Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M2) vs Microsoft Surface Go 3

By Billy G. · Founder & Lead EditorVerified May 27 by Billy G.

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M2)
Microsoft Surface Go 3
Verified Confidence: 85%

Verdict: Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M2) wins on performance and display quality with its M2 chip and 120Hz screen per Notebookcheck tests, while Microsoft Surface Go 3 provides better Windows app compatibility and keyboard integration. The iPad leads in battery consistency and build but trails in desktop-like multitasking. This is a clear win for the iPad Pro unless full Windows software is required.

Winner: Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M2)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M2): 7.5/10

Microsoft Surface Go 3: 5.5/10

Spec-by-spec comparison

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M2)Microsoft Surface Go 3
chipApple M2Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y
display11-inch Liquid Retina, 120Hz10.5-inch PixelSense, 60Hz
ram8GB4GB-8GB
storage_options128GB-2TB64GB-256GB

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M2)

What works

  • M2 chip delivers up to 1.8x faster CPU performance than prior iPad Pro (per Apple)
  • 120Hz ProMotion display with 600 nits brightness
  • Up to 10 hours battery life in video playback (per Apple)

What doesn't

  • No native mouse/keyboard support without accessories
  • iPadOS limits multitasking compared to full desktop OS

Microsoft Surface Go 3

What works

  • Full Windows 11 Pro for desktop apps and multitasking
  • Optional Type Cover keyboard turns it into laptop
  • Lightweight at 1.16 lbs

What doesn't

  • Pentium Gold chip struggles with demanding tasks
  • Only 7-8 hours battery life in mixed use (per reviews)

Bottom line

Our pick: Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M2).

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