Microsoft’s Budget Laptop Duel: Surface Laptop Go 3 vs Go 2 – Which One Reigns Supreme?
What To Know
- With the release of the Surface Laptop Go 3, it’s time to delve into a comprehensive comparison with its predecessor, the Surface Laptop Go 2.
- The Go 2 has a similar set of ports, including a USB-C port, a USB-A port, a 3.
- The Go 3 offers a performance boost and a longer battery life, while the Go 2 remains a more affordable option.
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go series has established itself as a popular choice for users seeking a balance between portability and performance. With the release of the Surface Laptop Go 3, it’s time to delve into a comprehensive comparison with its predecessor, the Surface Laptop Go 2. This in-depth analysis will explore the key differences between these two devices, helping you make an informed decision about which one best meets your needs.
Design and Build
Surface Laptop Go 3: The Go 3 retains the sleek and compact design of its predecessor, featuring a 12.4-inch PixelSense display. It boasts a lightweight aluminum chassis, weighing in at a mere 1.13kg, making it incredibly portable.
Surface Laptop Go 2: With a similar design, the Go 2 also sports a 12.4-inch PixelSense display. However, it weighs slightly more at 1.15kg. Both devices come in a range of vibrant color options.
Display
Surface Laptop Go 3: The Go 3 features a 12.4-inch PixelSense display with a resolution of 1536 x 1024 pixels. It offers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and wide viewing angles.
Surface Laptop Go 2: The Go 2 also has a 12.4-inch PixelSense display with a resolution of 1536 x 1024 pixels. The display quality is comparable to the Go 3, providing an immersive viewing experience.
Performance
Surface Laptop Go 3: The Go 3 is powered by Intel’s 11th-generation Core i5 or i7 processors. These processors offer a significant performance boost over the Go 2, delivering faster processing speeds and improved multitasking capabilities.
Surface Laptop Go 2: The Go 2 features 10th-generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processors. While still capable, these processors are not as powerful as their 11th-generation counterparts in the Go 3.
Memory and Storage
Surface Laptop Go 3: The Go 3 comes with 4GB or 8GB of LPDDR4x RAM and 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB of SSD storage. The RAM capacity is non-upgradeable, but the storage can be expanded via a microSD card.
Surface Laptop Go 2: The Go 2 offers 4GB or 8GB of LPDDR4x RAM and 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB of SSD storage. Similar to the Go 3, the RAM is non-upgradeable, and storage can be expanded with a microSD card.
Battery Life
Surface Laptop Go 3: Microsoft claims the Go 3 can last up to 13.5 hours on a single charge. In real-world usage, you can expect around 8-10 hours of battery life, depending on your usage patterns.
Surface Laptop Go 2: The Go 2 offers a slightly shorter battery life, with Microsoft estimating up to 12.5 hours on a single charge. In practice, you can expect around 7-9 hours of battery life.
Connectivity
Surface Laptop Go 3: The Go 3 includes a USB-C port, a USB-A port, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a Surface Connect port. It supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1 for wireless connectivity.
Surface Laptop Go 2: The Go 2 has a similar set of ports, including a USB-C port, a USB-A port, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a Surface Connect port. It also supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0.
Price
Surface Laptop Go 3: The Surface Laptop Go 3 starts at $599 for the base model with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. The top-of-the-line model with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage costs $899.
Surface Laptop Go 2: The Surface Laptop Go 2 starts at $549 for the base model with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. The top-of-the-line model with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage costs $849.
Which One Should You Choose?
The choice between the Surface Laptop Go 3 and the Surface Laptop Go 2 depends on your specific needs and budget. If you prioritize performance, the Go 3 is the better option with its 11th-generation Intel processors. If you’re on a tighter budget, the Go 2 still offers a solid experience with its 10th-generation processors.
Final Reflections
Both the Surface Laptop Go 3 and the Surface Laptop Go 2 are excellent choices for users seeking a portable and versatile device. The Go 3 offers a performance boost and a longer battery life, while the Go 2 remains a more affordable option. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual requirements and preferences.
Top Questions Asked
1. Which device has a better display?
Both devices have comparable 12.4-inch PixelSense displays with excellent color accuracy and wide viewing angles.
2. Can I upgrade the RAM on either device?
No, the RAM on both devices is non-upgradeable.
3. Which device is more durable?
Both devices feature durable aluminum chassis, making them suitable for everyday use.
4. Can I use a stylus with either device?
Yes, both devices support the Surface Pen for note-taking, sketching, and annotations.
5. Which device has better speakers?
The Surface Laptop Go 3 has slightly improved speakers compared to the Go 2, offering a more immersive audio experience.