Surface showdown: surface go vs pro 3 – the ultimate comparison guide for 2-in-1 laptops
What To Know
- The Surface Go and Surface Pro 3 share a similar design aesthetic, with both devices featuring a magnesium chassis and a sleek, minimalist profile.
- The Surface Go uses the Surface Go Type Cover, while the Surface Pro 3 uses the Surface Pro Type Cover.
- The Surface Pro 3 has a higher resolution display than the Surface Go, resulting in a more detailed and immersive viewing experience.
The Microsoft Surface Go and Surface Pro 3 are two popular Windows tablets that offer a balance of portability and performance. Both devices are known for their sleek designs, versatile functionality, and compatibility with a wide range of accessories. However, there are some key differences between the two tablets that can help you determine which one is the best choice for your needs. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the specifications, features, and performance of the Microsoft Surface Go and Surface Pro 3 to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
The Surface Go and Surface Pro 3 share a similar design aesthetic, with both devices featuring a magnesium chassis and a sleek, minimalist profile. However, the Surface Go is significantly smaller and lighter than the Surface Pro 3, making it more suitable for portability. The Surface Go measures 10.5 inches diagonally and weighs just 1.15 pounds, while the Surface Pro 3 measures 12 inches diagonally and weighs 1.73 pounds.
Both tablets come with a built-in kickstand that allows you to prop them up at various angles for comfortable use. The Surface Go’s kickstand is smaller and less adjustable than the Surface Pro 3’s, but it still provides good stability.
Display
The Surface Go has a 10.5-inch PixelSense display with a resolution of 1920 x 1280 pixels. The Surface Pro 3 has a 12-inch PixelSense display with a resolution of 2160 x 1440 pixels. Both displays are sharp and vibrant, with good color accuracy and wide viewing angles. However, the Surface Pro 3’s display has a higher pixel density, resulting in a more detailed and immersive viewing experience.
Performance
The Surface Go is powered by an Intel Pentium Gold 4415Y processor, while the Surface Pro 3 is powered by a 4th-generation Intel Core i5-4300U processor. The Surface Pro 3’s processor is more powerful than the Surface Go’s, providing better performance for multitasking and demanding applications.
However, the Surface Go offers a significant advantage in terms of battery life. The Surface Go can last up to 9 hours on a single charge, while the Surface Pro 3 can only last up to 6 hours.
Storage and Memory
The Surface Go comes with 64GB or 128GB of eMMC storage, while the Surface Pro 3 comes with 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB of SSD storage. SSD storage is significantly faster than eMMC storage, providing faster boot times and app loading speeds.
Both tablets offer expandable storage via a microSD card slot. The Surface Go supports microSD cards up to 128GB, while the Surface Pro 3 supports microSD cards up to 256GB.
Connectivity
The Surface Go and Surface Pro 3 both have a variety of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and a USB-C port. The Surface Pro 3 also has a Mini DisplayPort, which allows you to connect an external monitor.
Accessories
Both the Surface Go and Surface Pro 3 are compatible with a wide range of accessories, including keyboards, mice, and pens. The Surface Go uses the Surface Go Type Cover, while the Surface Pro 3 uses the Surface Pro Type Cover. Both Type Covers offer a comfortable typing experience and provide additional protection for the tablet.
Which One Should You Choose?
The Surface Go is a great choice for those who are looking for a portable and affordable Windows tablet. It is perfect for basic tasks such as web browsing, email, and video streaming. The Surface Pro 3 is a more powerful and versatile tablet that is better suited for multitasking and demanding applications. It is also a good choice for those who want a larger display and more storage options.
Information You Need to Know
Q: Which tablet has a better display?
A: The Surface Pro 3 has a higher resolution display than the Surface Go, resulting in a more detailed and immersive viewing experience.
Q: Which tablet has better performance?
A: The Surface Pro 3 has a more powerful processor than the Surface Go, providing better performance for multitasking and demanding applications.
Q: Which tablet has longer battery life?
A: The Surface Go has longer battery life than the Surface Pro 3, lasting up to 9 hours on a single charge compared to 6 hours for the Surface Pro 3.
Q: Which tablet has more storage options?
A: The Surface Pro 3 has more storage options than the Surface Go, offering up to 512GB of SSD storage compared to 128GB of eMMC storage for the Surface Go.
Q: Which tablet is more portable?
A: The Surface Go is more portable than the Surface Pro 3, being significantly smaller and lighter.