Surface Go vs Apple iPad: Which is better?

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Published onJuly 11, 2018

published onJuly 11, 2018

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FCC documents highlighted that Microsoft was about to release a new Surface tablet. Now Microsoft has duly announced the Surface Gotableton Windows Blogs. That is a successor to the Surface 3 tablet and Microsoft’s most economical Surfacetabletto date.

Microsoft announced the Surface Go will be available for pre-order from July 10, 2018. Thetabletwill be more widely available from August 2. Thetabletis retailing at $399.99, but that RRP increases with the inclusion of its Type Cover keyboard and stylus pen accessories. With a the keyboard and pen included, the Surface Go will be available at $597.

Surface Go specs

Microsoft has already revealed full specifications for the Surface Go. It includes an Intel Pentium Gold processor that clocks in at 1.6 Ghz. Thetablet‘s storage ranges from 64 GB-256 GB. The Surface Go can include 4-8 GB RAM depending on configuration. Thetablet‘s 10-inch display has a resolution amounting to 1,800 x 1,200.

The Surface Go includes front and rear cameras for photography with five and eight megapixel resolutions. Thetabletalso includes a microSD slot, which is a good addition for photographers. You cantransfer your photosto theSurfaceGo directly from camera SD cards via the microSD slot.

A USB Type-C 3.1 port is another welcome addition to the Surface Go. That is the emerging industry standard port which boasts a much faster data transfer than USB 3.0. Most Surface laptops don’t include USB-C ports, and Microsoft has released aUSB-C donglefor the Surface Pro. However, you won’t need a USB-C adapter for the Gotablet.

— RELATED:Microsoft’s low budget Surface tablet takes on Apple’s iPad

Head-on collision: The Surface Go vs the iPad

Microsoft is launching theSurfaceGo to take on theApple iPad9.7, which isthe budget iPad. The Surface Go’s RAM and storage specifications certainly compare favorably with theiPad9.7. The Gotabletcan pack up to eight GB RAM compared with theiPad9.7’s two GB. The 9.7’s maximum storage is 128 GB, while Surface Go users can upgrade to 256 GB storage.

There is not much difference between thetablets‘ batteries. Microsoft states that the Surface Go battery can last up to nine hours. Apple claims theiPad97’s battery will last for 10 hours without recharge.

The Surface Go’s display is perhaps one weak spot. TheiPad9.7 boasts a 1,536 x 2,048 display resolution, which is a higher resolution than the Surface Go. Even the Surface 3 has a higher display resolution than the Gotablet. Note, however, that you can hook the Gotabletup with a 2K VDU (Visual Display Unit) via its Surface Connect port.

— RELATED:5+ best iPhone & iPad emulators for Windows 10

A built-in kickstand is a handy addition to the Surface Go, which is another thing theiPad9.7 does not include. That kickstand enables users to stand thetabletonsurfaces, which is handy forvideo playback. The kickstand tilts thetabletat a 165 angle.

When it comes to RRP, however, theiPad9.7 is the most economicaltablet. TheiPad9.7 is retailing at $329, which is about $70 less than the Go. An additional Logitech keyboard and stylus pen increases theiPad9.7’s price to $527.95, but it remains less expensive than the Gotablet.

So, theiPad9.7 still remains the best valuetablet. That might be a decisive factor in the 9.7’s favor when theSurfaceGo launches in August. Nevertheless, with a built-in kickstand, plenty of RAM, a USB-C port, microSD slot, greater storage and a touchpad keyboard, theSurfaceGo has enough in its armory to be a worthy alternative to theiPad9.7.

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Surface Go vs Apple iPad: Which is better?#

Surface Go specs#

Head-on collision: The Surface Go vs the iPad#

With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low

Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app

Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now Xbox X|S at a huge discount

Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier

Surface Go vs Apple iPad: Which is better?

Surface Go specs

Head-on collision: The Surface Go vs the iPad