
One would assume that the Surface Go 3 would totally smoke the Surface Go 2 on the Geekbench 5.4 overall performance test, but the third-generation tablet only mustered a measly, embarrassing score of 1,571, which is worse than the Go 2’s score (1,617). As such, the Surface Go 3’s CPU is a generation behind, but that’s no surprise since it’s Microsoft’s entry-level, budget tablet. Intel’s latest, a la mode chips are from the 11th generation known as Tiger Lake. Keep in mind that neither of these chips are au courant - not even the Surface Go 3’s processor. To test their performance, we pitted the Surface Go 2, packed with an 8th Gen Intel Core m3-8100Y CPU against the Surface Go 3 (powered by a 10th Gen Intel Core i3-10100Y processor). Here’s where things get a little bit interesting. It also has a tail eraser, a customizable button and supports tilt for shading.

The Surface Pen has 4,096 pressure points. You can also add an optional stylus to the Surface Go 2 and 3 experience, but it’s not a must-have unless you have an affinity for sketching or taking notes. You can also choose between a microfiber skin or a plush Alcantara body. The Surface Go Type Cover is available in Ice Blue, Poppy Red, Platinum and Black. Microsoft Surface Go 3 (Image credit: Laptop Mag) The bottom features connecting pins for the optional Type Cover keyboard. On the top edge, you’ll find a volume rocker and a power button. Though I’d prefer thinner bezels, I’m not complaining - I suppose your fingers need to rest somewhere. Similar to the Go 2, the Go 3 has a silver magnesium body with the same obsolete, thick bezels that wrap around the 10.5-inch display. Microsoft played it too safe with the third-gen Go it doesn’t look any different from its predecessor. “You jacked my style!” it must’ve yelled at its successor. The Surface Go 2 must be seething - the Surface Go 3 stole its aesthetic from head to toe. To evade the Intel Pentium CPUs, you’ll have to spend at least $630 for either the Go 2 or Go 3.

Running Windows 11 will be a lot smoother and zippier with SSD storage and at least 8GB of RAM. Whether you get the Surface Go 2 or Go 3, I wouldn’t recommend the low-end Intel Pentium models.

Microsoft Surface Go 3 (Image credit: Future)
