Surface Go 3
The Microsoft Surface Go 3 is a compact 2-in-1 convertible tablet computer developed by Microsoft, announced on September 22, 2021, and released on October 5, 2021, as the third iteration in the Surface Go series aimed at providing an affordable, portable device for everyday computing, education, and light productivity tasks.[1][2] It features a 10.5-inch PixelSense touchscreen display with a 1920 x 1280 resolution, 220 pixels per inch, and a 3:2 aspect ratio protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, supporting 10-point multi-touch and stylus input with the Surface Pen.[2] Powered by either an Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y dual-core processor or an Intel Core i3-10100Y quad-core 10th-generation processor, the Surface Go 3 offers configurations with 4 GB or 8 GB of LPDDR3 RAM and storage options including 64 GB eMMC, 128 GB SSD, or 256 GB SSD (the latter available through commercial channels).[2] The device measures 9.65 x 6.9 x 0.33 inches (245 x 175 x 8.3 mm) and weighs starting at 1.2 pounds (544 g) without the optional Type Cover keyboard, making it highly portable with an adjustable kickstand that supports angles up to 165 degrees and a magnesium chassis for durability.[2] It includes up to 11 hours of battery life for typical usage, with fast charging to reach 80% in under 1.5 hours, and optional LTE Advanced connectivity for mobile broadband up to 600 Mbps.[2][3] Additional features include dual 1080p HD cameras (5 MP front-facing with Windows Hello facial recognition and 8 MP rear-facing), stereo speakers with Dolby Audio, and ports such as USB-C, Surface Connect, a 3.5 mm headphone jack, and a microSDXC card reader.[2] The Surface Go 3 ships with Windows 11 Home in S mode for consumer models or Windows 11 Pro for business editions, emphasizing security features like Microsoft Defender, with driver and firmware support until October 2027.[2][3][4] Priced starting at $399 for the base Wi-Fi model, it targets students, families, and professionals seeking a lightweight alternative to larger laptops while maintaining the versatility of the Surface lineup.[1]Development and release
Announcement
Microsoft announced the Surface Go 3 on September 22, 2021, during its annual Surface event, where it unveiled the largest update to its Surface portfolio to date, emphasizing compatibility with the newly released Windows 11 operating system.[5] The device was positioned as an evolution in Microsoft's lineup of compact 2-in-1 devices, building on the foundation of its predecessors while introducing modest hardware enhancements.[6] At the event, Microsoft revealed key specifications for the Surface Go 3, including a 10.5-inch PixelSense touchscreen display with a 1920x1280 resolution and 220 pixels per inch, dual-core Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y or quad-core Intel Core i3-10100Y processors from the 10th generation, up to 8 GB of LPDDR3 RAM, and storage options starting at 64 GB eMMC with configurations up to 256 GB SSD (available through commercial channels).[7] The announcement highlighted the device's lightweight design at 1.2 pounds (544 grams) without the keyboard, along with 1080p front and rear cameras, studio-quality microphones, and support for optional LTE Advanced connectivity via a nano-SIM or eSIM.[2] Microsoft marketed the Surface Go 3 as the successor to the Surface Go 2, emphasizing a 60% performance improvement over its predecessor when equipped with the Core i3 processor, making it suitable for budget-conscious users, students, families, and light productivity tasks such as homework and everyday computing.[5] The company positioned it as the most portable Surface 2-in-1 yet, optimized for tablet-to-laptop versatility with optional accessories like the Type Cover keyboard and Surface Pen, while maintaining a fanless design for silent operation. This addressed some limitations of the Surface Go 2, such as its slower processor performance.[6] Initial reactions to the announcement praised the processor upgrade for enabling better multitasking on Windows 11, with teasers focusing on improved battery life of up to 11 hours for typical usage and the continuation of the fanless architecture for enhanced portability and reliability in educational and home settings.[7] Critics noted the incremental nature of the updates, viewing it as a reliable entry-level option rather than a revolutionary device.[1]Configurations and pricing
The Surface Go 3 was offered in multiple configurations at launch, centered around two processor options: the base dual-core Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y or the upgraded quad-core 10th-generation Intel Core i3-10100Y.[2] Memory configurations included 4 GB or 8 GB of LPDDR3 RAM, while storage options consisted of 64 GB eMMC, 128 GB SSD, or 256 GB SSD (with the 256 GB variant restricted to commercial channels).[2] An optional LTE Advanced variant, equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon X16 modem supporting up to 600 Mbps speeds via nano-SIM or eSIM, was available exclusively in the 8 GB RAM and 128 GB SSD setup, commanding a $150 premium over the equivalent Wi-Fi model.[2][8] All configurations shared a standard 10.5-inch PixelSense display with 1920 × 1280 resolution and 220 ppi density.[2] Launch pricing started at $399 for the entry-level Wi-Fi model with the Pentium Gold processor, 4 GB RAM, and 64 GB eMMC storage, scaling up to $880 for the top-tier 8 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD LTE configuration; business editions, including Windows 11 Pro and additional management features, were offered at elevated price points beginning around $499.[9][8] At launch, the device was available solely in Platinum color.[2]| Configuration | Processor | RAM | Storage | Connectivity | Launch Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base | Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y | 4 GB | 64 GB eMMC | Wi-Fi | $399 |
| Pentium LTE | Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y | 4 GB | 64 GB eMMC | LTE | $499 |
| Pentium mid | Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y | 8 GB | 128 GB SSD | Wi-Fi | $549 |
| Mid-range | Intel Core i3-10100Y | 8 GB | 128 GB SSD | Wi-Fi | $629 |
| LTE (limited) | Intel Core i3-10100Y | 8 GB | 128 GB SSD | LTE | $779 |
| Business top | Intel Core i3-10100Y | 8 GB | 256 GB SSD | LTE | $880 |
Availability
The Surface Go 3 was announced on September 22, 2021.[1] Wi-Fi models began shipping on October 5, 2021, while LTE models started shipping in December 2021 in North America and in the first quarter of 2022 in other regions.[1][10] The device experienced a global rollout, with availability in major markets including the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia, though some regions faced delays due to supply chain constraints and chip shortages affecting production and distribution in late 2021 and early 2022.[11][12] On January 11, 2022, Microsoft introduced a Matte Black color variant, limited to configurations with 8 GB of RAM.[13][14] Production of the Surface Go 3 ceased in 2023 following the announcement of the Surface Go 4, after which units remained available through retailers until existing stock was depleted.[15] As of 2025, the Surface Go 3 is no longer produced or sold as new through official Microsoft channels but remains purchasable via second-hand markets and refurbished options from authorized retailers.[16]Design
Build quality and dimensions
The Surface Go 3 features a magnesium alloy chassis, identical in design to its predecessor, the Surface Go 2, providing a lightweight yet sturdy construction suitable for portable use.[2][17] This unibody magnesium frame integrates a full-friction kickstand that adjusts up to 165 degrees, enabling versatile positioning in tablet, laptop, or tent modes for enhanced ergonomics in 2-in-1 functionality.[2] The kickstand includes magnetic attachment points for compatible keyboards, ensuring stable folding and secure connectivity during transitions between modes.[2] Measuring 245 mm × 175 mm × 8.3 mm, the device emphasizes portability with a slim profile that facilitates easy carrying.[2] The Wi-Fi model weighs 544 grams, while the LTE variant adds 9 grams to reach 553 grams, making it one of the lightest 2-in-1 devices in its class without compromising structural integrity.[2] The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, offering resistance to scratches and minor impacts while maintaining a thin bezel for a compact form factor.[2][18] Internally, the Surface Go 3 incorporates an integrated SSD that is soldered to the motherboard, rendering it non-user-replaceable as part of the sealed chassis design to prioritize thinness and reliability.[19] Regarding environmental considerations, the device complies with ENERGY STAR Version 8.0 for energy efficiency and holds EPEAT Gold registration in the United States, reflecting Microsoft's commitment to sustainable materials and reduced environmental impact in its construction.[20]Display
The Surface Go 3 is equipped with a 10.5-inch PixelSense touchscreen display featuring a native resolution of 1920 × 1280 pixels and a pixel density of 220 pixels per inch (ppi), delivering sharp visuals for its compact form factor.[2] This resolution supports a 3:2 aspect ratio, which enhances productivity by providing more vertical space for documents and web browsing compared to standard 16:9 screens.[2] The panel operates at a standard 60 Hz refresh rate, suitable for general computing but without variable refresh rate technology for smoother motion in dynamic content.[19] The display incorporates Corning Gorilla Glass 3 for scratch resistance and durability, while enabling 10-point multi-touch gestures for intuitive interaction.[2] Measured peak brightness reaches up to 402 nits on average, making it visible in moderately lit environments but potentially challenging in direct sunlight.[21] Color reproduction covers approximately 100% of the sRGB gamut, ensuring accurate and vibrant hues for photos, videos, and office applications, though it does not support HDR for enhanced dynamic range. Independent tests confirm a contrast ratio of around 1500:1, contributing to deep blacks and good overall image quality in this category.[2][22] Pen input is facilitated through compatibility with the Surface Pen via Microsoft Pen Protocol 2.0 (MPP 2.0), which provides low-latency performance and 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity for natural writing and sketching experiences.[23] This integration allows seamless digital inking without the need for a digitizer mat, enhancing creative and note-taking workflows on the device.[24]Cameras and sensors
The Surface Go 3 features a front-facing camera consisting of a 5-megapixel sensor capable of 1080p HD video recording at 30 frames per second, integrated with Windows Hello infrared (IR) technology for facial recognition authentication.[2][3] This setup enables secure, passwordless logins without additional hardware, though it lacks a dedicated depth sensor found in higher-end Surface models for more advanced biometric processing.[25] On the rear, the device includes an 8-megapixel autofocus camera that also supports 1080p HD video capture, with a 16:9 aspect ratio suitable for document scanning and casual photography.[2][19] The camera performs reliably in the Windows Camera app for everyday tasks, delivering accurate colors and stable autofocus.[21] Complementing the imaging capabilities are several integrated sensors: an ambient light sensor for automatic brightness adjustment, an accelerometer for orientation detection, a gyroscope for motion tracking, and a magnetometer for compass functionality.[2][25] These enable features like screen rotation and enhanced user interface responsiveness in tablet mode. For audio-visual interactions, the Surface Go 3 incorporates dual Studio Mics optimized for clear voice capture during video calls, working in tandem with the front camera to support applications like Microsoft Teams.[3] Overall, the cameras provide sufficient quality for video conferencing and basic imaging needs, with reviewers noting adequate low-light performance for the front-facing unit during typical indoor use, though it may not excel in very dim environments compared to premium webcams.[21][26][17]Hardware
Processor and performance
The Surface Go 3 is equipped with fanless processors from Intel's Amber Lake-Y series, designed for low-power, portable devices. It offers two CPU options: the dual-core Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y, operating at a base frequency of 1.1 GHz with a maximum turbo frequency of 3.4 GHz and support for four threads via Hyper-Threading, or the dual-core Intel Core i3-10100Y, with a base frequency of 1.3 GHz and a maximum turbo of 3.9 GHz, also supporting four threads.[2][27][28] Both processors integrate Intel UHD Graphics 615, a basic GPU with 24 execution units capable of handling light graphical tasks but not demanding gaming or video editing.[2] Performance represents a step up from the predecessor, with Microsoft stating the Core i3-10100Y delivers approximately 60% faster CPU performance compared to the Surface Go 2's Pentium Gold 4425Y, enabling smoother handling of everyday applications.[5] In benchmarks, the i3 model achieves Geekbench 5 scores of around 920 in single-core tests and 1,700 in multi-core tests, reflecting its efficiency for basic multitasking but limitations in compute-intensive workloads.[29] The PCMark 10 overall score hovers around 2,600 to 2,800, underscoring strong results in productivity simulations like office apps and web browsing while falling short in more demanding scenarios.[30][31] The device's passive cooling system, lacking a fan, effectively manages heat during short bursts but leads to thermal throttling under prolonged loads, capping sustained performance for tasks beyond light use. This design prioritizes portability and silence, making the Surface Go 3 ideal for web browsing, document editing, and casual media consumption, though higher RAM configurations can mitigate minor bottlenecks in multitasking.[32]Memory and storage
The Surface Go 3 is equipped with either 4 GB or 8 GB of LPDDR3-1866 RAM operating in dual-channel mode.[22] This memory is soldered directly to the motherboard, making it non-upgradeable by users.[22] The base 4 GB configuration is sufficient for basic tasks like web browsing and light productivity but can limit heavy multitasking, such as running multiple browser tabs alongside applications, leading to noticeable slowdowns.[19] The 8 GB option provides better handling of such workloads, though it remains constrained compared to higher-end devices. Storage options vary by configuration: the entry-level model features 64 GB of eMMC flash storage, while higher tiers offer 128 GB or 256 GB (the latter available primarily through commercial channels) of NVMe SSD.[2] The eMMC variant delivers sequential read speeds of approximately 250 MB/s, resulting in slower application loading and file transfers compared to SSD models.[33] In contrast, the NVMe SSD achieves sequential read speeds up to around 1600 MB/s, enabling quicker boot times and more responsive performance for everyday use.[22] Like the RAM, internal storage is soldered and non-user-replaceable, though third-party repair services can perform upgrades at significant cost and risk.[34] For expandability, the Surface Go 3 includes a microSDXC card reader that supports cards up to 1 TB, providing a straightforward way to add external storage for media or files without affecting internal performance.[35] As of 2025, Microsoft offers no official hardware upgrades for the device, aligning with its end-of-support timeline, with end of servicing on October 5, 2027.[3][36]| Configuration | RAM | Storage Type | Typical Sequential Read Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base | 4 GB LPDDR3-1866 | 64 GB eMMC | ~250 MB/s |
| Mid | 8 GB LPDDR3-1866 | 128 GB NVMe SSD | ~1600 MB/s |
| High (Commercial) | 8 GB LPDDR3-1866 | 256 GB NVMe SSD | ~1600 MB/s |