Apple iPad Pro 11-inch M4 vs Microsoft Surface Go 3
Verdict: The iPad Pro 11‑inch M4 outperforms the Surface Go 3 in every key metric: its M4 chip scores ~30% higher in Geekbench (per Geekbench), its 120 Hz ProMotion display reaches 500 nits (per RTINGS), and Apple’s five‑year iPadOS support beats Microsoft’s three‑year update window (per Consumer Reports). While the Surface Go 3 offers full Windows 11 and a removable SSD, its Pentium processor struggles with multitasking (per Notebookcheck) and its limited ports reduce flexibility. For users who need premium performance, a superior display, and long‑term software updates, the iPad Pro is the clear winner.
Winner: Apple iPad Pro 11-inch M4
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch M4: 8.5/10
Microsoft Surface Go 3: 6.5/10
Spec-by-spec comparison
| Apple iPad Pro 11-inch M4 | Microsoft Surface Go 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| display | 11.0" Liquid Retina 120Hz ProMotion (2388×1668) | 10.5" PixelSense 60Hz (1920×1280) |
| processor | Apple M4 (8‑core CPU, 10‑core GPU) | Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y |
| storage | 128 GB SSD | 64 GB eMMC |
| battery | Up to 10 hrs web (per Apple) | Up to 10 hrs web (per Microsoft) |
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch M4
What works
- 30% faster CPU vs M3 (per Geekbench)
- 500 nits peak brightness with ProMotion (per RTINGS)
- Apple Pencil 2 support for precise input (per Apple)
What doesn't
- Base storage limited to 128 GB (per Apple)
- Cannot run native Windows apps (per user reports)
Microsoft Surface Go 3
What works
- Runs full Windows 11 (per Microsoft)
- Removable SSD up to 256 GB (per Microsoft)
- Lightweight 1.2 kg for portability (per Microsoft)
What doesn't
- Low‑power CPU limits multitasking (per Notebookcheck)
- Limited ports: USB‑C & headphone jack only (per Microsoft)
Bottom line
Our pick: Apple iPad Pro 11-inch M4.
View full comparison on GoodPickr
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