Apple
iPad Air 11 (M3) · 256GB · with Smart Folio
256GB · 2025
88
/ 100
From $878
VS
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 · with Smart Folio 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 · with Smart Folio 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
iPad Air 11 (M3) · 256GB · with Smart Folio 88
vs 88 Surface Pro 11
Score breakdown
iPad Air 11 (M3) · 256GB · with Smart Folio
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
| Spec | iPad Air 11 (M3) · 256GB · with Smart Folio | 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 · with Smart Folio
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 · with Smart Folio vs Surface Pro 11
Which is better, iPad Air 11 (M3) · 256GB · with Smart Folio 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 · with Smart Folio worth the price? +
At $878, iPad Air 11 (M3) · 256GB · with Smart Folio 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 · with Smart Folio 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.