Stiftung Warentest: iPad Air and Surface Pro 2 in tablet test
Apple's iPad Air and the Microsoft tablet Surface Pro 2 have to undergo a "night test" at Stiftung Warentest after they were not taken into account in the first tablet check (12/2013). We compare the placement of the two tablets with the ranking in the CHIP leaderboards.
The tablet test from Stiftung Warentest
In the December 2013 issue, 15 iPad alternatives were put to the test (all details): Samsung's Galaxy Note 10.1 just won in the test. Whether the two "stragglers" iPad Air or Surface Pro 2 could beat the leader?
Stiftung Warentest: 2nd place for the iPad Air
- In the Stiftung Warentest test, the iPad Air only achieved second place (rating 1.8) - Samsung's Galaxy Note 10.1 can therefore maintain its top position.
- The iPad Air was particularly impressive with its battery life: According to the product test, it could play videos for around 11 hours, longer than any other device tested. Charging doesn't take long either. In the CHIP laboratory, however, the battery only lasted for around 8 hours.
- The light iPad also gained plus points for comfortable internet surfing, synchronization with the PC and in the "Video, Photo and 3D Games" category. Price approx. 500 euros (4G / 16GB).
- The testers lacked the standard connections for 1st place, but Apple deliberately avoided them. The cheaper model variants without 4G also do not offer GPS.
The Surface Pro 2: Only mediocre for the product test experts
The changes to the previous model are not noticeable on the Surface Pro 2: The improvements are mainly in the new, more powerful processor. The details of the product test result:
- The Windows tablet is top when it comes to using the Internet, games and email. That was enough in the test for a solid "good" with an overall grade of 2.0 - which currently corresponds to 6th place in the product test ranking.
- The high weight and weak camera ensured the mediocre test result. The testers also think the new Windows 8.1 Pro operating system is in need of improvement. Price approx. 380 euros (32 GB).
- The Surface Pro 2 has no cellular modem (4G) and therefore no GPS. In the text, the Surface Pro 2 also made loud fan noises - a no-go for a tablet.
iPad Air and Surface Pro 2 in the CHIP leaderboard
- The iPad Air, which was placed second at Warentest, also became vice winner in the CHIP leaderboard. In the test, the tablet delivered top performance in terms of weight, display and handling.
- The iPad Air is only surpassed by the iPad mini with the high-resolution Retina display.
- The Surface Pro 2 also got only mediocre marks in the CHIP test and came 15th: Microsoft has given the new Surface model a full HD display in an unusual 16: 9 format, but this reflects strongly.
- The CHIP experts found another shortcoming: x86 programs still cannot be run under Windows 8.1.
The conclusion of the tablet review
- The heavy Surface Pro 2 is neither against Apple's top tablets nor against the Galaxy Note.
- With the new iPad Air, Apple makes an "air jump" in the top list and secures second place in both the product test and the CHIP ranking. There, it is only topped by the iPad mini with retina display.
- In a brief overview, we have summarized the exact differences between the two top Apple products and the types of users they are suitable for.
- You can find the detailed results of Stiftung Warentest at test.de.