What To Know
- Choosing the right Microsoft Surface device can be a tough decision, especially when you’re trying to decide between the Surface Go 3 and the Surface Pro 7.
- The Surface Go 3 can last up to 9 hours on a single charge, which is sufficient for a full day of light use.
- The Surface Go 3 starts with 64GB of storage and 4GB of RAM, while the Surface Pro 7 starts with 128GB of storage and 8GB of RAM.
Choosing the right Microsoft Surface device can be a tough decision, especially when you’re trying to decide between the Surface Go 3 and the Surface Pro 7. Both offer sleek design and powerful performance, but they cater to different needs and budgets. This comprehensive guide will help you understand the key differences between these two popular models and determine which one is the perfect fit for your specific requirements.
Design and Portability
Both the Surface Go 3 and Surface Pro 7 boast a sleek and modern design, but their portability differs significantly. The Surface Go 3 is remarkably compact and lightweight, making it ideal for students, casual users, and those who prioritize portability. Its smaller footprint and lighter weight make it easy to slip into a bag and take with you on the go.
The Surface Pro 7, on the other hand, is slightly larger and heavier. While still portable, it’s more suited for users who need a larger screen and more power for demanding tasks. Its larger size also means it might not be as convenient to carry around compared to the Surface Go 3.
Display
The Surface Go 3 features a 10.5-inch touchscreen display with a resolution of 1920 x 1280 pixels. This provides a sharp and vibrant viewing experience, making it suitable for browsing the web, watching videos, and light productivity tasks.
The Surface Pro 7 boasts a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen display with a higher resolution of 2736 x 1824 pixels. This larger screen offers more real estate for multitasking and working on demanding projects. The higher resolution also ensures sharp and detailed visuals, making it an excellent choice for creative professionals and those who need a more immersive viewing experience.
Performance
The Surface Go 3 is powered by Intel Pentium Gold or Core i3 processors, depending on the configuration. While these processors are efficient and capable of handling everyday tasks, they might struggle with demanding applications or multitasking.
The Surface Pro 7, on the other hand, offers a wider range of processors, including Intel Core i5 and Core i7 options. These processors provide significantly more power, making the Surface Pro 7 capable of handling demanding tasks like video editing, gaming, and complex software development.
Battery Life
Both the Surface Go 3 and Surface Pro 7 offer decent battery life. The Surface Go 3 can last up to 9 hours on a single charge, which is sufficient for a full day of light use. The Surface Pro 7 offers slightly longer battery life, lasting up to 10 hours on a single charge. This makes it suitable for extended work sessions or travel.
Storage and Memory
Both devices offer a variety of storage and memory configurations to suit your needs. The Surface Go 3 starts with 64GB of storage and 4GB of RAM, while the Surface Pro 7 starts with 128GB of storage and 8GB of RAM. You can upgrade to higher storage and RAM configurations for both devices, depending on your budget and requirements.
Ports and Connectivity
The Surface Go 3 and Surface Pro 7 offer a similar set of ports and connectivity options. Both include a USB-C port, a Surface Connect port, a headphone jack, and a microSD card reader. The Surface Pro 7 also includes a USB-A port, which can be useful for connecting older peripherals.
Price
The Surface Go 3 is more affordable than the Surface Pro 7. Its starting price is significantly lower, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious users. The Surface Pro 7, with its more powerful hardware and larger display, comes at a higher price point.
Choosing the Right Surface
Ultimately, the best device for you depends on your individual needs and budget. The Surface Go 3 is a great choice for:
- Students and casual users
- Those who prioritize portability
- Users who need a device for light productivity tasks
- People on a tight budget
The Surface Pro 7 is a better option for:
- Professionals and creative users
- Those who need a device for demanding tasks
- Users who need a larger display
- People who are willing to pay a premium for more power
Making the Final Decision
Consider the following factors when making your decision:
- Your budget: The Surface Go 3 is more affordable than the Surface Pro 7.
- Your needs: Consider the tasks you’ll be using the device for.
- Portability: The Surface Go 3 is more portable than the Surface Pro 7.
- Performance: The Surface Pro 7 offers more powerful hardware.
Beyond the Basics: Key Differentiators
While both devices offer a solid foundation, there are some key differentiators worth considering:
- Stylus Support: Both devices support the Surface Pen for precise input and note-taking, but the experience can vary. The Surface Pro 7 offers a more responsive and accurate pen experience due to its higher refresh rate display.
- Keyboard Options: While both offer dedicated keyboard options, the Type Cover for the Surface Go 3 is a bit smaller and may not provide the same level of comfort and typing experience as the Type Cover for the Surface Pro 7.
- Versatility: The Surface Pro 7’s kickstand offers more flexibility for different viewing angles, making it more versatile for presentations and multimedia consumption.
The Verdict: A Tale of Two Surfaces
Both the Surface Go 3 and Surface Pro 7 are excellent devices, but they cater to different needs and budgets. The Surface Go 3 is a great option for students, casual users, and those who prioritize portability and affordability. The Surface Pro 7, on the other hand, is a more powerful device that’s suitable for professionals, creative users, and those who need a larger display and more processing power.
Beyond the Comparison: Exploring Other Options
While the Surface Go 3 and Surface Pro 7 are popular choices, Microsoft offers a range of other Surface devices that might be a better fit depending on your specific needs. Consider exploring the following options:
- Surface Laptop 4: This sleek and powerful laptop offers a premium design and long battery life, making it an excellent choice for professionals and students.
- Surface Book 3: This high-end laptop-tablet hybrid offers incredible performance and a detachable screen, making it ideal for creative professionals and those who need a versatile device.
- Surface Studio 2: This all-in-one desktop computer offers a stunning display and powerful performance, making it perfect for creative professionals and those who need a powerful workstation.
Information You Need to Know
Q: Which device is better for students?
A: The Surface Go 3 is a more budget-friendly option and is perfect for note-taking, light productivity tasks, and browsing the web. However, if you need more power for demanding tasks like video editing or coding, the Surface Pro 7 might be a better choice.
Q: Which device is better for creative professionals?
A: The Surface Pro 7 offers a larger display, more powerful hardware, and a more responsive pen experience, making it a better choice for creative professionals.
Q: Can I use the Surface Pen with both devices?
A: Yes, both the Surface Go 3 and Surface Pro 7 support the Surface Pen.
Q: Which device has better battery life?
A: The Surface Pro 7 offers slightly longer battery life than the Surface Go 3.
Q: Which device is more portable?
A: The Surface Go 3 is significantly more portable than the Surface Pro 7 due to its smaller size and lighter weight.
