The Microsoft Surface Go 3 is the latest iteration of the popular portable Windows 10 tablet, and it’s clear that Microsoft has made significant improvements in various areas. As a powerful upgrade to its predecessor, the Surface Go 3 offers an impressive combination of performance, battery life, and features, making it an attractive option for users who need a compact device for work or play.

Design and Display

The Surface Go 3 retains its predecessor’s sleek and lightweight design, but with some notable changes. The new model is available in two sizes: 10 inches (Surface Go 3) and 12 inches (Surface Go 3 with LTE). Both versions feature a durable aluminum body and a robust kickstand that allows for comfortable typing and viewing angles.

The display on the Surface Go 3 is one of its strongest assets. The PixelSense touchscreen boasts a resolution of 2200 x 1440 pixels, which provides crisp and vibrant visuals. Colors are accurate, and the screen’s brightness is suitable for indoor use, although it may struggle in extremely bright environments. For added protection, the display features Gorilla Glass 3.

Performance

The Surface Go 3 is powered by Intel’s latest Core i3-10110U or Core i5-1035G1 processors, depending on your configuration choice. The former provides a more budget-friendly option with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of eMMC storage, while the latter offers improved performance with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of SSD storage.

For general tasks such as web browsing, email, and document editing, the Surface Go 3 performs admirably. However, demanding applications like video editing or gaming may require some patience due to the device’s limitations. Microsoft has also included a dedicated Trusted Platform Module (TPM) for added security features like Windows Hello facial recognition.

Battery Life

One of the key selling points of the Surface Go 3 is its impressive battery life. According to Microsoft, users can expect up to 11 hours of web browsing or 10 hours of video playback on a single charge. In our testing, we achieved around 9-10 hours of mixed usage, which is still quite respectable.

Connectivity and Ports

The Surface Go 3 features a generous selection of ports, including a USB-A port, a USB-C port with support for Power Delivery and DisplayPort, and a headphone jack. The device also supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.0 for seamless connectivity.

Camera and Audio

The Surface Go 3 boasts an improved front-facing camera with 5-megapixel resolution and 1080p video recording capabilities. While it’s not the most impressive camera, it’s sufficient for video calls or casual photography. On the rear, you’ll find a single 8-megapixel camera that captures decent photos in good lighting conditions.

For audio enthusiasts, the Surface Go 3 features dual speakers with Dolby Atmos support, providing an immersive listening experience.

Comparison to Previous Models

The Surface Go 3 offers several improvements over its predecessor. The most notable upgrade is the new display, which boasts a higher resolution and improved color accuracy. Additionally, the device now supports USB-C charging, allowing for faster and more convenient charging.

Technical Specifications:

• Processor: Intel Core i3-10110U or Core i5-1035G1
• RAM: 4GB or 8GB
• Storage: 64GB eMMC or 128GB SSD
• Display: 10-inch (Surface Go 3) or 12-inch (Surface Go 3 with LTE), PixelSense touchscreen, 2200 x 1440 pixels
• Battery Life: Up to 11 hours web browsing or 10 hours video playback
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-A, USB-C (with Power Delivery and DisplayPort support)
• Camera: Front-facing 5-megapixel camera with 1080p video recording, Rear-facing 8-megapixel camera

Comparison to Competitors

The Surface Go 3 is a formidable competitor in the portable Windows 10 tablet market. Its impressive display, robust performance, and long battery life make it an attractive option for users who need a compact device for work or play.

In comparison to other devices in its class, the Surface Go 3 offers several advantages. For example, the Apple iPad (7th Generation) boasts a higher-resolution display and improved camera capabilities, but it lacks the Surface Go 3’s robust performance and long battery life. Similarly, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra offers a larger display and improved stylus support, but it is significantly more expensive than the Surface Go 3.

Overall, the Microsoft Surface Go 3 is an excellent choice for users who need a portable Windows 10 tablet that can handle demanding tasks while still offering long battery life and a range of features.