Apple - iPad Pro 13 M4 (512GB) vs Microsoft - Surface Pro 12
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 12 |
|---|---|---|
| Peak brightness | 1600 nits | 400 nits |
| Weight | 579 g | 686 g |
| Storage | 512 GB | 256 GB |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 90 Hz |
| Screen size | 13 " | 12 " |
Between the iPad Pro 13 M4 (512GB) and Surface Pro 12, the iPad Pro 13 M4 (512GB) comes out ahead in peak brightness / weight, while the Surface Pro 12 wins on several specs. Overall, the iPad Pro 13 M4 (512GB) scores 66.2 and the Surface Pro 12 scores 58.7 on our Mars Score.
Which should you buy?
The iPad Pro 13 M4 (512GB) edges ahead on the Mars Score (66.2 vs 58.7), but the 7.5-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 peak brightness, weight, storage, among others. The single most decisive one: Peak brightness — 300.00% more. 1600 nits vs 400 nits.
The Surface Pro 12 similarly does not carry a headline advantage on the popular specs — look at the full table for category-specific deltas.
Both ship with comparable ram, stylus support, 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 12?
Apple - iPad Pro 13 M4 (512GB) leads the current Mars Score by 7.5 points.The more useful decision is the trade-off behind that result: compare screen size, storage, refresh rate 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 peak brightness nits, weight g, storage gb.
Choose Microsoft - Surface Pro 12 if…
Microsoft - Surface Pro 12 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
- ▲Peak brightness — 300.00% more. 1600 nits vs 400 nits.
- ▲Weight — 107.00 g less. 579 vs 686.
- ▲Storage — 100.00% more. 512 GB vs 256 GB.
- ▲Refresh rate — 33.33% more. 120 Hz vs 90 Hz.
- ▲Screen size — 8.33% more. 13 " vs 12 ".
Why Microsoft - Surface Pro 12 wins
- No decisive advantages.
Spec comparison
Display
| Spec | Apple - iPad Pro 13 M4 (512GB) | Microsoft - Surface Pro 12 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 13 "lead | 12 " |
| Refresh rateⓘ | 120 Hzlead | 90 Hz |
| Panelⓘ | OLEDlead | LCD |
| Peak brightnessⓘ | 1600 nitslead | 400 nits |
Performance
Design
| Spec | Apple - iPad Pro 13 M4 (512GB) | Microsoft - Surface Pro 12 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 579 glead | 686 g |
| Stylus support | true | true |
| Cellular | truelead | false |
| OS | iPadOS | Windowslead |