The Microsoft Surface Go 2 and the Apple iPad Air are two of the most popular portable devices on the market, each offering a unique set of features and capabilities. While both devices excel in their respective areas, they cater to different user needs and preferences.

In this article, we’ll delve into the details of these two devices, comparing their design, display, performance, battery life, and other key features. By the end of this comparison, you’ll have a better understanding of which device is best suited for your portable productivity needs.

Design and Display

The Surface Go 2 boasts a sleek and lightweight design, with a compact footprint that makes it easy to carry around. The device measures 9.65 x 6.9 x 0.33 inches (24.5 x 17.5 x 0.85 cm) and weighs just 1.15 pounds (520 grams). The Surface Go 2 is available in two sizes: 10 inches (Surface Go 2) and 12 inches (Surface Go 2 with LTE).

The iPad Air, on the other hand, has a slightly larger footprint, measuring 9.74 x 6.85 x 0.24 inches (24.8 x 17.4 x 0.62 cm). However, it’s still relatively lightweight at 1.01 pounds (460 grams).

Both devices feature high-quality displays, but they differ in terms of resolution and aspect ratio. The Surface Go 2 boasts a PixelSense touchscreen with a resolution of 1800 x 1200 pixels (10 inches) or 2160 x 1440 pixels (12 inches). The iPad Air features a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with a resolution of 2224 x 1668 pixels.

Performance

The Surface Go 2 is powered by Intel’s Pentium Gold 4425Y or Core m3-8100Y processors, depending on your configuration choice. The former provides a more budget-friendly option with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of eMMC storage, while the latter offers improved performance with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of SSD storage.

The iPad Air, on the other hand, is powered by Apple’s A14 Bionic chip, which delivers impressive performance for demanding tasks like video editing or gaming. The device comes with 3GB or 6GB of RAM and 64GB, 256GB, or 512GB of storage options.

Battery Life

Both devices offer respectable battery life, but the Surface Go 2 has a slight edge in this department. Microsoft claims up to 10 hours of web browsing or 9 hours of video playback on a single charge, while Apple promises up to 10 hours of surfing the web or watching videos on the iPad Air.

Connectivity and Ports

The Surface Go 2 features a generous selection of ports, including a USB-A port, a USB-C port with support for Power Delivery and DisplayPort, and a headphone jack. The device also supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.0 for seamless connectivity.

The iPad Air has fewer ports, but it’s still well-equipped with a Lightning port, a Smart Connector for the Apple Pencil or other accessories, and a headphone jack. The device also supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.0.

Camera and Audio

Both devices have improved cameras, but they differ in terms of resolution and capabilities. The Surface Go 2 boasts an improved front-facing camera with 5-megapixel resolution and 1080p video recording capabilities. On the rear, you’ll find a single 8-megapixel camera that captures decent photos in good lighting conditions.

The iPad Air has a similar setup, with a 7-megapixel front-facing camera and a 12-megapixel rear camera. Both cameras support advanced features like Portrait mode and video recording.

Conclusion

The Microsoft Surface Go 2 and the Apple iPad Air are two distinct devices that cater to different user needs. The Surface Go 2 excels as a portable Windows 10 device with impressive performance, battery life, and connectivity options. It’s perfect for users who require a compact device for productivity or gaming.

On the other hand, the iPad Air is an excellent option for those who value portability, ease of use, and a seamless ecosystem experience. Its A14 Bionic chip provides impressive performance, while its Apple Pencil support makes it ideal for creative tasks like drawing or note-taking.

Technical Specifications:

• Microsoft Surface Go 2:
  • Processor: Intel Pentium Gold 4425Y or Core m3-8100Y
  • RAM: 4GB or 8GB
  • Storage: 64GB eMMC or 128GB SSD
  • Display: 10-inch (Surface Go 2) or 12-inch (Surface Go 2 with LTE), PixelSense touchscreen, 1800 x 1200 pixels (10 inches) or 2160 x 1440 pixels (12 inches)
  • Battery Life: Up to 10 hours web browsing or 9 hours video playback
• Apple iPad Air:
  • Processor: A14 Bionic chip
  • RAM: 3GB or 6GB
  • Storage: 64GB, 256GB, or 512GB
  • Display: 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, 2224 x 1668 pixels
  • Battery Life: Up to 10 hours surfing the web or watching videos