Microsoft Surface Pro, Laptop and Go in comparison: how to find the right model

NOTEBOOK

July 23, 2022 at 10:00 a.m.

Since the first Surface device in 2012, Microsoft has continuously expanded its hardware lineup. Our comparison reveals whether you should better use the Surface Pro, Laptop or Go.

It is more common for software vendors to venture into hardware manufacturing at some point. Google, developer of the Android operating system, is leading the way with its Pixel devices. And Microsoft, known for developing Windows, jumped on the hardware bandwagon in 2012 with the first Surface device.

1. These models will be available for purchase in 2022

2. All Surface devices can do this

3. There are differences

   1. form factor

   2. performance

   3. filter

4. Which Surface model is right for me?

5. Latest deals for Surface devices

A lot has happened since then. Today, Microsoft actively maintains the Surface Pro and Laptop lines. Sadly, the Surface Studio 2 all-in-one PC that launched three years ago is no longer on the market, but the manufacturer now offers plenty of inexpensive Go devices. In our comparison you will find out which model suits you best.

These models will be available for purchase in 2022

In 2022, Microsoft will offer the following five Surface devices for sale:

• Surface Pro 8: The most powerful device in the Surface Pro series is the Surface Pro 8. It comes with the classic kickstand, up to 32GB of RAM and 1TB SSD. Either an Intel Core i5 or i7 is used as the processor. The 13-inch display supports 120Hz, with an additional Type Cover available, the Surface Pro 8 becomes a laptop.
• Surface Go 3: The Surface Go 3 is the small, light, and affordable variant of the Surface Pro 8. The 10.5-inch touchscreen has a 60Hz refresh rate and only has a 1080p resolution. Depending on the configuration, a Pentium Gold or a 10th generation i3 is used. Battery life is also much lower at 11 hours. The device is not suitable for complex work.
• Surface LaptopStudio: This model is Microsoft’s absolute top-of-the-line Surface device. It is also the largest device with a 14.4-inch screen. It can be configured with a maximum of an i7-11370H, 32 GB of RAM and 2 TB of storage. A special feature: the screen is connected to the keyboard, but can be folded forward up to 180 degrees, turning the device into a flat drawing surface.
• Surface Laptop 4: The latest model in the Surface Laptop series is available in two size configurations: 13.5 and 15 inches, unfortunately both models only come with a 60Hz display. Current Intel i5 or i7 models or an AMD Ryzen 5 or Ryzen 7 are used as processors. Depending on the model, the battery lasts 19 hours. Main memory can be up to 32GB, SSD memory can be expanded up to 1TB.
• Surface Go 2 Laptop: The Laptop Go 2 is practically the Go 3, but with a bigger and better built-in keyboard. The 12.4-inch screen still only has a 60Hz screen refresh rate, but the more powerful i5-1135G7 is used. Unfortunately, the 8 GB of working memory remains, but the internal memory is not a slower eMMC chip as in the Surface Go 3, but an SSD with up to 256 GB.

An opinion: Of each series of devices, we have listed only current models as well as special and important Surface models. A few older devices in this series can also be purchased directly from Microsoft.

All Surface devices can do this

Although the devices are not only very different in terms of equipment, but also in terms of price, there are many similarities. We have listed them below:

• Operating system: All devices are running Microsoft’s latest operating system, Windows 11.
• Display: All models have a touch screen and support the Microsoft Surface Pen, with which you can make precise entries on the screen. Accordingly, the Surface Pro 8 and Surface Go 3 can also be described as a tablet with a stylus.
• Laptop functionality: Surface devices are all laptops or can be expanded to include a keyboard and trackpad with the Surface Type Cover for around $150 or the Surface Pro Signature Keyboard for $180.
• Work: All devices are more or less suitable for working on it. We don’t recommend either device for gaming.
• maneuverability: At 15 inches or less, all models are pretty handy and no bigger than regular laptops. Some models even weigh less than a kilogram, which makes them particularly easy to carry.

There are differences

Despite the many similarities between Surface devices, there are a few differences. We have compiled the most important specifications for you below so that you have a clear overview of the options.

In order for you to make a good purchase decision and find the right model for you, we will discuss the differences in more detail below.

form factor

The most fundamental differences between the individual devices lie in the form factor. From the outside, the Surface Pro 8 and Go 3 are normal tablets. They also have an infinitely adjustable kickstand, thanks to which they can be placed in different positions on the table, which makes it possible, for example, to draw on a flat surface.

These devices only become convertible 2 in 1 when the Surface Type Cover is purchased around 150 euros. It is a keyboard with touchpad. Meanwhile, the Surface Laptop Studio, Laptop 4, and Laptop Go 2 are a regular laptop with the keyboard permanently installed. With the Surface Laptop Studio, it’s also possible to detach the display from the back in Stage mode and position it above the keyboard.

performance

There are also big performance differences. While the top-end Surface Laptop Studio model can be maxed out at an Intel Core i7 processor and 32GB of RAM, giving it plenty of performance for complex work such as video editing, models of the GB series in particular are associated with considerable performance. losses, but these are reflected in the reflection price.

The cheapest Surface Go 3 comes with an Intel Pentium 6500Y processor and 4GB of RAM. Also, the internal memory is not on an SSD – a slow eMMC chip is used. This combination makes tedious work and multitasking with multiple apps nearly impossible with Go models.

filter

The screens of the respective models also differ greatly. Only two of the five models shown, namely the Surface Pro 8 and the Surface Laptop Studio, each feature a smooth 120 Hertz display. Microsoft markets this technology under the advertising name “PixelSense Flow”.

Other models have to make do with a 60 Hertz display. In all models, the displays support touch inputs. However, the cheaper devices have to make do with 1080p or 1024p resolution, while the Surface Pro 8 offers a 2,880 x 1,920 pixel resolution with a 13-inch screen.

Which Surface model is right for me?

Once you’ve looked at all the similarities and differences between each Surface device, you should find the perfect device for you pretty quickly. If you don’t want to sacrifice anything and performance is important to you but price doesn’t matter, you should go with the Surface Laptop Studio or, if you want a more flexible device, the Surface Pro 8.

If your budget isn’t big enough or you don’t need a powerful laptop but instead want to use the device as a second PC for light work on the go, you don’t have to spend 1,499 euros or more for a model top. The Surface Laptop Go 2 is available from 669 euros and is perfect for on the go because it is small and light.

Latest deals for Surface devices

As always, it’s worth doing a price comparison before buying. Especially on promotional days like Amazon Prime Day or Black Friday, there are plenty of Surface products with deep discounts. Below are current editorially verified offers for various Surface devices.

We couldn’t find any good Surface deals for you right now.