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Microsoft Surface 3 Vs. Microsoft Surface Go: Which Laptop Is The Best Value?

Quick summary

  • The Surface 3 has a maximum brightness of 400 nits, while the Surface Go has a maximum brightness of 350 nits.
  • The Surface 3 has a battery life of up to 10 hours, while the Surface Go has a battery life of up to 9 hours.
  • The Surface 3 is slightly more powerful and has a brighter display, while the Surface Go has a longer battery life and is slightly cheaper.

The Microsoft Surface 3 and Microsoft Surface Go are two of the most popular 2-in-1 devices on the market. They offer a great balance of portability, power, and affordability. But which one is right for you? In this blog post, we’ll compare the Surface 3 and Surface Go head-to-head to help you make a decision.

Design

The Surface 3 and Surface Go have similar designs. Both devices have a 10.8-inch display, a kickstand, and a detachable keyboard. However, there are some key differences between the two devices.

The Surface 3 is slightly larger and heavier than the Surface Go. It measures 10.5 inches wide, 6.9 inches tall, and 0.34 inches thick. It weighs 1.4 pounds. The Surface Go, on the other hand, measures 9.65 inches wide, 6.9 inches tall, and 0.33 inches thick. It weighs 1.15 pounds.

The Surface 3 also has a more traditional laptop design than the Surface Go. The Surface Go has a more tablet-like design with a slimmer bezel around the display.

Display

The Surface 3 and Surface Go both have 10.8-inch displays with a resolution of 1920×1280. However, there are some key differences between the two displays.

The Surface 3 has a 3:2 aspect ratio, while the Surface Go has a 16:9 aspect ratio. The 3:2 aspect ratio is better for productivity tasks, while the 16:9 aspect ratio is better for watching movies and videos.

The Surface 3 also has a slightly brighter display than the Surface Go. The Surface 3 has a maximum brightness of 400 nits, while the Surface Go has a maximum brightness of 350 nits.

Performance

The Surface 3 and Surface Go both offer a good balance of performance and affordability. However, the Surface 3 is slightly more powerful than the Surface Go.

The Surface 3 is powered by an Intel Atom x7-Z8700 processor, while the Surface Go is powered by an Intel Pentium Gold 4415Y processor. The Surface 3 also has more RAM than the Surface Go. The Surface 3 has 4GB of RAM, while the Surface Go has 8GB of RAM.

The Surface 3’s performance advantage is most noticeable in demanding tasks, such as video editing and gaming. However, the Surface Go is still powerful enough for most everyday tasks, such as browsing the web, checking email, and watching videos.

Battery Life

The Surface 3 and Surface Go both have good battery life. However, the Surface Go has a slightly longer battery life than the Surface 3.

The Surface 3 has a battery life of up to 10 hours, while the Surface Go has a battery life of up to 9 hours. However, the battery life of both devices will vary depending on how you use them.

Price

The Surface 3 and Surface Go are both affordable 2-in-1 devices. However, the Surface Go is slightly cheaper than the Surface 3.

The Surface 3 starts at $499, while the Surface Go starts at $399. However, the price of both devices will vary depending on the configuration you choose.

Which One Should You Choose?

The Surface 3 and Surface Go are both great 2-in-1 devices. However, the Surface 3 is slightly more powerful and has a brighter display. The Surface Go, on the other hand, is slightly cheaper and has a longer battery life.

Ultimately, the best way to decide which device is right for you is to consider your individual needs and budget. If you need a more powerful device for demanding tasks, the Surface 3 is a good choice. If you’re looking for a more affordable device with good battery life, the Surface Go is a good choice.

Questions You May Have

Q: What are the main differences between the Surface 3 and Surface Go?

A: The main differences between the Surface 3 and Surface Go are their performance, battery life, and price. The Surface 3 is slightly more powerful and has a brighter display, while the Surface Go has a longer battery life and is slightly cheaper.

Q: Which device is right for me?

A: The best way to decide which device is right for you is to consider your individual needs and budget. If you need a more powerful device for demanding tasks, the Surface 3 is a good choice. If you’re looking for a more affordable device with good battery life, the Surface Go is a good choice.

Q: What are the pros and cons of the Surface 3?

A: The pros of the Surface 3 include its powerful performance, bright display, and durable design. The cons of the Surface 3 include its heavy weight and short battery life.

Q: What are the pros and cons of the Surface Go?

A: The pros of the Surface Go include its affordable price, long battery life, and lightweight design. The cons of the Surface Go include its lower performance and dimmer display.

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About the Author
My name is Michael, and I am passionate about all things laptops. With years of experience as a technology journalist and reviewer, I have an in-depth understanding of the latest and greatest laptops on the market.