Earlier this year, we did a comparison between the original Surface Go and the basic iPad of the previous generation. Both Apple and Microsoft have updated their entry-level tablets, so we thought it would be appropriate to compare their latest offerings against each other.
When we reported on the Surface Go 3 announcement, we said it could be a compelling alternative to the new $329 base iPad. Starting at $400, the Surface Go 3 costs $70 more than the iPad. It’s worth it?
design and portability
Both the Surface Go 3 and iPad 2021 retain the same basic design as their predecessors. Unlike the iPad Mini, the regular iPad doesn’t have fancy new features like a boxy body, support for the second-generation Apple Pencil, or USB-C connectivity. The Surface Go 3, on the other hand, includes USB-C (though not Thunderbolt 4 like its big brother). That USB-C connector on the Surface Go 3 makes it much more versatile than the base iPad, which still has a single Lightning connector.
While the iPad’s base screen isn’t as pretty as the more expensive models, it still has a sharp 2160 x 1620 resolution at 264 pixels per inch. Surface Go has a 1920 x 1280 resolution screen with a pixel density of 220 pixels per inch.
Taking these two tablets with you shouldn’t be a problem. The iPad is priced at £1.07 for the Wi-Fi model and £1.09 for the mobile models. The Surface Go is a bit heavier at 1.2 pounds. That doesn’t include the included accessories, but using it solely as a tablet shouldn’t be a problem. Those who need to carry a tablet around all day, especially when on their feet, should probably give the iPad Mini a try.
Speaking of accessories, both tablets can be equipped with certain accessories to increase functionality. iPad is compatible with Apple’s Smart Cover and Smart Keyboard via the Smart Connector on the side. Surface Go 3 is compatible with Microsoft’s Surface Type Cover to provide keyboard functionality. Each tablet also has its own pen input required with Apple Pencil (1st generation) and Surface Pen.
It should be noted that there is no cellular option for the Surface Go 3. The iPad is the only one that supports LTE connectivity on the go. For those who prefer Microsoft, the Surface Pro X is what they want.
Performance
Our previous evaluation showed that Apple’s home silicon outperformed Intel’s modest offering, and still does. The base iPad has Apple’s A13 Bionic, which was originally found in the iPhone 11 series. The Surface Go has either a dual-core Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y or a dual-core 10th-gen Core i3-10100Y. The latest processor is based on the 2018 Amber Lake and features Intel’s HD Graphics 615 GPU.
Unsurprisingly, a 2018 CPU can’t match Apple’s 2019 system-on-a-chip. It was difficult to find precise benchmarks for the 10100Y, but since it uses an older chipset, we can use its closest cousin, which is the Core i5-8200Y. for comparison This CPU scored 900 for single-core performance, compared to the A13’s score of 1335. Similarly, Apple’s multicore score of 3427 beats the i5-8200Y’s 1934 score.
It should be noted that both the 8200Y and 10100Y are dual-core processors, while the A13 Bionic is a hexa-core. This explains why the multicore result was so uncorrectable. So if it’s performance you’re looking for, the iPad is a no-brainer. Apple’s silicon can easily handle heavy workloads like video editing, while the Surface Go 3 is probably better suited for lighter workloads.
iPadOS vs. Windows 11
True, this is probably down to preference, since both operating systems are designed for slightly different purposes. Apple’s iPadOS differs slightly from the main iOS for smartphones to create more specialized features for the larger form factor. The latest version, iPadOS 15, adds more multitasking gestures, including the ability to have multiple browser windows side by side. There’s also increased mouse support for those who want more precise input.
Windows 11 has gone through major design changes to allow for more touch input. It’s almost the opposite of what Apple is doing with iPadOS. Microsoft has increased the touch targets to make the general user interface easier to use with your fingers. Window manipulation via touch has also been greatly improved, which is important for a touch-centric device like the Surface Go 3. All the updates to Windows 11 finally allow the Surface line to live up to its true potential. .
Surface Go 3 runs on Windows 11 Home in S mode. This restricts app downloads to the Microsoft Store only. Similarly, iPad apps can only be officially downloaded through Apple’s App Store. However, Apple has the advantage of thousands of apps designed from the ground up for the iPad. This gives the iPad an edge when it comes to dedicated apps, however, since the Amazon App Store is coming to Windows 11, it will give Surface Go 3 users a host of additional Android apps to use.
Let’s not forget that Windows 11 is a complete desktop operating system. Although the Surface Go 3 ships in S mode, it can be turned off, allowing almost any Windows app to be installed. It also means users aren’t constrained by iPadOS’s limited window management; while it’s better than before, it still doesn’t offer the same flexibility as Windows.
value propositions
Apple’s ecosystem is partly what gives Apple such an advantage in the mobile market. Buying an iPad means you have a whole marketplace of third-party Bluetooth keyboards, cases, and more. Also, iPads benefit from the massive vertical integration of all of your Apple products, making them work well with other Apple products.
Of course, this is probably subjective to everyone. The benefits of the Apple ecosystem are very real, but they really only concern those who have already invested in it. Those who use Amazon Echo devices and/or Google devices and Android smartphones would probably benefit more from the Surface Go 3 unless they prefer iPad performance.
Price is also a big concern for many as these two tablets are meant to compete in the more affordable arena. The 2021 iPad starts at $329, but can go as high as $479 for the 256GB Wi-Fi model or $609 for the LTE model. Surface Go 3 starts at $400 for the Pentium 6500Y model with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of eMMC storage. This can be configured up to a Core i3 with 8GB of RAM and 128GB for $630. The 256 GB option is only available for business users.
The prices may seem reasonable, but keep in mind that this does not include the cost of necessary accessories such as keyboards and plug-in pens. The Surface Type Cover is usually a must for the Surface tablet, although Windows 11 might make it easier to use without it.
Apple’s basic iPad offers great value for its low price combined with high performance and added cellular connectivity. Those who haven’t invested in Apple’s ecosystem probably aren’t missing out on much by choosing the Surface Go 3. In fact, the Surface Go 3 could be a real value for those who need a proper desktop operating system and all the flexibility. that comes with it
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Categories: GAMING
Source: newstars.edu.vn