iPad Pro 11" (M5) · 256GB · Wi-Fi · Tablet only
M5 · Tandem OLED · Wi-Fi
Surface Pro 11 · 64GB · with Apple Pencil Pro
64GB · 2024
iPad Pro 11" (M5) · 256GB · Wi-Fi · Tablet only takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, iPad Pro 11" (M5) · 256GB · Wi-Fi · Tablet only lands at 93 and Surface Pro 11 · 64GB · with Apple Pencil Pro at 88. That puts iPad Pro 11" (M5) · 256GB · Wi-Fi · Tablet only ahead by 5 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick iPad Pro 11" (M5) · 256GB · Wi-Fi · Tablet only if…
- ✓M5 performance in a tablet
- ✓Tandem OLED display
- ✓Apple Pencil Pro support
Pick Surface Pro 11 · 64GB · with Apple Pencil Pro if…
- ✓Portable creative canvas
- ✓Strong SoC
- ✓App ecosystem matures per year
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testPerformance
iPad Pro 11" (M5) · 256GB · Wi-Fi · Tablet onlyCompared on the performance sub-score
iPad Pro 11" (M5) · 256GB · Wi-Fi · Tablet only leads on performance (97 vs 88).
Display
iPad Pro 11" (M5) · 256GB · Wi-Fi · Tablet onlyCompared on the display sub-score
iPad Pro 11" (M5) · 256GB · Wi-Fi · Tablet only leads on display (98 vs 86).
Portability
iPad Pro 11" (M5) · 256GB · Wi-Fi · Tablet onlyCompared on the portability sub-score
iPad Pro 11" (M5) · 256GB · Wi-Fi · Tablet only leads on portability (92 vs 88).
Value for money
iPad Pro 11" (M5) · 256GB · Wi-Fi · Tablet onlySpecdex score per dollar at MSRP
iPad Pro 11" (M5) · 256GB · Wi-Fi · Tablet only more score per dollar ($999 vs $1,128).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | iPad Pro 11" (M5) · 256GB · Wi-Fi · Tablet only | Surface Pro 11 · 64GB · with Apple Pencil Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | M5 | — |
| Display size | 11" | — |
| Storage | ▲ 256GB | 64GB |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi | — |
| Release year | 2025 | 2024 |
iPad Pro 11" (M5) · 256GB · Wi-Fi · Tablet only
- +M5 performance in a tablet
- +Tandem OLED display
- +Apple Pencil Pro support
- −iPadOS multitasking still limited
- −Keyboard sold separately
- −Pricey for casual use
Surface Pro 11 · 64GB · with Apple Pencil Pro
- +Portable creative canvas
- +Strong SoC
- +App ecosystem matures per year
- −Keyboard/pen extra cost
- −RAM often soldered
- −Mid-tier cameras
FAQ: iPad Pro 11" (M5) · 256GB · Wi-Fi · Tablet only vs Surface Pro 11 · 64GB · with Apple Pencil Pro
Which is better, iPad Pro 11" (M5) · 256GB · Wi-Fi · Tablet only or Surface Pro 11 · 64GB · with Apple Pencil Pro? +
iPad Pro 11" (M5) · 256GB · Wi-Fi · Tablet only scores 93 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 5. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is iPad Pro 11" (M5) · 256GB · Wi-Fi · Tablet only worth the price? +
At $999, iPad Pro 11" (M5) · 256GB · Wi-Fi · Tablet only delivers a Specdex score of 93 — strongest in display.
Is Surface Pro 11 · 64GB · with Apple Pencil Pro worth the price? +
At $1,128, Surface Pro 11 · 64GB · with Apple Pencil Pro delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in performance.
Does iPad Pro 11" (M5) · 256GB · Wi-Fi · Tablet only or Surface Pro 11 · 64GB · with Apple Pencil Pro last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.
Which is better for performance, iPad Pro 11" (M5) · 256GB · Wi-Fi · Tablet only or Surface Pro 11 · 64GB · with Apple Pencil Pro? +
iPad Pro 11" (M5) · 256GB · Wi-Fi · Tablet only — leads on performance (97 vs 88). Compared on the performance sub-score.
Which is better for display, iPad Pro 11" (M5) · 256GB · Wi-Fi · Tablet only or Surface Pro 11 · 64GB · with Apple Pencil Pro? +
iPad Pro 11" (M5) · 256GB · Wi-Fi · Tablet only — leads on display (98 vs 86). Compared on the display sub-score.