Tablet Face-Off: Microsoft Surface Pro X vs Surface Go 3 – Unbiased Comparison for the Tech Savvy

The world of computing is constantly evolving, and Microsoft has been at the forefront of innovation with its Surface line of devices. The Surface Pro X and Surface Go 3 are two of the latest additions to this lineup, offering a unique blend of functionality and portability. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the key differences between the Microsoft Surface Pro X vs Go 3, helping you make an informed decision about which device is the right fit for your needs.

Design and Build

Surface Pro X: The Surface Pro X boasts a sleek and minimalist design with a magnesium alloy body. It features a 13-inch PixelSense display with a resolution of 2880 x 1920, offering vibrant colors and sharp details. The 2-in-1 form factor allows you to detach the keyboard and use the device as a tablet for drawing or note-taking.

Surface Go 3: The Surface Go 3 is a more compact and affordable option, featuring a 10.5-inch PixelSense display with a resolution of 1920 x 1280. It also has a magnesium alloy body, but the overall design is slightly more utilitarian compared to the Pro X. The Go 3 is primarily a tablet with an optional keyboard that attaches magnetically.

Performance and Hardware

Surface Pro X: The Surface Pro X is powered by a custom-designed Microsoft SQ1 or SQ2 processor based on ARM architecture. This processor is designed for low power consumption and fanless operation, making the device incredibly portable. However, it may not be as powerful as traditional Intel or AMD processors for demanding applications.

Surface Go 3: The Surface Go 3 is equipped with an Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y or Core i3-10100Y processor. These processors offer solid performance for basic tasks such as browsing the web, creating documents, and streaming videos. However, they may struggle with more intensive applications like video editing or gaming.

Operating System and Software

Surface Pro X: The Surface Pro X runs on Windows 11 with support for both x86 and ARM64 applications. This means you can run most Windows programs on the device, including legacy applications. However, some x86 applications may not be fully optimized for ARM architecture.

Surface Go 3: The Surface Go 3 also runs on Windows 11, but it is limited to x86 applications only. This means you may not be able to run certain ARM-based applications or games on the device.

Battery Life and Portability

Surface Pro X: The Surface Pro X offers impressive battery life of up to 15 hours on a single charge. Its thin and lightweight design makes it highly portable, weighing in at just 1.7 pounds.

Surface Go 3: The Surface Go 3 has a slightly shorter battery life of up to 11 hours. However, its smaller size and weight of 1.2 pounds make it even more portable than the Pro X.

Connectivity and Features

Surface Pro X: The Surface Pro X features a USB-C port, a Surface Connect port, and a microSD card slot. It also supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless connectivity.

Surface Go 3: The Surface Go 3 has a USB-C port, a microSD card slot, and a Surface Connect port. It also supports Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless connectivity.

Price and Value

Surface Pro X: The Surface Pro X starts at $999 for the base model with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. The Surface Pro X with LTE connectivity starts at $1,199.

Surface Go 3: The Surface Go 3 starts at $399 for the base model with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. The Surface Go 3 with LTE connectivity starts at $549.

Verdict: Which Device is Right for You?

The Microsoft Surface Pro X vs Go 3 comparison reveals two distinct devices tailored to different needs. The Surface Pro X is a premium 2-in-1 device with a larger display, more powerful processor, and longer battery life. It is ideal for professionals and creatives who demand performance and versatility.

The Surface Go 3 is a more budget-friendly option that excels in portability and affordability. It is a great choice for students, travelers, and anyone who needs a compact and capable device for basic computing tasks.

Ultimately, the best device for you depends on your specific requirements and budget. Consider the factors discussed in this guide to make an informed decision that aligns with your needs and preferences.

Common Questions and Answers

Q: Which device has a better display?
A: The Surface Pro X has a larger and higher-resolution display compared to the Surface Go 3.

Q: Which device is more powerful?
A: The Surface Pro X has a more powerful processor than the Surface Go 3.

Q: Which device has longer battery life?
A: The Surface Pro X has a slightly longer battery life than the Surface Go 3.

Q: Which device is more portable?
A: The Surface Go 3 is more portable due to its smaller size and weight.

Q: Which device is more affordable?
A: The Surface Go 3 is more affordable than the Surface Pro X.