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iPad Air 11 (M3) · 256GB — 256GB · 2025
Apple

iPad Air 11 (M3) · 256GB

256GB · 2025

88
/ 100
From $799
VS
Surface Pro 11 — Snapdragon X Elite · 13″ OLED · 2-in-1
Microsoft

Surface Pro 11

Snapdragon X Elite · 13″ OLED · 2-in-1

88
/ 100
From $999
Specdex verdict

Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.

In our weighted Specdex score, iPad Air 11 (M3) · 256GB lands at 88 and Surface Pro 11 at 88. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.

Pick iPad Air 11 (M3) · 256GB if…

  • ✓Portable creative canvas
  • ✓Strong SoC
  • ✓App ecosystem matures per year

Pick Surface Pro 11 if…

  • ✓Detachable 2-in-1 that actually works
  • ✓OLED option
  • ✓Copilot+ NPU
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Portability

Surface Pro 11

Compared on the portability sub-score

Surface Pro 11 leads on portability (92 vs 88).

Display

Surface Pro 11

Compared on the display sub-score

Surface Pro 11 leads on display (92 vs 86).

Performance

Tie

Compared on the performance sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Value for money

iPad Air 11 (M3) · 256GB

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

iPad Air 11 (M3) · 256GB more score per dollar ($799 vs $999).

iPad Air 11 (M3) · 256GB 88
vs
88 Surface Pro 11

Score breakdown

iPad Air 11 (M3) · 256GB
88
performance 88
display 86
battery 86
portability 88
software 84
Surface Pro 11
88
performance 88
display 92
battery 88
portability 92
software 84

Specs side-by-side

iPad Air 11 (M3) · 256GB versus Surface Pro 11 — full spec comparison
Spec iPad Air 11 (M3) · 256GB Surface Pro 11
Storage
256GB
256 GB – 1 TB
Release year
2025
—
CPU
—
Snapdragon X Elite
Display
—
13″ OLED 2880×1920 120Hz
RAM
—
16/32 GB

iPad Air 11 (M3) · 256GB

Pros
  • +Portable creative canvas
  • +Strong SoC
  • +App ecosystem matures per year
Cons
  • −Keyboard/pen extra cost
  • −RAM often soldered
  • −Mid-tier cameras

Surface Pro 11

Pros
  • +Detachable 2-in-1 that actually works
  • +OLED option
  • +Copilot+ NPU
Cons
  • −Keyboard sold separately
  • −ARM app compatibility patchy
  • −Pricey loaded

FAQ: iPad Air 11 (M3) · 256GB vs Surface Pro 11

Which is better, iPad Air 11 (M3) · 256GB or Surface Pro 11? +

Both score 88 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is iPad Air 11 (M3) · 256GB worth the price? +

At $799, iPad Air 11 (M3) · 256GB delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in performance.

Is Surface Pro 11 worth the price? +

At $999, Surface Pro 11 delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in display.

Does iPad Air 11 (M3) · 256GB or Surface Pro 11 last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is better for portability, iPad Air 11 (M3) · 256GB or Surface Pro 11? +

Surface Pro 11 — leads on portability (92 vs 88). Compared on the portability sub-score.

Which is better for display, iPad Air 11 (M3) · 256GB or Surface Pro 11? +

Surface Pro 11 — leads on display (92 vs 86). Compared on the display sub-score.