Apple - iPad mini (7th gen) vs Microsoft - Surface Pro 11

The Surface Pro 11 is the clear pick on raw spec strength, leading by 22.9 points on the Mars Score. The margin is wide enough that the underdog only makes sense if its individual strengths line up with what you specifically need.

Pick the iPad mini (7th gen) if you carry the device everywhere and weight or thickness has been the deciding factor before. The biggest gaps in its favor are weight.

Pick the Surface Pro 11 if the display is what you stare at all day — refresh rate, brightness, or sharpness is where the difference will be most visible. Its strongest claims are storage, ram, refresh rate, among others.

Both ship with comparable stylus support, so those specs don't separate the two — focus on the differences below.

Bottom line: the Surface Pro 11 is the safer default. The other model is the right choice only when its specific advantages line up with your priorities.