Game Changer Revealed: Surface Pro vs Pro 3 – Which is the Superior Choice?

The Microsoft Surface Pro series has revolutionized the world of computing, offering a unique blend of tablet and laptop functionality. As technology advances, the Surface Pro line has seen significant upgrades, and the Surface Pro vs Pro 3 debate remains a topic of interest for anyone seeking the best device for their needs. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the key differences between the Surface Pro and Surface Pro 3, exploring their features, performance, and suitability for various use cases.

Design and Build: A Tale of Two Eras

The Surface Pro and Pro 3 differ significantly in their design and build. The Surface Pro, released in 2013, features a magnesium alloy body with a sleek and compact form factor. It weighs approximately 900 grams and measures 10.81 x 6.81 x 0.33 inches. The Surface Pro 3, introduced in 2014, offers a more refined design with a lighter magnesium alloy chassis. It weighs around 800 grams and boasts a slightly larger size of 11.5 x 7.93 x 0.36 inches.

Display: Size Matters

The Surface Pro and Pro 3 both feature vibrant and high-resolution displays, but they vary in size. The Surface Pro sports a 10.6-inch ClearType Full HD display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. The Surface Pro 3, on the other hand, boasts a larger 12-inch ClearType Full HD+ display with a resolution of 2160 x 1440 pixels. The higher resolution of the Surface Pro 3 results in a sharper and more immersive viewing experience.

Performance: A Race for Supremacy

Under the hood, the Surface Pro and Pro 3 exhibit significant performance differences. The Surface Pro is powered by an Intel Core i5-3317U processor with a base clock speed of 1.7 GHz and a maximum turbo boost speed of 2.6 GHz. It comes with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of SSD storage. The Surface Pro 3, however, offers a range of processor options, including the Intel Core i3-4020Y, i5-4300U, and i7-4650U. It also provides up to 8GB of RAM and up to 512GB of SSD storage. The Surface Pro 3’s more powerful processors and increased memory capacity result in noticeably better performance for demanding tasks.

Battery Life: Endurance on the Go

Battery life is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a mobile device. The Surface Pro offers a battery life of approximately 4-6 hours on a single charge. The Surface Pro 3, with its larger display and more powerful components, has a slightly reduced battery life of 4-5 hours.

Connectivity: Staying Connected

The Surface Pro and Pro 3 offer a range of connectivity options. Both devices feature Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, and a microSD card slot. The Surface Pro 3, however, adds an additional Mini DisplayPort for external display connectivity.

Accessories: Enhancing Functionality

The Surface Pro and Pro 3 are compatible with a variety of accessories that enhance their functionality. The Surface Pen, a digital stylus, allows for precise drawing, note-taking, and annotations. The Surface Type Cover, a keyboard/cover combination, provides a comfortable typing experience and protects the screen when not in use.

Verdict: Choosing the Right Device

The Surface Pro and Surface Pro 3 are both excellent devices, but their suitability depends on individual needs and preferences. The Surface Pro is a great option for those seeking a compact and affordable device for basic tasks and entertainment. The Surface Pro 3, with its larger display, more powerful performance, and additional connectivity options, is ideal for professionals and power users who require a versatile and capable device for demanding tasks.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which device has a better display?

The Surface Pro 3 has a larger and higher-resolution display than the Surface Pro, resulting in a sharper and more immersive viewing experience.

2. Which device is more powerful?

The Surface Pro 3 offers a range of more powerful processor options and increased memory capacity, providing significantly better performance for demanding tasks.

3. Which device has a longer battery life?

The Surface Pro has a slightly longer battery life than the Surface Pro 3, offering approximately 4-6 hours on a single charge compared to the Pro 3’s 4-5 hours.

4. Which device is more portable?

The Surface Pro is slightly more compact and lighter than the Surface Pro 3, making it more portable for everyday use.

5. Which device is better for students?

The Surface Pro is a great option for students seeking a versatile and affordable device for note-taking, presentations, and basic tasks.

6. Which device is better for professionals?

The Surface Pro 3 is ideal for professionals who require a powerful and capable device for demanding tasks, such as video editing, graphic design, and presentations.

7. Which device is better for gaming?

Neither the Surface Pro nor Pro 3 is optimized for gaming due to their integrated graphics chips. However, the Surface Pro 3’s more powerful processor may provide a slightly better gaming experience for less demanding titles.

8. Which device is better for drawing?

Both the Surface Pro and Pro 3 support the Surface Pen, making them excellent choices for drawing and note-taking. However, the larger display of the Surface Pro 3 offers more space for digital artwork.

9. Which device is more durable?

Both the Surface Pro and Pro 3 feature magnesium alloy bodies, providing good durability. However, the Surface Pro 3’s slightly larger size may make it more susceptible to accidental damage.

10. Which device is better for video conferencing?

The Surface Pro and Pro 3 both have front-facing cameras and microphones, making them suitable for video conferencing. However, the Surface Pro 3’s larger display may provide a more comfortable experience for extended video calls.