Apple - iPad Pro 13 M4 (512GB) vs Microsoft - Surface Pro 11
Where they actually differ
The most decisive specs, ranked by how much they matter — before the full spec table.
| Spec | Apple - iPad Pro 13 M4 (512GB) | Microsoft - Surface Pro 11 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 579 g | 895 g |
| Peak brightness | 1600 nits | 900 nits |
Between the iPad Pro 13 M4 (512GB) and Surface Pro 11, the iPad Pro 13 M4 (512GB) comes out ahead in weight / peak brightness, while the Surface Pro 11 wins on several specs. Overall, the iPad Pro 13 M4 (512GB) scores 66.2 and the Surface Pro 11 scores 59.6 on our Mars Score.
Which should you buy?
The iPad Pro 13 M4 (512GB) edges ahead on the Mars Score (66.2 vs 59.6), but the 6.6-point gap is small enough that the right pick comes down to which spec advantages matter to you.
Pick the iPad Pro 13 M4 (512GB) if the display is what you stare at all day — refresh rate, brightness, or sharpness is where the difference will be most visible. The biggest gaps in its favor are weight, peak brightness. The single most decisive one: Weight — 316.00 g less. 579 vs 895.
The Surface Pro 11 similarly does not carry a headline advantage on the popular specs — look at the full table for category-specific deltas.
Both ship with comparable screen size, ram, storage, so those specs do not separate the two — focus on the differences below.
Bottom line: the iPad Pro 13 M4 (512GB) is the safer default. The other model is the right choice only when its specific advantages line up with your priorities.
Which should you buy: Apple - iPad Pro 13 M4 (512GB) or Microsoft - Surface Pro 11?
Apple - iPad Pro 13 M4 (512GB) leads the current Mars Score by 6.6 points.The more useful decision is the trade-off behind that result: compare the highlighted specifications against the way you will actually use the product.
Choose Apple - iPad Pro 13 M4 (512GB) if…
Apple - iPad Pro 13 M4 (512GB) has the measurable edge on weight g, peak brightness nits.
Choose Microsoft - Surface Pro 11 if…
Microsoft - Surface Pro 11 does not lead a decisive measured field here, so choose it for price, ecosystem, design, or availability when those matter more to you.
This is a structured comparison of the published catalog values. It is not a claim of identical real-world performance across every workload; use the linked spec drill-downs and methodology page to inspect the inputs.
Why Apple - iPad Pro 13 M4 (512GB) wins
- ▲Weight — 316.00 g less. 579 vs 895.
- ▲Peak brightness — 77.78% more. 1600 nits vs 900 nits.
Why Microsoft - Surface Pro 11 wins
- No decisive advantages.
Spec comparison
Display
| Spec | Apple - iPad Pro 13 M4 (512GB) | Microsoft - Surface Pro 11 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 13 " | 13 " |
| Refresh rateⓘ | 120 Hz | 120 Hz |
| Panelⓘ | OLED | OLED |
| Peak brightnessⓘ | 1600 nitslead | 900 nits |
Performance
Design
| Spec | Apple - iPad Pro 13 M4 (512GB) | Microsoft - Surface Pro 11 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 579 glead | 895 g |
| Stylus support | true | true |
| Cellular | true | true |
| OS | iPadOS | Windowslead |