Apple iPad Air M4 vs Microsoft Surface Go 3
Verdict: Apple iPad Air M4 wins decisively with its M4 processor, 12GB memory, and 12-inch Liquid Retina display versus the Surface Go 3's 10th-gen Intel chip and max 8GB RAM. The iPad supports Wi-Fi 7 while the Surface Go 3, released in 2021 and now discontinued, lags in performance and software support. At $599 versus $399 the iPad justifies the premium for users needing current hardware.
Apple iPad Air M4 lists at $599 while Microsoft Surface Go 3 lists at $399 — Microsoft Surface Go 3 undercuts Apple iPad Air M4 by $200 (50%).
Winner: Apple iPad Air M4
Apple iPad Air M4: 8.5/10
Microsoft Surface Go 3: 5.5/10
Spec-by-spec comparison
| Apple iPad Air M4 | Microsoft Surface Go 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 12-inch Liquid Retina | 10.5-inch |
| Processor | M4 (8-core CPU, 9-core GPU) | 10th Gen Intel Core i3 |
| Memory | 12GB unified | up to 8GB |
| Operating System | iPadOS | Windows 11 |
Apple iPad Air M4
What works
- M4 chip delivers significantly higher performance than older Intel processors
- 12-inch Liquid Retina display with superior color and brightness
- Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 for faster connectivity
What doesn't
- MSRP $200 higher than Surface Go 3
- Limited to 12GB memory with no upgrade options
Microsoft Surface Go 3
What works
- Lower entry price at $399 MSRP
- Full Windows 11 desktop OS for legacy software
- Compact 10.5-inch size for high portability
What doesn't
- Discontinued since 2021 with outdated 10th-gen Intel chip
- Maximum 8GB RAM limits multitasking compared to 12GB unified memory
Bottom line
Our pick: Apple iPad Air M4. It edges out the alternative on m4 chip delivers significantly higher performance than older intel processors. That said, Microsoft Surface Go 3 still wins on lower entry price at $399 msrp — consider it if that single trade matters most for your use.
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