Microsoft Surface Pro 8 13" 2021, Core i5-1135G7, 8GB, 256GB, Platinum
Apple iPad Pro 13" M5 2025, 12GB, 512GB, Cellular, Space Black
What Buyers Say
Microsoft Surface Pro 8 13" 2021, Core i5-1135G7, 8GB, 256GB, Platinum
The Surface Pro 8 receives mixed reviews. While some users praise its performance as a complete PC in tablet form and a worthy upgrade, many verified buyers report severe issues like defective batteries that won't charge, overheating, and units arriving refurbished or with sticky residue. A recurring design complaint is the placement of ports and volume controls on opposite short ends, which blocks ports in portrait mode and causes accidental volume presses.
Pros
- Complete PC in tablet size
- Fast charging
- Sleek finish
- Good upgrade from older models
Cons
- Defective battery not charging
- Overheating out of box
- Ports blocked in portrait mode
- Accidental volume button presses
- Refurbished units sold as new
Apple iPad Pro 13" M5 2025, 12GB, 512GB, Cellular, Space Black
The iPad Pro M5 receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, with users praising its speed, display quality, and battery life. Many note it as a significant upgrade from older models, ideal for travel, creative work, and media consumption. A few minor criticisms include the lack of a headphone jack and the learning curve with the new interface. Overall, it's seen as a premium, high-performing device that justifies its cost.
Pros
- Blazing fast performance
- Stunning display quality
- Excellent battery life
- Great camera
- Sleek and thin design
Cons
- No headphone jack
- Learning curve with new interface
- Keyboard compatibility issues
- Expensive
Scores
Specifications
| Microsoft Surface Pro 8 13" | Apple iPad Pro 13" M5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | ||
| CPU* | Intel Core i5 1135G7 | Apple M5 ★ |
| CPU Multi-Core Score | ||
| Cores | 4 | 10★ |
| GPU* | — | Apple (10-Core)★ |
| GPU Benchmark Score | ||
| Memory & Storage | ||
| RAM | 8 GB | 12 GB★ |
| RAM Generation | LPDDR4X | LPDDR5X★ |
| Storage | 256 GB | 512 GB★ |
| Storage Type | SSD | SSD |
| Expandable | ✗ | ✗ |
| Display | ||
| Size | 13" | 11" |
| Resolution | 2880 px★ | 2752 px |
| Panel | LCD | OLED★ |
| Refresh Rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz |
| Brightness | — | 1600 nits★ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7★ |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1★ | Bluetooth |
| USB-C | 2★ | 1 |
| Cellular | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Features | ||
| Stylus Support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stylus Model | Surface Slim Pen 2 | Apple Pencil Pro |
| Fingerprint Reader | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Face Unlock | ✓ | ✓ |
| Physical | ||
| Weight | 0.89 kg | 0.58 kg★ |
| Battery | — | 31 Wh★ |
| OS | Windows 11 Home | iPadOS |
Pros & Cons
Microsoft Surface Pro 8 13" 2021, Core i5-1135G7, 8GB, 256GB, Platinum
- Strong connectivity (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong screen (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Strong storage (84th percentile)84th %ile
- Strong gpu (79th percentile)
- Below average user sentiment (3rd percentile)3rd %ile
- Below average reading battery (4th percentile)4th %ile
- Below average social proof (10th percentile)10th %ile
- Below average portability (22nd percentile)
Apple iPad Pro 13" M5 2025, 12GB, 512GB, Cellular, Space Black
- Strong screen (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong cpu (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong social proof (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong gpu (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Below average affordability (8th percentile)8th %ile
Verdict
Scores 98 overall, wins 6 of 6 usage categories and 15 of 26 specs.