Tablet Comparison
Apple iPad Air (2020) vs Microsoft Surface Pro 5 Comparison
A detailed, side-by-side comparison to help you pick the right tablet.
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Verdict
Pros & cons
iPad Air (2020)
+
What's good
+
Excellent screen
+
Supports 2nd Generation Apple Pen
+
New color options
+
Fast processor
+
USB-C type port
−
What's not
−
Expensive with accessories added
−
No FaceID
−
64GB baseline storage
Surface Pro 5
+
What's good
+
Beautiful display
+
Lightweight design
+
Excellent accessories
+
Plenty of storage
+
Solid performance
−
What's not
−
Price
−
So-so cameras
−
Extra cost for pen and keyboard cover
−
No USB Type-C
iPad Air (2020)
+
Good
+
Excellent screen
+
Supports 2nd Generation Apple Pen
+
New color options
+
Fast processor
+
USB-C type port
−
Not
−
Expensive with accessories added
−
No FaceID
−
64GB baseline storage
Surface Pro 5
+
Good
+
Beautiful display
+
Lightweight design
+
Excellent accessories
+
Plenty of storage
+
Solid performance
−
Not
−
Price
−
So-so cameras
−
Extra cost for pen and keyboard cover
−
No USB Type-C
Spec data
How they compare
iPad Air (2020)
Surface Pro 5
Price (MSRP)
—
—
OS
iOS
Windows
Processor
Apple A14 Bionic Hexa-core
Intel Core m3
Camera zoom
—
—
Battery life
—
—
Wired charging
—
—
Wireless charging
—
—
Display
Color
Color
Software support
—
—
Repairability
—
—
Weight
460g (16.2 oz)
766g (27 oz)
Fingerprint
No
No
Highlighted cells indicate the stronger value where a clear winner exists.
Spec data
How they compare
iPad Air (2020)
Surface Pro 5
Price (MSRP)
—
Price (MSRP)
—
OS
iOS
OS
Windows
Processor
Apple A14 Bionic Hexa-core
Processor
Intel Core m3
Camera zoom
—
Camera zoom
—
Battery life
—
Battery life
—
Wired charging
—
Wired charging
—
Wireless charging
—
Wireless charging
—
Display
Color
Display
Color
Software support
—
Software support
—
Repairability
—
Repairability
—
Weight
460g (16.2 oz)
Weight
766g (27 oz)
Fingerprint
No
Fingerprint
No
Highlighted cells indicate the stronger value where a clear winner exists.
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Physical comparison
Size & weight
Footprint · to scale
iPad Air (2020)
9.7" × 7"
Surface Pro 5
11.5" × 7.9"
Thickness · to scale
iPad Air (2020)
0.2"
Surface Pro 5
0.3"
iPad Air (2020)
Surface Pro 5
Height
9.7" (247.6 mm)
11.5" (292 mm)
Width
7" (178.5 mm)
7.9" (201 mm)
Depth
0.2" (6.1 mm)
0.3" (8 mm)
Weight
460g (16.2 oz)
766g (27 oz)
Screen
10.9"
12.3"
Height
9.7" (247.6 mm)
Height
11.5" (292 mm)
Width
7" (178.5 mm)
Width
7.9" (201 mm)
Depth
0.2" (6.1 mm)
Depth
0.3" (8 mm)
Weight
460g (16.2 oz)
Weight
766g (27 oz)
Screen
10.9"
Screen
12.3"
Dimensions shown in inches (mm). Silhouettes are proportionally scaled for visual comparison.
Common questions
iPad Air (2020) vs Surface Pro 5: FAQ
Which is better, the iPad Air (2020) or Surface Pro 5?
Based on aggregated critic reviews, the iPad Air (2020) earns a Compass Score of 8.9 compared to 8.2 for the Surface Pro 5. That 0.7-point gap reflects stronger reviews across the board, though individual priorities like camera quality, battery life, or price could tip the scales the other way. Scores aggregate dozens of expert opinions, so they are a useful starting point, not the final word.
Specifications sourced from manufacturers and third-party databases. Last updated October 2026. Suggest a correction →