Between the Surface Go 4 and Pad 6S Pro 12.4, the Surface Go 4 comes out ahead in weight, while the Pad 6S Pro 12.4 wins on peak brightness and refresh rate. Overall, the Surface Go 4 scores 49.1 and the Pad 6S Pro 12.4 scores 63.2 on our Mars Score.
Which should you buy?
The Pad 6S Pro 12.4 is the clear pick on raw spec strength, leading by 14.1 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 Surface Go 4 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 Pad 6S Pro 12.4 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 peak brightness, refresh rate, storage, among others.
Both ship with comparable stylus support, so those specs don't separate the two — focus on the differences below.
Bottom line: the Pad 6S Pro 12.4 is the safer default. The other model is the right choice only when its specific advantages line up with your priorities.
Why Microsoft - Surface Go 4 wins
- ▲Weight — 69.00 g less. 521 vs 590.
Why Xiaomi - Pad 6S Pro 12.4 wins
- ▲Peak brightness — 157.14% more. 900 nits vs 350 nits.
- ▲Refresh rate — 140.00% more. 144 Hz vs 60 Hz.
- ▲Storage — 100.00% more. 256 GB vs 128 GB.
- ▲RAM — 50.00% more. 12 GB vs 8 GB.
- ▲Screen size — 18.10% more. 12.4 " vs 10.5 ".
Spec comparison
Display
| Spec | Microsoft - Surface Go 4 | Xiaomi - Pad 6S Pro 12.4 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen sizeⓘ | 10.5 " | 12.4 "lead |
| Refresh rateⓘ | 60 Hz | 144 Hzlead |
| Panelⓘ | LCD | LCD |
| Peak brightnessⓘ | 350 nits | 900 nitslead |
Performance
Design
| Spec | Microsoft - Surface Go 4 | Xiaomi - Pad 6S Pro 12.4 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 521 glead | 590 g |
| Stylus support | true | true |
| Cellular | false | false |
| OS | Windowslead | Android |
Frequently asked
Spec-level deep dives
More from the same brands
vsMars is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.