Microsoft Surface Go vs Go 3: The Definitive Comparison for Students, Professionals, and Everyone in Between
What To Know
- The Surface Go has a battery life of up to 9 hours, while the Go 3 has a battery life of up to 11 hours.
- The Surface Go and Go 3 are compatible with a range of accessories, including the Surface Pen, Surface Type Cover, and Surface Mobile Mouse.
- The Go 3 is a more expensive device, but it offers a number of improvements over the Go, including a faster processor, brighter display, longer battery life, and additional ports.
The Microsoft Surface Go and its successor, the Surface Go 3, are popular 2-in-1 devices that offer a blend of portability, versatility, and affordability. But which one is the better choice for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll pit the Surface Go vs. Go 3 to determine their respective strengths and weaknesses.
Design and Build Quality
Both the Surface Go and Go 3 feature a sleek and lightweight design, with a magnesium alloy chassis that feels sturdy and durable. The Go 3 is slightly thinner and lighter than its predecessor, making it even more portable. Both devices come in Platinum, but the Go 3 also offers a new Sage color option.
Display
The Surface Go and Go 3 both have 10.5-inch PixelSense displays with a resolution of 1920 x 1280. The Go 3’s display is slightly brighter than the Go’s, offering improved visibility in outdoor conditions. Both displays support multi-touch and the Surface Pen.
Performance
The Surface Go is powered by an Intel Pentium Gold 4415Y processor, while the Go 3 comes with an Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y processor. The Go 3’s processor is significantly faster than the Go’s, providing a noticeable performance boost. Both devices come with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, but the Go 3 can be configured with up to 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage.
Battery Life
The Surface Go has a battery life of up to 9 hours, while the Go 3 has a battery life of up to 11 hours. The Go 3’s longer battery life is a significant advantage, especially for users who need their device to last all day.
Ports and Connectivity
The Surface Go and Go 3 both have a USB-C port, a headphone jack, and a microSD card slot. The Go 3 additionally has a Surface Connect port, which allows you to connect to external displays and other accessories.
Operating System
Both the Surface Go and Go 3 run Windows 11 Home in S mode. S mode is a more secure and streamlined version of Windows that limits users to installing apps from the Microsoft Store. However, you can switch out of S mode if you need to install apps from other sources.
Accessories
The Surface Go and Go 3 are compatible with a range of accessories, including the Surface Pen, Surface Type Cover, and Surface Mobile Mouse. These accessories can enhance the functionality and versatility of your device.
Price
The Surface Go starts at $399, while the Go 3 starts at $499. The Go 3 is a more expensive device, but it offers a number of improvements over the Go, including a faster processor, brighter display, longer battery life, and additional ports.
Which One Should You Choose?
The Surface Go is a great choice for users who are looking for a budget-friendly 2-in-1 device for basic tasks like web browsing, email, and word processing. The Surface Go 3 is a better choice for users who need a more powerful device for multitasking, media consumption, or light gaming.
Final Note: The Best Microsoft Surface Go for Your Needs
Whether you choose the Surface Go or Go 3 depends on your individual needs and budget. If you’re looking for an affordable 2-in-1 device for basic tasks, the Surface Go is a great option. If you need a more powerful device with a brighter display, longer battery life, and additional ports, the Surface Go 3 is the better choice.
Information You Need to Know
Q: Which Surface Go has the best performance?
A: The Surface Go 3 has a significantly faster processor than the Surface Go, providing a noticeable performance boost.
Q: Which Surface Go has the longest battery life?
A: The Surface Go 3 has a battery life of up to 11 hours, which is two hours longer than the Surface Go.
Q: Which Surface Go has the most ports?
A: The Surface Go 3 has a Surface Connect port in addition to the USB-C port, headphone jack, and microSD card slot found on both devices.
Q: Which Surface Go is the most affordable?
A: The Surface Go starts at $399, which is $100 less than the Surface Go 3.
Q: Which Surface Go is the best for students?
A: The Surface Go is a more affordable option for students, while the Surface Go 3 offers better performance and battery life.
