Comparing between the Surface Studio and the iMac 2016, which hardware is more powerful? Which boasts the superior design? Let's find out.

The Surface Studio is packing Intel 6th-generation Core quad-core processors. Apple's iMac packs similar in the 27-inch model, but the 21.5-inch model has a 5th-generation Intel Core i5 quad, with optional upgrade to Core i7.

The Studio's Nvidia GeForce GTX 965M is newer and quicker than the AMD Radeon R9 cards in the iMac.

The Retina display on the 27-inch iMac enhance the experience with the 5K model features 5,120 x 2,880-pixel resolution with support for millions of colors, powered by an AMD Radeon R9 graphics card that can be beefed up to an M395X with 4GB of memory.

Surface Studio is 28-inch, PixelSense touch display features a 4,500 x 3,000-pixel resolution, meaning that the Studio's screen houses about 13.5 million pixels. With 10-point multitouch, the screen can separately identify eight fingers and two thumbs - simultaneously.

The Surface Studio also includes the Surface Pen and the new Surface Dial, tools designed to improve the computer's touch-screen experience and design accessibility; we'll go into that a bit later on.

Both computers offer four USB-3 ports, Ethernet ports, and SD card readers. The iMac, unsurprisingly, is outfitted with dual Thunderbolt 2 ports, while the Surface Studio includes a mini-DisplayPort.

The Studio also comes with the new Surface Ergonomic Keyboard.The iMac ships with Apple's standard Magic Mouse and Keyboard.

The Surface Studio is available for pre-order now, and hits shelves on December 15. The Studio comes in three flavors - $2,999, $3,499, and $4,199. 

The iMac is available now, and prices range from $1,099 (for the 21.5-inch model) to $2,299 (for the 27-inch Retina display model). Additional configurations and updated components will cost you extra.

All things considered, most people will find that the iMac is a better fit, simply because the Surface Studio's price is justified largely by its bevy of creative tools and features. Those that don't need the Surface Dial and Pen shouldn't shell out a few thousand dollars extra, as the Studio is a more of an advanced tool, not a simple everyday PC.