What To Know
- The Surface 3 offers 4GB of RAM and 64GB or 128GB of storage, while the Surface 4 comes with 4GB or 8GB of RAM and 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB of storage.
- The Surface 3 boasts a battery life of up to 10 hours, while the Surface 4 offers up to 9 hours of battery life.
- The Surface 4 offers a better display, more powerful processor, and more storage, but the Surface 3 is a more affordable option for those on a budget.
In the realm of 2-in-1 devices, Microsoft Surface tablets have carved a niche for themselves with their versatility, sleek design, and premium features. Two of the most popular models in the series are the Surface 3 and Surface 4. Both offer a compelling mix of portability, performance, and functionality, but which one is the better choice for your needs? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll pit the Microsoft Surface 3 vs. 4 against each other to help you make an informed decision.
Display and Design
The Surface 3 sports a 10.8-inch ClearType Full HD display with a resolution of 1920 x 1280 pixels. The Surface 4, on the other hand, features a slightly larger 12-inch PixelSense display with a resolution of 2160 x 1440 pixels. Both displays offer vibrant colors and sharp images, but the Surface 4’s higher resolution and improved contrast ratio give it an edge in terms of visual quality.
Processor and Performance
The Surface 3 is powered by an Intel Atom x7-Z8700 processor, while the Surface 4 comes equipped with an Intel Core m3-6Y30 or Core i5-6Y57 processor. The Surface 4’s more powerful processors provide a significant performance boost, making it more capable of handling demanding tasks such as video editing and multitasking.
Memory and Storage
The Surface 3 offers 4GB of RAM and 64GB or 128GB of storage, while the Surface 4 comes with 4GB or 8GB of RAM and 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB of storage. Both devices support microSD card expansion for additional storage.
Operating System
Both the Surface 3 and Surface 4 run on Windows 10, providing a familiar and user-friendly operating system. However, the Surface 4 comes with Windows 10 S pre-installed, which limits you to downloading apps from the Microsoft Store. You can upgrade to Windows 10 Pro for a full-fledged Windows experience.
Battery Life
The Surface 3 boasts a battery life of up to 10 hours, while the Surface 4 offers up to 9 hours of battery life. Both devices provide ample power for a day’s use, but the Surface 3 has a slight advantage in this department.
Connectivity and Accessories
The Surface 3 and Surface 4 both feature Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and a USB 3.0 port. The Surface 4 also includes a Mini DisplayPort for external display connectivity. Both devices are compatible with the Surface Pen and Surface Keyboard, providing enhanced productivity and versatility.
Price and Value
The Surface 3 starts at $499, while the Surface 4 starts at $799. The Surface 4 offers a better display, more powerful processor, and more storage, but the Surface 3 is a more affordable option for those on a budget.
Which One Should You Choose?
The decision between the Microsoft Surface 3 vs. 4 ultimately depends on your individual needs and budget. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly device for basic tasks, the Surface 3 is a solid choice. However, if you require a more powerful device for demanding workloads, the Surface 4 is the better option.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
Q: Which device has a better display?
A: The Surface 4 has a higher resolution and improved contrast ratio, providing a better visual experience.
Q: Which device is more powerful?
A: The Surface 4 features more powerful processors, resulting in better performance for demanding tasks.
Q: Which device has more storage?
A: The Surface 4 offers up to 256GB of storage, while the Surface 3 maxes out at 128GB.
Q: Which device has a longer battery life?
A: The Surface 3 has a slightly longer battery life of up to 10 hours compared to the Surface 4’s 9 hours.
Q: Which device is more affordable?
A: The Surface 3 is more affordable, starting at $499, while the Surface 4 starts at $799.
