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Surface Pro 3 vs. iPad Air - how does Microsoft's new tablet fare?

July 16, 2014
Updated: April 14, 2022
Quick overview:

Tablet PC
Surface Pro 3 versus iPad Air: With its new tablet, Microsoft wants to attack arch-enemy Apple from two sides and seriously compete with both the iPad and MacBook series. The industry giant is also using aggressive marketing methods to do so - until July 31, customers in the USA will receive a voucher worth up to 650 dollars when they buy a new Surface Pro 3 if they hand in their old MacBook Air in return. A tempting offer at first glance. But the question remains: How does the Surface Pro 3 compare to the Apple devices?

Microsoft vs. Apple - the race to catch up in Germany from August

While customers can already buy the Surface Pro 3 in the USA, they will have to wait until the end of August in Germany. That's when the new Windows tablet will also start shipping in Germany. Depending on the configuration, it will cost between 799 and 1949 euros.

So far, Apple is far ahead of Microsoft in terms of market share on the tablet market. While iPads have a share of around 30 percent and a turnover of 7.6 billion dollars, Windows tablets lag far behind with a turnover of 500 million dollars and a market share of around three percent.

Facts about the Windows Surface Pro 3

Compared to its predecessor, the new Surface Pro 3 is not only significantly larger, but also slimmer, lighter and more elegant. The display now measures twelve inches (30.5 centimeters), significantly exceeding the 9.7 inches of Apple's iPad Air. However, with a height of 9.1 millimeters and a weight of 795 grams, the Surface Pro 3 is still not exactly small. But it doesn't have to be, as it not only wants to be a tablet but also a real notebook alternative.

With a resolution of 2,160 x 1,440 pixels, the display of the Surface Pro 3 even surpasses Full HD. Content can be displayed with pin-sharp clarity and intense colors. Fingertip operation is just as smooth and flawless as with its predecessor.

The only catch with the Surface Pro 3 is still the operating system, which is naturally not yet widely accepted. The Pro version of Windows 8.1. still does not run smoothly and demands much more from the user than the intuitive operation of the competition. However, when switching from the typical Windows tile look to desktop mode, operation has at least become easier thanks to the included Surface Pen. However, if you want to use the Surface Pro 3 as a complete notebook replacement, you will have to buy the keyboard for an additional 130 euros.

Depending on the model, you can choose between a Core i3, Core i5 or Core i7 processor. However, the Surface Pro 3 is currently the fastest tablet on the market from the second version upwards.

Facts about the iPad Air

Apple's flyweight comes with a display size of 9.7 inches and a resolution of 2,048 x 1,536 pixels. The Retina display delivers great images, but is no longer new on the market. Weighing just 469 grams, the iPad Air lives up to its name.

With Apple's A7 64-bit chip, the iPad Air also has more than enough power. All processes run smoothly and fluidly. Operation is intuitive, as is typical for Apple.

In contrast to the Surface Pro 3, the iPad Air is almost a bargain. Prices for the slim and elegant tablet start at just 479 euros for the 16 GB version. If you want the full package with 128 GB and cellular display, you have to pay 869 euros.

Surface Pro 3 vs. iPad Air

As always, the user's personal preferences will decide. But one thing is certain: Microsoft has achieved a great success with the Surface Pro 3. The large and sharp display, the fast working speed and the separately available keyboard make the Windows tablet a real alternative to the iPad, notebook or ultrabook. Apple's big advantage remains its ease of use and intuitive operation. Anyone interested in buying a tablet will find, for example on preis24.de a large selection of devices, including the right contract.

Photo source: Thinkstock, iStock, Peshkova

Our editorial team's articles focus on digital entertainment: tips, trends and tricks for anyone who wants to get more out of the Internet, technology and gaming - presented in an easy-to-understand way.

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