Surface showdown: Microsoft Surface Go vs Surface Pro: Which budget beast reigns supreme?
What To Know
- The Surface Go is available in a sleek magnesium alloy chassis, while the Surface comes in a premium aluminum casing.
- The Surface Go has a built-in microSD card slot for expandable storage, while the Surface offers a more versatile Type Cover keyboard with a built-in trackpad.
- The base model Surface Go with 64GB of storage and 4GB of RAM starts at around $399, while the Surface with 128GB of storage and 8GB of RAM starts at around $799.
The Microsoft Surface line of devices has gained immense popularity in recent years, offering a diverse range of options to meet varying needs. Two notable contenders within this lineup are the Surface Go and the Surface. While both share the Surface brand, they differ significantly in terms of size, performance, and features. This comprehensive comparison delves into the key differences between the Microsoft Surface Go and the Surface, helping you make an informed decision about which device is the right choice for you.
Size and Display
One of the most striking differences between the Surface Go and the Surface is their size. The Surface Go, as its name suggests, is a compact and portable device with a 10.5-inch PixelSense display. This makes it ideal for those who prioritize portability and don’t require a large screen. The Surface, on the other hand, boasts a larger 12.3-inch PixelSense display, offering more screen real estate for multitasking, browsing, and media consumption.
Performance
Performance is another crucial factor to consider when comparing the Surface Go and the Surface. The Surface Go is powered by an Intel Pentium Gold 4425Y processor, while the Surface is equipped with a more powerful Intel Core i5-8250U processor. This difference in processing power translates into noticeable performance gains for the Surface, making it better suited for demanding tasks such as video editing, gaming, and multitasking.
Storage and Memory
The Surface Go and the Surface offer different storage and memory configurations. The Surface Go comes with either 64GB or 128GB of eMMC storage and 4GB or 8GB of RAM. eMMC storage is slower than traditional SSD storage, which can affect loading times and overall performance. The Surface, however, offers faster SSD storage with options ranging from 128GB to 1TB. It also comes with 8GB or 16GB of RAM, providing ample memory for multitasking and running resource-intensive applications.
Battery Life
Battery life is an important consideration for portable devices. The Surface Go has a smaller battery capacity than the Surface, but its lower power consumption results in a comparable battery life. Both devices can typically last for around 8-10 hours of mixed usage on a single charge. However, the Surface’s larger battery capacity gives it an edge in terms of extended usage and endurance.
Connectivity and Ports
The Surface Go and the Surface offer a similar range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and USB-C. However, the Surface has an additional USB-A port, which provides greater compatibility with older peripherals and accessories. Both devices feature a Surface Connect port, which allows for charging and connecting to external displays and docking stations.
Design and Features
The Surface Go and the Surface have distinct designs. The Surface Go is available in a sleek magnesium alloy chassis, while the Surface comes in a premium aluminum casing. Both devices feature kickstands that allow for flexible usage angles. The Surface Go has a built-in microSD card slot for expandable storage, while the Surface offers a more versatile Type Cover keyboard with a built-in trackpad.
Price
The Microsoft Surface Go is typically priced lower than the Surface. The base model Surface Go with 64GB of storage and 4GB of RAM starts at around $399, while the Surface with 128GB of storage and 8GB of RAM starts at around $799. The price increases depending on the configuration and storage capacity.
Which Surface is Right for You?
The choice between the Microsoft Surface Go and the Surface ultimately depends on your individual needs and priorities. If you value portability, affordability, and a compact form factor, the Surface Go is an excellent choice. However, if you prioritize performance, a larger display, and premium features, the Surface is the better option.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q: Which Surface has a better display?
A: The Surface offers a larger 12.3-inch PixelSense display compared to the 10.5-inch display on the Surface Go.
Q: Which Surface is more powerful?
A: The Surface is equipped with a more powerful Intel Core i5-8250U processor, while the Surface Go has an Intel Pentium Gold 4425Y processor.
Q: Which Surface has longer battery life?
A: Both the Surface Go and the Surface offer comparable battery life of around 8-10 hours on a single charge.
Q: Which Surface is more portable?
A: The Surface Go is more portable due to its smaller size and lighter weight.
Q: Which Surface has more storage options?
A: The Surface offers a wider range of storage options, including SSD storage up to 1TB, while the Surface Go has eMMC storage options up to 128GB.
