Surface Pro 11 · 64GB · with Apple Pencil Pro
64GB · 2024
iPad Air 11 (M3) · 128GB
128GB · 2025
Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.
In our weighted Specdex score, Surface Pro 11 · 64GB · with Apple Pencil Pro lands at 88 and iPad Air 11 (M3) · 128GB at 88. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.
Pick Surface Pro 11 · 64GB · with Apple Pencil Pro if…
- ✓Portable creative canvas
- ✓Strong SoC
- ✓App ecosystem matures per year
Pick iPad Air 11 (M3) · 128GB if…
- ✓Portable creative canvas
- ✓Strong SoC
- ✓App ecosystem matures per year
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testPerformance
TieCompared on the performance sub-score
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Portability
TieCompared on the portability sub-score
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Display
TieCompared on the display sub-score
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Value for money
iPad Air 11 (M3) · 128GBSpecdex score per dollar at MSRP
iPad Air 11 (M3) · 128GB more score per dollar ($699 vs $1,128).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Surface Pro 11 · 64GB · with Apple Pencil Pro | iPad Air 11 (M3) · 128GB |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | 64GB | ▲ 128GB |
| Release year | 2024 | 2025 |
Surface Pro 11 · 64GB · with Apple Pencil Pro
- +Portable creative canvas
- +Strong SoC
- +App ecosystem matures per year
- −Keyboard/pen extra cost
- −RAM often soldered
- −Mid-tier cameras
iPad Air 11 (M3) · 128GB
- +Portable creative canvas
- +Strong SoC
- +App ecosystem matures per year
- −Keyboard/pen extra cost
- −RAM often soldered
- −Mid-tier cameras
FAQ: Surface Pro 11 · 64GB · with Apple Pencil Pro vs iPad Air 11 (M3) · 128GB
Which is better, Surface Pro 11 · 64GB · with Apple Pencil Pro or iPad Air 11 (M3) · 128GB? +
Both score 88 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Surface Pro 11 · 64GB · with Apple Pencil Pro worth the price? +
At $1,128, Surface Pro 11 · 64GB · with Apple Pencil Pro delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in performance.
Is iPad Air 11 (M3) · 128GB worth the price? +
At $699, iPad Air 11 (M3) · 128GB delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in performance.
Does Surface Pro 11 · 64GB · with Apple Pencil Pro or iPad Air 11 (M3) · 128GB 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 the better value, Surface Pro 11 · 64GB · with Apple Pencil Pro or iPad Air 11 (M3) · 128GB? +
iPad Air 11 (M3) · 128GB — more score per dollar ($699 vs $1,128). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.