#92

The Pro Tablet Productivity War

tabletsApril 6, 2026
Winner
iPad Pro 13-inch M5

Apple

iPad Pro 13-inch M5

$1,299

Buy Now
Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra

Samsung

Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra

$1,199

Buy Now
Surface Pro 12

Microsoft

Surface Pro 12

$1,499

Buy Now

Tale of the Tape

iPad Pro 13-inch M5
Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra
Surface Pro 12
Display
10/10
9/10
8/10
Performance
10/10
8/10
7/10
Versatility
8/10
9/10
10/10
Apps
9/10
7/10
10/10
Value
8/10
9/10
7/10

The Breakdown

Display

Apple's tandem OLED technology delivers 1,600 nits sustained HDR—nothing else comes close for outdoor visibility and contrast. Samsung's 14.6-inch panel is massive and vibrant but the larger size makes it unwieldy. Microsoft's display is excellent for Windows but can't match the OLED contrast and peak brightness of the others.

Performance

The M5 chip is simply in a different league—ProRes video editing, console-quality gaming, and zero lag with complex multitasking. Samsung's Snapdragon handles Android apps smoothly but stutters with DeX desktop workloads. Intel's Core Ultra 9 runs Windows well but thermal throttling limits sustained performance.

Versatility

Surface Pro 12 runs full Windows 12, meaning your existing apps, games, and workflows transfer seamlessly. Samsung DeX provides a surprisingly competent desktop experience but Android app limitations remain. iPadOS is polished but the lack of proper external monitor support and limited file management frustrate power users.

Apps

Windows runs everything—Photoshop, Lightroom, Steam, Chrome with extensions. iPadOS has optimized creative apps but lacks professional software like full Photoshop or Final Cut. Android tablet apps are still hit-or-miss despite Samsung's efforts, though media consumption apps excel.

Value

Samsung includes the S Pen and keyboard folio in the box while charging $1,199—exceptional value for what you get. iPad Pro starts at $1,299 but pencil and keyboard add $400 more. Surface Pro 12 asks $1,499 and the accessories push it past $1,800.

The Verdict

The Winner
A

iPad Pro 13-inch M5

The iPad Pro M5 remains the tablet that can actually replace your laptop—if your workflow allows

Let's be clear: the iPad Pro M5 is overpowered for most people. But for creative professionals who can work within iPadOS's constraints, this is the most capable tablet ever made. The M5 chip chews through 4K video edits without breaking a sweat, the tandem OLED display is reference-grade for color accuracy, and Apple Pencil Pro finally adds squeeze gestures that feel useful. Yes, iPadOS still limits external monitor support and file management is clunky. But as a primary creative device for illustrators, video editors, and photographers willing to adapt, nothing else comes close. Samsung's DeX is clever but Android holds it back, and while Windows on Surface gives you everything, the tablet experience feels compromised by the desktop OS.

But consider:but consider the Surface Pro 12 if you need real desktop apps—full Adobe Creative Suite, Steam games, and proper file management without compromises
Buy iPad Pro 13-inch M5

Quick Specs