Main points
- The Surface Pro 2 and Surface Pro 3 offer different hardware configurations, with the Surface Pro 3 being the more powerful device.
- The Surface Pro 2 is powered by Intel Core i5 or i7 processors of the fourth generation (Haswell), while the Surface Pro 3 is powered by Intel Core i3, i5, or i7 processors of the fifth generation (Broadwell).
- The Surface Pro 2 and Surface Pro 3 are both compatible with the Surface Pen, which allows users to write, draw, and navigate the devices with precision.
The Microsoft Surface Pro 2 and Surface Pro 3 are two highly acclaimed 2-in-1 devices that have revolutionized the way we work and play. With their sleek designs, versatile functionality, and powerful performance, these devices have become popular choices for professionals, students, and creative individuals alike. However, when it comes to choosing between the Surface Pro 2 and Surface Pro 3, it is essential to understand their key differences to make an informed decision. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the specifications, features, and performance of both devices to help you determine which one is the best fit for your needs.
Design and Display
The Surface Pro 2 and Surface Pro 3 share a similar design philosophy, featuring magnesium alloy bodies and kickstands that allow them to be used in various modes. However, there are subtle differences in their dimensions and weight. The Surface Pro 2 is slightly larger and heavier, measuring 10.81 x 6.81 x 0.53 inches and weighing 2.4 pounds. The Surface Pro 3 is more compact and lightweight, measuring 11.5 x 7.93 x 0.36 inches and weighing 1.76 pounds.
Both devices feature high-resolution displays, but the Surface Pro 3 has a slightly larger and sharper screen. The Surface Pro 2 has a 10.6-inch ClearType Full HD Plus display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. The Surface Pro 3 has a 12-inch ClearType Full HD Plus display with a resolution of 2160 x 1440 pixels. The Surface Pro 3’s display also offers a wider color gamut and better viewing angles.
Performance and Hardware
The Surface Pro 2 and Surface Pro 3 offer different hardware configurations, with the Surface Pro 3 being the more powerful device. The Surface Pro 2 is powered by Intel Core i5 or i7 processors of the fourth generation (Haswell), while the Surface Pro 3 is powered by Intel Core i3, i5, or i7 processors of the fifth generation (Broadwell). The Surface Pro 3 also offers more RAM and storage options, with up to 8GB of RAM and 512GB of solid-state storage (SSD).
In terms of graphics performance, the Surface Pro 2 has an integrated Intel HD Graphics 4400 GPU, while the Surface Pro 3 has an integrated Intel HD Graphics 5000 GPU. The Surface Pro 3’s GPU offers slightly better performance for gaming and graphics-intensive applications.
Battery Life
Battery life is an important consideration for any portable device. The Surface Pro 2 has a 42-watt-hour battery, while the Surface Pro 3 has a 42-watt-hour battery. The Surface Pro 3 offers slightly better battery life than the Surface Pro 2, with up to 9 hours of video playback. However, battery life can vary depending on usage patterns and settings.
Ports and Connectivity
The Surface Pro 2 and Surface Pro 3 have similar ports and connectivity options. Both devices have a USB 3.0 port, a Mini DisplayPort, a microSD card slot, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. The Surface Pro 3 also has a Surface Connect port, which can be used for charging, data transfer, and connecting to external displays and peripherals.
Stylus and Accessories
The Surface Pro 2 and Surface Pro 3 are both compatible with the Surface Pen, which allows users to write, draw, and navigate the devices with precision. The Surface Pen has been improved in the Surface Pro 3, with better pressure sensitivity and palm rejection.
Both devices also have a variety of accessories available, such as keyboards, covers, and docking stations. The Surface Pro 3 has a dedicated keyboard cover, the Type Cover 3, which offers a more comfortable typing experience than the Surface Pro 2’s Type Cover 2.
Software and Operating System
The Surface Pro 2 and Surface Pro 3 both come pre-installed with Windows 8.1 Pro. The Surface Pro 3 can be upgraded to Windows 10 Pro, while the Surface Pro 2 can only be upgraded to Windows 10 Home. Windows 10 offers a number of new features and improvements, such as the Cortana digital assistant, the Edge browser, and the Continuum mode.
Which Device is Right for You?
The Surface Pro 2 and Surface Pro 3 are both excellent 2-in-1 devices, but they have different strengths and weaknesses. The Surface Pro 2 is a more affordable option, while the Surface Pro 3 offers better performance, a larger and sharper display, and longer battery life.
If you are looking for a powerful and versatile 2-in-1 device that can handle demanding tasks, the Surface Pro 3 is the better choice. However, if you are on a budget or prefer a more compact and lightweight device, the Surface Pro 2 is still a great option.
The Verdict: Surface Pro 3 Emerges as the Victor
After carefully comparing the Surface Pro 2 and Surface Pro 3, it is clear that the Surface Pro 3 is the superior device. It offers better performance, a larger and sharper display, longer battery life, and more advanced features. While the Surface Pro 2 is a more affordable option, it is worth investing in the Surface Pro 3 if you want the best possible 2-in-1 experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which device has a better processor?
A: The Surface Pro 3 has a more powerful processor than the Surface Pro 2.
Q: Which device has a larger display?
A: The Surface Pro 3 has a larger display than the Surface Pro 2.
Q: Which device has better battery life?
A: The Surface Pro 3 has slightly better battery life than the Surface Pro 2.
Q: Which device is more portable?
A: The Surface Pro 3 is more portable than the Surface Pro 2.
Q: Which device is more affordable?
A: The Surface Pro 2 is more affordable than the Surface Pro 3.