Microsoft Surface Go Tablet Vs. Surface Pro: Comparison Of Specs, Features

Microsoft has launched its new low-cost personal computing device, called Microsoft Surface Go. While it is a direct rival to Apple’s cheapest iPad tablets, it is best described as a toned-down version of the Surface Pro. Just how toned-down? Find out below.

The most obvious difference between the devices is pricing. As a low-cost tablet, the Surface Go is retailing for just $399 (starting price). On the other hand, the refreshed Surface Pro starts at $799. The huge gap is best felt in the processing powers of the two. The Surface Go has a slower Intel Corp. processor, according to Bloomberg.

The entry-level model of the Surface Pro comes with a Kaby Lake Intel Core m3 CPU that’s paired with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of SSD storage. Contrariwise, the Surface Go is powered by Intel’s Premium Gold 4415Y processor. Its entry-level model has 4GB RAM and 64GB of eMMC storage. There’s the option to get the 8GB RAM/128GB SSD configuration, but that variant costs more than $549.

Aside from processing power and memory configurations, there are also other aspects where the Surface Go’s $400 cheaper price tag is very evident. For instance, the new budget-friendly device weighs far lighter than all of the other existing Surface products at 1.15 pounds. It also has four hours less battery time than the Surface Pro models.

Based on appearance, the Surface Go sports the familiar design philosophy of the Surface tablets. To be exact, it looks like a smaller version of the Surface Pro 3, which was released in 2014, according to The Verge. The new tablet has a 10-inch screen with 1,800 x 1,200 pixel resolution and a 3:2 aspect ratio. For comparison, the latest Surface Pro device has a 12.3-inch PixelSense touchscreen with 2,736 x 1,824 pixel resolution.

The Surface Go’s other hardware elements are very typical of Microsoft’s Surface series as well. It still has the signature built-in kickstand with unlimited positions, a front-facing camera and Microsoft’s proprietary Surface Connector port for charging and connecting to a desktop dock. It’s worth noting that the Surface Go’s camera has facial recognition login technology and the device comes with a USB-C 3.1 port for charging and outputting video and data to external devices.

Just like the Surface Pro, the new budget 2-in-1 has an optional keyboard cover that’s available in different colors and works with the optional $99 Surface Pen. The Surface Go Signature Type Cover offers laptop-class typing and has a trackpad that’s larger than the one on the Surface Pro’s Type Cover. The black Type Cover costs $99, while the red, blue and silver versions cost $129 each. Microsoft is also offering a $34.99 Surface Mobile Mouse with Bluetooth connectivity.

The Microsoft Surface Go tablet is scheduled to go on sale on Aug. 2. At launch, only the Wi-Fi variant will be available. The cellular version will arrive later this year.