What To Know
- In this comprehensive comparison, we pit the Surface Pro 3 against the Surface Pro 7 to help you make an informed decision about which device is the right fit for your needs and budget.
- The Surface Pro 7 runs Windows 10 Home or Pro and supports the Surface Pen and Surface Dial.
- The choice between the Surface Pro 3 and Surface Pro 7 depends on your specific needs and budget.
The Microsoft Surface Pro series has consistently pushed the boundaries of 2-in-1 devices, offering a seamless blend of tablet and laptop functionality. While the Surface Pro 3 revolutionized the market upon its release, the Surface Pro 7 has taken this legacy to new heights. In this comprehensive comparison, we pit the Surface Pro 3 against the Surface Pro 7 to help you make an informed decision about which device is the right fit for your needs and budget.
Design and Build Quality
Surface Pro 3: The Surface Pro 3 boasts a sleek and sophisticated design with a magnesium alloy chassis. Its iconic kickstand provides excellent stability for various usage modes. However, its weight of 800 grams (without keyboard) can be a bit cumbersome for prolonged use.
Surface Pro 7: The Surface Pro 7 retains the classic Surface Pro design but introduces subtle refinements. Its magnesium chassis is now even lighter, weighing only 775 grams (without keyboard). The kickstand has been improved, offering a wider range of angles for optimal comfort.
Display Quality
Surface Pro 3: The Surface Pro 3 features a 12-inch ClearType Full HD display with a resolution of 2160 x 1440 pixels. It offers vibrant colors and excellent viewing angles, making it ideal for multimedia consumption and creative work.
Surface Pro 7: The Surface Pro 7 boasts a larger 12.3-inch PixelSense display with a higher resolution of 2736 x 1824 pixels. This results in even sharper images and enhanced detail. The display also supports Dolby Vision HDR for a more immersive viewing experience.
Performance and Hardware
Surface Pro 3: The Surface Pro 3 was powered by Intel Core i3, i5, or i7 processors of the 4th generation (Haswell). While it was capable of handling basic tasks and light multitasking, its performance was limited in demanding applications.
Surface Pro 7: The Surface Pro 7 comes equipped with 10th-generation Intel Core i3, i5, or i7 processors (Ice Lake). These processors offer significantly improved performance, making the Surface Pro 7 suitable for more intensive tasks such as video editing, graphic design, and gaming.
Battery Life
Surface Pro 3: The Surface Pro 3’s battery life was a notable drawback, lasting around 6-8 hours on a single charge. This limited its portability and required frequent charging.
Surface Pro 7: The Surface Pro 7 has made significant strides in battery life, offering up to 10.5 hours of continuous use on a single charge. This extended battery life makes it a more reliable companion for extended work or travel sessions.
Connectivity and Ports
Surface Pro 3: The Surface Pro 3 provides a range of connectivity options, including a USB 3.0 port, a microSD card slot, a mini DisplayPort, and a headphone jack. However, it lacks a traditional USB-A port, which can be inconvenient for connecting certain peripherals.
Surface Pro 7: The Surface Pro 7 expands on the connectivity options by adding a USB-C port with Thunderbolt 3 support. This provides faster data transfer speeds and allows for charging and connecting external displays. Additionally, it retains the microSD card slot, headphone jack, and Surface Connect port.
Software and Features
Surface Pro 3: The Surface Pro 3 originally ran Windows 8.1 Pro but was later upgraded to Windows 10. It supports the Surface Pen for note-taking and drawing. Additionally, it comes with a built-in kickstand and a removable Type Cover keyboard.
Surface Pro 7: The Surface Pro 7 runs Windows 10 Home or Pro and supports the Surface Pen and Surface Dial. It also features a built-in kickstand and a detachable Surface Type Cover keyboard. Notable new features include Windows Hello facial recognition for secure login and Instant On for faster boot times.
Which Device is Right for You?
The choice between the Surface Pro 3 and Surface Pro 7 depends on your specific needs and budget.
- Surface Pro 3 is suitable for: Basic tasks, light multitasking, and casual use. It is a good option for those on a tighter budget or who prioritize portability over performance.
- Surface Pro 7 is ideal for: Intensive tasks, demanding applications, and extended use. It is the better choice for professionals, students, and anyone who requires a powerful and versatile 2-in-1 device.
Worthy Successor or Outdated Relic?
The Surface Pro 7 is undoubtedly a worthy successor to the Surface Pro 3. It offers significant improvements in performance, battery life, and display quality. While the Surface Pro 3 remains a capable device for basic tasks, the Surface Pro 7 is the clear winner for those who demand more from their 2-in-1.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which device has a better camera?
A: Both the Surface Pro 3 and Surface Pro 7 have a 5-megapixel front-facing camera and an 8-megapixel rear-facing camera.
Q: Can I upgrade the storage on the Surface Pro 3 or Surface Pro 7?
A: The Surface Pro 3 does not allow storage upgrades, while the Surface Pro 7 has a removable SSD that can be upgraded.
Q: Does either device support 4K video output?
A: Yes, both the Surface Pro 3 and Surface Pro 7 support 4K video output via their mini DisplayPort or USB-C port (Surface Pro 7 only).
