Microsoft entered the world of connected tablets with the Surface Pro X. Now, the Redmond giant upgraded the model by launching a new version: the Surface Pro X 2020. While it can be considered the best last-generation Windows 10 tablet, this does not necessarily mean it is the best tablet for productivity out there. Now, even in the Android and Apple world, there are several professional tablets. This is a comparison between the three tablets which we consider the best for productivity and advanced users: Microsoft Surface Pro X 2020, the latest iPad Pro and the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+. Note that we refer to the 12.9-inch version of the iPad Pro, not the 11-inch one.
Microsoft Surface Pro X 2020 vs Apple iPad Pro vs Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+
| Microsoft Surface Pro X 2020 | Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+ 5G | Apple iPad Pro 11 2020 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT | 208 x 287 x 7.3 mm, 774 g | 285 x 185 x 5.7 mm, 575 grams | 280.6 x 214.9 x 5.9 mm, 641 g |
| DISPLAY | 13 inches, 2880 x 1920p (Quad HD+), LCD | 12.4 inches, 1752 x 2800p (Quad HD+), Super AMOLED | 12.9 inches, 2048 x 2732p (Quad HD+), IPS LCD |
| PROCESSOR | Microsoft SQ2 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+, octa-core 3.1 GHz | Apple A12Z Bionic, octa-core 2.5 GHz |
| MEMORY | 8 GB RAM, 128 GB – 8 GB RAM, 256 GB – 16 GB RAM, 512 GB | 6 GB RAM, 128 GB – 8 GB RAM, 256 GB – micro SD dedicated slot | 6 GB RAM, 128 GB – 6 GB RAM, 256 GB – 6 GB RAM, 512 GB – 6 GB RAM, 1 TB |
| SOFTWARE | Windows 10 | Android 10, One UI | iPadOS |
| CONNECTIVITY | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5, GPS | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS |
| CAMERA | Single 10 MP 5 MP front camera |
Dual 13 + 5 MP, f/2.0 and f/2.2 8 MP f/2.0 front camera |
Triple 12 + 10 MP + LiDAR f/1.8 and f/2.4 7 MP f/2.2 front camera |
| BATTERY | Up to 15 hours (rated) | 10090 mAh, fast charging 45W | 9720 mAh, fast charging 18W |
| ADDITIONAL FEATURES | LTE, pen support, keyboard support | 5G, pen support, keyboard support | Optional LTE, Pen support, stylus support, reverse charging |
Design
If you are looking for the most attractive design, you should opt for the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+: it is a more compact tablet, it is thinner and lighter. Its design is entirely made of aluminum and the bezels around the display are very narrow. At the same level, there is the iPad Pro which is heavier but comes with even narrower bezels around the screen. Just like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+, the iPad Pro 2020 has an aluminum unibody design. Even the Surface Pro X 2020 is built with premium material, but we recommend its rivals due to their narrower bezels and more compact dimensions. In each case, you get the pen and keyboard support with high-quality accessories.
Display
The most convincing display is on board of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+, in my honest opinion. The reason is simple: it is the only one with an AMOLED panel and it shows more brilliant colors, as well as deeper blacks. Further, it has a 120 Hz refresh rate and the HDR10+ certification: the former offers a smoother viewing experience, while the latter improves the image quality, especially on streaming platforms. Thanks to the active digitizer, you can use the S Pen with up to 4096 pressure levels.
Hardware/Software
On the performance side, the iPad Pro 2020 is the winner. Thanks to its powerful Apple A12Z Bionic chipset and the iPadOS operating system, it is the smoothest and fastest tablet of the trio. On the other hand, the Microsoft Surface Pro X 2020 runs Windows 10 which may be better for a lot of users seeking the best productivity tablet. iPadOS is a great operating system for productivity, but a lot of professional programs for Windows 10 are lacking and it only supports apps. That is why Microsoft Surface Pro X 2020 is more interesting. With the Microsoft Surface Pro X 2020, you can even play PC games (if the hardware allows it, naturally). Android for tablets is the worst operating system for productivity users, but it is good for multimedia. Microsoft Surface Pro X 2020, Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+, and Apple iPad Pro are connected tablets, but the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+ is the only one with 5G support.
Camera
Do you need the best camera tablet in the world? Choose iPad Pro without thinking twice. It has a rear triple camera including the best main sensor, as well as a great 10 MP ultrawide lens and an additional LiDAR scanner to calculate depth in a very accurate way for AR appliances. The second place goes to the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+ sporting a dual ultrawide front camera, while the Microsoft Surface Pro X 2020 lags behind with its single 10 MP camera.
Battery
Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+’s battery lasts about 15 hours in video playback, just like Microsoft Surface Pro X 2020 with normal usage, while iPad Pro 2020 lasts about 12 hours. Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+ has the fastest charging tech with a 45W power.
Price
You can find the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+ at about €900/$1054, iPad Pro 2020 starts from about €1000/$1170, and Surface Pro X 2020 costs more than €1200/$1405. Which tablet is the best? It mostly depends on the usage. If you are a casual/multimedia user, then you might prefer the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+. But avoid it in all the other cases. If you need professional desktop programs and games, then go for the Microsoft Surface Pro X 2020. If you sit in the middle and you are a professional user, but you do not need advanced desktop programs, then the iPad Pro 2020 is the best choice for you.
Microsoft Surface Pro X 2020 vs Apple iPad Pro vs Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+: PRO and CONS
Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+ 5G
PROS
- 5G
- Amazing display
- S Pen
- Ultrawide camera
- Compact
CONS
- Smaller display
Microsoft Surface Pro X 2020
PROS
- Windows 10
- Strong hardware
- Great accessories
- Connected
CONS
- Inferior display
Apple iPad Pro
PROS
- Awesome performance
- Awesome cameras
- LiDAR scanner
- Very nice accessories
- eSIM
CONS
- Price
