What To Know
- Both the Surface Go 3 and Surface Pro 7 feature a sleek and modern design, embodying the signature Microsoft Surface aesthetics.
- Both devices offer a range of storage options, with the Surface Go 3 available in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB configurations, while the Surface Pro 7 offers 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB options.
- The Surface Go 3 is a great value-for-money option for everyday tasks and light productivity, while the Surface Pro 7 is a powerful productivity powerhouse for demanding users.
Choosing the right tablet or laptop can be a daunting task, especially when you’re considering the Microsoft Surface lineup. The Surface Go 3 and Surface Pro 7 are both popular choices, but they cater to different needs and preferences. This comprehensive guide will break down the key differences between the Microsoft Surface Go 3 vs Microsoft Surface Pro 7, helping you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
Both the Surface Go 3 and Surface Pro 7 feature a sleek and modern design, embodying the signature Microsoft Surface aesthetics. However, there are subtle differences in their build quality and portability.
The Surface Go 3, being the smaller and more compact device, is incredibly portable. Its lightweight design makes it easy to carry around in a bag or backpack. The Surface Pro 7, on the other hand, is slightly larger and heavier, making it more suitable for stationary use. Both devices feature a sturdy magnesium alloy chassis, ensuring durability and a premium feel.
Display
The Surface Go 3 boasts a 10.5-inch PixelSense touchscreen with a resolution of 1920×1280 pixels, offering a crisp and vibrant display experience. The Surface Pro 7, however, comes with a larger 12.3-inch PixelSense display with a resolution of 2736×1824 pixels, providing even sharper visuals and a wider viewing area.
Both devices offer excellent color accuracy and wide viewing angles, making them suitable for multimedia consumption, content creation, and everyday tasks. However, the larger display of the Surface Pro 7 offers a more immersive experience, especially for multitasking and productivity.
Performance
The Surface Go 3 is powered by Intel Pentium Gold or Core i3 processors, offering sufficient performance for everyday tasks such as browsing, email, and light productivity. The Surface Pro 7, on the other hand, comes with Intel Core i5 or i7 processors, delivering more powerful performance for demanding tasks like video editing, graphic design, and gaming.
The Surface Pro 7 also offers more RAM options, ranging from 8GB to 16GB, while the Surface Go 3 is limited to 4GB or 8GB. This translates to better multitasking capabilities and smoother performance on the Surface Pro 7.
Storage and Connectivity
Both devices offer a range of storage options, with the Surface Go 3 available in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB configurations, while the Surface Pro 7 offers 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB options.
Connectivity-wise, both devices feature Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0. The Surface Pro 7 also includes a Thunderbolt 3 port, offering faster data transfer speeds and support for external displays.
Battery Life
The Surface Go 3 offers a decent battery life of up to 9 hours, sufficient for a full day of light use. The Surface Pro 7, however, boasts a longer battery life of up to 10.5 hours, making it a better choice for extended work sessions or travel.
Keyboard and Pen Support
Both devices offer optional keyboard and pen accessories, which enhance their productivity and versatility. The Surface Go 3 and Surface Pro 7 keyboards are both comfortable to type on and provide a responsive typing experience. The Surface Pen, available separately, allows for precise drawing, note-taking, and digital inking.
Price and Value
The Surface Go 3 is the more affordable option, starting at a lower price point than the Surface Pro 7. However, the Surface Pro 7 offers more powerful performance, a larger display, and a better overall user experience, justifying its higher price tag.
Choosing the Right Device
The best choice between the Surface Go 3 and Surface Pro 7 ultimately depends on your individual needs and budget.
The Surface Go 3 is ideal for:
- Students and casual users
- Those seeking a portable and lightweight device
- Users with a limited budget
The Surface Pro 7 is a better choice for:
- Professionals and creative users
- Those who need powerful performance for demanding tasks
- Users who prioritize a larger display and better multitasking capabilities
Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Tablet, It’s a Productivity Powerhouse
Both the Surface Go 3 and Surface Pro 7 are excellent devices that offer a compelling blend of portability, performance, and versatility. The Surface Go 3 is a great value-for-money option for everyday tasks and light productivity, while the Surface Pro 7 is a powerful productivity powerhouse for demanding users. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and preferences.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: Can I upgrade the RAM and storage on the Surface Go 3 and Surface Pro 7?
A: Unfortunately, both devices have soldered RAM and storage, meaning they cannot be upgraded after purchase.
Q: What are the differences in the cameras between the two devices?
A: The Surface Go 3 has a 5MP front-facing camera and an 8MP rear-facing camera. The Surface Pro 7 features a 5MP front-facing camera and a 10MP rear-facing camera. Both devices offer decent image quality for video calls and casual photography.
Q: Are there any other alternatives to consider?
A: Yes, other alternatives include the iPad Pro and the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 series. These devices offer a similar combination of tablet and laptop functionality, but with different operating systems and features.
Q: Which device is better for gaming?
A: The Surface Pro 7, with its more powerful processor and dedicated graphics card, is a better choice for gaming. However, both devices are not ideal for high-end gaming due to their limited processing power and lack of dedicated graphics cards.
