Microsoft Surface Go 3: The Affordable Hybrid for Everyday Tasks with a Premium Price Tag

The Surface Go 3 stands as Microsoft’s most accessible tablet, crafted to handle fundamental computing activities. Although there are numerous convertible Windows laptops available, detachable 2-in-1 devices remain uncommon and often come with a hefty price tag. This makes the Surface Go 3 particularly appealing as it is positioned at a lower price point than the Surface Pro series. Its portability is a significant advantage, justifying its name.

The Microsoft Surface Go 3 functions mainly as a Windows tablet but can easily morph into a laptop with the optional keyboard attachment. Consider it as Microsoft’s equivalent to an iPad, but it runs the complete desktop version of Windows that you may be familiar with. This could be an attractive option for those in search of a hybrid device that caters to both work and leisure needs, such as media consumption. But is the Surface Go truly worthwhile? Let’s explore.

Design of the Microsoft Surface Go 3

Owing to its hybrid design as a detachable 2-in-1, the Microsoft Surface Go 3 excels as a tablet more than most convertible Windows laptops that feature 360-degree hinges. It measures approximately 8.3mm in thickness and weighs 544g, which makes it quite lightweight and sleek. It can be conveniently held in one hand. The matte gray surface resists fingerprints, while the metal construction feels durable and well-crafted. In portrait mode, you’ll find the power and volume controls on the right side, accompanied by the headphone jack, USB Type-C port, and a proprietary Surface Connect port on the bottom. The latter serves for fast charging the tablet and connecting external devices, although the Surface Go 3 can also be powered through the Type-C port.

The integrated kickstand of the Microsoft Surface Go 3 enables numerous usage angles

On its left side, the Microsoft Surface Go 3 includes contact points for connecting an optional keyboard. In contrast to most tablets, it features a built-in kickstand that offers a variety of usage options. Concealed behind the stand is a microSD card slot, which might be easy to overlook due to the absence of labels or indicators.

The Microsoft Surface Go 3 sports a 10.5-inch full-HD (1920×1280) touchscreen with a 3:2 aspect ratio and Corning Gorilla Glass 3. The brightness is commendable, and the colors are vibrant and lively. The bezel encircling the screen is sufficiently thick to provide a comfortable resting area for your thumbs when holding the tablet. It is equipped with a 5-megapixel front camera, along with an infrared camera for Windows Hello facial recognition. There’s also an 8-megapixel rear camera. Additionally, there are cutouts on both sides of the display’s bezel for front-facing stereo speakers.

Specifications and Software of the Microsoft Surface Go 3

Multiple variants of the Microsoft Surface Go 3 were launched, but only one configuration is accessible online at the time of this review. This is the model provided to me, featuring a 10th Gen Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y processor, 8GB of LPDDR3 RAM, and a 128GB SSD. This specific version is officially priced at Rs. 57,999, though you might find it cheaper online.

Additional variants can be explored under a separate section on Microsoft’s website called Surface for Business. This includes a base model with 64GB of eMMC storage and 4GB of RAM, as well as a high-end variant featuring an Intel Core i3-10100Y processor. The Surface for Business models offer optional LTE connectivity and come with Windows 11 Pro. These can be acquired from authorized resellers but may not be readily available on standard e-commerce platforms.

The single USB Type-C port implies that a dongle is necessary to connect multiple peripherals simultaneously

From my perspective, Microsoft has selected the correct configuration for consumer use, as the lower models feature eMMC storage and only 4GB of RAM, which is not ideal for Windows. The Core i3 processor in the top-tier model does not significantly surpass the Pentium Gold, merely offering higher clock speeds and a marginally improved integrated GPU. All Surface Go 3 variants come equipped with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.

In terms of software, the Microsoft Surface Go 3 comes preloaded with Windows 11 in S mode, which restricts downloads to apps from the Microsoft Store and mandates the use of the Microsoft Edge browser for security and management purposes. You can easily switch to standard mode, allowing the installation of nearly all Windows applications, but reverting back is not an option. The device does not come with many pre-installed third-party applications, which is a welcome change. You do receive a trial version of Microsoft 365 Family, though having a full version of at least Office Home and Student would have been preferable, as many of Microsoft’s OEM partners include this with their laptops.

The Type Cover keyboard completes the transition of the Surface Go 3 into a laptop

Before proceeding, it’s worth noting some accessories you may want to consider purchasing alongside the Surface Go 3. Microsoft provides a standard Type Cover (Rs. 10,950) keyboard or a Signature Type Cover (Rs. 15,699) that is crafted from Alcantara fabric. Additionally, Microsoft supplied me with a Surface Pen, which retails for an extra Rs. 9,099 in India. This pen operates on a singular AAAA battery and can magnetically attach to the top of the tablet. These accessories can significantly raise the total purchase price.

Performance and Battery Life of Microsoft Surface Go 3

Having used the Microsoft Surface Go 3 for a couple of weeks for both professional and personal tasks, I can assert that it satisfactorily meets its intended needs. While I can’t comment on the base model, the version with the 128GB SSD and 8GB of RAM suffices for basic tasks like writing, attending video calls, replying to emails, and even light Photoshop work. Windows 11 performs adequately, although there is a noticeable lag, particularly when waking the Surface Go 3 from sleep and navigating the Windows interface. Heavy applications like Photoshop require more time to load than anticipated, but once operational, they performed well.

Without the keyboard, the Microsoft Surface Go 3 serves as a decent tablet. Using Windows without a stylus can be a hassle, and the limited quantity of tablet-friendly apps in the Windows Store doesn’t enhance its usability. However, for content viewing, the built-in kickstand proves extremely useful, allowing you to position the tablet at various angles. The Surface Pen is advantageous for taking notes or sketching, although as a casual stylus user, I didn’t utilize it extensively. A feature I found lacking in Windows tablets is the ability to deactivate just the display without putting the entire device to sleep, which would be helpful for scenarios such as music listening.

The experience of consuming content on the Surface Go 3 is quite satisfactory

The Surface Go 3 transitions into a productivity device when the keyboard is attached. However, using the setup on my lap was less comfortable compared to a standard laptop, due to some flex in the Type Cover keyboard and the sharp edge of the kickstand digging into my thighs during extended periods. Nevertheless, it works well on a flat surface. The keys of the keyboard offer a comfortable typing experience and include backlighting. The glass trackpad performs effectively as well.

Casual gaming operates smoothly, although demanding 3D games encounter difficulties. For instance, Fortnite was nearly unplayable even with reduced graphics quality and resolution. Asphalt 9: Legends also experienced some stuttering. Audio from the stereo speakers is loud and clear, and the 1080p webcam provides excellent video quality even in dim lighting conditions. The rear camera comes with autofocus and is suitable for occasional photos or document scanning.

The Microsoft Surface Go 3 closely matches the dimensions of the 2021 11-inch iPad Pro

Microsoft claims that the Surface Go 3 can achieve up to 11 hours of battery life on a single charge, but in my usage, this proved slightly optimistic. With continuous use, I managed around four and a half to five hours, but with breaks in between, I could extend it to about seven hours. For a 10.5-inch Windows tablet, this performance isn’t dreadful, but it’s not ideal. I typically used the tablet with the keyboard connected, so removing it might yield better battery performance. With light workloads and frugal usage, it is theoretically possible to get through an entire workday on one charge, but it would be challenging.

During our Battery Eater Pro test, the tablet (without the keyboard) lasted a reasonable 2 hours and 40 minutes. The included adapter allows for fast charging the Surface Go 3 to about 80% in one hour, which is quite good. The charger also provides a USB Type-A port for charging additional devices.

Although the Microsoft Surface Go 3 is compact and portable, it carries a relatively high price tag in India

Conclusion

The Microsoft Surface Go 3 may be the most affordable 2-in-1 Windows tablet offered by the company, but its price of Rs. 57,999 is quite steep. A frequent discussion point is that for the same amount, one can obtain significantly better specifications in a traditional laptop, which is indeed valid. However, such laptops lack the comfort of being used as tablets. The model I tested was satisfactory in performance. It also features a vibrant display, commendable speakers, a high-quality webcam, and solid construction. Battery life is somewhat lacking, and the accessories most users will want are priced on the higher side.

When factoring in the stylus and keyboard, the overall cost of the Surface Go 3 approaches nearly Rs. 80,000, making the Lenovo Yoga Duet 7i a more compelling option. It boasts superior specifications, placing it in direct competition with the Surface Pro, and even includes the keyboard and stylus.

The Microsoft Surface Go 3 is a solid, compact tablet with the capability to serve as a 2-in-1 device, though its modest battery life and overall expense may dissuade many potential buyers from making the investment.