Where it wins, where it doesn't
Pros
- Stunning display
- Desktop-class performance
- Advanced eSIM technology
- LiDAR Scanner
- Support for Apple Pencil Pro
Cons
- iPadOS still limits multitasking
Specifications
- displayUltra Retina XDR
- SensorsFace ID, LiDAR Scanner, Three-axis gyro, Accelerometer, Barometer, Ambient light sensors
- Size and weightvary by configuration and manufacturing process
- 10-core CPU10-core CPU with 4 super cores and 6 efficiency cores
- 10-core GPU10-core GPU
- 12MP Wide camera12MP Wide camera, ƒ/1.8 aperture
- 5G (sub-6 GHz)5G (sub-6 GHz) with 4x4 MIMO
- 5G, Gigabit LTE, and Wi-Fi callingavailable in select markets and through select carriers. Speeds are based on theoretical throughput and vary based on site conditions and carrier
- 9-core CPU9-core CPU with 3 super cores and 6 efficiency cores
- Accessibility—
- Apple IntelligenceApple Intelligence 4
- Apple Pencil supportApple Pencil Pro, Apple Pencil (USB-C)
- Audio—
- BluetoothBluetooth 6
- Brightness—
- Camera12MP Wide camera, ƒ/1.8 aperture
- Camera & video—
- Cameras—
- Cellular data plansold separately. The model you purchase is configured to work with a particular cellular network technology. Check with your carrier for compatibility and cellular data plan availability
- ChipApple M5 chip
- Data onlyData only 8
- Digital zoomup to 5x
- Displaysrounded corners. When measured diagonally as a rectangle, the 13-inch iPad Pro is 13 inches, and the 11-inch iPad Pro is 11.1 inches. Actual viewable area is less
- eSIMeSIM 9
- Face IDEnabled by TrueDepth camera for facial recognition
- FaceTime callingrequires a FaceTime-enabled device for the caller and recipient and a Wi-Fi connection. Availability over a cellular network depends on carrier policies; data charges may apply
- Fast-charge capableUp to 50% charge in around 30 minutes with the 40W Dynamic Power Adapter with 60W Max or other USB-C power adapter capable of providing 60W or higher (adapters sold separately) 13
- FDD-LTEFDD-LTE (Bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 66, 71)
- FDD-LTE BandsBands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 66, 71
- Firmware—
- Gigabit LTEGigabit LTE with 4x4 MIMO
- Graphics—
- iPad Pro uses advanced eSIM technologyfor more convenience and security (not compatible with physical SIM cards)
- iPadOScomes with powerful features and built-in apps designed to take advantage of the unique capabilities of iPad
- Keyboard—
- Media EngineHardware-accelerated H.264, HEVC, ProRes, and ProRes RAW
- Memory and storage—
- Models A3358 and A33615G NR (Bands n1, n2, n3, n5, n7, n8, n12, n14, n20, n25, n26, n28, n29, n30, n38, n40, n41, n48, n66, n70, n71, n75, n77, n78, n79) 7
- Models A3358 and A3361 5G NR BandsBands n1, n2, n3, n5, n7, n8, n12, n14, n20, n25, n26, n28, n29, n30, n38, n40, n41, n48, n66, n70, n71, n75, n77, n78, n79
- Nano-texture display glass optionon 1TB and 2TB models
- Network—
- Network and connectivity—
- NPU—
- Operating SystemiPadOS
- Ports—
- Ports and charging—
- Power and BatteryBuilt-in 38.99-watt-hour rechargeable lithium-polymer battery
- Power supply—
- processorApple M5
- SDR brightness1000 nits max
- Security—
- Serviceability—
- Software—
- Storage—
- Sustainability—
- TD-LTETD-LTE (Bands 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48)
- TD-LTE BandsBands 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48
- thickness5.1mm
- UMTS/HSPA/HSPA+/DC-HSDPAUMTS/HSPA/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA (850, 900, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz)
- Unified memory—
- Up to 4K AirPlayfor mirroring, photos, and video out to Apple TV (2nd generation or later) or AirPlay-enabled smart TV
- USB-C Digital AV Multiport AdapterVGA, HDMI, DVI, and Thunderbolt 2 output supported using adapters (sold separately) 11
- Weight—
- Wi-FiWi-Fi 7 (802.11be) with 2x2 MIMO 6
- Wi-Fi + Cellular modelsUp to 9 hours of surfing the web using cellular data network
- Wi-Fi 7available in countries and regions where supported
- Wi-Fi callingWi-Fi calling 7
- XDR brightness1000 nits max full screen, 1600 nits peak (HDR content only)
Surface Laptop Ultra
15-inch PixelSense Ultra display laptop with high-end NVIDIA RTX Spark GPU and up to 12 hours of battery life
Where it wins, where it doesn't
Pros
- High-end NVIDIA RTX Spark GPU for superior graphics performance
- 15-inch PixelSense Ultra display with up to 2000 nits peak luminance
Cons
- Heavy at 4.41 lbs, limiting portability
- Expensive with high-end configurations
Specifications
- display15-inch 3 PixelSense™ Ultra display
- SensorsAmbient color sensor Accelerometer Gyroscope
- Size and weightLength: 12.95 inches (328.8 mm) Width: 9.40 inches (238.7 mm) Height without feet: 0.71 inches (17.99 mm) Height with feet: 0.75 inches (19.16 mm) Weight: 4.41 lbs (2.0 kg)
- 10-core CPU—
- 10-core GPU—
- 12MP Wide camera—
- 5G (sub-6 GHz)—
- 5G, Gigabit LTE, and Wi-Fi calling—
- 9-core CPU—
- AccessibilitySurface precision haptic touchpad with adaptive touch mode Compatible with Surface Adaptive Kit Compatible with Microsoft adaptive accessories Windows accessibility features
- Apple Intelligence—
- Apple Pencil support—
- AudioDual Studio Mics Quad Omnisonic™ speakers with Dolby Atmos™ Bluetooth™ LE Audio support
- Bluetooth—
- BrightnessSDR: 1000 nits maximum (typical), HDR: 2000 nits peak luminance
- Camera—
- Camera & video1080p Full HD camera
- CamerasFull HD front-facing Surface Studio Camera 1080p Full HD camera Windows Hello face authentication camera with Enhanced Sign-in Security
- Cellular data plan—
- Chip—
- Data only—
- Digital zoom—
- Displays—
- eSIM—
- Face ID—
- FaceTime calling—
- Fast-charge capable—
- FDD-LTE—
- FDD-LTE Bands—
- FirmwareSurface UEFI built with Patina and Project Mu open-source components available through the Open Device Partnership (ODP) Firmware built with Secured Embedded Controller project open-source components available through ODP Updated through Windows Update
- Gigabit LTE—
- GraphicsNVIDIA Blackwell RTX 5120-core GPU, NVIDIA Blackwell RTX 6144-core GPU
- iPad Pro uses advanced eSIM technology—
- iPadOS—
- KeyboardQWERTY keyboard with full row of function keys (F1-F12) Windows key and dedicated buttons for media controls and screen brightness Automatic LED keyboard backlight Copilot key Precision haptic touchpad
- Media Engine—
- Memory and storageMemory: 24GB, 32GB, 48GB, 64GB, or 128GB LPDDR5x unified memory Storage: Removable 512GB Gen 4 solid-state drive; removable 1TB or 2TB Gen 5 solid-state drive
- Models A3358 and A3361—
- Models A3358 and A3361 5G NR Bands—
- Nano-texture display glass option—
- NetworkWi-Fi 7
- Network and connectivityWi-Fi 7 Bluetooth™ Core 5.4
- NPUNVIDIA NPU
- Operating System—
- Ports2 x USB-C / USB4, 1 x USB-C / USB4 with Magnetic Connect, HDMI 2.1, USB-A 3.1, SD card reader, 3.5 mm headphone jack
- Ports and charging2 × USB-C™ / USB4™ ports 1 × USB-C™ / USB4™ port with Magnetic Connect All USB-C™ ports support 140W charging, 40 Gbps data transfer, and DisplayPort 2.1 with support for up to three 4K monitors at 60 Hz Fast charging with a minimum 115W Surface Power Supply or minimum 115W USB-C™ PD charger HDMI 2.1b USB-A 3.1 SD card reader 3.5 mm headphone jack
- Power and Battery—
- Power supplyPower supply unit included
- processor—
- SDR brightness—
- SecurityWindows 11 Secured-core PC Enterprise-grade security with TPM 2.0 and BitLocker support Windows Hello facial recognition with Enhanced Sign-in Security Memory-safe Secured Embedded Controller built with open-source ODP code
- ServiceabilityReplaceable components include display assembly (including camera), keyboard assembly, touchpad, removable solid-state drive, battery, motherboard (including main processor and main memory), fan, speakers, enclosure, audio jack, USB Magnetic Connect port, USB-C™ ports, USB-A port, feet, screw kit, and device entry kit.
- SoftwareWindows 11 Pro Preloaded Microsoft 365 Apps Microsoft 365 Business Standard, Microsoft 365 Business Premium, or Microsoft 365 Apps 30-day trial
- StorageRemovable solid-state drive (Gen 4 SSD): 512 GB, Removable solid-state drive (Gen 5 SSD): 1 TB, 2 TB
- SustainabilityENERGY STAR™ certified 66% recycled content in the enclosure, including 100% recycled aluminum alloy and 100% recycled rare earth metals 100% recycled cobalt in the battery cell 100% recycled tin in solder 100% recycled gold in the motherboard 100% recycled copper in the motherboard 87% recycled content in wood-based fiber commercial packaging
- TD-LTE—
- TD-LTE Bands—
- thickness—
- UMTS/HSPA/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA—
- Unified memory24 GB, 32 GB, 48 GB, 64 GB, 128 GB LPDDR5x unified memory
- Up to 4K AirPlay—
- USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter—
- Weight4.41 lbs (2.0 kg)
- Wi-Fi—
- Wi-Fi + Cellular models—
- Wi-Fi 7—
- Wi-Fi calling—
- XDR brightness—