Apple iPad Air (5th generation) with M1 chip vs Microsoft Surface Go 3

Name: Apple iPad Air (5th generation) with M1 chip vs Microsoft Surface Go 3 — Comparison Review
Item: Apple iPad Air (5th generation) with M1 chip vs Microsoft Surface Go 3
Rating: 8.2
Author: Billy G.

By Billy G. · Founder & Lead EditorVerified Nov 13 by Billy G.

Apple iPad Air

Apple iPad Air (5th generation) with M1 chip

Microsoft Surface Go

Microsoft Surface Go 3

Decision sheet: the facts that decide it

Apple iPad Air (5th generation) with M1 chip: 7 of 8 decision facts sourced.

Microsoft Surface Go 3: 8 of 8 decision facts sourced.

	Apple iPad Air (5th generation) with M1 chip	Microsoft Surface Go 3
Price today	Price not yet checked	Price not yet checked
Screen size	10.9 inches bestbuy.com	12.4 inches bestbuy.com
Resolution	2360 x 1640 bestbuy.com	1536 x 1024 bestbuy.com
Refresh rate	Not yet sourced	60Hz bestbuy.com
Chip	M1 chip with Neural Engine bestbuy.com	Intel 12th Generation Core i5 bestbuy.com
Storage	64 gigabytes bestbuy.com	256 gigabytes bestbuy.com
Battery life	10 hours bestbuy.com	15 hours bestbuy.com
Weight	16.32 ounces bestbuy.com	2.49 pounds bestbuy.com
Starting MSRP	$599.99 bestbuy.com	$799.99 bestbuy.com

Not yet sourced — Apple iPad Air (5th generation) with M1 chip: Refresh rate. No manufacturer, official or retailer source we read publishes these yet; we don't estimate them.

Pick Apple iPad Air (5th generation) with M1 chip if

Lighter — 16.32 ounces vs 2.49 lb (bestbuy.com, bestbuy.com)
Lower starting price — $599.99 vs $799.99 (bestbuy.com, bestbuy.com)

Pick Microsoft Surface Go 3 if

More storage — 256 GB vs 64 GB (bestbuy.com, bestbuy.com)
Longer battery life — 15 h vs 10 h (bestbuy.com, bestbuy.com)

The Apple iPad Air (5th generation) with M1 chip. And the Microsoft Surface Go 3 represent two compact computing options that appeal to users seeking portability without sacrificing core capabilities. The iPad Air (5th generation) with M1 chip delivers a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, the efficient M1 processor, and up to 10 hours of battery life in a lightweight 1.0-pound chassis, while the Surface Go 3 offers a 10.5-inch PixelSense touchscreen, Intel Pentium or Core i3 options, and the flexibility of Windows 11 in a 1.2-pound detachable design that functions as both tablet and laptop. Public reviews consistently note the iPad Air's smoother multitasking. And graphics performance alongside its ecosystem of optimized apps, whereas the Surface Go 3 earns praise for native desktop software support. And keyboard integration at the cost of noticeably slower everyday responsiveness. The short version: pick the Apple iPad Air (5th generation) with M1 chip if you prioritize a lighter 10.9-inch device, M1 performance and a lower $599.99 price.

Verdict: Pick Apple iPad Air if you prioritize a lighter 10.9‑inch device, M1 performance and a lower $599.99 price.

Apple iPad Air (5th generation) with M1 chip lists at $599 while Microsoft Surface Go 3 lists at $579 — Microsoft Surface Go 3 undercuts Apple iPad Air (5th generation) with M1 chip by $20 (3%).

Winner: Apple iPad Air (5th generation) with M1 chip

Apple iPad Air (5th generation) with M1 chip: 8.2/10

Microsoft Surface Go 3: 7/10

Spec-by-spec comparison

	Apple iPad Air (5th generation) with M1 chip	Microsoft Surface Go 3
Screen size	10.9 inches	12.4 inches
Resolution	2360 x 1640	1536 x 1024
Chip	M1 chip with Neural Engine	Intel 12th Generation Core i5
RAM	8 gigabytes	8 gigabytes
Storage	64 gigabytes	256 gigabytes
Battery life	10 hours	15 hours

Apple iPad Air (5th generation) with M1 chip

What works

M1 chip with Neural Engine
Weight 16.32 ounces (lightweight)
Apple iPadOS ecosystem

What doesn't

Storage 64 GB only
Higher price than some Android tablets

Microsoft Surface Go 3

What works

Larger 12.4‑inch display
Battery life 15 hours (longer)

What doesn't

Weight 2.49 pounds (heavier)
Higher price $799.99
Intel i5 performance lower than M1

Bottom line

Our pick: Apple iPad Air (5th generation) with M1 chip.

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