What To Know
- Both the Surface Go 2 and Go 3 maintain the familiar Surface design language, featuring a sleek and compact form factor that makes them incredibly portable.
- Both the Surface Go 2 and Go 3 offer impressive battery life, allowing you to work or play for extended periods without needing to reach for a charger.
- The Go 3 adds a welcome addition with the inclusion of a Surface Connect port, which provides a dedicated connection for charging and connecting to Surface accessories.
Are you looking for a portable, versatile device that can handle your everyday tasks, including browsing the web, streaming videos, and light productivity work? If so, then the Microsoft Surface Go 2 and Surface Go 3 are excellent options to consider. Both devices offer a sleek design, a touchscreen display, and a range of productivity features, but they also have their differences.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into the Microsoft Surface Go 2 vs Go 3 comparison, highlighting their key features, performance, battery life, and more. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which device best suits your needs and budget.
Design and Display: A Familiar Feel with Subtle Upgrades
Both the Surface Go 2 and Go 3 maintain the familiar Surface design language, featuring a sleek and compact form factor that makes them incredibly portable. They both sport a magnesium alloy chassis, giving them a premium look and feel.
The Surface Go 3 introduces a slight design change with a slightly larger footprint and a new camera placement. However, both devices are remarkably similar in terms of overall aesthetics.
When it comes to the display, the Surface Go 3 boasts a slight upgrade with a larger 10.5-inch PixelSense touchscreen display compared to the Go 2’s 10.5-inch display. The Go 3 also features a higher resolution of 1920 x 1280 pixels, resulting in sharper and more vibrant visuals. Both devices offer excellent viewing angles and responsive touch input.
Performance: A Notable Boost in Processing Power
The Surface Go 3 takes a significant leap forward in terms of performance, thanks to the integration of Intel’s 10th Gen processors. This upgrade provides a noticeable improvement in overall speed and responsiveness compared to the Go 2’s 8th Gen processors.
You’ll experience faster application launches, smoother multitasking, and improved web browsing performance on the Go 3. The Go 2, while still capable, may struggle with more demanding tasks and applications.
Battery Life: All-Day Productivity on Both Devices
Both the Surface Go 2 and Go 3 offer impressive battery life, allowing you to work or play for extended periods without needing to reach for a charger. Microsoft claims up to 9 hours of battery life for both devices, which is more than enough for a full day of use.
Real-world battery life may vary depending on your usage patterns, but both the Go 2 and Go 3 consistently deliver reliable performance in this area.
Cameras: Improved Video Conferencing with the Go 3
The Surface Go 3 sees a significant upgrade in its camera system, featuring a 5MP front-facing camera that delivers noticeably better video quality for video calls and online meetings. The Go 2’s 5MP front-facing camera is still decent, but the Go 3’s improved resolution and clarity make a noticeable difference.
Both devices come with a 8MP rear-facing camera for capturing photos and videos, although the Go 3’s camera is slightly better in terms of image quality and detail.
Connectivity and Ports: Essential Options for Everyday Use
Both the Surface Go 2 and Go 3 offer a range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 6 for faster internet speeds, Bluetooth 5.0 for connecting to peripherals, and a USB-C port for charging and data transfer.
The Go 3 adds a welcome addition with the inclusion of a Surface Connect port, which provides a dedicated connection for charging and connecting to Surface accessories.
Storage and Memory: Choose the Right Configuration for Your Needs
The Surface Go 2 and Go 3 come in various storage and memory configurations to suit different needs and budgets. Both devices offer options ranging from 64GB to 128GB of storage, with the Go 3 also offering a 256GB option.
Memory options include 4GB and 8GB of RAM, with the Go 3 offering a higher maximum of 8GB. The amount of storage and memory you choose will depend on your usage patterns and the types of applications you plan to run.
The Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
The decision between the Microsoft Surface Go 2 and Go 3 ultimately comes down to your budget and your specific needs.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option and don’t require the latest performance upgrades, the Surface Go 2 is still a solid choice. It offers a familiar design, a decent display, and sufficient battery life for everyday tasks.
If you’re willing to spend a bit more and prioritize performance and camera quality, the Surface Go 3 is the way to go. It offers a significant performance boost, a better camera system, and a larger display, making it a more versatile and powerful device.
Final Thoughts: Finding the Perfect Surface for You
Both the Surface Go 2 and Go 3 are excellent options for those seeking a portable and versatile device. The Surface Go 3 offers a significant performance upgrade and improved camera quality, making it a compelling choice for those who prioritize these features. The Surface Go 2 remains a solid option for budget-conscious users who don’t need the latest and greatest.
Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and budget. Consider your daily usage patterns, the types of applications you plan to use, and your desired performance level to make an informed decision.
Questions You May Have
Q: Can I upgrade the storage on the Surface Go 2 or Go 3?
A: Unfortunately, both devices have soldered-on storage, meaning you cannot upgrade the storage capacity after purchase.
Q: What is the difference between the Wi-Fi and LTE models of the Surface Go 2 and Go 3?
A: The Wi-Fi models only offer connectivity via Wi-Fi, while the LTE models include a built-in cellular modem for internet access on the go without needing a Wi-Fi network.
Q: Can I use the Surface Go 2 or Go 3 with a keyboard and mouse?
A: Yes, both devices are compatible with a range of Surface keyboards and mice, providing a more traditional desktop computing experience.
Q: Is the Surface Go 2 or Go 3 suitable for gaming?
A: While both devices are capable of running some casual games, they are not designed for high-performance gaming. Their integrated graphics are not powerful enough for demanding games.
