Microsoft released Surface Pro 3, its third-generation of the Surface lineup, on June 20 of 2014. October 22 of the same year, Apple released its sixth generation iPad tablet, the iPad Air 2. With these releases from the two Technology giants, consumers tend to ask "which one should Ibuy?" Microsoft Surface Pro 3 vs. iPad Air 2, each of them is fine own their own. But let's find out how they stack up against with each other.
Display - One of the most important things to look for a device today specifically for a tablet is its display. The Microsoft Surface Pro 3 comes with a larger 12-inch Clear Type Full HD Plus Display and a resolution of 2160 x 1440 whilst the Apple iPad Air 2 comes with 9.7-inch IPS Retina Display with a resolution of 20148 x 1536
Performance - Microsoft Surface Pro 3 is equipped with the 4th generation Intel Core processor family (i3, i5 and i7 variants) with TPM Chip for enterprise security and runs in 64-bit architecture. The Apple iPad Air 2, on the other hand is powered by Apple's new A8X chip also with 64-bit architecture and M8 motion coprocessor.
Storage and RAM - This is another essential part to look for in choosing a tablet. 64GB or 128 GB storage with 4GB RAM and 256GB or 512GB storage with 8GB RAM variants are offered from the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 while the iPad Air 2 comes with 16GB, 64GB and 128GB storage.
Cameras, Audio and Video - The Surface Pro 3 comes with two 5MP cameras, stereo microphones and stereo speakers with Dolby sound while the Apple iPad Air 2 comes with 8MP rear iSight camera and 1.2MP FaceTime HD Camera.
Features - Each Tech giant has equipped their own tablet with features unique or at an advantage over another. For Microsoft Surface Pro 3, ambient light sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope and magnetometer comprise its sensors. A full-size USB 3.0, microSD card reader, Mini DisplayPort and Cover Port constitute the ports.
This tablet from Microsoft also comes with its very own Surface pen. The Apple iPad Air 2, on the other hand also comes with accelerometer, barometer, ambient light sensor, three-axis gyroscope and it has integrated their very own Touch ID for the sensors. With Microsoft Surface Pro 3 several ports, the Apple iPad Air 2 settled with its Lightning connector port.
Operating System - With the two devices, one of the greatest difference is the OS since they come from two different tech giants with their own OS's. Microsoft Surface Pro 3 comes with the Windows 8.1 Pro, which of course comes with PC's full functionality. For Apple iPad Air 2, it comes with iOS 8 which is Apple's OS for tablets. Although iPad Air 2 is not left behind with functionality thanks to the Apple App store.
Price - Finally, the most important area is the Price. Microsoft Surface Pro 3 along with its variants is priced starting at $799 while iPad Air 2 starts at $579
When it comes down to it, you have to think of how you are going to utilize the devices. If you want a full functionality PC in a tablet, then Microsoft Surface Pro 3 is for you. But if you want a high-end tablet packed with Apps, then the iPad Air 2 is for you. Microsoft Surface Pro 3 vs iPad Air 2 battle is a kind of who's-your-bet battle where favoritism is applicable.
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