What To Know
- The Surface Pro 3, while offering a respectable battery life, falls short of the Surface Go, lasting for around 7 hours on a single charge.
- The Type Cover keyboard for the Surface Go is compact and comfortable, while the Surface Pro 3’s keyboard offers a more spacious typing experience.
- However, if you require a more powerful device with a larger display, a better keyboard, and enhanced productivity features, the Surface Pro 3 is the way to go.
Choosing the perfect Microsoft Surface device can be a daunting task, especially when faced with the popular Surface Go and Surface Pro 3. Both offer sleek designs and powerful performance, but cater to different needs and budgets. This comprehensive guide will delve into the key differences between the Microsoft Surface Go and Surface Pro 3, helping you determine which one aligns best with your requirements.
Design and Portability: A Tale of Two Sizes
The Microsoft Surface Go and Surface Pro 3 stand apart in terms of design and portability. The Surface Go boasts a compact 10-inch display, making it incredibly lightweight and easy to carry around. Its smaller footprint makes it ideal for students, travelers, and those who prioritize portability above all else.
On the other hand, the Surface Pro 3 features a larger 12-inch display, offering a more immersive viewing experience. It’s still relatively portable, but its larger size and weight might be a concern for those who constantly travel.
Performance: Powering Through Your Tasks
The performance difference between the Surface Go and Surface Pro 3 is significant. The Surface Pro 3, equipped with Intel Core i3, i5, or i7 processors, delivers a superior performance, making it suitable for demanding tasks like video editing, multitasking, and gaming.
The Surface Go, powered by Intel Pentium or Core m3 processors, offers a more modest performance, making it ideal for basic tasks like browsing, document editing, and light productivity.
Display: Immersive Visuals or Compact Convenience
The display size and resolution play a crucial role in your overall experience. The Surface Go’s 10-inch display, while compact, offers a 1800 x 1200 resolution, providing sharp and vibrant visuals. It’s perfect for browsing, reading, and basic tasks.
The Surface Pro 3 boasts a larger 12-inch display with a 2160 x 1440 resolution, delivering a truly immersive viewing experience. This makes it ideal for creative tasks, multimedia consumption, and productivity applications.
Battery Life: Staying Productive on the Go
Both devices offer decent battery life, but the Surface Go edges out the Surface Pro 3 in this area. The Surface Go can last for up to 9 hours on a single charge, making it perfect for all-day use.
The Surface Pro 3, while offering a respectable battery life, falls short of the Surface Go, lasting for around 7 hours on a single charge.
Connectivity: Staying Connected Wherever You Go
Both the Surface Go and Surface Pro 3 offer a range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and USB ports. However, the Surface Pro 3 includes a microSD card slot, providing additional storage options.
Keyboard and Stylus: Enhancing Productivity and Creativity
The Surface Go and Surface Pro 3 both support optional keyboards and styluses, enhancing productivity and creativity. The Type Cover keyboard for the Surface Go is compact and comfortable, while the Surface Pro 3’s keyboard offers a more spacious typing experience.
Both devices offer compatible Surface Pens, allowing for precise drawing, note-taking, and annotation.
Price: Finding the Right Fit for Your Budget
The Surface Go is significantly more affordable than the Surface Pro 3. Its lower price point makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious users. However, the Surface Pro 3, while more expensive, offers better performance and a larger display, justifying its higher price tag.
Choosing the Right Surface: A Final Verdict
The decision between the Microsoft Surface Go and Surface Pro 3 ultimately depends on your individual needs and budget. If you prioritize portability, affordability, and basic productivity, the Surface Go is the ideal choice.
However, if you require a more powerful device with a larger display, a better keyboard, and enhanced productivity features, the Surface Pro 3 is the way to go.
Beyond the Surface: Alternatives to Consider
While the Surface Go and Surface Pro 3 offer excellent features, it’s always worth exploring alternatives. Consider these options:
- iPad Pro: Apple’s iPad Pro provides a powerful tablet experience with a beautiful display, a versatile ecosystem, and support for the Apple Pencil.
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S8: Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S8 offers a compelling Android tablet experience with a stunning display, powerful performance, and a versatile S Pen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can the Surface Go run demanding software like video editing applications?
A: The Surface Go is not recommended for demanding software like video editing applications. Its modest processor might struggle to handle complex tasks.
Q: Is the Surface Pro 3 still a good choice in 2023?
A: The Surface Pro 3 is an older model and might not be as powerful as newer Surface devices. However, it can still be a solid choice for basic tasks and productivity.
Q: What are the key differences between the Surface Go and the Surface Pro 3?
A: The Surface Go is smaller, more portable, and more affordable. The Surface Pro 3 offers better performance, a larger display, and a more premium experience.
Q: Which Surface is best for students?
A: The Surface Go is a great choice for students due to its portability, affordability, and long battery life. However, the Surface Pro 3 might be a better option for students who need more power for demanding tasks.
Q: Can I upgrade the storage on the Surface Go or Surface Pro 3?
A: The Surface Go and Surface Pro 3 offer limited storage options. You can expand storage on the Surface Pro 3 with a microSD card, but the Surface Go does not offer this option.
