Table of Contents
Digital drawing has become increasingly popular among artists, students, and professionals. With a variety of tablets available, choosing the right device can be challenging. Two of the most prominent options are the iPad Pro 2020 11-inch and the Microsoft Surface Pro. Both offer powerful features tailored for creative work, but they have distinct differences that can influence your decision.
Design and Build
The iPad Pro 2020 11-inch features a sleek, lightweight aluminum chassis with rounded edges, making it highly portable. Its compact size fits comfortably in one hand, ideal for artists on the go. The Surface Pro, on the other hand, has a more traditional laptop design with a magnesium alloy body. It is slightly heavier and thicker but offers a built-in kickstand for versatile positioning.
Display and Screen Quality
The iPad Pro boasts an 11-inch Liquid Retina display with a resolution of 2388 x 1668 pixels. It provides vibrant colors, true blacks, and excellent contrast, making it perfect for detailed artwork. The Surface Pro features a 12.3-inch PixelSense display with a resolution of 2736 x 1824 pixels. It also offers sharp visuals and supports touch input, but its slightly larger size offers more drawing space.
Stylus and Input Devices
The iPad Pro comes with the Apple Pencil (second generation), which is renowned for its low latency, precise pressure sensitivity, and tilt support. It magnetically attaches to the device for charging and storage. The Surface Pro uses the Surface Pen, which also supports pressure sensitivity and tilt, and attaches magnetically to the device. Both styluses are highly responsive, but the Apple Pencil is often praised for its natural feel.
Performance and Software
The iPad Pro 2020 is powered by the A12Z Bionic chip, providing smooth performance for demanding creative applications. It runs iPadOS, which offers a wide range of professional drawing apps like Procreate, Adobe Fresco, and Affinity Designer. The Surface Pro features an Intel Core i5 or i7 processor, running Windows 10 or 11, supporting full desktop applications such as Adobe Photoshop, CorelDRAW, and other professional-grade software.
Compatibility and Ecosystem
The iPad Pro benefits from the extensive Apple ecosystem, including seamless integration with MacBooks, iPhones, and other Apple devices. Its app store offers optimized apps for drawing. The Surface Pro integrates well with Windows software and hardware, providing a familiar environment for those accustomed to desktop computing. It also supports a detachable keyboard, transforming into a versatile 2-in-1 device.
Battery Life and Portability
The iPad Pro offers up to 10 hours of battery life, making it suitable for long drawing sessions away from power sources. Its lightweight design enhances portability. The Surface Pro provides around 8-9 hours of battery life, which is still sufficient for most workdays, but its weight and size make it slightly less portable compared to the iPad Pro.
Price and Value
The iPad Pro 2020 11-inch starts at a higher price point, especially when adding the Apple Pencil and keyboard. It is considered a premium device with a focus on portability and optimized drawing experience. The Surface Pro offers a flexible 2-in-1 design at a similar or slightly lower price, with the advantage of running full desktop applications. The total cost can vary depending on configurations and accessories.
Conclusion
Both the iPad Pro 2020 11-inch and the Surface Pro are excellent choices for digital drawing, each with unique strengths. The iPad Pro excels in portability, display quality, and a dedicated stylus experience, making it ideal for artists who value a lightweight device with a smooth drawing interface. The Surface Pro offers a more versatile computing environment with full desktop software capabilities, suitable for artists who need a device that doubles as a traditional laptop.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs, preferred software ecosystem, and budget. Both devices can elevate your digital art practice to new heights.