Tablets / Compare
Apple iPad Air 13-inch (M3) vs Microsoft Surface Pro 12-inch (1st Edition, X Plus)
Product A: Apple
109 of 168 known
Microsoft Surface Pro 12-inch (2nd Edition, X2 Plus)
Microsoft Surface Pro 13-inch (11th Edition, X Elite OLED)
Microsoft Surface Pro 13-inch (12th Edition, X2 Elite OLED)
Samsung Galaxy Tab S11
Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE+
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M5)
Apple iPad Air 13-inch (M4)
Apple iPad Air 13-inch (M2)
Huawei MatePad Pro 12.2-inch 2025
Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M3)
Lenovo Yoga Tab Plus
Huawei MatePad Pro 13.2-inch 2025
Change Apple iPad Air 13-inch (M3)
Compare the Microsoft Surface Pro 12-inch (1st Edition, X Plus) with
Microsoft Surface Pro 12-inch (2nd Edition, X2 Plus)
Microsoft Surface Pro 13-inch (11th Edition, X Elite OLED)
Microsoft Surface Pro 13-inch (12th Edition, X2 Elite OLED)
Samsung Galaxy Tab S11
Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE+
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M5)
Apple iPad Air 13-inch (M4)
Apple iPad Air 13-inch (M2)
Huawei MatePad Pro 12.2-inch 2025
Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M3)
Lenovo Yoga Tab Plus
Huawei MatePad Pro 13.2-inch 2025Product B: Microsoft
Surface Pro 12-inch (1st Edition, X Plus)
74 of 168 known
Apple iPad Air 13-inch (M2)
Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE+
Samsung Galaxy Tab S11
Apple iPad Air 13-inch (M4)
Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M3)
Lenovo Yoga Tab Plus
Huawei MatePad Pro 12.2-inch 2025
Huawei MatePad Pro 13.2-inch 2025
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M5)
Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+
Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 Pro
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)
Change Microsoft Surface Pro 12-inch (1st Edition, X Plus)
Compare the Apple iPad Air 13-inch (M3) with
Apple iPad Air 13-inch (M2)
Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE+
Samsung Galaxy Tab S11
Apple iPad Air 13-inch (M4)
Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M3)
Lenovo Yoga Tab Plus
Huawei MatePad Pro 12.2-inch 2025
Huawei MatePad Pro 13.2-inch 2025
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M5)
Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+
Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 Pro
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)99 of 160 fields differ
- 46 different values
- 53 known for one only
- 13 the same
- 48 missing for both
Biggest differences
Each bar uses the scale of all 101 tablets.
- Brightness (typical, SDR)A: 600nitsB: 400nitsApple is 200 nits higher.
Size, drawn to scale
Front and side.
- AApple: 214.9 × 280.6 mm
- BMicrosoft: 190 × 274 mm
Weight
0 to 800 g
All 168 fields
Every value links to where we found it.


General
8 of 11 differ
Series
Model numbers
2109, 21106Spec databaseifixit.com/Device/Microsoft_Surface_Pro_12-inchRead 15 October 2026iFixit: the Surface Pro 12-inch is identified by model numbers 2109 and 2110. Microsoft's replacement battery listing names Model 2109, 2110 for Surface Pro, Copilot+ PC, 12-inch. The intro only names 21107Certification listenergystar.gov/productfinder/product/certified-computers/details/4015806/export/pdfRead 15 October 2026ENERGY STAR certified computer Microsoft Surface Pro 12" model number 2110 with additional model 2109. The listing covers consumer and business SKUs (it shows 24 GB memory), so UPCs are not stored
GTIN / EAN
Not available
Not available
Announced
Predecessor
Apple iPad Air 13-inch (M2)20Press articlebgr.com/reviews/apple-ipad-air-m3-review-predictably-greatRead 23 October 2026BGR reviews the 13-inch iPad Air M3 and says it updates the previous generation iPad Air from an M2 chip to an M3 chip.21Spec databaseeverymac.com/systems/apple/ipad/ipad-air-faq/differences-between-ipad-air-m2-ipad-air-m3.htmlRead 23 October 2026EveryMac says the iPad Air M3 models were released in 2025 as replacements for the iPad Air M2 line.
Not available
Successor
Apple iPad Air 13-inch (M4)22Reviewtechradar.com/tablets/ipad/embargoed-i-tested-the-ipad-air-with-m4-and-apple-just-stretched-the-value-of-the-air-even-furtherRead 23 October 2026TechRadar reviews the 13-inch iPad Air M4 and says both iPad Air sizes moved from the M3 in 2025 to the M4 in 2026.
Microsoft Surface Pro 12-inch (2nd Edition, X2 Plus)12Maker product pageblogs.windows.com/devices/2026/09/23/introducing-surface-pro-12-inch-and-surface-laptop-13-inch-with-snapdragon-x2Read 23 October 2026Microsoft says it introduced the next Surface Pro 12-inch and benchmarks it against the Surface Pro 12-inch 1st Edition.13Reviewnotebookcheck.net/Microsoft-Surface-Pro-12-2nd-edition-2-in-1-tablet-PC-arrives-with-fanless-design-and-optional-5G-cellular-module.1405432.0.htmlRead 23 October 2026Notebookcheck compares the Surface Pro 12-inch 2nd Edition with the 1st Edition as the prior model.
Launch price (US)
Launch price (EU)
€9798Press articlem.gsmarena.com/microsoft_surface_pro_12_and_surface_laptop_13_announced_-news-67668.phpRead 15 October 2026GSMArena of 7 May 2025: starts at $800 / 979 euro / 799 pounds for the 256 GB model on pre-order. The country for the euro price is not named. The German outlet china-gadgets.de also prints a UVP of 979 euro for 16 GB RAM, 256 GB, tablet only. Tax is not stated9Press articlechina-gadgets.de/microsoft-surface-proRead 15 October 2026German outlet, article of 2026-02-10: specification table prints 979 euro (UVP, tablet only) for X Plus, 16 GB RAM, 256 GB. It is a deal article, so the launch figure rests on GSMArena
Markets
US, DE3Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2025/03/apple-introduces-ipad-air-with-powerful-m3-chip-and-new-magic-keyboardRead 5 October 20265Press releaseapple.com/de/newsroom/2025/03/apple-introduces-ipad-air-with-powerful-m3-chip-and-new-magic-keyboardRead 5 October 2026
US, DE, NZ10Maker product pagemicrosoft.com/de-de/store/configure/surface-pro-12-zoll/8mzbmmcjzqv2Read 15 October 2026US: Microsoft Store. DE: German Microsoft Store (archived copy of 2026-06-24 sells 16 GB with 256 GB, 512 GB and 1 TB and sells the power supply as a separate accessory). NZ: Harvey Norman listing. The German store UVP is now 1149 euro, so it is not the launch price11Retailer pageharveynorman.co.nz/computers/laptops/microsoft-surface-pro-12-1st-edition-snapdragon-x-plus-16gb-ram-256gb-ssd-copilot-pc-platinum-ep2-27652.htmlRead 15 October 2026Harvey Norman New Zealand sells the 1st Edition (Platinum, 16 GB, 256 GB, EP2-27652)
Colours
Blue, Purple, Starlight, Space Gray1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/122242Read 5 October 2026
Form factor
Slate7Regulatory filingregulatoryinfo.apple.com/cwt/api/ext/fileRead 5 October 20268Regulatory filingregulatoryinfo.apple.com/cwt/api/ext/fileRead 5 October 20269EU energy label (EPREL)eprel.ec.europa.eu/api/products/smartphonestablets20231669/2261069Read 5 October 2026Device type TABLET, isFoldable false.
OS updates promised
Not available
Not available
Security updates promised
Not available
Not available
Security updates until
Not available
Not available
Body
7 of 11 differ
Height
Width
Thickness
Weight
686g(1.5 lb)1Maker product pageweb.archive.org/web/20260102111135/https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/store/configure/surface-pro-12-inch/8mzbmmcjzqv2Read 15 October 20261.5 lbs (686 g). Weight not including the keyboard2Maker spec sheet (PDF)microsoft.com/content/dam/microsoft/final/en-us/microsoft-product-and-services/surface/surface-pro/surface-pro-12-inch-snapdragon/MSFT-surface-pro-12-inch-snapdragon-techspecs-factsheet.pdfRead 15 October 2026Weight 1.5 lbs (686 g), not including the keyboard
Frame
Front
Back
Dust and water rating
IP427Regulatory filingregulatoryinfo.apple.com/cwt/api/ext/fileRead 5 October 2026Original EU regulatory sheet explicitly lists IP42. This differs from reviews stating no water certification. Regulatory model information is retained without treating it as a separate maker marketing promise.8Regulatory filingregulatoryinfo.apple.com/cwt/api/ext/fileRead 5 October 2026Original EU regulatory sheet explicitly lists IP42. This differs from reviews stating no water certification. Regulatory model information is retained without treating it as a separate maker marketing promise.9EU energy label (EPREL)eprel.ec.europa.eu/api/products/smartphonestablets20231669/2261069Read 5 October 2026
Not available
MIL-STD-810
Not available
Not available
SIM
Not available
Not available
Built-in kickstand
Not available
Display
14 of 22 differ
Screen size
Resolution
Pixel density
264.7ppi
219.9ppi
Aspect ratio
Display type
Display type (as published)
Liquid Retina display1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/122242Read 5 October 2026
Dimming zones
Not available
Not available
Refresh rate modes
AApple iPad Air 13-inch (M3)
| Max (Hz) |
|---|
| 60 |
BMicrosoft Surface Pro 12-inch (1st Edition, X Plus)
| Mode | Max (Hz) |
|---|---|
| Up to 90 Hz (60 Hz default) | 90 |
Max refresh rate
60Hz
90Hz
Min refresh rate
Not available
Not available
Brightness (typical, SDR)
Peak brightness
Not available
Not available
Full-screen HDR brightness
Not available
Not available
Contrast ratio
Not available
1,200:12Maker spec sheet (PDF)microsoft.com/content/dam/microsoft/final/en-us/microsoft-product-and-services/surface/surface-pro/surface-pro-12-inch-snapdragon/MSFT-surface-pro-12-inch-snapdragon-techspecs-factsheet.pdfRead 15 October 2026Contrast ratio 1200:1. A retailer page prints 1300:1 and Harvey Norman prints 1200:111Retailer pageharveynorman.co.nz/computers/laptops/microsoft-surface-pro-12-1st-edition-snapdragon-x-plus-16gb-ram-256gb-ssd-copilot-pc-platinum-ep2-27652.htmlRead 15 October 2026Retailer specification: contrast ratio 1200:1. It matches the Microsoft fact sheet
Colour depth
Not available
Not available
DCI-P3 coverage
Not available
Not available
HDR playback formats
Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/122242Read 5 October 2026Video Playback lists Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10 and HLG. These are playback formats, not a claim that the LCD produces OLED-level HDR luminance.
Not available
Anti-reflection coating
Antireflective coating1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/122242Read 5 October 2026
Not available
Screen surface
Not available
Nano-texture option
Not available
Not available
PWM dimming frequency
Not available
Not available
Platform
9 of 11 differ
OS at launch
Software
Not available
Not available
Latest OS
Not available
Chipset
Process
CPU cores
81Maker product pageweb.archive.org/web/20260102111135/https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/store/configure/surface-pro-12-inch/8mzbmmcjzqv2Read 15 October 2026Snapdragon X Plus (8 Core)2Maker spec sheet (PDF)microsoft.com/content/dam/microsoft/final/en-us/microsoft-product-and-services/surface/surface-pro/surface-pro-12-inch-snapdragon/MSFT-surface-pro-12-inch-snapdragon-techspecs-factsheet.pdfRead 15 October 2026Snapdragon X Plus (8 Core)
CPU configuration
AApple iPad Air 13-inch (M3)
| Count | Core | Max clock (GHz) |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | Performance | 4.1 |
| 4 | Efficiency | 2.7 |
Source1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/122242Read 5 October 2026Maker specifies four performance and four efficiency cores. Clock frequencies come separately from the exact tested model hardware table at Notebookcheck.17Reviewnotebookcheck.net/Apple-iPad-Air-13-2025-tablet-review-Almost-as-good-as-an-iPad-Pro-but-a-lot-cheaper.988087.0.htmlRead 8 October 2026Exact reviewed M3 8 GB/128 GB unit hardware table lists four P-cores at 4.1 GHz and four E-cores at 2.7 GHz. These are review-published clock specifications, not an inferred SoC maximum.
BMicrosoft Surface Pro 12-inch (1st Edition, X Plus)
| Count | Core |
|---|---|
| 8 | Qualcomm Oryon |
Source2Maker spec sheet (PDF)microsoft.com/content/dam/microsoft/final/en-us/microsoft-product-and-services/surface/surface-pro/surface-pro-12-inch-snapdragon/MSFT-surface-pro-12-inch-snapdragon-techspecs-factsheet.pdfRead 15 October 2026Snapdragon X Plus (8 Core). Qualcomm names the cores Oryon. Microsoft publishes no clock speed for this fanless tablet, so no clock is stored5Maker spec sheet (PDF)qualcomm.com/content/dam/qcomm-martech/dm-assets/documents/Snapdragon-X-Plus-8-Core-Product-Brief.pdfRead 15 October 2026Qualcomm Oryon CPU with 8 cores. The brief lists two 8-core parts (X1P-46-100 and X1P-42-100) with different clocks. Microsoft names neither, so no clock or GPU rating is stored
Max CPU clock
4.1GHz
Not available
GPU
Apple M3 9-core GPU1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/122242Read 5 October 2026
NPU performance
Not available
45TOPS1Maker product pageweb.archive.org/web/20260102111135/https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/store/configure/surface-pro-12-inch/8mzbmmcjzqv2Read 15 October 2026Qualcomm Hexagon with 45 TOPS. Precision is not stated here2Maker spec sheet (PDF)microsoft.com/content/dam/microsoft/final/en-us/microsoft-product-and-services/surface/surface-pro/surface-pro-12-inch-snapdragon/MSFT-surface-pro-12-inch-snapdragon-techspecs-factsheet.pdfRead 15 October 2026Qualcomm Hexagon with 45 TOPS
Memory
4 of 7 differ
RAM
Memory bandwidth
Not available
Not available
Storage
Storage type
Memory card
Not available
Not available
Max card size
Not available
Not available
Rear cameras
5 of 9 differ
Rear cameras
AApple iPad Air 13-inch (M3)
| Role | Resolution (MP) | Aperture (f/) | Autofocus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | 12 | 1.8 | PDAF |
Source1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/122242Read 5 October 202612 MP Wide, f/1.8, autofocus with Focus Pixels. Apple documents Focus Pixels as phase detection. Digital zoom and panorama output are not physical optical zoom or native sensor resolution.16Maker product pagedeveloper.apple.com/library/archive/documentation/DeviceInformation/Reference/iOSDeviceCompatibility/Cameras/Cameras.htmlRead 5 October 2026Apple Focus Pixels documentation explicitly defines phase detection. The exact M3 tablet specification says Autofocus with Focus Pixels.
BMicrosoft Surface Pro 12-inch (1st Edition, X Plus)
| Role | Resolution (MP) |
|---|---|
| Main | 10 |
Number of rear cameras
1
1
Main camera
12MP
10MP
Flash
Not available
Not available
Video recording
AApple iPad Air 13-inch (M3)
| Width (px) | Height (px) | Max frame rate (fps) |
|---|---|---|
| 3840 | 2160 | 60 |
| 1920 | 1080 | 240 |
| 1280 | 720 | 30 |
BMicrosoft Surface Pro 12-inch (1st Edition, X Plus)
Not availableMax video resolution
3840 × 2160px
Not available
Video HDR
Not available
Not available
Video formats
Not available
LiDAR scanner
Not available
Not available
Front camera
4 of 6 differ
Front cameras
AApple iPad Air 13-inch (M3)
| Resolution (MP) | Aperture (f/) |
|---|---|
| 12 | 2 |
BMicrosoft Surface Pro 12-inch (1st Edition, X Plus)
Not availableFront camera resolution (as published)
Not available
1080p Full HD front-facing Surface Studio Camera2Maker spec sheet (PDF)microsoft.com/content/dam/microsoft/final/en-us/microsoft-product-and-services/surface/surface-pro/surface-pro-12-inch-snapdragon/MSFT-surface-pro-12-inch-snapdragon-techspecs-factsheet.pdfRead 15 October 20261080p Full HD front-facing Surface Studio Camera. Sensor megapixels and recording modes are not published
Front camera position
Front video
AApple iPad Air 13-inch (M3)
| Width (px) | Height (px) | Max frame rate (fps) |
|---|---|---|
| 1920 | 1080 | 60 |
BMicrosoft Surface Pro 12-inch (1st Edition, X Plus)
Not availableFront autofocus
Not available
Not available
Audio
4 of 6 differ
Number of speakers
Not available
Speaker layout
Stereo (landscape)1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/122242Read 5 October 2026
Not available
Stereo speakers
Microphones
3.5 mm jack
Not available
Audio features
Spatial Audio playback, Dolby Atmos1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/122242Read 5 October 2026Audio Playback names Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos support.
Dolby Atmos, Bluetooth LE Audio, Enhanced voice focus2Maker spec sheet (PDF)microsoft.com/content/dam/microsoft/final/en-us/microsoft-product-and-services/surface/surface-pro/surface-pro-12-inch-snapdragon/MSFT-surface-pro-12-inch-snapdragon-techspecs-factsheet.pdfRead 15 October 2026Dolby Atmos, support for Bluetooth LE Audio and enhanced voice focus (needs activation and Windows 11)
Network
6 of 9 differ
Cellular
No6Spec databaseifixit.com/Device/Microsoft_Surface_Pro_12-inchRead 15 October 2026Wi-Fi only model with no SIM slot listed. GSMArena says there is no cellular option8Press articlem.gsmarena.com/microsoft_surface_pro_12_and_surface_laptop_13_announced_-news-67668.phpRead 15 October 2026Wi-Fi 7. No cellular option
Network
Not available
2G bands
Not available
Not available
3G bands
850 MHz, 900 MHz, 1700/2100 MHz, 1900 MHz, 2100 MHz1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/122242Read 5 October 2026Exact UMTS/HSPA/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA list: 850, 900, 1700/2100, 1900 and 2100 MHz. No 2G radio is invented.
Not available
4G bands
B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B7, B8, B11, B12, B13, B14, B17, B18, B19, B20, B21, B25, B26, B28, B29, B30, B32, B66, B71, B34, B38, B39, B40, B41, B42, B481Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/122242Read 5 October 2026Combined exact maker FDD-LTE and TD-LTE lists for the represented cellular model.
Not available
5G bands
n1, n2, n3, n5, n7, n8, n12, n14, n20, n25, n26, n28, n29, n30, n38, n40, n41, n48, n66, n70, n71, n75, n76, n77, n78, n791Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/122242Read 5 October 2026Exact A3269 cellular table includes n76, which is absent from the newer M4 radio table. Only cellular configurations use the radio lists. China-only A3271 configurations are omitted because regional radio and package inheritance is not verified.
Not available
5G mmWave
Not available
Max download speed
Not available
Not available
Modem
Not available
Not available
Connectivity
9 of 14 differ
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi bands
Not available
Bluetooth
Bluetooth codecs
Not available
NFC
Not available
Not available
Positioning
Digital compass, Wi-Fi, iBeacon microlocation, GPS/GNSS, Cellular1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/122242Read 5 October 2026Compass, Wi-Fi and iBeacon on all configurations. GPS/GNSS and cellular location only on cellular configurations. Every row explicitly records its own methods.
Not available
Dual-band GNSS
Not available
Not available
Connector
USB ports
USB speed
USB 3 (up to 10Gb/s)1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/122242Read 5 October 2026
Thunderbolt
Not available
Not available
Video out over USB
Max external display
Resolution6016 × 3384 pxRefresh rate60 Hz17Reviewnotebookcheck.net/Apple-iPad-Air-13-2025-tablet-review-Almost-as-good-as-an-iPad-Pro-but-a-lot-cheaper.988087.0.htmlRead 8 October 2026Exact reviewed M3 model Connectivity section explicitly states external display signals at 6016 x 3384 pixels and 60 Hz. These pixel dimensions are directly published, not inferred from the maker 6K label.
Not available
External displays
Stylus
3 of 5 differ
Stylus
Supported1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/122242Read 5 October 202613Maker product pageapple.com/apple-pencilRead 5 October 2026
Supported2Maker spec sheet (PDF)microsoft.com/content/dam/microsoft/final/en-us/microsoft-product-and-services/surface/surface-pro/surface-pro-12-inch-snapdragon/MSFT-surface-pro-12-inch-snapdragon-techspecs-factsheet.pdfRead 15 October 20263Owner's manualsupport.microsoft.com/en-us/surface/models/surface-pro-12-inch-featuresRead 15 October 2026Surface Slim Pen is sold separately, with storage and charging on the device
Compatible styluses
AApple iPad Air 13-inch (M3)
| Name | Included | Tilt | Hover | Haptics | Charging |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Pencil Pro | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Magnetic, on the device |
| Apple Pencil (USB-C) | No | Yes | Yes | No | USB-C |
Source1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/122242Read 5 October 20263Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2025/03/apple-introduces-ipad-air-with-powerful-m3-chip-and-new-magic-keyboardRead 5 October 202613Maker product pageapple.com/apple-pencilRead 5 October 2026Compatibility explicitly includes M3 Air in both sizes. Pro supports tilt, hover, haptics and magnetic on-device charging. USB-C supports tilt and hover, charges through USB-C and has no haptic feedback. Both are sold separately. Pressure levels and latency are unpublished.
BMicrosoft Surface Pro 12-inch (1st Edition, X Plus)
| Name | Technology | Included | Haptics | Charging |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surface Slim Pen | MPP | No | Yes | Magnetic, on the device |
Pressure levels
Not available
Not available
Tilt support
Yes
Not available
Hover
Yes
Not available
Keyboard and accessories
2 of 4 differ
Accessory connector
Smart Connector1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/122242Read 5 October 202612Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/en-gb/guide/ipad/ipadaeee8168/27/ipados/27Read 5 October 2026
Surface Pro 12-inch Keyboard connector2Maker spec sheet (PDF)microsoft.com/content/dam/microsoft/final/en-us/microsoft-product-and-services/surface/surface-pro/surface-pro-12-inch-snapdragon/MSFT-surface-pro-12-inch-snapdragon-techspecs-factsheet.pdfRead 15 October 2026Ports and charging: Surface Pro 12-inch Keyboard connector
Official keyboards
AApple iPad Air 13-inch (M3)
| Name | Connection | Trackpad | Function row | Included |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Magic Keyboard for iPad Air 13-inch | Pogo pins | Yes | Yes | No |
Source1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/122242Read 5 October 20263Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2025/03/apple-introduces-ipad-air-with-powerful-m3-chip-and-new-magic-keyboardRead 5 October 2026New 2025 Magic Keyboard attaches magnetically. Smart Connector provides power and data without Bluetooth. It has a larger trackpad and 14-key function row. It is sold separately, as are both compatible Apple Pencils.18Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/122273Read 5 October 2026Original 2025 Magic Keyboard for iPad Air 13-inch technical specifications explicitly list M3 compatibility, glass trackpad and 14-key function row. USB-C is pass-through charging. No unsupported backlight boolean is stored.
BMicrosoft Surface Pro 12-inch (1st Edition, X Plus)
| Name | Trackpad | Backlit | Included |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surface Pro 12-inch Keyboard | Yes | Yes | No |
Source2Maker spec sheet (PDF)microsoft.com/content/dam/microsoft/final/en-us/microsoft-product-and-services/surface/surface-pro/surface-pro-12-inch-snapdragon/MSFT-surface-pro-12-inch-snapdragon-techspecs-factsheet.pdfRead 15 October 2026Surface Pro 12-inch Keyboard with precision touchpad and full-sized backlit layout with Copilot key. Sold separately4Owner's manualsupport.microsoft.com/en-us/surface/cover-keyboard/use-surface-pro-12-inch-keyboardRead 15 October 2026Surface Pro 12-inch Keyboard connects with magnets, has a Surface precision touchpad and a full-size backlit keyboard with a Copilot key. The page names no function row. Compatible with the 1st and 2nd Edition. Sold separately
Keyboard with trackpad
Yes
Yes
Keyboard in box
No
No
Features and sensors
3 of 4 differ
Fingerprint
Side button1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/122242Read 5 October 20262Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/108043Read 5 October 2026Touch ID sensor in top button. Stored under the existing side_button enum used by other iPads.12Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/en-gb/guide/ipad/ipadaeee8168/27/ipados/27Read 5 October 2026
Not available
Face unlock
Sensors
Touch ID, Three-axis gyro, Accelerometer, Barometer, Ambient light sensor1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/122242Read 5 October 2026
Ambient color sensor, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer2Maker spec sheet (PDF)microsoft.com/content/dam/microsoft/final/en-us/microsoft-product-and-services/surface/surface-pro/surface-pro-12-inch-snapdragon/MSFT-surface-pro-12-inch-snapdragon-techspecs-factsheet.pdfRead 15 October 2026Ambient color sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer. The business sheet also lists NFC, which is not stored
Extra buttons
Not available
Not available
Battery and charging
7 of 13 differ
Battery capacity
9,720mAh7Regulatory filingregulatoryinfo.apple.com/cwt/api/ext/fileRead 5 October 2026Original maker sheet for A3268. Rated capacity 9720 mAh, not a typical-capacity estimate.8Regulatory filingregulatoryinfo.apple.com/cwt/api/ext/fileRead 5 October 2026Original maker sheet for A3269. Rated capacity 9720 mAh, not a typical-capacity estimate.9EU energy label (EPREL)eprel.ec.europa.eu/api/products/smartphonestablets20231669/2261069Read 5 October 2026
Not available
Battery capacity (typical)
Not available
Not available
Battery energy
Claimed battery life
AApple iPad Air 13-inch (M3)
| Use case | Connection | Hours (h) |
|---|---|---|
| Web browsing | Wi-Fi | 10 |
| Video playback | Not available | 10 |
| Web browsing | Cellular | 9 |
BMicrosoft Surface Pro 12-inch (1st Edition, X Plus)
| Use case | Connection | Hours (h) |
|---|---|---|
| Video playback | Wi-Fi | 16 |
| Web browsing | Wi-Fi | 12 |
Video playback (claimed)
10h
16h
Wired charging
Not available
Not available
Wired charging standards
Not available
Charging guidance
Not available
Microsoft recommends a USB-C PD charger of at least 27 W. Fast Charging needs at least 45 W and charges from 5% to 80% in less than an hour (Microsoft test, March 2025). The US store sells the tablet without a power supply. In select markets some configurations come with the Surface 45W USB-C Wall Charger.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)microsoft.com/content/dam/microsoft/final/en-us/microsoft-product-and-services/surface/surface-pro/surface-pro-12-inch-snapdragon/MSFT-surface-pro-12-inch-snapdragon-techspecs-factsheet.pdfRead 15 October 2026Fast charging from 5% to 80% in less than an hour needs a 45 W USB Type-C PD charger or higher, tested by Microsoft in March 2025. In select markets only specific configurations come with the Surface 45W USB-C Wall Charger3Owner's manualsupport.microsoft.com/en-us/surface/models/surface-pro-12-inch-featuresRead 15 October 2026Charge through either USB-C port with a USB Type-C PD charger. At least 27 W recommended. Fast Charging needs at least 45 W and takes the battery to 80% in about an hour
Charge 0 to 50 %
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Charge 0 to 100 %
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Reverse wired
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Included charger
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Measured
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Geekbench 6 single-core
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Geekbench 6 multi-core
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Geekbench 6 GPU
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3DMark Wild Life Extreme
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3DMark stress test stability
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Manual SDR brightness (measured)
607nits17Reviewnotebookcheck.net/Apple-iPad-Air-13-2025-tablet-review-Almost-as-good-as-an-iPad-Pro-but-a-lot-cheaper.988087.0.htmlRead 8 October 2026Exact 13-inch M3 8 GB / 128 GB Wi-Fi unit. Published X-Rite i1Pro 2 grid spatial maximum and centre 607 nits, average 576.1. Manual SDR method uses the publisher documented nine-zone maximum setting with automatic and content-adaptive adjustments off. Stimulus and white-area extent are unstated. Individual setting log is not repeated in this review. No separate automatic or HDR measurement. Test context iPadOS 18.3. Explicitly repeated only on matching reference rows, so other storage and cellular rows remain unknown.19Reviewnotebookcheck.net/How-does-Notebookcheck-test-laptops-and-smartphones-A-behind-the-scenes-look-into-our-review-process.15394.0.htmlRead 8 October 2026
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Brightness with auto (measured)
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HDR brightness (measured)
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Contrast ratio (measured)
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Colour accuracy (measured Delta E)
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Reflections (measured)
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PWM dimming (measured)
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PWM up to brightness (measured)
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Stylus latency (measured)
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Battery life (measured)
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Battery tests (measured)
AApple iPad Air 13-inch (M3)
| Test | Hours (h) |
|---|---|
| Notebookcheck Wi-Fi | 13.23 |
| Notebookcheck video | 13.82 |
| Notebookcheck idle | 25.48 |
| Notebookcheck load | 4.97 |
BMicrosoft Surface Pro 12-inch (1st Edition, X Plus)
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EU label and regulatory
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EU energy class
G7Regulatory filingregulatoryinfo.apple.com/cwt/api/ext/fileRead 5 October 20268Regulatory filingregulatoryinfo.apple.com/cwt/api/ext/fileRead 5 October 20269EU energy label (EPREL)eprel.ec.europa.eu/api/products/smartphonestablets20231669/2261069Read 5 October 2026
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Battery endurance per cycle (EU test)
72h7Regulatory filingregulatoryinfo.apple.com/cwt/api/ext/fileRead 5 October 202672 hours 0 minutes under the regulated EU test, distinct from maker Wi-Fi/video claims.8Regulatory filingregulatoryinfo.apple.com/cwt/api/ext/fileRead 5 October 202672 hours 0 minutes under the regulated EU test, distinct from maker Wi-Fi/video claims.9EU energy label (EPREL)eprel.ec.europa.eu/api/products/smartphonestablets20231669/2261069Read 5 October 2026
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Battery endurance in cycles (EU test)
1,000cycles7Regulatory filingregulatoryinfo.apple.com/cwt/api/ext/fileRead 5 October 2026At least 1000 cycles at default settings. Stored figure is the published lower bound.8Regulatory filingregulatoryinfo.apple.com/cwt/api/ext/fileRead 5 October 2026At least 1000 cycles at default settings. Stored figure is the published lower bound.9EU energy label (EPREL)eprel.ec.europa.eu/api/products/smartphonestablets20231669/2261069Read 5 October 2026API value 10 is in hundreds of cycles. Original maker sheet confirms at least 1000.
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Drop resistance class
E7Regulatory filingregulatoryinfo.apple.com/cwt/api/ext/fileRead 5 October 20268Regulatory filingregulatoryinfo.apple.com/cwt/api/ext/fileRead 5 October 20269EU energy label (EPREL)eprel.ec.europa.eu/api/products/smartphonestablets20231669/2261069Read 5 October 2026
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Repairability class
C7Regulatory filingregulatoryinfo.apple.com/cwt/api/ext/fileRead 5 October 20268Regulatory filingregulatoryinfo.apple.com/cwt/api/ext/fileRead 5 October 20269EU energy label (EPREL)eprel.ec.europa.eu/api/products/smartphonestablets20231669/2261069Read 5 October 2026
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SAR body (US)
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SAR body (EU)
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In the box
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In the box
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Surface Pro 12-inch, USB-C charging cable, Quick Start Guide, Safety and warranty documents2Maker spec sheet (PDF)microsoft.com/content/dam/microsoft/final/en-us/microsoft-product-and-services/surface/surface-pro/surface-pro-12-inch-snapdragon/MSFT-surface-pro-12-inch-snapdragon-techspecs-factsheet.pdfRead 15 October 2026What's in the box: Surface Pro 12-inch, USB-C charging cable, optional Surface 45W USB-C Wall Charger, Quick Start Guide, safety and warranty documents. The charger is not stored here, since the US store sells no power supply with the tablet
Links
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Product page
support.apple.com/en-us/1222421Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/122242Read 5 October 2026Original maker technical specifications for this exact M3 size. The current general iPad Air sales page describes a newer generation.
www.microsoft.com/en-us/store/configure/surface-pro-12-inch/8mzbmmcjzqv21Maker product pageweb.archive.org/web/20260102111135/https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/store/configure/surface-pro-12-inch/8mzbmmcjzqv2Read 15 October 2026Live Microsoft Store page for Surface Pro, Copilot+ PC, 12-inch. Microsoft's pages return a bot check to scripts, so the archived copy of 2026-01-02 was read
Spec sheet
www.microsoft.com/content/dam/microsoft/final/en-us/microsoft-product-and-services/surface/surface-pro/surface-pro-12-inch-snapdragon/MSFT-surface-pro-12-inch-snapdragon-techspecs-factsheet.pdf2Maker spec sheet (PDF)microsoft.com/content/dam/microsoft/final/en-us/microsoft-product-and-services/surface/surface-pro/surface-pro-12-inch-snapdragon/MSFT-surface-pro-12-inch-snapdragon-techspecs-factsheet.pdfRead 15 October 2026Surface Pro for Business 12-inch fact sheet. It is the Surface Pro 12-inch (1st Edition) with Snapdragon X Plus. Only hardware rows shared with the consumer model are used. Windows 11 Pro, NFC, 24 GB and 1 TB options are business-only and not stored
Manual
support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/ipad/ipadaeee8168/27/ipados/2712Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/en-gb/guide/ipad/ipadaeee8168/27/ipados/27Read 5 October 2026Original iPad User Guide hardware chapter for this exact M3 screen size. It identifies the single USB-C port, Smart Connector, top-button Touch ID, camera and microphone locations.
support.microsoft.com/en-us/surface/models/surface-pro-12-inch-features3Owner's manualsupport.microsoft.com/en-us/surface/models/surface-pro-12-inch-featuresRead 15 October 2026Surface Pro 12-inch (1st Edition) features page: two USB-C / USB 3.2 ports, Slim Pen storage and charging on the right side, charging guidance
Warranty
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Manufacturer warranty (source market)
Both are also in the API. Back to all tablets.