Surface Go 3 specs: Will new Intel processors be the difference maker?
At the recent Microsoft Surface 2021 event, Microsoft unveiled the Surface Go 3, the third iteration of the ultra-portable tablet that has been shaking up the industry ever since the original was released in 2018. Thanks to its tiny 10-inch size and low price tag, the Surface Go line has been hugely beneficial for students, budget buyers, and people who need a device that’s extremely easy to carry.
Something that a lot of people don’t like about the Surface Go and Surface Go 2, however, is how limited its performance capabilities are. The Intel Pentium Gold 4415Y and 4425Y processors that the base models of previous Surface Go devices shipped with just weren’t powerful enough to provide an ideal user experience. The Surface Go 2’s optional Intel Core m3-8100Y helped, but the device’s performance still felt dated compared to many competing convertible laptops. This was somewhat expected given the Surface Go’s tiny chassis and rock-bottom price range, but it was still disappointing regardless.
Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central
With the Surface Go 3, Microsoft has addressed the CPU issues of previous generations by refreshing the Surface Go with two new processor options: the entry-level Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y and a 10th-Gen Intel Core i3-10100Y, both of which are significantly more capable than the Surface Go processors of yesteryear. Other improvements include a small bump to battery life (10 hours to 11 hours) and the presence of Wi-Fi 6, but beyond that, the Surface Go 3 isn’t very different from its predecessors. Have a look at the official specs below:
Category | Surface Go 3 |
---|---|
Operating system | Windows 11 |
Display | 10.5 inches, 3:2 aspect ratio 1920×1280 (220 PPI) resolution |
Processor | Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y Intel Core i3-10100Y |
Memory | 4GB 8GB |
Storage | 64GB eMMC 128GB SSD 256GB SSD |
Expandable storage | microSD |
Surface Pen | 4,096 levels of pressure, tilt support |
Camera | 5MP front-facing with Windows Hello 8MP rear auto-focus |
Security | Windows Hello face sign-in |
Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6: IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax compatible, Bluetooth Wireless 5.0 LTE Advanced Qualcomm Snapdragon X16 LTE Modem |
Ports | 1x USB-C, 1x Surface Connect, microSDXC card reader, 3.5mm headphone jack |
Audio | 2W stereo speakers with Dolby Audio Premium |
Battery | Up to 11 hours |
Dimensions | 9.65 x 6.9 x 0.33 inches (245mm x 175mm x 8.3mm) |
Price | Starting at $399 |
Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central
What are your thoughts on the Surface Go 3? Do you think it could end up being one of the best Microsoft Surface PCs, or do you think that Microsoft should be doing more with this new version of the device? Let us know. Notably, Surface Go 3 preorders are now available with a starting price of $399.
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