Surface Pro vs. Surface RT — What's the Difference?

The Microsoft Surface Pro and Surface RT are two tablets designed with different user needs in mind. The Surface Pro, equipped with Windows 10, functions much like a traditional laptop, offering the full capabilities of Windows, including support for desktop applications like Microsoft Office and Adobe Photoshop. This makes it suitable for professionals and users who require a powerful, portable computing solution.

The Surface RT runs Windows RT, a now-discontinued operating system designed for mobile devices with ARM processors. It was primarily optimized for extended battery life and mobile use, but it could only run applications downloaded from the Windows Store, significantly limiting its software compatibility compared to the Pro version. The RT version was aimed at consumers looking for a more straightforward, tablet-like experience with access to basic apps and internet browsing.

In terms of hardware, the Surface Pro boasts higher specs, including a more powerful processor, more RAM, and a higher-resolution display, which contribute to its superior performance and capability to handle multitasking and demanding applications. The Surface RT, while offering commendable battery life, has lower performance specs, making it less suitable for intensive tasks.

The Pro version also features a higher price point, reflecting its enhanced capabilities and target audience of professionals and power users. In contrast, the RT was marketed as a more affordable, albeit less versatile, option for users primarily interested in web browsing, media consumption, and light productivity tasks.

The choice between the Surface Pro and Surface RT would depend on the user's specific needs, with the Pro offering full PC functionality and the RT providing a lightweight, mobile experience at the cost of software flexibility and performance.