Ipad 9th Gen Vs Surface Go 3: Battle Of The Budget-friendly Tablets – Who Wins?

The world of 2-in-1 devices has seen a surge in popularity, offering the versatility of a laptop and a tablet in one compact package. Among the top contenders in this category are the iPad 9th Gen and the Surface Go 3. Both devices boast impressive features and capabilities, but which one is the right choice for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the key aspects of these devices to help you make an informed decision.

Design and Build Quality

The iPad 9th Gen sports a sleek and minimalist design, with a thin and lightweight profile that makes it easy to carry around. Its aluminum unibody construction exudes a premium feel and ensures durability. On the other hand, the Surface Go 3 has a more traditional laptop design, featuring a magnesium alloy chassis that provides a solid and sturdy build. Its convertible form factor allows for multiple usage modes, including tablet, laptop, and tent mode.

Display

The iPad 9th Gen features a 10.2-inch Retina display with a resolution of 2160 x 1620 pixels, delivering sharp and vibrant visuals. Its True Tone technology automatically adjusts the color temperature based on the ambient lighting, reducing eye strain during prolonged use. The Surface Go 3, on the other hand, has a slightly larger 10.5-inch PixelSense display with a resolution of 1920 x 1280 pixels. While it doesn’t have True Tone technology, the Surface Go 3’s display still offers good color reproduction and clarity.

Performance and Hardware

The iPad 9th Gen is powered by the Apple A13 Bionic chip, which provides snappy performance for everyday tasks, multitasking, and even some light gaming. It comes with 64GB or 256GB of storage options, and the base model includes 3GB of RAM. The Surface Go 3, on the other hand, is equipped with either an Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y or an Intel Core i3-10100Y processor, depending on the configuration. It also offers 64GB or 128GB storage options, with 4GB or 8GB of RAM. In terms of performance, the Surface Go 3 is slightly behind the iPad 9th Gen, but it can still handle most tasks smoothly.

Operating System and Software

The iPad 9th Gen runs on iPadOS 15, which offers a user-friendly interface and a wide range of apps optimized for the tablet form factor. iPadOS 15 introduces new features such as widgets, the App Library, and improved multitasking capabilities. The Surface Go 3 runs on Windows 11, which provides a more traditional desktop experience with a Start menu, taskbar, and a wide range of software compatibility. Windows 11 also includes new features such as Snap Layouts, Widgets, and improved touch gestures.

Battery Life

The iPad 9th Gen boasts impressive battery life, lasting up to 10 hours of video playback or web browsing on a single charge. The Surface Go 3, on the other hand, has a slightly shorter battery life, lasting up to 10 hours of typical usage. However, both devices support fast charging, allowing you to quickly top up the battery when needed.

Connectivity and Accessories

The iPad 9th Gen features a Lightning port for charging and data transfer, as well as a 3.5mm headphone jack. It also supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless connectivity. The Surface Go 3 has a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, a Surface Connect port for attaching accessories, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. It also supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0. Additionally, the Surface Go 3 has a built-in kickstand that allows you to prop it up at different angles for comfortable use.

Price and Availability

The iPad 9th Gen starts at $329 for the 64GB Wi-Fi model and $479 for the 256GB Wi-Fi model. The Surface Go 3 starts at $399 for the 64GB Wi-Fi model with the Pentium Gold processor and 4GB of RAM, and goes up to $629 for the 256GB Wi-Fi model with the Core i3 processor and 8GB of RAM. Both devices are widely available from various retailers and online stores.

Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Choose?

The iPad 9th Gen and the Surface Go 3 are both excellent 2-in-1 devices that offer a great balance of performance, portability, and versatility. However, the choice between the two ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a sleek, lightweight, and easy-to-use device with a long battery life and a wide range of apps, the iPad 9th Gen is a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a more traditional laptop experience with a wider range of software compatibility and a built-in kickstand, the Surface Go 3 is a solid option.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which device has a better display, the iPad 9th Gen or the Surface Go 3?

Both devices have good displays, but the iPad 9th Gen has a slightly higher resolution and True Tone technology, which provides more accurate colors and reduces eye strain.

2. Which device has better performance, the iPad 9th Gen or the Surface Go 3?

The iPad 9th Gen has slightly better performance thanks to its more powerful A13 Bionic chip.

3. Which device has a longer battery life, the iPad 9th Gen or the Surface Go 3?

The iPad 9th Gen has a slightly longer battery life, lasting up to 10 hours of video playback compared to the Surface Go 3’s 10 hours of typical usage.

4. Which device has more storage options, the iPad 9th Gen or the Surface Go 3?

The Surface Go 3 has more storage options, with 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB configurations, while the iPad 9th Gen only has 64GB and 256GB options.

5. Which device has more RAM options, the iPad 9th Gen or the Surface Go 3?

The Surface Go 3 has more RAM options, with 4GB and 8GB configurations, while the iPad 9th Gen only has 3GB of RAM.