Apple iPad Air (2020) vs Microsoft Surface Pro (2017)

Last Updated & Fact Checked:  March 21, 2026

Are you trying to decide between the Apple iPad Air (2020) and the Microsoft Surface Pro (2017)?

Product Versus will provide you with all the product details so you can quickly compare the facts to find which product is right for you – the Apple iPad Air (2020) or the Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) – and find out exactly what the differences are.

Both the Apple iPad Air (2020) and the Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) are quality products, so read on to find out which one is best for your needs!

Apple iPad Air (2020) quick facts

Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) quick facts

Apple iPad Air (2020) product details

Bestseller No. 1
Apple iPad Air 2020 (10.9-inch, Wi-Fi, 64GB) - Space Gray (Renewed)
  • Stunning 10.9-Inch Liquid Retina Display with True Tone and P3 Wide Color
  • A14 Bionic Chip with Neural Engine - 802.11AX Wi-Fi 6 - Wide Stereo Audio
  • 12MP Back Camera, 7MP FaceTime HD Front Camera - Up to 10 Hours of Battery Life
  • Touch ID for Secure Authentication - USB-C Connector for Charging and Accessories
  • Support for Magic Keyboard, Smart Keyboard Folio, and Apple Pencil (2nd Generation)
Bestseller No. 2
Apple 2020 iPad Air (10.9-inch, Wi-Fi, 64GB) - Sky Blue (Renewed)
  • Stunning 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with True Tone and P3 wide color
  • A14 Bionic chip with Neural Engine
  • Touch ID for secure authentication and Apple Pay
  • 12MP back camera, 7MP FaceTime HD front camera
  • Support for Magic Keyboard, Smart Keyboard Folio, and Apple Pencil (2nd Generation)
Bestseller No. 3
Apple Early 2022 iPad Air 5th Gen, 10.9-inch, Wi-Fi, 64GB, Space Gray (Renewed)
  • Stunning 10.9-Inch Liquid Retina Display with True Tone and P3 Wide Color
  • Apple M1 Chip with Neural Engine - 802.11AX Wi-Fi 6 - Stereo Landscape Audio
  • 12MP Wide Camera, 12MP Ultra Wide Front Camera - Up to 10 Hours of Battery Life
  • Touch ID for Secure Authentication - USB-C Connector for Charging and Accessories
  • Support for Magic Keyboard, Smart Keyboard Folio, and Apple Pencil (2nd Generation)

Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) product details

Bestseller No. 1
Microsoft Surface Pro (5th Gen, 1796) Intel Core M 4GB RAM / 128GB, 2017 model (Renewed)
  • This Certified Refurbished product is tested and certified to look and work like new. The refurbishing process includes functionality testing, basic cleaning, inspection, and repackaging. The product ships with all relevant accessories, a minimum 90-day warranty, and may arrive in a generic box. Only select sellers who maintain a high performance bar may offer Certified Refurbished products on Amazon.com
  • The latest Microsoft Surface Pro Features a 7th generation Intel Core M Processor, 128 GB of storage, 4 GB RAM, and up to 13.5 hours of video playback
  • 2.5x faster than Surface Pro 3 thanks to a powerful Intel Core Processor; Display: Touch: 10 point multi-touch
  • 68% longer battery life than Surface Pro 3 and 50% longer than Surface Pro 4, for all-day power on the go
  • Improved acoustic experience: newly redesigned front-facing speakers and quieter fanless cooling system
Bestseller No. 2
Microsoft Surface Pro 2-in-1 Laptop/Tablet (2025), Windows 11 Copilot+ PC, 12" Touchscreen Display, Snapdragon X Plus (8 Core), 16GB RAM, 256GB Storage, Platinum
  • [This is a Copilot+ PC] — The fastest, most intelligent Windows PC ever, with built-in AI tools that help you write, summarize, and multitask — all while keeping your data and privacy secure.
  • [The Power of a Laptop, the Flexibility of a Tablet] — Surface Pro 12” is a 2-in-1 device that adapts to you. Use it as a tablet for on-the-go tasks, prop it up with the built-in kickstand, or attach the Surface Pro Keyboard (sold separately) to turn it into a full laptop.
  • [Incredibly Fast and Intelligent] — Powered by the latest Snapdragon X Plus processor and an AI engine that delivers up to 45 trillion operations per second — for smooth, responsive, and smarter performance.
  • [All Day Battery Life] — Up to 16 hours of battery life[1] means you can work, stream, and create wherever the day takes you — without reaching for a charger.
  • [Brilliant 12” Touchscreen Display] — The PixelSense display delivers vibrant color and crisp detail in a sleek design — perfect for work, entertainment, or both.
Bestseller No. 3
TiMOVO Pen Tips for Surface Pen, (3 Pack, Original HB Type) Original Surface Pen Tips Replacement Kit Fit Microsoft Surface Pro 2017 Pen (Model 1776) & Surface Pro 4 Pen - Black
  • Compatibility:Supports Microsoft Surface Pro 2017 Pen (Model 1776),Surface Pro 4 5 6 7, Surface Go1 2 3, Surface Book 1 2, Surface Studio, Surface Laptop 1 2 Pen, Surface Slim Pen 2. Note : If you have a Surface Pen with no clip, a Surface Pen with single button on flat edge, or a Surface Slim Pen 2, you can replace the tips.
  • Original Quality: Our pen tips has the same quality as the original tip that comes with Microsoft Surface Pen. The hardness of HB is moderate, and the feeling of use is close to the original nib.
  • Easy To Use: No tools are required, easily replace and remove the nib by hand.
  • Natural and Sleek Feeling: Made of premium rubber, safe to use. And offer a natural feel as smooth as pen on paper.
  • Quantity: The package includes 3 HB-type pen tips.

New products & alternatives to the Apple iPad Air (2020) and the Microsoft Surface Pro (2017)

New
Apple iPad Air 2025 (11-inch, Wi-Fi, 128GB) Blue (Renewed Premium)
  • Apple M3 chip — next‑generation performance for smooth multitasking, creative apps, and everyday use.
  • 11‑inch Liquid Retina display — bright and detailed visuals with wide color (P3) and True Tone technology.
  • 128 GB internal storage — space for apps, photos, videos, and files.
  • Wi‑Fi connectivity — fast wireless performance for browsing, streaming, and downloads.
  • 12 MP front & rear cameras — quality photos and video calls.
New
20205 Apple iPad Air with Apple M3 Chip (11-inch, Wi-Fi + Cellular, 512GB) - Purple (Renewed Premium)
  • Equipped with the Apple M3 chip: an 8-core CPU (4 performance + 4 efficiency cores), 9-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine.
  • The 11-inch Liquid Retina display (2360 × 1640 resolution) offers wide P3 color, True Tone, and 500 nits brightness for vibrant visuals.
  • Wi-Fi + Cellular connectivity means you’re not tied to a hotspot — you can work, stream, connect on the go.
  • Huge 512 GB of internal storage: plenty of room for high-resolution video edits, large app libraries, photo collections, and future-proofing your workflow.
  • Compatible with the latest accessories: supports the Apple Pencil Pro (and Apple Pencil USB-C) for drawing/annotation, and the new Magic Keyboard transforms it into a productivity machine.
New
2025 Apple iPad (11-inch, Wi-Fi + Cellular, 256GB) - Blue (Renewed Premium)
  • This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
  • There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length. There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
  • This product will have a battery which exceeds 80% capacity relative to new.
  • Accessories will not be original, but will be compatible and fully functional. Product may come in generic Box.
  • This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 365 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
New
Apple iPad Air 2025 (11-inch, Wi-Fi, 128GB) - Space Gray (Renewed Premium)
  • This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
  • There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length. There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
  • This product will have a battery which exceeds 80% capacity relative to new.
  • Accessories will not be original, but will be compatible and fully functional. Product may come in generic Box.
  • This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
New
2025 Apple iPad Air with M3 Chip (11-inch, Wi-Fi, 128GB) - Blue (Renewed)
  • This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
  • There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length. There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
  • This product will have a battery which exceeds 80% capacity relative to new.
  • Accessories will not be original, but will be compatible and fully functional. Product may come in generic Box.
  • This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.

Our conclusion on the Apple iPad Air (2020) vs Microsoft Surface Pro (2017)

Both the Apple iPad Air (2020) and the Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) are high quality products and we are sure you will be happy with either one. In the end it comes down to your budget and the value for money you are looking for.

Either way, the Apple iPad Air (2020) and the Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) are both excellent products that will more than do their job!