What To Know
- In the realm of hybrid devices, the Microsoft Surface Go 3 and the Apple iPad Air 5 stand out as formidable contenders.
- The iPad Air 5 runs on iPadOS 15, which is optimized for touch input and offers a user-friendly interface with a focus on entertainment and content consumption.
- The Surface Go 3 can be paired with the Surface Pen for writing and drawing, and the Type Cover for a full keyboard experience.
In the realm of hybrid devices, the Microsoft Surface Go 3 and the Apple iPad Air 5 stand out as formidable contenders. Both offer a blend of portability, functionality, and style, catering to a wide range of users. However, choosing the right device for your specific needs can be a daunting task. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve put together this comprehensive comparison of the Surface Go 3 vs. iPad Air 5.
Design and Build Quality
Surface Go 3: The Surface Go 3 sports a sleek and compact design with a 10.5-inch PixelSense display. Its magnesium alloy body gives it a premium feel, while the built-in kickstand provides versatility for various usage scenarios.
iPad Air 5: The iPad Air 5 boasts a more refined and modern design with a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display. Its aluminum unibody construction makes it lightweight and durable, and the lack of a kickstand means a slimmer profile.
Display
Surface Go 3: The Surface Go 3’s PixelSense display offers a resolution of 1920 x 1280 pixels with a 3:2 aspect ratio. It supports touch input and Surface Pen compatibility for enhanced creativity.
iPad Air 5: The iPad Air 5’s Liquid Retina display has a slightly higher resolution of 2360 x 1640 pixels with a 4:3 aspect ratio. It also supports touch input and the Apple Pencil (2nd generation) for precise drawing and note-taking.
Performance
Surface Go 3: The Surface Go 3 is powered by an Intel Pentium Gold processor or an optional Core i3 processor. It comes with up to 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage.
iPad Air 5: The iPad Air 5 features the Apple M1 chip, which offers significantly more performance than the Surface Go 3. It has up to 8GB of RAM and up to 256GB of storage.
Battery Life
Surface Go 3: The Surface Go 3 has a rated battery life of up to 11 hours of typical usage.
iPad Air 5: The iPad Air 5 has a longer battery life of up to 15 hours of video playback or web browsing.
Operating System
Surface Go 3: The Surface Go 3 runs on Windows 11, providing access to a wide range of productivity tools and applications.
iPad Air 5: The iPad Air 5 runs on iPadOS 15, which is optimized for touch input and offers a user-friendly interface with a focus on entertainment and content consumption.
Connectivity
Surface Go 3: The Surface Go 3 includes a USB-C port, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a microSD card slot.
iPad Air 5: The iPad Air 5 has a USB-C port, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and support for Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0.
Accessories
Surface Go 3: The Surface Go 3 can be paired with the Surface Pen for writing and drawing, and the Type Cover for a full keyboard experience.
iPad Air 5: The iPad Air 5 supports the Apple Pencil (2nd generation) and the Magic Keyboard for a similar writing and typing experience.
Price
Surface Go 3: The Surface Go 3 starts at $399 for the base model with an Intel Pentium Gold processor and 4GB of RAM.
iPad Air 5: The iPad Air 5 starts at $599 for the base model with the Apple M1 chip and 64GB of storage.
Which Device Is Right for You?
Ultimately, the best choice between the Surface Go 3 and the iPad Air 5 depends on your specific needs and preferences.
If you value versatility, productivity, and access to a wide range of applications, the Surface Go 3 is an excellent option. It’s perfect for students, professionals, and anyone who needs a portable device that can handle both work and play.
If you prioritize performance, entertainment, and a more user-friendly touch-based experience, the iPad Air 5 is a better fit. It’s ideal for artists, content creators, and anyone who wants a powerful and portable device for streaming, gaming, and other leisure activities.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q: Which device has a better display for drawing?
A: The iPad Air 5 with the Apple Pencil (2nd generation) offers a more precise and natural drawing experience.
Q: Can I use the Surface Go 3 as a full-fledged laptop?
A: Yes, with the Type Cover accessory, the Surface Go 3 can provide a laptop-like experience with a physical keyboard and trackpad.
Q: Which device is better for gaming?
A: The iPad Air 5 with the Apple M1 chip offers better graphics performance and supports more demanding games.
Q: Can I use the iPad Air 5 with a mouse or keyboard?
A: Yes, the iPad Air 5 supports Bluetooth mouse and keyboard connectivity.
Q: Which device has a longer lifespan?
A: Apple devices typically receive longer software updates than Windows devices, so the iPad Air 5 may have a longer lifespan in terms of software support.
