MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Pro) vs Surface Pro 12
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Pro) | Surface Pro 12 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 multi-core | 17,000 | 15,000 | +13.3% |
| Processor | Apple M4 Pro | Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus Gen 3 | — |
| Graphics | Integrated 20-Core GPU | Qualcomm Adreno | — |
| Display | 16.2" 3456x2234 | 13.0" 2880x1920 | — |
| Battery life (h) | 18 | 19 | -5.3% |
| Weight (kg) | 2.15 | 0.88 | +144.3% |
| RAM / storage (base) | 24GB / 512GB | 16GB / 256GB | — |
| Max configuration | 48GB / 1024GB | 32GB / 1024GB | — |
| Operating system | macOS | Windows 11 Home | — |
| Price (USD) | $2,499–$2,899 | $1,099–$1,899 | +127.4% |
- MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Pro) is about 13% faster in Geekbench 6 multi-core. Surface Pro 12 lasts longer on battery (19h vs 18h).
- Surface Pro 12 is the more portable at 0.88 kg.
Verdict: MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Pro) or Surface Pro 12?
MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Pro) advantages
- Multi-core performance (+12%)
- Base memory (+33%)
- Screen size (+20%)
Surface Pro 12 advantages
- Battery life (+5%)
- Portability (+59%)
- Affordability (+56%)
Which should you choose?
- Choose the MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Pro) if you need maximum performance for demanding work or gaming.
- Choose the Surface Pro 12 if long unplugged battery life is essential.
- Choose the MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Pro) if you run heavy multitasking, VMs or large projects.
Value for money
Surface Pro 12 delivers more performance per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Pro) vs Surface Pro 12: which should you choose?
MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Pro) — Apple ultrabook/creator laptop (2024) with the Apple M4 Pro and Integrated 20-Core GPU, 24GB RAM, a 16.2-inch 3456x2234 display, 2.15 kg and about 18 h battery; from $2,499.
Surface Pro 12 — Microsoft ultrabook/creator laptop (2026) with the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus Gen 3 and Qualcomm Adreno, 16GB RAM, a 13-inch 2880x1920 display, 0.88 kg and about 19 h battery; from $1,099.
MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Pro) vs Surface Pro 12: MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Pro) is the faster laptop. MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Pro) is about 13% faster in Geekbench 6 multi-core. Surface Pro 12 lasts longer on battery (19h vs 18h). Surface Pro 12 is the more portable at 0.88 kg.
Performance
The MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Pro) is the faster machine in Geekbench 6 multi-core (17,000 vs 15,000), pairing the Apple M4 Pro with Integrated 20-Core GPU. That gap matters most for video editing, compiling, 3D and gaming; for browsing and office work both feel quick.
Portability and battery
The Surface Pro 12 is easier to carry at 0.88 kg (vs 2.15 kg), and the Surface Pro 12 lasts longer unplugged (about 19 h vs 18 h). For commuters and travellers these often matter more day-to-day than peak performance.
Configuration and value
Base configurations are 24 GB / 512 GB and 16 GB / 256 GB, with higher-spec variants available. RAM, storage and display upgrades change both price and experience — compare like-for-like configurations and check current street pricing before buying.
The verdict
Both are credible choices in the laptop comparison space; the specification table above lays out every metric so you can weigh the trade-offs that matter to you. Pick the one whose strengths line up with how you will actually use it.
Frequently asked questions
Is the MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Pro) better than the Surface Pro 12?
These two are closely matched — the right pick comes down to which specific strengths you value and the price you actually pay. MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Pro) is about 13% faster in Geekbench 6 multi-core. Surface Pro 12 lasts longer on battery (19h vs 18h).
What is the main difference between the MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Pro) and the Surface Pro 12?
MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Pro) is about 13% faster in Geekbench 6 multi-core. Surface Pro 12 lasts longer on battery (19h vs 18h). Surface Pro 12 is the more portable at 0.88 kg.
Which is better value?
Surface Pro 12 delivers more performance per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Which should I choose?
Choose the MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Pro) if you need maximum performance for demanding work or gaming. Choose the Surface Pro 12 if long unplugged battery life is essential.
Methodology
Laptops are compared on Geekbench 6 multi-core scores, processor and graphics hardware, display size and resolution, rated battery life, weight, RAM and storage across launch configurations, and list pricing (USD). Where a model spans several generations, the newest generation is shown. Battery figures are manufacturer or reviewer ratings under mixed use — sustained performance also depends on cooling, which benchmarks only partly capture.