Surface Go vs Surface Pro: What’s the Difference?
Microsoft’s Surface line of devices, including tablets, laptops, and 2-in-1s, has been a popular choice for consumers looking for a powerful, portable, and versatile device. The Surface Go and Surface Pro are two of the most popular models from the Surface lineup, and while they look similar, they are quite different in terms of features, performance, and pricing. In this article, we’ll take a close look at the Surface Go vs. Surface Pro, and help you decide which one is right for you.
Design and Build Quality
Both Surface Go and Surface Pro come with a premium build quality that makes them durable and stylish. The Surface Pro has a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen display, while the Surface Go comes with a smaller 10.5-inch display. The Surface Pro is also a little bit heavier, weighing in at 1.7 pounds, compared to the Surface Go’s 1.15 pounds. Both devices have a hinge that allows them to be used in various modes like laptop, tablet, and studio mode.
Performance
When comparing the Surface Go vs. Surface Pro, the main difference comes to the performance. The Surface Go comes with an Intel Pentium Gold 4415Y processor and integrated Intel HD 615 graphics with 4GB or 8GB of RAM and 64GB or 128GB of storage. On the other hand, the Surface Pro is powered by an 8th-generation Intel Core i5 processor and Intel UHD Graphics 620 with 8GB or 16GB of RAM and 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB of storage. As expected, the Surface Pro offers far better performance than the Surface Go for demanding tasks like video editing, photo editing, gaming, and more.
Ports
Another difference between the two devices is in the ports offered. The Surface Go has a single USB-C port, a Surface Connect port, and a headphone jack. Meanwhile, the Surface Pro features a USB-A port, a USB-C port, a Surface Connect port, and a headphone jack. The Surface Pro also has a microSD card reader that lets you expand the storage.
Battery Life
While both devices offer a decent battery life, the Surface Go lasts for up to 9 hours on a single charge, while the Surface Pro can run for up to 13.5 hours. However, it’s worth noting that the battery life may vary depending on your usage and the applications you’re running.
Price
Finally, we come to the pricing aspect, which could be the deciding factor for many buyers. The Surface Go comes with a lower price tag, starting at $399 for the base model, while the Surface Pro starts at $799. However, if you go for higher configurations, the Surface Pro can easily surpass the $1,000 mark.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Surface Go and Surface Pro are both excellent devices but cater to different user needs. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly device with portability in mind and don’t need performance-intensive tasks, the Surface Go is a great choice. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a device that can handle demanding tasks, you should consider the Surface Pro. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your requirements, budget, and preferences.