Macbook Pro 2016 vs. Microsoft Surface Pro 5: Specs, Upgrades, Price and Release Date—Which One is Better?
Looks like the last quarter of 2016 is jam-packed with top-notch devices making their way into the arena, especially with the debut of so many innovative new technologies at the Internationale Funkausstellung (IFA) consumer electronics trade show in Berlin this month. However, tech fans are particularly looking forward to the clash of two Pros: Microsoft's Surface Pro 5 and Apple's MacBook Pro 2016, which are expected to launch within a month of each other.
Both brands are well-known for their top tier specs, further amping up the hype for the highly anticipated laptops. With the competition coming up stiff, which device would give you better worth for your money? Let the battle begin!
Hardware and specs
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In terms of specs, Microsoft Surface Pro 5 gains the upper hand with Intel's latest Kaby Lake processors versus the MacBook Pro 2016's Skylake processors. The Microsoft Surface Pro also comes in two screen variants: the 2K and the 4K, and reportedly packs a 3840 x 2160 pixel density. Reports also speculate that the Microsoft Surface Pro will either use a Polaris-based (AMD) or a Pascal-based (NVIDIA) graphics processor.
On the other hand, the MacBook Pro 2016's specs include a new OLED touch bar that acts like a customizable set of software keys in lieu of function keys, NFC chip technology, and new Touch ID fingerprint scanning. The MacBook Pro 2016 is also expected to pack a 2304 x 1440 HD resolution. Though unlike the Surface Pro, it's unlikely to support 4K.
Upgrades and other features
Another speculation is that the Microsoft Surface Pro 5 could lose the 4A battery-powered stylus in favor of an upgraded Surface Pen, which is usually bundled with Surface Pro tablets. The upgraded Surface Pen is juiced up by a rechargeable alkaline AAAA battery that allows it to charge wirelessly when it is magnetically attached to the tablet, or in this case, the surface laptop.
Not to be outdone, the MacBook Pro 2016 also has the Apple Pencil, which is also used in the iPad Pro. The Apple Pencil is focused on touchscreen interactions, which powered speculations that the MacBook Pro 2016 is going to have a touchscreen display. In its patent, the Apple Pencil uses a three or six-axis sensor to act like an air mouse or joystick.
Both laptops are rumored to have the USB Type C ports as well as upgraded camera, WiFi, and bluetooth connectivity specs.
Prices and release dates
Both devices are definitely expensive. The Surface Pro 5 is estimated to start at $900, with an i7 Extreme version at $1,600. It is expected to launch either October or early 2017. As for the MacBook Pro 2016, if history is to repeat itself, then it's likely to cost the same at $1,099, since the MacBook Air launched at almost the same price. It is expected to launch alongside the new iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus on September 7.
