Surface 3 Pro vs Surface 4 Pro: A Comprehensive Comparison
Introduction
The Microsoft Surface series has been a game-changer in the world of portable computing. With the introduction of the Surface 3 Pro and later the Surface 4 Pro, Microsoft aimed to cater to the needs of professionals and power users. This article aims to provide a detailed comparison between the two devices, highlighting their features, performance, and overall value for money. By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of the differences between the Surface 3 Pro and Surface 4 Pro, enabling you to make an informed decision based on your requirements.
Design and Build Quality
Surface 3 Pro
The Surface 3 Pro boasts a sleek and modern design, with a thickness of just 8.5mm and a weight of 1.5 pounds. The device features a magnesium-alloy body, which provides a sturdy and durable construction. The 12-inch PixelSense Display offers a resolution of 2160 x 1440 pixels, providing sharp and vibrant visuals.
Surface 4 Pro
The Surface 4 Pro builds upon the design of its predecessor, with a slightly thicker body (8.4mm) and a heavier weight (1.73 pounds). However, the design remains sleek and modern, with the same magnesium-alloy body. The 12.3-inch PixelSense Display offers a higher resolution of 2736 x 1824 pixels, providing even sharper and more vibrant visuals.
Performance and Specifications
Surface 3 Pro
The Surface 3 Pro is powered by an Intel Atom x7-Z8700 processor, which offers decent performance for basic tasks such as web browsing, document editing, and light multitasking. The device comes with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, which can be expanded up to 1TB using a microSD card.
Surface 4 Pro
The Surface 4 Pro is equipped with a more powerful Intel Core i5 or i7 processor, depending on the configuration. This provides significantly better performance for more demanding tasks such as video editing, 3D modeling, and gaming. The device comes with 4GB to 16GB of RAM and 128GB to 1TB of storage, which can also be expanded using a microSD card.
Battery Life
Surface 3 Pro
The Surface 3 Pro offers a battery life of up to 9 hours, which is sufficient for a full day of work or play.
Surface 4 Pro
The Surface 4 Pro offers a slightly shorter battery life of up to 8.5 hours, which is still sufficient for most users’ needs.
Connectivity and Ports
Surface 3 Pro
The Surface 3 Pro features a USB 3.0 port, a microSD card reader, a 3.5mm audio jack, and a Surface Connect port for charging and docking.
Surface 4 Pro
The Surface 4 Pro offers similar connectivity options, including a USB 3.0 port, a microSD card reader, a 3.5mm audio jack, and a Surface Connect port. However, it also includes a Mini DisplayPort, which allows for dual external displays.
Software and Ecosystem
Surface 3 Pro
The Surface 3 Pro runs Windows 10 Pro, which provides a robust and secure operating system with access to the full range of Microsoft Office applications and other productivity tools.
Surface 4 Pro
The Surface 4 Pro also runs Windows 10 Pro, offering the same software and ecosystem as the Surface 3 Pro. However, the more powerful hardware allows for better performance and multitasking capabilities.
Price and Value for Money
Surface 3 Pro
The Surface 3 Pro is priced at around $799 for the base configuration, making it an affordable option for budget-conscious users.
Surface 4 Pro
The Surface 4 Pro is priced at around $999 for the base configuration, which is slightly higher than the Surface 3 Pro. However, the improved performance and features make it a worthwhile investment for users who require more power and versatility.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Surface 3 Pro and Surface 4 Pro are both excellent portable computing devices, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. The Surface 3 Pro is a great choice for budget-conscious users who need a reliable and portable device for basic tasks. On the other hand, the Surface 4 Pro offers superior performance and features, making it a better choice for users who require more power and versatility.
When choosing between the two devices, consider your specific needs and budget. If you are looking for an affordable and portable device for basic tasks, the Surface 3 Pro is a great option. However, if you require more power and versatility for demanding tasks, the Surface 4 Pro is the way to go.
As technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more advanced and powerful devices in the future. However, the Surface 3 Pro and Surface 4 Pro remain excellent choices for users looking for a high-quality, portable computing experience.
