What To Know
- The Surface Go 3 features a limited selection of ports, including a USB-C port, a Surface Connect port, and a headphone jack.
- The Surface Pro 6 offers a more comprehensive range of ports, including a USB-C port, a USB-A port, a Surface Connect port, a microSDXC card reader, and a headphone jack.
- The Surface Go 3 is a budget-friendly option, starting at a lower price point compared to the Surface Pro 6.
Choosing the perfect Microsoft Surface device can be a daunting task, especially when you’re torn between the Surface Go 3 and the Surface Pro 6. Both devices offer impressive features and performance, but they cater to different needs and budgets. This comprehensive comparison will help you determine which model aligns best with your requirements.
Design and Build: Sleek and Portable vs Powerful and Premium
The Surface Go 3 embodies the essence of portability. Its compact design and lightweight construction make it an ideal companion for students, casual users, and those who prioritize mobility. The magnesium alloy chassis offers a sturdy build, ensuring durability while maintaining a sleek aesthetic.
The Surface Pro 6, on the other hand, boasts a more premium design. The aluminum chassis exudes a sophisticated feel, while its larger footprint accommodates a more powerful internal setup. Although slightly heavier than the Go 3, it remains manageable for everyday use.
Display: Compact and Crisp vs Immersive and Vibrant
The Surface Go 3 features a 10.5-inch PixelSense display with a resolution of 1920 x 1280 pixels. This provides a crisp and clear viewing experience, perfect for browsing, light productivity tasks, and entertainment. The touchscreen is responsive and supports multi-touch gestures, enhancing user interaction.
The Surface Pro 6 steps up with a 12.3-inch PixelSense display boasting a resolution of 2736 x 1824 pixels. The higher pixel density results in a more immersive viewing experience, ideal for creative professionals and those who demand visual clarity. The display also supports the Surface Pen for precise input and note-taking.
Performance: Everyday Tasks vs Demanding Applications
The Surface Go 3 comes equipped with Intel Pentium Gold or Core i3 processors, coupled with 4GB or 8GB of RAM. This configuration is sufficient for everyday tasks such as browsing, email, and light productivity. While it can handle basic creative applications, it may struggle with demanding workloads.
The Surface Pro 6 packs a punch with Intel Core i5 or i7 processors, paired with 8GB or 16GB of RAM. This powerful combination enables smooth multitasking, handling demanding applications like video editing, graphic design, and gaming with ease.
Battery Life: All-Day Productivity vs Extended Use
The Surface Go 3 boasts an impressive battery life that can last up to 9 hours on a single charge. This makes it suitable for all-day productivity, especially for students and professionals on the go.
The Surface Pro 6 offers a slightly shorter battery life, lasting up to 8 hours on a single charge. While still sufficient for most users, it may require more frequent charging for those engaging in intensive tasks.
Storage: Ample Space vs Expandable Options
The Surface Go 3 offers storage options ranging from 64GB to 128GB, providing sufficient space for everyday files and applications. However, for users who require more storage, the lack of expandable options may be a drawback.
The Surface Pro 6 offers a wider range of storage options, from 128GB to 1TB, catering to users with diverse storage needs. Additionally, it supports microSDXC card expansion, allowing for greater flexibility and storage capacity.
Ports and Connectivity: Essential Connections vs Comprehensive Options
The Surface Go 3 features a limited selection of ports, including a USB-C port, a Surface Connect port, and a headphone jack. While sufficient for basic connectivity, it may lack the versatility required for demanding users.
The Surface Pro 6 offers a more comprehensive range of ports, including a USB-C port, a USB-A port, a Surface Connect port, a microSDXC card reader, and a headphone jack. This provides greater flexibility for connecting peripherals and external devices.
Price: Budget-Friendly vs Premium Investment
The Surface Go 3 is a budget-friendly option, starting at a lower price point compared to the Surface Pro 6. This makes it an attractive choice for students, casual users, and those on a tight budget.
The Surface Pro 6 represents a premium investment, with a higher starting price. However, its powerful performance, premium design, and versatile features justify the cost for users who prioritize productivity and performance.
Final Verdict: Choosing the Right Surface for You
The choice between the Microsoft Surface Go 3 and the Surface Pro 6 ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Choose the Surface Go 3 if:
- You prioritize portability and affordability.
- You primarily use your device for everyday tasks like browsing, email, and light productivity.
- You need a device with long battery life.
Choose the Surface Pro 6 if:
- You require a powerful device for demanding applications like creative work and gaming.
- You value a premium design and build quality.
- You need a device with ample storage and expandable options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use the Surface Pen with the Surface Go 3?
A: Yes, the Surface Go 3 supports the Surface Pen, but it requires a separate purchase.
Q: Can I upgrade the RAM and storage on the Surface Go 3 and Surface Pro 6?
A: Both devices offer fixed RAM and storage options, so upgrades are not possible.
Q: Which Surface is better for students?
A: The Surface Go 3 is a great option for students due to its portability, affordability, and long battery life. However, if you need more power for demanding applications, the Surface Pro 6 might be a better choice.
Q: Can I use the Surface Go 3 and Surface Pro 6 as a laptop?
A: Both devices can be used as laptops when paired with a keyboard cover, which is sold separately.
Q: Which Surface is best for creative professionals?
A: The Surface Pro 6 is a better choice for creative professionals due to its powerful performance, high-resolution display, and support for the Surface Pen.
