Looking for an honest Apple iPad Pro M4 (13-inch) vs Microsoft Surface Pro 9 comparison in 2026? We scored both tablets on the same six-dimension framework — performance, battery, display, camera, design and value — using identical methodology, so the numbers below are directly comparable. In our overall scoring the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 comes out ahead 38/100 to 49/100 — a 11-point gap. The widest gap is in display, where the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 pulls noticeably ahead. On price the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 undercuts the Apple iPad Pro M4 (13-inch) by 30% ($999 vs $1,299), which materially changes the value calculus for budget-conscious buyers.
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Microsoft Surface Pro 9 edges out the Apple iPad Pro M4 (13-inch) in the tablets category, especially in display quality, scoring 49 vs 38. If you want the better overall tablets, Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is the recommended choice.
Picking Microsoft Surface Pro 9 over Apple iPad Pro M4 (13-inch) means trading these off.
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
✓ Pros
| Spec | Apple iPad Pro M4 (13-inch) | Microsoft Surface Pro 9W |
|---|---|---|
| Display | — | 13" |
| Display Type | — | PixelSense IPS |
| Resolution | — | 2880 x 1920 |
| Refresh Rate | — | 120Hz |
| Chipset | — | Intel Core i5-1235U |
| RAM | 8GB |
Buy Apple iPad Pro M4 (13-inch) if…
The Apple iPad Pro M4 (13-inch) is worth considering if you prefer its specific design, ecosystem, or brand — though it scores lower overall in our comparison.
Buy Microsoft Surface Pro 9 if…
Buy the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 if you want the best overall value in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Microsoft Surface Pro 9 edges out the Apple iPad Pro M4 (13-inch) in the tablets category, especially in display quality, scoring 49 vs 38. If you want the better overall tablets, Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is the recommended choice.
No, Microsoft Surface Pro 9 scores higher (74 vs 94).
Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is cheaper at $999 vs $1299 for the Apple iPad Pro M4 (13-inch).
The Apple iPad Pro M4 (13-inch) is worth considering if you prefer its specific design, ecosystem, or brand — though it scores lower overall in our comparison.
Buy the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 if you want the best overall value in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Microsoft Surface Pro 9 has a larger battery (47,900mAh vs 10,290mAh for the Apple iPad Pro M4 (13-inch)), which generally means longer use between charges.
Apple iPad Pro M4 (13-inch) is lighter at 579g vs 879g.
Reviewed by VersusMatrix Editorial Team
Last updated: June 1, 2026
Methodology: AI-powered analysis of technical specifications from manufacturer data. Scores are calculated by comparing products across multiple dimensions and normalized relative to the full category database. Our editorial process is independent and not influenced by affiliate partnerships.
Scores are relative within the tabletscategory. Percentages show each dimension's weight in the overall score. A difference of less than 0.5 points is considered a tie.
| 8GB |
| Storage | 256GB | 256GB |
| Camera | — | 10MP |
| Front Camera | — | 5MP |
| Battery | 10290mAh | 47900mAh✓ |
| OS | — | Windows 11 |
| Keyboard Support | — | true |
| Cellular | — | false |
| Weight | 579g✓ | 879g |
| Price | 1299$ | 999$✓ |