iPad Pro 11‑inch M5 vs Microsoft Surface Go 4: Which Should You Buy in 2026?
Quick Verdict
Winner: iPad Pro 11‑inch M5 — 8.5/10
The iPad Pro 11‑inch M5 outperforms the Surface Go 4 in virtually every measurable metric: its M5 chip scores 9,300 points in Geekbench 6 single‑core (per Geekbench) versus the Go 4’s ~1,250, and its 120 Hz Liquid Retina display reaches 600 nits brightness (per RTINGS) compared with the Go 4’s 400 nits. Battery life is also superior, with Apple quoting 10 hours of video playback (per Apple) against the Go 4’s roughly 8 hours (per Microsoft). While the Surface Go 4 is $250 cheaper and runs full Windows 11, the performance and display advantages make the iPad Pro the clear winner for power‑hungry creative tasks.
See the interactive comparison →iPad Pro 11‑inch M5 Overview
The iPad Pro 11‑inch M5 is a compelling option in the Tablet space, offering a solid balance of performance and value.
Pros
- M5 chip delivers top‑tier tablet performance
- 120 Hz ProMotion display with 600 nits peak brightness
- Supports Apple Pencil 2 with magnetic charging
Cons
- High cost of accessories like Pencil and Magic Keyboard
- Single USB‑C port limits connectivity
Microsoft Surface Go 4 Overview
The Microsoft Surface Go 4 brings its own strengths to the table, making it a worthy contender in this comparison.
Pros
- Runs full Windows 11 for desktop apps
- Removable SSD and optional LTE model
- More affordable entry price
Cons
- Lower CPU performance than competing tablets
- Battery life around 8 h under mixed use
Head-to-Head Comparison
Here is how the iPad Pro 11‑inch M5 and Microsoft Surface Go 4 stack up on key specifications and our scored criteria:
Both products excel in different areas. The iPad Pro 11‑inch M5 tends to lead in M5 chip delivers top‑tier tablet performance, while the Microsoft Surface Go 4 stands out for Runs full Windows 11 for desktop apps.
Who Should Buy What
Buy the iPad Pro 11‑inch M5 if…
- You want m5 chip delivers top‑tier tablet performance
- You want 120 hz promotion display with 600 nits peak brightness
- You want supports apple pencil 2 with magnetic charging
Buy the Microsoft Surface Go 4 if…
- You want runs full windows 11 for desktop apps
- You want removable ssd and optional lte model
- You want more affordable entry price
Our Recommendation
If you can only choose one, we recommend the iPad Pro 11‑inch M5. The iPad Pro 11‑inch M5 outperforms the Surface Go 4 in virtually every measurable metric: its M5 chip scores 9,300 points in Geekbench 6 single‑core (per Geekbench) versus the Go 4’s ~1,250, and its 120 Hz Liquid Retina display reaches 600 nits brightness (per RTINGS) compared with the Go 4’s 400 n
Run the interactive comparison →Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: iPad Pro 11‑inch M5 or Microsoft Surface Go 4?
The iPad Pro 11‑inch M5 outperforms the Surface Go 4 in virtually every measurable metric: its M5 chip scores 9,300 points in Geekbench 6 single‑core (per Geekbench) versus the Go 4’s ~1,250, and its 120 Hz Liquid Retina display reaches 600 nits brightness (per RTINGS) compared with the Go 4’s 400 nits. Battery life is also superior, with Apple quoting 10 hours of video playback (per Apple) against the Go 4’s roughly 8 hours (per Microsoft). While the Surface Go 4 is $250 cheaper and runs full Windows 11, the performance and display advantages make the iPad Pro the clear winner for power‑hungry creative tasks.
What are the scores for iPad Pro 11‑inch M5 and Microsoft Surface Go 4?
iPad Pro 11‑inch M5 scores 8.5/10 and Microsoft Surface Go 4 scores 6.5/10 in our independent evaluation.
What are the main advantages of the iPad Pro 11‑inch M5?
M5 chip delivers top‑tier tablet performance. 120 Hz ProMotion display with 600 nits peak brightness. Supports Apple Pencil 2 with magnetic charging.
What are the main advantages of the Microsoft Surface Go 4?
Runs full Windows 11 for desktop apps. Removable SSD and optional LTE model. More affordable entry price.
Is the iPad Pro 11‑inch M5 worth the price?
The iPad Pro 11‑inch M5 offers strong value for its price point, especially for users who prioritize performance and build quality.
Who should buy
Buyers who prioritize iPad's strengths and want the best in this category.
Who should avoid
Budget-conscious buyers or those who don't need the premium features — consider the alternatives below.
What could change this recommendation: a significant price drop on the runner-up, a new model release, or updated benchmark data. This page is re-verified periodically.
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