Performance
Unlike previous Intel-based devices, Microsoft partnered with Qualcomm to co-create two all-in-one processors dubbed as the SQ1 and SQ2. They’re based on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8cx 1st- and 2nd-gen chips. They’re also technically a System-on-a-Chip, or SoC, which includes not only processor and graphics cores, but other components like the modem.
Portability
In terms of portability, the Surface Pro X and the iPad Pro are almost neck and neck. Here’s a chart to compare all three:
Surface go 2 vs. ipad: battery life
Surface go 2 vs. ipad: cameras
While using a tablet as a camera might sound weird for some, it’s still an option used by many folks, and the Surface Go 2 proves the value of great cameras. First off, its selfie-shooting 5-megapixel front camera captured much clearer photos of myself than the iPad’s 1.2-megapixel camera did, with more even skintones and a lot less contrast.
While the iPad’s selfie-shooter might prove OK for your next Group FaceTime or Zoom call, the Surface Go 2 captures much better image quality for your next group call or vlog.
Surface go 2 vs. ipad: design
The Surface Go 2 measures 9.7 x 6.9 x 0.3 inches, which gives it a pretty similar footprint to the 9.8 x 6.8 x 0.3-inch iPad. The testament to Microsoft’s success here is shown in how they use that space, fitting a 10.5-inch panel in when Apple only ekes in 10.2 inches of screen estate.
Another point in Microsoft’s favor is seen in the Surface Go’s built-in kickstand. iPad owners need to buy a case, or lean their slate against a stack of books, to make a makeshift easel. The 1.2-pound Surface Go doesn’t weigh much more for it, when compared to the 1.1-pound iPad.
Surface go 2 vs. ipad: performance
The high-end Surface Go 2 gave the 2021 iPad a run for its money on performance power — but the 2020 iPad has arrived for revenge, erasing that loss.
We tested the up-spec’d Surface Go 2 (Core m3-8100Y and 8GB of RAM) and the A12 Fusion-based iPad (which doesn’t let you spend more to get a faster version).
On the Geekbench 5 general performance benchmark, the 2020 iPad scored 2,685, beating the Surface Go 2’s 1,563. However, keep in mind that each iPad has the same A12 Fusion processor, while the less powerful Surface Go 2’s Pentium Gold version would not likely score as high.
The iPad’s 132.5 score on the JetStream 2 benchmark, which measures performance in web applications, easily beats the Surface Go 2’s 74.9 score. including those running JavaScript.
Winner: iPad
Surface go 2 vs. ipad: price and value
The iPad starts at $329, and that model features the A12 Fusion processor and 32GB of storage. The Surface Go 2 is a little more expensive, with an entry-level $399 model that features the Intel Pentium Gold 4425Y processor, 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage.
You can bump the iPad’s storage to 128GB for $100 more, for a price of $429. LTE connectivity costs an extra $130, with a starting price of $459. Neither is utterly mandatory, though the extra space will be welcome for those with lots of apps or photos.
The Surface Go 2 upgrades are much more about performance. An extra $150 doubles the memory and storage (to 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage), but the upgrade we recommend is the Core M3 version (which also has 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage), which costs a whopping $629.
We tested the Core m3 Surface Go 2 and found its performance to be good enough, but not great to the point where we’d want to sacrifice any speed. That means to get the Surface Go 2 we recommend, you’re spending $300 more than you would for the iPad — meaning you could buy two iPads for only $29 more than the Surface Go 2.
Annoyingly, neither the Surface Go 2 nor the iPad include their first party keyboard or stylus. Microsoft’s Surface Go Type Covers range from $99 to $129, while its Surface Pen is currently priced between $78 and $99. The Apple Pencil costs $99 while the Smart Keyboard for iPad costs $159.
Winner:iPad
Surface go 2 vs. ipad: software
While Windows 10 is a more capable operating system than iPadOS, the Surface Go 2 is limited out of the gate as it runs Windows 10 S Mode. This, if you don’t know, means that it will only allow Windows Store apps, and push the Edge browser pretty hard, until you opt out (which is free).
