Microsoft Surface Go 3 vs Apple iPad Air M4 13 Inch

Microsoft Surface Go 3
Apple iPad Air M4 13 Inch

Verdict: The Apple iPad Air M4 13 Inch outperforms the Microsoft Surface Go 3 across performance and longevity per Notebookcheck and Geekbench data. The Surface Go 3's 10th-gen Intel chip and 8GB RAM limit it compared to the M4's 12GB unified memory and 9-core GPU. At $799 the iPad justifies its price for current users while the discontinued $399 Surface Go 3 suits only basic legacy Windows needs.

Microsoft Surface Go 3 lists at $399 while Apple iPad Air M4 13 Inch lists at $799 — Microsoft Surface Go 3 undercuts Apple iPad Air M4 13 Inch by $400 (100%).

Winner: Apple iPad Air M4 13 Inch

Microsoft Surface Go 3: 5.5/10

Apple iPad Air M4 13 Inch: 8.5/10

Spec-by-spec comparison

Microsoft Surface Go 3Apple iPad Air M4 13 Inch
Screen Size10.5-inch13-inch Liquid Retina
Chip10th Gen Intel Core i3 / Pentium GoldApple M4
RAMUp to 8GB12GB
OSWindows 11iPadOS

Microsoft Surface Go 3

What works

  • Compact 10.5-inch form factor for easy portability
  • Runs full Windows 11 with desktop app support
  • Affordable entry price at $399 MSRP

What doesn't

  • Discontinued since 2021 with no updates
  • Limited to 8GB RAM and older Intel processor

Apple iPad Air M4 13 Inch

What works

  • Powerful M4 chip with 8-core CPU and 9-core GPU
  • Large 13-inch high-resolution display
  • Current model with Wi-Fi 7 and long software support

What doesn't

  • Higher price at $799 MSRP
  • No native desktop app compatibility like Windows

Bottom line

Our pick: Apple iPad Air M4 13 Inch. It edges out the alternative on powerful m4 chip with 8-core cpu and 9-core gpu. That said, Microsoft Surface Go 3 still wins on compact 10.5-inch form factor for easy portability — consider it if that single trade matters most for your use.

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