iPad Pro vs Surface Pro: 2017 showdown

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Apple has always been fairly consistent in its design of the iPad, landing on a hit format early on that has remained popular with fans. However, with the launch of the iPad Pro, Apple was keen to demonstrate that its humble tablet is capable of much more than browsing the internet and watching videos – that it has the potential to evolve from a companion device into a genuine laptop replacement.

With Apple having recently refreshed the iPad Pro range, we decided to put that claim to the test, pitting its new model head-to-head against another device gunning to replace your laptop, Microsoft's similarly refreshed Surface Pro.

Microsoft's fifth-generation Surface Pro is the most refined yet, having trimmed away most of the fat of the old models and made noticeable improvements to battery life and the detachable keyboard.

With both devices vying for the same thing – an audience that wants the functionality of a laptop paired with the portability and flexibility of a tablet – which one will come out on top? 

Here's a quick rundown of the specifications before we dive into the key criteria of this head-to-head review.

iPad Pro vs Surface Pro at a glance

Next: Design, display, stylus and keyboard