What To Know
- The Surface Go 2 and Surface Go 3 share a similar design language, with a sleek, minimalist aesthetic and a kickstand that allows for comfortable viewing angles.
- Both the Surface Go 2 and Surface Go 3 feature vibrant and sharp displays, offering a great visual experience for watching videos, browsing the web, and viewing documents.
- Both the Surface Go 2 and Surface Go 3 feature a front-facing camera for video conferencing and a rear-facing camera for taking photos.
Deciding between the Microsoft Surface Go 2 and the Surface Go 3 can be a tough choice. Both tablets offer a sleek design, portability, and the power to handle everyday tasks. But with subtle differences in performance, features, and price, choosing the right one depends on your specific needs and budget. This comprehensive comparison will help you weigh the pros and cons of each device and determine which one is the ideal fit for you.
Design and Portability
The Surface Go 2 and Surface Go 3 share a similar design language, with a sleek, minimalist aesthetic and a kickstand that allows for comfortable viewing angles. However, there are some subtle differences.
The Surface Go 3 boasts a slightly thinner and lighter design, making it even more portable than its predecessor. It also features a slightly larger display, measuring 10.5 inches compared to the Go 2’s 10.5-inch screen. Both devices are incredibly lightweight and easy to carry around, perfect for students, professionals, and anyone who needs a portable computing solution.
Performance and Processor
The performance of the Surface Go 2 and Surface Go 3 is where the most significant difference lies. The Surface Go 2 is powered by the Intel Pentium Gold 4425Y processor, while the Surface Go 3 comes in two options: the Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y or the Intel Core i3-10100Y processor.
The Surface Go 3 with the Core i3 processor offers considerably better performance, making it a better choice for demanding tasks like video editing, multitasking, and running resource-intensive applications. The Pentium Gold processor in the Go 2 is sufficient for basic tasks like browsing, email, and light productivity, but it may struggle with more demanding applications.
Display and Visuals
Both the Surface Go 2 and Surface Go 3 feature vibrant and sharp displays, offering a great visual experience for watching videos, browsing the web, and viewing documents. The Surface Go 3’s 10.5-inch display offers a slightly larger screen real estate, making it ideal for multitasking and content consumption.
The Surface Go 3 also boasts a higher resolution of 1920 x 1280 pixels, compared to the Go 2’s 1800 x 1200 pixel resolution. This translates to sharper visuals and a more immersive viewing experience on the Surface Go 3.
Battery Life
Both the Surface Go 2 and Surface Go 3 offer impressive battery life, making them suitable for all-day use. However, the Surface Go 3 boasts a slightly longer battery life, lasting up to 9 hours on a single charge, compared to the Go 2’s 8 hours of battery life.
The actual battery life may vary depending on usage patterns, brightness settings, and other factors. But overall, both devices provide enough juice to get you through a full workday or a long day of entertainment.
Connectivity and Ports
The Surface Go 2 and Surface Go 3 offer a similar range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, and a USB-C port. The Surface Go 3 also features a Surface Connect port for charging and connecting to accessories.
The Surface Go 2 includes a microSD card reader for expandable storage, while the Surface Go 3 replaces it with a nano SIM card slot, allowing for cellular connectivity. This is a significant advantage for the Surface Go 3, as it provides more flexibility and allows you to stay connected even without Wi-Fi.
Camera and Audio
Both the Surface Go 2 and Surface Go 3 feature a front-facing camera for video conferencing and a rear-facing camera for taking photos. The Surface Go 3 boasts an upgraded 5MP front-facing camera, compared to the Go 2’s 1MP camera, resulting in clearer and more detailed video calls.
The audio quality is also improved on the Surface Go 3, with dual speakers that deliver louder and richer sound than the single speaker on the Go 2. This makes the Surface Go 3 a better choice for multimedia consumption and video conferencing.
Price and Value
The Surface Go 2 and Surface Go 3 are priced differently, reflecting their respective features and performance. The Surface Go 2 is generally more affordable, making it a budget-friendly option for those looking for a basic tablet.
The Surface Go 3, with its upgraded processor, display, and features, comes at a higher price point. However, it offers better value for money if you need a more powerful and versatile device.
The Verdict: Choosing the Right Surface Go for You
The choice between the Microsoft Surface Go 2 and the Surface Go 3 ultimately boils down to your individual needs and budget.
If you’re on a tight budget and only need a basic tablet for browsing, email, and light productivity, the Surface Go 2 is a great option. It offers a sleek design, portability, and decent performance at an affordable price.
If you need a more powerful device for demanding tasks like video editing, multitasking, and running resource-intensive applications, the Surface Go 3 is the way to go. Its upgraded processor, display, and features make it a more versatile and future-proof choice.
Beyond the Specs: Other Considerations
While the technical specifications are important, there are other factors to consider when choosing between the Surface Go 2 and the Surface Go 3. These include:
- Operating System: Both devices run Windows 11, but the Go 3 may receive software updates for a longer period.
- Accessories: Both devices are compatible with a range of accessories, including keyboards, pens, and docks.
- Software and Apps: Consider the availability of apps and software that you need for your specific use case.
- Personal Preferences: Ultimately, the best device for you is the one that fits your personal preferences and needs.
Final Thoughts: A Powerful and Versatile Choice
The Microsoft Surface Go 2 and Surface Go 3 are both excellent tablets that offer a blend of portability, performance, and versatility. Whether you choose the budget-friendly Surface Go 2 or the more powerful Surface Go 3, you’ll be getting a device that can handle your everyday tasks and provide a seamless computing experience.
Popular Questions
Q: Can I use the Surface Go 2 or 3 as a laptop replacement?
A: Both devices can be used as laptop replacements for basic tasks like browsing, email, and light productivity. However, they may not be suitable for demanding tasks like video editing or gaming.
Q: Which Surface Go model has a better camera?
A: The Surface Go 3 has a better front-facing camera, making it a better choice for video conferencing.
Q: What is the difference in price between the Surface Go 2 and Surface Go 3?
A: The Surface Go 3 is generally more expensive than the Surface Go 2, reflecting its upgraded features and performance.
Q: Which Surface Go model has a longer battery life?
A: The Surface Go 3 boasts a slightly longer battery life, lasting up to 9 hours on a single charge, compared to the Go 2’s 8 hours of battery life.
Q: Is the Surface Go 3 worth the extra cost?
A: The Surface Go 3 is worth the extra cost if you need a more powerful and versatile device for demanding tasks. If you’re on a tight budget and only need a basic tablet, the Surface Go 2 is a good alternative.
