What To Know
- The display is a crucial aspect of any tablet experience, and the Surface Pro X and Go 2 offer distinct options.
- The Surface Go 2, while slightly thicker and heavier, offers a more traditional design with a wider selection of ports and a larger battery.
- The Surface Go 2 also supports the Signature Keyboard and Surface Pen, but its keyboard is slightly smaller and the Surface Pen lacks the advanced features of the Slim Pen.
Choosing the right tablet can be a daunting task, especially when you’re considering two popular options like the Microsoft Surface Pro X and the Surface Go 2. Both devices offer a blend of portability and productivity, but their strengths and weaknesses differ significantly. This detailed comparison will help you understand the key differences between the Microsoft Surface Pro X vs Go 2, enabling you to make an informed decision based on your specific needs and budget.
Performance and Processor: A Tale of Two Chips
The Microsoft Surface Pro X and the Surface Go 2 offer distinct performance profiles, primarily driven by their different processors. The Surface Pro X is powered by the Microsoft SQ1 or SQ2 chip, custom-designed by Microsoft in collaboration with Qualcomm. This chip delivers impressive performance for everyday tasks, web browsing, and light productivity. However, it falls short when it comes to demanding applications like video editing or gaming.
The Surface Go 2, on the other hand, utilizes Intel’s 10th-generation Core processors, known for their reliability and performance in a wider range of applications. While not as powerful as the SQ1 or SQ2, the Intel processors in the Surface Go 2 handle most tasks smoothly, including light video editing and casual gaming.
Display: A Matter of Size and Resolution
The display is a crucial aspect of any tablet experience, and the Surface Pro X and Go 2 offer distinct options. The Surface Pro X features a 13-inch PixelSense display with a resolution of 2880 x 1920, delivering vibrant colors and sharp details. The larger display makes it ideal for multitasking and consuming multimedia content.
The Surface Go 2, while smaller at 10.5 inches, still boasts a PixelSense display with a resolution of 1920 x 1280. This smaller screen offers a more compact and portable experience, making it perfect for on-the-go use.
Design and Portability: Two Different Approaches
Both the Surface Pro X and Go 2 prioritize portability, but their design choices reflect different approaches. The Surface Pro X boasts a sleek and ultra-thin design, making it incredibly lightweight and easy to carry around. Its slim profile, however, comes at the cost of limited ports and a smaller battery capacity.
The Surface Go 2, while slightly thicker and heavier, offers a more traditional design with a wider selection of ports and a larger battery. This makes it more versatile for users who need to connect various peripherals or enjoy longer usage times.
Keyboard and Stylus: Enhancing Productivity
Both the Surface Pro X and Go 2 offer optional keyboards and styluses to enhance productivity. The Surface Pro X’s Signature Keyboard is known for its comfortable typing experience and a large trackpad. The Surface Slim Pen, designed specifically for the Pro X, offers excellent pressure sensitivity and tilt recognition.
The Surface Go 2 also supports the Signature Keyboard and Surface Pen, but its keyboard is slightly smaller and the Surface Pen lacks the advanced features of the Slim Pen.
Storage and Connectivity: Meeting Your Needs
Both the Surface Pro X and Go 2 offer a range of storage options to suit different needs. The Surface Pro X starts at 128GB and goes up to 1TB of SSD storage, while the Surface Go 2 offers options from 64GB to 128GB.
Connectivity-wise, both devices support Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0. The Surface Pro X also includes optional LTE connectivity for mobile internet access.
Battery Life: A Key Consideration
Battery life is a crucial factor for any tablet, and both the Surface Pro X and Go 2 offer decent performance. The Surface Pro X boasts an impressive battery life of up to 13 hours, while the Surface Go 2 delivers up to 10 hours of battery life. However, actual battery life may vary depending on usage patterns and brightness settings.
Choosing the Right Device: Weighing the Pros and Cons
The decision between the Microsoft Surface Pro X and the Surface Go 2 ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:
Microsoft Surface Pro X:
- Pros: Sleek and lightweight design, powerful SQ1/SQ2 processor, stunning 13-inch display, excellent keyboard and Slim Pen, long battery life, optional LTE connectivity.
- Cons: Limited port selection, higher price, compatibility issues with certain software due to ARM architecture.
Microsoft Surface Go 2:
- Pros: More affordable, wider selection of ports, larger battery, better compatibility with traditional software, reliable Intel processor, optional keyboard and Surface Pen.
- Cons: Smaller display, less powerful processor, less advanced stylus features, shorter battery life.
Beyond the Comparison: The Final Verdict
Choosing between the Microsoft Surface Pro X and the Surface Go 2 is a matter of balancing your priorities. If you prioritize portability, a high-resolution display, and a powerful processor, the Surface Pro X is a compelling choice. However, if you value affordability, a wider range of ports, and a more traditional design, the Surface Go 2 might be a better fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which device is better for students?
A: Both the Surface Pro X and Go 2 are suitable for students, but the Surface Go 2 might be a better choice due to its affordability and wider compatibility with educational software.
Q: Which device is better for professionals?
A: The Surface Pro X offers a more powerful processor and a larger display, making it ideal for professionals who require demanding applications and multitasking capabilities. However, the Surface Go 2 could be a suitable option for professionals who prioritize portability and budget.
Q: Which device is better for creative professionals?
A: The Surface Pro X’s Slim Pen and high-resolution display make it a great choice for creative professionals who need precise input and stunning visuals. However, the Surface Go 2’s lower price and optional Surface Pen could be a more affordable option for creative tasks.
Q: Is the Surface Pro X compatible with all Windows apps?
A: The Surface Pro X runs on an ARM-based processor, which means it’s not compatible with all Windows apps. However, Microsoft is constantly expanding the compatibility list, and many popular apps are already supported.
Q: Which device has a better camera?
A: The Surface Pro X features a slightly better front-facing camera than the Surface Go 2, making it more suitable for video calls and online meetings.
