Microsoft Surface 3 vs 5: A Comprehensive Comparison of Specs, Features, and Price
What To Know
- The Surface 3 offers a battery life of up to 10 hours, while the Surface 5 boasts a slightly longer battery life of up to 13.
- The Surface 3 and Surface 5 are compatible with a range of accessories, including the Surface Pen and Surface Keyboard.
- The Surface 3 is available for purchase at a starting price of around $400, while the Surface 5 starts at around $700.
The Microsoft Surface 3 and Surface 5 are two highly acclaimed 2-in-1 devices that offer a versatile blend of tablet and laptop functionality. However, with their distinct features and capabilities, choosing the right model for your needs can be a daunting task. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key differences between the Microsoft Surface 3 and Surface 5, empowering you to make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
The Surface 3 boasts a compact and lightweight design, weighing in at just 1.4 pounds. Its 10.8-inch display is surrounded by a magnesium alloy chassis, providing a sturdy and durable construction. The Surface 5, on the other hand, is slightly larger and heavier, weighing 1.7 pounds. It features a 12.3-inch display with a slimmer bezel, resulting in a more immersive viewing experience. Both devices offer a kickstand that allows for a range of viewing angles, making them suitable for both work and leisure.
Display
The Surface 3’s display offers a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, providing sharp and vibrant visuals. The Surface 5, however, outperforms its predecessor with a higher resolution of 2736 x 1824 pixels. This enhanced resolution results in an even more detailed and immersive viewing experience, particularly when watching videos or editing images.
Performance
The Surface 3 is powered by an Intel Atom x7 processor, which is adequate for basic tasks such as web browsing, email, and document creation. However, it may struggle with more demanding applications or multitasking. The Surface 5, on the other hand, features a more powerful Intel Core i5 processor, providing a significant performance boost. This makes it suitable for more intensive tasks such as video editing, graphic design, and gaming.
Storage and Memory
The Surface 3 offers storage options of 64GB or 128GB, while the Surface 5 is available with 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB of storage. Both devices support microSD card expansion, allowing you to expand your storage capacity as needed. In terms of memory, the Surface 3 comes with 2GB of RAM, while the Surface 5 offers 4GB or 8GB of RAM. The additional RAM on the Surface 5 provides smoother multitasking and faster performance.
Battery Life
The Surface 3 offers a battery life of up to 10 hours, while the Surface 5 boasts a slightly longer battery life of up to 13.5 hours. Both devices support fast charging, allowing you to quickly replenish their batteries when needed.
Connectivity
Both the Surface 3 and Surface 5 offer a range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and USB-C. The Surface 5, however, features an additional USB-A port, providing greater flexibility for connecting peripherals.
Accessories
The Surface 3 and Surface 5 are compatible with a range of accessories, including the Surface Pen and Surface Keyboard. The Surface Pen allows for precise input and note-taking, while the Surface Keyboard offers a comfortable typing experience.
Price
The Surface 3 is available for purchase at a starting price of around $400, while the Surface 5 starts at around $700. The higher price of the Surface 5 reflects its superior performance, larger display, and increased storage capacity.
Final Thoughts: The Ideal Choice for You
Ultimately, the best choice between the Microsoft Surface 3 and Surface 5 depends on your individual needs and budget. If you prioritize portability, affordability, and basic performance, the Surface 3 is a solid option. However, if you demand a larger display, enhanced performance, and ample storage, the Surface 5 is the superior choice.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
1. Which device offers a better viewing experience?
The Surface 5 boasts a higher resolution display, providing a more detailed and immersive viewing experience.
2. Which device is more suitable for demanding tasks?
The Surface 5, with its more powerful processor and increased RAM, is better equipped to handle intensive applications and multitasking.
3. Which device has a longer battery life?
The Surface 5 offers a slightly longer battery life of up to 13.5 hours compared to the Surface 3’s 10 hours.
4. Which device is more affordable?
The Surface 3 has a lower starting price than the Surface 5, making it a more budget-friendly option.
5. Which device is compatible with the Surface Pen?
Both the Surface 3 and Surface 5 are compatible with the Surface Pen, allowing for precise input and note-taking.
