Surface Go 2 vs iPad: which is better for light use?

It depends on your ecosystem; the Surface Go 2 runs full Windows and desktop apps, while an iPad offers a smoother tablet experience and better app optimization. For document work in Windows and USB-C flexibility, the Surface Go 2 wins; for media and touch apps, iPad leads. Compare prices on Shopfox before deciding between them.

How is the Surface Go 2 battery life?

The Microsoft Surface Go 2 offers around a full day of light use, with Microsoft rating it up to about 10 hours of typical usage, though real-world browsing and video land somewhat lower. It's fine for a day of notes or reading. Heavier tasks drain the Surface Go 2 faster, so keep the charger handy.

Does the Surface Go 2 come with a keyboard and pen?

No, the Microsoft Surface Go 2 sells the Type Cover keyboard and Surface Pen separately, so the base tablet doesn't include them. That adds to the real cost of a usable setup. Bundle prices vary, so compare prices across sellers on Shopfox to find a Surface Go 2 package that includes the accessories for less.

Microsoft Surface Go 2 Tablets Price Comparison

Name: Microsoft Surface Go 2 Tablets
Brand: Microsoft
Price: 196 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.95 (7 reviews)

Microsoft Surface Go 2 Tablets Silver 64GB New 10.5"

$196.00$400.00(51% off)

Microsoft5.05.0

(6)

$196.00$400.00(51% off)

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2 sellers & 1 platforms

Current SKU offers

SKU	Image	Platform	Merchant	Delivery	Return Policy	Price	Shipping
Silver64GB10.5"		shipcycleLowest Price	shipcycle 4.9(70860)	3 - 6 days	No returns	$196.00	Free
Silver128GB10.5"		laptop-4-sale	laptop-4-sale 5.0(365)	9 - 16 day...	No returns	$367.02	$70.85

shipcycle

Lowest Price

$196.00

Silver64GB10.5"

shipcycle4.9 (70860)Free

3 - 6 daysNo returns

laptop-4-sale

$367.02

Silver128GB10.5"

laptop-4-sale5.0 (365)$70.85

9 - 16 day...No returns

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9 sites · 10 platforms · 48 offers

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eBay

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Lowest in 30d

$196.00

Best price

eBay · Aug 18

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Current lowest

$196.00

Live

eBay · Current

Specifications

1927

2nd Generation

Microsoft

Adult

2020

1927

2nd Generation

Microsoft

Adult

2020

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Students

Portable note-takingStudy sessions

Surface Go 2

Windows 11 Pro

8 GB

Intel Core m3-8100Y

1920 x 1280

10 hrs

Bluetooth, Built-in Microphone

8 mp

1.2 lb

—

Limited

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Families

Kids' entertainmentEducational activities

Repair shopsDIY enthusiasts

Component harvestingRestoration projects

FamiliesStudents

Remote learningCreative note-taking and drawing

FamiliesStudents

Online learningCasual streaming

StudentsBudget-conscious users

Everyday learning and note-takingStreaming and light creativity

Galaxy Tab A9+

iPad 10th

iPad 8th

iPad 9th

iPad A16

Android

iPadOS

iOS

iPadOS

4 GB

3 GB

6 GB

Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 (SM6375)

Apple A14 Bionic

Apple A12 Bionic

Apple A13 Bionic

Apple A16

1920 x 1200

1640x2360

2160 x 1620

2360 x 1640

13 hours

10 hrs

10 h

10 hours

Portable

Fingerprint Scanner, Accelerometer, Ambient Light Sensor, Barometer, G-sensor, Apple Pencil Support

Stereo Speakers

11-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY—The gorgeous Liquid Retina display is an amazing way to watch movies or draw your next masterpiece.¹ True Tone adjusts the display to the color temperature of the room to make viewing comfortable in any light.,PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE—The superfast A16 chip delivers a boost in performance for your favorite activities. And with all-day battery life, iPad is perfect for playing immersive games and editing photos and videos.³ Storage starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB.&#8308,IPADOS + APPS—iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos. iPad comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps designed specifically for iPad available on the App Store.,APPLE PENCIL AND MAGIC KEYBOARD FOLIO—With Apple Pencil (USB-C), iPad transforms into an immersive drawing canvas and the world’s best note‑taking de

8 MP

12 MP

8 MP

12 MP

16.96 ounces

1.06 lb.

1.1 Pounds

1.1 lb.

16.83 ounces

—

Lightning

—

Limited

90 Days

Tablet

TABLET_COMPUTER

Wi-Fi + Cellular

Tablet Only

—

SM-X210

A2696

A2270

A2602

A3355

6th Generation

10th Generation

8th Generation

9th Generation

11th Generation

Reviews & Ratings

(6)

3.3

6 reviews

👍 Pros

👎 Cons

Performance

2.2

44%

Performance is highly inconsistent. While some users report it lasting through years of college, others experience severe overheating that causes the screen to freeze and the device to get stuck in a boot loop until cooled down. The use of Pentium processors instead of i3 in some refurbished models also leads to disappointing speeds and limited RAM capacity.

Performance

2.2

44%

Display Quality

3.2

64%

The display is generally functional for a tablet, but thermal issues directly impact its usability, leading to screen freezes when the device gets warm. There is little feedback regarding color accuracy or brightness, suggesting it meets basic expectations but doesn't stand out.

Display Quality

3.2

64%

Battery Life

3.0

60%

Reviewers provide very limited specific feedback regarding daily battery endurance. One user mentioned the device has lasted for several years, which implies good long-term battery health, but daily run-time remains unverified by these reviews.

Battery Life

3.0

60%

Design & Portability

4.0

80%

The compact size and form factor are major highlights, with users loving the portability for school and general usability. However, physical quality control is a concern for refurbished units, which sometimes arrive heavily scratched or scuffed.

Design & Portability

4.0

80%

Value for Money

3.5

70%

At its price point, it is considered a good deal for students and basic users. However, the value is diminished by inconsistent refurbishment quality, such as receiving the wrong processor or insufficient power cables.

Value for Money

3.5

70%

Keywords

User Voices

4.0BESTBUYJun 14, 2024

Keane R.

great college worktop

This laptop offers fantastic quality for its price point. It has been my faithful companion throughout college, proving to be incredibly durable over the years. I do wish it had a bit more RAM to handle more intensive tasks, but overall, it's been a reliable and practical choice for my studies.

5.0BESTBUYOct 5, 2023

Henry S.

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It’s an amazing piece of tech that works exactly as expected. I'm very happy with this selection.

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Microsoft Surface Go 2 Tablets Silver 64GB New 10.5"

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General5

Storage1

Memory4

Connectivity6

Display3

Battery5

Camera4

Performance6

Audio1

Features1

System2

Dimensions5

Warranty1

Included1

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Specifications

General5

Storage1

Memory4

Connectivity6

Display3

Battery5

Camera4

Performance6

Audio1

Features1

System2

Dimensions5

Warranty1

Included1

Reviews & Ratings