Apple iPad Air 13-inch (M2) vs Microsoft Surface Pro 11
Verdict: Apple iPad Air 13-inch (M2) wins on portability and display quality with 1.36 lbs weight and higher peak brightness per RTINGS. Microsoft Surface Pro 11 leads in versatility with full Windows 11 and 32GB RAM options. The iPad suits media and sketching while the Surface excels at document work and legacy software.
Winner: Apple iPad Air 13-inch (M2)
Apple iPad Air 13-inch (M2): 7.5/10
Microsoft Surface Pro 11: 7/10
Spec-by-spec comparison
| Apple iPad Air 13-inch (M2) | Microsoft Surface Pro 11 | |
|---|---|---|
| display | 13-inch Liquid Retina, 2732x2048 | 13-inch PixelSense, 2880x1920 |
| processor | Apple M2 | Snapdragon X Elite |
| ram | 8GB/16GB | 16GB/32GB |
| weight | 1.36 lbs | 1.96 lbs (with Type Cover) |
Apple iPad Air 13-inch (M2)
What works
- Up to 10 hours video playback (per Apple)
- High-quality Liquid Retina display
- Thin and light aluminum build
What doesn't
- iPadOS lacks full desktop multitasking
- No native external display support beyond basic mirroring
Microsoft Surface Pro 11
What works
- Full Windows 11 desktop OS
- Up to 15 hours mixed use (per Microsoft)
- Detachable keyboard with trackpad
What doesn't
- Heavier than iPad Air when used as laptop
- Display brightness peaks lower than iPad in HDR
Bottom line
Our pick: Apple iPad Air 13-inch (M2).
View full comparison on GoodPickr
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