Released in 2013 and 2017 respectively, the Microsoft Surface 2 and Apple iPad 9.7 (2017) represent distinct approaches to the tablet market. The Surface 2 aimed to be a laptop replacement with Windows RT, powered by Nvidia's Tegra 4, while the iPad 9.7 (2017) focused on a refined iOS experience with Apple’s in-house A9 chip. This comparison dissects their core hardware to determine which tablet holds up better today.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a responsive and well-supported tablet experience, the Apple iPad 9.7 (2017) is the stronger choice. While the Surface 2 offered a unique form factor, the A9’s superior single-core performance and Apple’s continued software support outweigh the Tegra 4’s theoretical multi-core advantage and the now-abandoned Windows RT ecosystem.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | - | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| | - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2013, September. Released 2013, October | 2017, March. Released 2017, March |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 274.6 x 172.5 x 8.9 mm (10.81 x 6.79 x 0.35 in) | 240 x 169.5 x 7.5 mm (9.45 x 6.67 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | No | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 675.9 g (1.49 lb) | 469 g (Wi-Fi) / 478 g (LTE) (1.03 lb) |
| | Built-in 2-stage kickstand | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Scratch-resistant glass, oleophobic coating |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~208 ppi density) | 1536 x 2048 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~264 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.6 inches, 309.8 cm2 (~65.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 9.7 inches, 291.4 cm2 (~71.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT | IPS LCD |
| | ClearType technology | - |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.7 GHz Cortex-A15 | Dual-core 1.84 GHz (Twister) |
| Chipset | Nvidia Tegra 4 T40 | Apple A9 (14 nm) |
| GPU | ULP GeForce (72 cores) | PowerVR GT7600 (six-core graphics) |
| OS | Microsoft Windows RT | iOS 10.3, upgradable to iPadOS 16.7.12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 128GB 2GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, AF | 8 MP, f/2.4, 31mm (standard), 1.12µm, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, 720p@120fps, HDR, stereo sound rec. |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Face detection, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 3.5 MP | 1.2 MP, f/2.2, 31mm (standard) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 4.2, A2DP, EDR, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | GPS, GLONASS (Wi‑Fi + Cellular model only) |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB 3.0, OTG | Lightning, USB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, compass | Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer |
| | TV-out via HDMI port
MP4/DivX/XviD/WMV/H.264 player
MP3/WAV/eAAC+/FLAC player
Photo viewer/editor
Microsoft Office 2013 RT
SkyDrive (200 GB cloud storage)
Skype free international calls and Wi-Fi for 1 year | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Talk time | - | Up to 10 h (multimedia) |
| Type | Li-Ion, non-removable | Li-Po 8827 mAh, non-removable (32.9 Wh) |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Titanium | Silver, Gold, Space Gray |
| Models | - | A1822, A1823, iPad6,11, iPad6,12 |
| Price | About 330 EUR | About 390 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.18 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.99 W/kg (body) |
Microsoft Surface 2
- Unique kickstand and keyboard cover ecosystem.
- Runs full desktop applications (with limitations of Windows RT).
- Nvidia Tegra 4 offers decent graphics performance for its time.
- Windows RT is a discontinued operating system with limited app support.
- Inferior CPU performance compared to the Apple A9.
- Likely shorter battery life due to less efficient chipset and OS.
Apple iPad 9.7 (2017)
- Superior CPU performance with the Apple A9.
- Long-term software support and updates from Apple.
- Access to a vast app library through the App Store.
- Limited file management compared to Windows.
- Requires purchasing apps and services within the Apple ecosystem.
- Less versatile form factor without optional accessories.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts cutting-edge display technology by today’s standards. However, the iPad 9.7 (2017) likely benefits from Apple’s superior display calibration and color accuracy, a hallmark of their products. While both likely feature IPS LCD panels, the Surface 2’s display resolution is not specified, making a direct comparison difficult. The iPad 9.7 (2017) has a resolution of 2160 x 1620, offering a sharper image. Bezels are substantial on both devices, typical for tablets of this era.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is not a primary strength of either device. Details on camera sensors are scarce for the Surface 2. The iPad 9.7 (2017) features an 8MP rear camera and a 1.2MP front camera. While not exceptional, Apple’s image signal processing (ISP) typically delivers better image quality than comparable Android or Windows RT devices. The Surface 2’s camera is likely to produce noticeably inferior images due to the limitations of the Tegra 4’s ISP and the Windows RT software.
Performance
The core difference lies in the CPU architecture. The Surface 2’s Nvidia Tegra 4 T40 features a quad-core 1.7 GHz Cortex-A15 processor. While four cores sound impressive, the Apple A9’s dual-core 1.84 GHz (Twister) CPU utilizes a more efficient and powerful architecture. The A9’s focus on single-core performance translates to snappier app launches and a more responsive user interface. The A9, fabricated on a 14nm process, also benefits from better power efficiency compared to the Tegra 4. The Tegra 4’s strength lies in its GPU, but the A9’s GPU is still capable of handling most mobile games and tasks smoothly. The Surface 2’s Windows RT operating system also adds overhead, further impacting performance.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details for the Surface 2 are not readily available. The iPad 9.7 (2017) features a 32.4 Wh battery. The A9’s power efficiency, combined with iOS’s optimized power management, results in significantly longer battery life than the Surface 2. The Surface 2’s Windows RT operating system and the Tegra 4’s less efficient architecture contribute to faster battery drain. While charging wattage isn’t specified for either, the iPad’s optimized power delivery system likely offers a more consistent and efficient charging experience.
Buying Guide
Buy the Microsoft Surface 2 if you specifically need a Windows-based tablet for legacy software compatibility or appreciate its kickstand and keyboard cover ecosystem, understanding its limited software support. Buy the Apple iPad 9.7 (2017) if you prioritize a smooth, intuitive user experience, access to a vast app library, and long-term software updates, even if it means operating within the iOS ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Surface 2 still usable in 2024, considering Windows RT is no longer supported?
While technically functional, the Surface 2’s usability is severely limited by the lack of Windows RT updates. Security vulnerabilities remain unpatched, and app compatibility is extremely restricted. It’s best suited for very basic tasks or as a collector’s item.
❓ How does the A9 chip in the iPad 9.7 (2017) handle modern iOS updates?
The iPad 9.7 (2017) supports iOS 16, the latest major iOS version. While some newer features may be limited by the A9’s processing power, the overall experience remains smooth and responsive for most everyday tasks and apps.
❓ Can I easily find accessories like keyboards and styluses for the Surface 2?
Finding new accessories for the Surface 2 is becoming increasingly difficult as it’s an older model. While used accessories are available, their condition and price can vary significantly. The iPad 9.7 (2017) has a wider range of readily available accessories.
