What To Know
- On the other hand, the Surface Pro X, while still sleek, is slightly larger and heavier, making it more suitable for those who prioritize a larger screen and more powerful performance.
- The Surface Pro X, however, can last up to 13 hours on a single charge, making it ideal for those who need to stay productive on the go for extended periods.
- The Surface Go 3’s keyboard cover is a bit smaller and less comfortable to type on, while the Surface Pro X’s keyboard cover is larger and more comfortable for extended typing sessions.
Choosing the right tablet-laptop hybrid can be a daunting task, especially when you’re considering two popular options like the Microsoft Surface Go 3 and the Surface Pro X. Both devices offer a sleek design, touchscreen functionality, and the versatility of a 2-in-1, but they cater to different needs and preferences. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key differences between these two Surface models, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific requirements.
Design and Portability
Both the Surface Go 3 and Pro X are known for their sleek and modern designs, but their portability differs significantly. The Surface Go 3 boasts a compact and lightweight design, making it incredibly portable and easy to carry around. Its smaller footprint and lighter weight make it ideal for students, commuters, and anyone who values mobility. On the other hand, the Surface Pro X, while still sleek, is slightly larger and heavier, making it more suitable for those who prioritize a larger screen and more powerful performance.
Display and Visual Experience
The Surface Go 3 features a 10.5-inch PixelSense display with a resolution of 1920 x 1280 pixels, offering a decent visual experience for everyday tasks, browsing, and light content creation. However, the Surface Pro X takes the display game to a whole new level with its stunning 13-inch PixelSense display and a resolution of 2880 x 1920 pixels. The Pro X’s larger screen and higher resolution provide a more immersive and detailed visual experience, perfect for creative professionals, gamers, and those who demand a premium visual experience.
Performance and Processor
The performance gap between the Surface Go 3 and Pro X is significant. The Surface Go 3 is powered by Intel’s 10th Gen Core i3 or Pentium Gold processors, suitable for basic tasks, web browsing, and light productivity. The Surface Pro X, however, is equipped with Microsoft’s own custom-designed SQ1 or SQ2 processors, offering a performance boost for demanding tasks like photo and video editing, gaming, and multi-tasking. The Pro X’s powerful processors enable a smoother and more efficient workflow, making it a better choice for professionals requiring high-performance computing.
Battery Life
Battery life is an important consideration for any mobile device, and both the Surface Go 3 and Pro X offer decent battery performance. The Surface Go 3 boasts a battery life of up to 9 hours, which is sufficient for most everyday tasks. The Surface Pro X, however, can last up to 13 hours on a single charge, making it ideal for those who need to stay productive on the go for extended periods.
Keyboard and Stylus
Both devices offer optional keyboard covers and styluses, enhancing their versatility and functionality. The Surface Go 3’s keyboard cover is a bit smaller and less comfortable to type on, while the Surface Pro X’s keyboard cover is larger and more comfortable for extended typing sessions. The Surface Pen for both devices offers a responsive and accurate writing and drawing experience, making them suitable for note-taking, sketching, and digital art.
Storage and Connectivity
The Surface Go 3 offers a range of storage options, from 64GB to 128GB, with the option to expand storage via a microSD card. The Surface Pro X, on the other hand, comes with a minimum storage of 128GB and can be configured up to 1TB. Both devices offer a variety of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and a USB-C port. The Pro X also includes a Surface Connect port for charging and connecting peripherals.
Operating System and Software
Both the Surface Go 3 and Pro X run on Windows 11, offering a familiar and user-friendly experience. However, the Pro X’s ARM-based processor allows it to run a subset of Windows applications, which means some software may not be compatible. This limitation is something to consider if you rely on specific Windows applications that are not yet optimized for ARM architecture.
Pricing and Value
The Surface Go 3 is generally more affordable than the Surface Pro X, making it a budget-friendly option for students and casual users. The Surface Pro X, however, comes at a premium price, reflecting its more powerful hardware and features. The pricing difference is significant, so it’s essential to consider your budget and the features you require when making your decision.
The Verdict: Choosing the Right Surface for You
Ultimately, the best choice between the Surface Go 3 and Pro X depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize portability, affordability, and a device for light tasks and web browsing, the Surface Go 3 is an excellent option. However, if you need a powerful and versatile device for demanding tasks, content creation, and a premium visual experience, the Surface Pro X is a better choice.
Making the Final Decision
Here are some key questions to ask yourself before making your final decision:
- What is your budget? The Surface Go 3 is a more affordable option, while the Surface Pro X comes at a premium price.
- What are your primary uses for the device? If you need a device for basic tasks, web browsing, and light productivity, the Surface Go 3 is sufficient. However, if you need a powerful device for demanding tasks like photo and video editing, the Surface Pro X is a better choice.
- How important is portability to you? The Surface Go 3 is incredibly portable, while the Surface Pro X is slightly larger and heavier.
- Do you need a device with a large and high-resolution display? The Surface Pro X offers a stunning 13-inch PixelSense display, while the Surface Go 3 has a smaller 10.5-inch display.
- Are you comfortable with the potential limitations of ARM-based processors? The Surface Pro X’s ARM-based processor may not be compatible with all Windows applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I upgrade the RAM or storage on the Surface Go 3 and Pro X?
A: Both devices have soldered RAM and storage, so they cannot be upgraded.
Q: Can I use the Surface Pen with both devices?
A: Yes, the Surface Pen is compatible with both the Surface Go 3 and Pro X.
Q: Which device has a better camera?
A: The Surface Pro X has a better camera than the Surface Go 3, offering higher resolution and better image quality.
Q: Is the Surface Pro X compatible with all Windows applications?
A: No, the Surface Pro X’s ARM-based processor may not be compatible with all Windows applications.
Q: Which device is better for gaming?
A: The Surface Pro X is better for gaming due to its more powerful processor and larger display. However, it’s important to note that not all games are optimized for ARM architecture.
