What To Know
- The Surface 3, on the other hand, opts for a polycarbonate chassis, resulting in a slightly more affordable build.
- The Surface Go 2 boasts up to 10 hours of battery life on a single charge, while the Surface 3 claims an even longer battery life of up to 13 hours.
- The Surface Go 2 features a USB-C port, a Surface Connect port, and a headphone jack.
Choosing the perfect tablet can be a daunting task, especially when considering Microsoft’s Surface lineup. The Microsoft Surface Go 2 vs Microsoft Surface 3 debate is a common one, as both devices offer compelling features and cater to different needs. This comprehensive guide will delve into the key differences between these two tablets, helping you make an informed decision.
Design and Build: A Familiar Yet Refined Look
Both the Surface Go 2 and Surface 3 share a similar design language, inheriting the iconic Surface aesthetic. They boast sleek, minimalist designs with a premium build quality. However, there are subtle differences that set them apart.
The Surface Go 2 features a magnesium alloy chassis, giving it a sturdy and lightweight feel. It comes in platinum and black color options. The Surface 3, on the other hand, opts for a polycarbonate chassis, resulting in a slightly more affordable build. It’s available in a single, vibrant blue color.
Display: A Bigger Picture on the Surface 3
The display is a key differentiator between the two tablets. The Surface Go 2 features a 10.5-inch PixelSense display with a resolution of 1920 x 1280 pixels. It offers vibrant colors and sharp visuals, making it suitable for everyday tasks and light multimedia consumption.
The Surface 3, however, takes the display game to a whole new level. It boasts a larger 11-inch PixelSense display with a higher resolution of 2160 x 1440 pixels. This translates to a sharper, more immersive viewing experience, making it ideal for creative professionals and anyone who enjoys consuming content on a bigger screen.
Performance: Powering Through Your Tasks
Under the hood, the Surface Go 2 and Surface 3 pack different processors, leading to varying performance levels. The Surface Go 2 is powered by Intel’s 10th generation processors, offering decent performance for everyday tasks, web browsing, and light productivity.
The Surface 3, however, takes a leap forward with its 11th generation Intel Core processors. This translates to a significant performance boost, making it capable of handling more demanding tasks like video editing and multitasking with ease.
Battery Life: Staying Productive Throughout the Day
Both tablets offer impressive battery life, ensuring you can stay productive throughout the day. The Surface Go 2 boasts up to 10 hours of battery life on a single charge, while the Surface 3 claims an even longer battery life of up to 13 hours.
Connectivity: Staying Connected Wherever You Go
In terms of connectivity, both tablets offer a range of options, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The Surface Go 2 provides Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, ensuring faster and more reliable internet access. The Surface 3 also features Wi-Fi 6, along with an optional LTE model for on-the-go connectivity.
Ports and Accessories: Expanding Your Possibilities
Both tablets offer a selection of ports to connect peripherals and accessories. The Surface Go 2 features a USB-C port, a Surface Connect port, and a headphone jack. The Surface 3 expands on this with an additional USB-A port, providing more flexibility for connecting devices.
Both tablets are compatible with a wide range of Surface accessories, including the Surface Pen, Type Cover, and Surface Dock. These accessories enhance productivity and versatility, making them ideal for work, study, and entertainment.
Cameras: Capturing Memories and Video Calls
The Surface Go 2 and Surface 3 both sport decent cameras for everyday use. The Surface Go 2 features a 5MP front-facing camera and an 8MP rear-facing camera, ideal for video calls and capturing photos. The Surface 3 upgrades the front-facing camera to 10MP, enhancing video call quality and enabling clearer selfies.
Price and Value: Weighing the Costs
The price is a significant factor in the decision-making process. The Surface Go 2 generally starts at a lower price point compared to the Surface 3. This makes it a more budget-friendly option for those seeking a basic tablet for everyday use.
The Surface 3, with its enhanced performance, larger display, and upgraded features, comes at a higher price. However, it offers exceptional value for those who need a more powerful and versatile tablet for demanding tasks and creative endeavors.
Choosing the Right Surface for You: A Final Verdict
The choice between the Microsoft Surface Go 2 vs Microsoft Surface 3 ultimately depends on your individual needs and budget.
If you’re looking for a lightweight, portable tablet for basic tasks, web browsing, and light productivity, the Surface Go 2 is a solid choice. Its affordable price point and decent performance make it a great value for money.
However, if you need a more powerful tablet for demanding tasks, creative work, or enjoying multimedia content on a larger screen, the Surface 3 is the clear winner. Its upgraded processor, larger display, and enhanced features justify the higher price tag.
Information You Need to Know
1. Can I upgrade the storage on the Surface Go 2 and Surface 3?
Both tablets offer expandable storage options using microSD cards. This allows you to increase the storage capacity to accommodate your files and apps.
2. Which Surface tablet is best for students?
Both the Surface Go 2 and Surface 3 are great options for students. The Surface Go 2 offers a more affordable price point, while the Surface 3 provides a performance boost for demanding academic tasks.
3. Can I use the Surface Pen with both tablets?
Yes, both the Surface Go 2 and Surface 3 are compatible with the Surface Pen. This allows you to take handwritten notes, draw, and interact with the tablet in a more natural way.
4. Which Surface tablet is better for gaming?
While both tablets can handle some casual games, neither is ideal for high-end gaming. If you’re looking for a dedicated gaming tablet, you might want to consider other options.
5. What are the main differences between the Surface Go 2 and Surface 3?
The main differences lie in the processor, display size, and price. The Surface 3 offers a more powerful processor, a larger display, and a higher price tag, while the Surface Go 2 is more affordable and offers a good balance of features and performance.
