What To Know
- In this comprehensive comparison, we will pit the Surface Pro 3 against its successor, the Surface Pro 7, to determine which device reigns supreme in the realm of hybrid computing.
- The Surface Pro 3 is compatible with the Surface Pro Type Cover and the Surface Pen.
- The Surface Pro 3 remains a capable device for basic computing and content consumption, while the Surface Pro 7 excels in performance, display quality, and battery life.
The Microsoft Surface Pro series has consistently been a benchmark for 2-in-1 laptops, offering a seamless blend of tablet and laptop functionality. In this comprehensive comparison, we will pit the Surface Pro 3 against its successor, the Surface Pro 7, to determine which device reigns supreme in the realm of hybrid computing.
Design and Build Quality:
Surface Pro 3: The Surface Pro 3 boasts a sleek and elegant design with a magnesium alloy body. Its kickstand provides stability and versatility for various usage scenarios.
Surface Pro 7: The Surface Pro 7 retains the signature design of its predecessor but introduces a refined magnesium alloy chassis. It is slightly thinner and lighter, contributing to enhanced portability.
Display:
Surface Pro 3: The Surface Pro 3 features a 12-inch ClearType Full HD display with a 3:2 aspect ratio. It offers vibrant colors and sharp images, ideal for content consumption and productivity tasks.
Surface Pro 7: The Surface Pro 7 upgrades to a 12.3-inch PixelSense display with the same 3:2 aspect ratio. It supports higher resolutions and improved color accuracy, delivering an immersive viewing experience.
Processor and Performance:
Surface Pro 3: The Surface Pro 3 is powered by Intel Core i3, i5, or i7 processors of the fourth generation. Its performance is adequate for everyday tasks but may struggle with demanding applications.
Surface Pro 7: The Surface Pro 7 utilizes the latest Intel Core i3, i5, or i7 processors of the tenth generation. This significant upgrade provides a substantial performance boost, enabling smooth multitasking and handling heavy workloads.
Storage and Memory:
Surface Pro 3: The Surface Pro 3 offers storage options ranging from 64GB to 512GB SSD. Its memory capacity varies from 4GB to 8GB of LPDDR3 RAM.
Surface Pro 7: The Surface Pro 7 provides more generous storage capacities of 128GB to 1TB SSD. It also features faster LPDDR4X RAM with options of 8GB or 16GB, ensuring smoother app loading and multitasking.
Battery Life:
Surface Pro 3: The Surface Pro 3 has a battery life of approximately 6-9 hours, depending on usage patterns.
Surface Pro 7: The Surface Pro 7 boasts an improved battery life of up to 10.5 hours, offering extended usage time for productivity and entertainment.
Connectivity and Ports:
Surface Pro 3: The Surface Pro 3 includes a USB 3.0 port, a mini DisplayPort, and a microSD card reader. It also supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.
Surface Pro 7: The Surface Pro 7 expands connectivity options with a USB-C port, a USB 3.0 port, a Surface Connect port, and a microSD card reader. It also supports faster Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards.
Accessories and Compatibility:
Surface Pro 3: The Surface Pro 3 is compatible with the Surface Pro Type Cover and the Surface Pen. These accessories enhance productivity and versatility.
Surface Pro 7: The Surface Pro 7 maintains compatibility with the Surface Pro Type Cover and the Surface Pen. Additionally, it supports the Surface Dial, offering a unique input method for creative applications.
Which One to Choose?
The choice between the Surface Pro 3 and the Surface Pro 7 depends on individual needs and preferences. The Surface Pro 3 remains a capable device for basic computing and content consumption, while the Surface Pro 7 excels in performance, display quality, and battery life.
The Verdict:
After a comprehensive analysis, the Surface Pro 7 emerges as the undisputed winner in this comparison. Its superior performance, improved display, extended battery life, and enhanced connectivity options make it the ideal choice for demanding users who seek a versatile and powerful 2-in-1 laptop.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q: Is the Surface Pro 3 still worth buying in 2023?
A: The Surface Pro 3 is still a viable option for those seeking a budget-friendly 2-in-1 laptop. However, its performance and battery life fall short of the Surface Pro 7.
Q: Which device has a better display for creative work?
A: The Surface Pro 7’s PixelSense display with higher resolution and improved color accuracy is better suited for creative tasks like photo editing and graphic design.
Q: Can the Surface Pro 3 run demanding software like Adobe Photoshop?
A: The Surface Pro 3 may struggle with heavy software like Adobe Photoshop due to its limited processing power and memory. The Surface Pro 7 is a better choice for such demanding applications.
