IPad Air 2 vs Surface Pro 3: Feature Comparison

The IPad Air 2 or Surface Pro 3?

While they are both simply brilliant, each has strengths and weaknesses that will certainly influence any buyer.

Here’s a breakdown of their differences:

Size 

If you want something larger, go for the Surface Pro 3 – this tablet is far larger than the iPad Air 2, with a substantially larger screen (almost twice as big).

In fact, it is almost 25% longer than the iPad.  While it does certainly impose itself on the tablet world, it is also almost 50% thicker than the iPad Air 2, which isn’t necessarily a good thing – size doesn’t always matter.

Directly relating to the size of the tablet is its weight, which is where the iPad Air 2 strikes back.

The substantial Surface Pro 3 weighs nearly twice what the iPad does, and much more if you include the keyboard cover.  If you’re looking for a small, sleek tablet that is very portable, go with the iPad Air 2.

Laptop Mode 

Where the Surface Pro 3 really outshines the iPad Air 2 is in the laptop mode.  Microsoft developed this tablet and introduced this truly revolutionary capability for a tablet.

The detachable keyboard allows you to quickly convert this tablet into a laptop.  There’s even a kickstand for easy stability, making this an incredibly versatile tablet.

While there are plenty of third-party keyboards that connect to the iPad, the whole package of the Surface Pro 3 definitely takes the lead in this category.

Cosmetics 

The cosmetics category is where the race tightens, as there isn’t much that puts one tablet above the other.  The iPad is made of aluminum while the Surface Pro 3 is made of magnesium, both having a durable frame and modern appeal.

The Surface Pro 3 only comes in silver while the iPad Air 2 comes in three (albeit similar) colors.  If you’re picky on what color your tablet is, you get more options with the iPad, and if not, either one is a great choice.

Performance 

Probably the most important part of any technology purchase, performance specifications can truly show which is superior.

The iPad Air 2 has a much sharper resolution, which is a major factor for many consumers.  While they both have anti-reflective displays and IPS panels, the iPad Air 2 simply has a much better resolution.

The Surface Pro 3 comes with a new-age stylus, far different from the generic styluses that you would buy for the iPad Air 2.  The Surface stylus allows for hover-pointing as well as greater accuracy and control.

Both tablets will allow you to have a lot of storage, and while the Surface Pro 3 has a wider range of options when it comes to storage (up to 512 GB), you can still get adequate storage on the iPad.  Unless you’re using your tablet to completely replace your laptop, either one is a great option for storage.

These are just a few of the many features that each tablet has to offer.  While there is no definitive winner between the two, it all comes down to personal preference when buying a tablet.


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