What To Know
- The Surface Go features a magnesium alloy body with a Gorilla Glass 3 display, while the iPad features an aluminum unibody with a Retina display.
- The battery life of the Microsoft Surface Go and the iPad varies depending on the usage and settings.
- The Surface Go is rated for up to 9 hours of battery life on a single charge, while the iPad is rated for up to 10 hours of battery life on a single charge.
In the realm of portable computing, the Microsoft Surface Go and the Apple iPad stand as two formidable contenders. Both devices offer a sleek design, powerful performance, and a wide range of features. However, each device has its own strengths and weaknesses, making the choice between them a matter of personal preference and specific requirements. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key aspects of the Microsoft Surface Go and the iPad to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
The Microsoft Surface Go and the iPad share a similar design philosophy, featuring a thin and lightweight form factor. The Surface Go measures 9.65 inches in length, 6.9 inches in width, and 0.33 inches in thickness, weighing in at 1.15 pounds. The iPad, on the other hand, comes in two sizes: the 10.2-inch model measures 9.8 inches in length, 6.8 inches in width, and 0.29 inches in thickness, weighing in at 1.09 pounds, while the 12.9-inch model measures 11 inches in length, 8.5 inches in width, and 0.25 inches in thickness, weighing in at 1.5 pounds.
In terms of build quality, both devices are constructed from premium materials. The Surface Go features a magnesium alloy body with a Gorilla Glass 3 display, while the iPad features an aluminum unibody with a Retina display. Both devices offer a sturdy and durable build, ensuring they can withstand everyday use.
Display
The Microsoft Surface Go and the iPad offer different display experiences. The Surface Go features a 10-inch PixelSense display with a resolution of 1800 x 1200 pixels and a 3:2 aspect ratio. The display offers vibrant colors, excellent contrast, and wide viewing angles. The iPad, on the other hand, comes with a 10.2-inch Retina display with a resolution of 2160 x 1620 pixels and a 4:3 aspect ratio. The iPad’s display is known for its high brightness, accurate colors, and sharp details.
Performance
The Microsoft Surface Go and the iPad offer different performance capabilities. The Surface Go is powered by an Intel Pentium Gold 4425Y processor, which is paired with 4GB or 8GB of RAM and 64GB or 128GB of storage. The iPad, on the other hand, is powered by the Apple A13 Bionic chip, which is paired with 64GB or 256GB of storage.
In terms of performance, the iPad outperforms the Surface Go in most tasks. The A13 Bionic chip is a more powerful processor than the Pentium Gold 4425Y, and it provides a smoother and more responsive user experience. However, the Surface Go offers more RAM and storage options, which can be beneficial for multitasking and storing large files.
Operating System
The Microsoft Surface Go and the iPad run on different operating systems. The Surface Go runs on Windows 10 S, which is a streamlined version of Windows 10 designed for simplicity and security. Windows 10 S provides access to a wide range of applications from the Microsoft Store, but it does not allow the installation of traditional desktop applications. The iPad, on the other hand, runs on iPadOS, which is a mobile operating system designed specifically for tablets. iPadOS offers a user-friendly interface, a wide range of apps from the App Store, and support for multitasking and external keyboards.
Battery Life
The battery life of the Microsoft Surface Go and the iPad varies depending on the usage and settings. The Surface Go is rated for up to 9 hours of battery life on a single charge, while the iPad is rated for up to 10 hours of battery life on a single charge. In real-world usage, both devices can provide a full day of battery life with moderate use.
Connectivity
The Microsoft Surface Go and the iPad offer a variety of connectivity options. The Surface Go features a USB-C port, a microSD card slot, and a headphone jack. The iPad, on the other hand, features a Lightning port, a headphone jack, and a Smart Connector. Both devices support Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, but the iPad also supports cellular connectivity with an optional cellular data plan.
Accessories
The Microsoft Surface Go and the iPad have a range of accessories available. The Surface Go can be paired with the Surface Pen for digital writing and drawing, and the Surface Type Cover for a physical keyboard and trackpad. The iPad can be paired with the Apple Pencil for digital writing and drawing, and the Smart Keyboard Folio for a physical keyboard and trackpad.
Final Note: The Best Choice for You
The Microsoft Surface Go and the iPad are both excellent portable computing devices, but they offer different strengths and weaknesses. The Surface Go is a good choice for users who prioritize versatility, as it can run both Windows applications and mobile apps. It is also a good choice for users who need a device with a physical keyboard and trackpad. The iPad, on the other hand, is a good choice for users who prioritize performance, ease of use, and a wide range of apps. It is also a good choice for users who want a device with cellular connectivity.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q: Which device has a better display?
A: The iPad has a slightly better display than the Surface Go, offering higher resolution, brightness, and color accuracy.
Q: Which device is more powerful?
A: The iPad is more powerful than the Surface Go, thanks to its more powerful A13 Bionic chip.
Q: Which device has a longer battery life?
A: Both the Surface Go and the iPad offer similar battery life, with the iPad having a slight edge in terms of battery capacity.
Q: Which device has better connectivity options?
A: The Surface Go has more connectivity options than the iPad, including a USB-C port, a microSD card slot, and a headphone jack.
Q: Which device has more accessories available?
A: Both the Surface Go and the iPad have a wide range of accessories available, including keyboards, styluses, and cases.
