The Microsoft Surface series has been a game-changer in the world of tablets and laptops, offering a unique blend of portability, power, and versatility. Two of the most popular models in this series are the Surface 3 and Surface 4, both of which have garnered significant attention from tech enthusiasts and professionals alike. While both devices share some similarities, there are several key differences that set them apart. In this article, we will delve into the details of each device, exploring their features, specifications, and capabilities to help you decide which one is right for you.
Introduction to Surface 3 and 4
The Surface 3 and Surface 4 are both designed to provide a seamless user experience, combining the benefits of a tablet and a laptop into a single device. The Surface 3, released in 2015, was a significant improvement over its predecessors, offering a more powerful processor, improved display, and enhanced battery life. The Surface 4, on the other hand, was released in 2016 and built upon the success of the Surface 3, introducing several new features and upgrades.
Design and Display
One of the most noticeable differences between the Surface 3 and 4 is their design and display. The Surface 3 features a 10.8-inch ClearType Full HD display with a resolution of 1920 x 1280 pixels, while the Surface 4 boasts a 12.3-inch PixelSense display with a resolution of 2736 x 1824 pixels. The Surface 4’s display is not only larger but also offers a higher pixel density, resulting in a more vibrant and detailed visual experience. Additionally, the Surface 4’s display is designed to be more responsive to touch and stylus input, making it ideal for creative professionals and note-takers.
Weight and Portability
In terms of weight and portability, the Surface 3 is slightly lighter and more compact than the Surface 4. The Surface 3 weighs in at approximately 1.37 pounds, while the Surface 4 tips the scales at around 1.73 pounds. While both devices are designed to be portable, the Surface 3 is slightly easier to carry around, making it a great option for those who need a device that can keep up with their active lifestyle.
Performance and Specifications
When it comes to performance, the Surface 4 has a significant edge over the Surface 3. The Surface 4 is powered by a range of 6th-generation Intel Core processors, including the i5 and i7, while the Surface 3 is equipped with a Quad-core Intel Atom x7-Z8700 processor. The Surface 4’s more powerful processor, combined with its up to 16GB of RAM and up to 1TB of storage, makes it a more capable device for demanding tasks such as video editing, 3D modeling, and software development.
Graphics and Gaming
The Surface 4 also has an advantage when it comes to graphics and gaming. The device features Intel HD Graphics 520, which provides a significant boost in graphics performance compared to the Surface 3’s Intel HD Graphics. This makes the Surface 4 a great option for gamers and graphics professionals who require a device that can handle demanding graphics-intensive applications.
Battery Life
In terms of battery life, the Surface 3 and 4 have similar capabilities. The Surface 3 is rated for up to 10 hours of video playback, while the Surface 4 is rated for up to 9 hours. However, the Surface 4’s more powerful processor and larger display may result in slightly shorter battery life in real-world use.
Software and Features
Both the Surface 3 and 4 come with Windows 10 pre-installed, providing a familiar and intuitive user experience. The Surface 4, however, has several additional features that set it apart from its predecessor. These include Windows Hello, which provides biometric authentication using facial recognition, and Windows Ink, which allows users to annotate and mark up documents and web pages using a digital pen.
Surface Pen and Keyboard
The Surface 4 is also designed to work seamlessly with the Surface Pen and Surface Keyboard. The Surface Pen provides a natural writing and drawing experience, with 1,024 levels of pressure sensitivity and tilt recognition. The Surface Keyboard, on the other hand, offers a comfortable and responsive typing experience, with a built-in touchpad and backlit keys.
Connectivity and Expansion
In terms of connectivity and expansion, the Surface 4 has several advantages over the Surface 3. The device features USB-C, which provides faster data transfer and charging, as well as microSD card support, which allows users to expand their storage capacity. The Surface 4 also has a Surface Connect port, which provides a secure and reliable connection to the Surface Dock, allowing users to connect multiple peripherals and accessories.
| Feature | Surface 3 | Surface 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Quad-core Intel Atom x7-Z8700 | 6th-generation Intel Core i5 or i7 |
| RAM | Up to 4GB | Up to 16GB |
| Storage | Up to 128GB | Up to 1TB |
| Display | 10.8-inch ClearType Full HD | 12.3-inch PixelSense |
| Graphics | Intel HD Graphics | Intel HD Graphics 520 |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Microsoft Surface 3 and 4 are both powerful and versatile devices that offer a unique blend of portability, power, and versatility. While the Surface 3 is a great option for those who need a device for basic tasks such as browsing, emailing, and streaming, the Surface 4 is a more capable device that can handle demanding tasks such as video editing, 3D modeling, and software development. With its more powerful processor, larger and higher-resolution display, and additional features such as Windows Hello and Windows Ink, the Surface 4 is a great option for professionals and creatives who require a device that can keep up with their demands. Ultimately, the choice between the Surface 3 and 4 will depend on your specific needs and preferences, but with this guide, you should be able to make an informed decision and find the perfect device for your needs.
What are the key differences between Microsoft Surface 3 and Surface 4 in terms of design and display?
The Microsoft Surface 3 and Surface 4 are two distinct devices with several differences in design and display. The Surface 3 features a 10.8-inch ClearType Full HD Plus display with a resolution of 1920 x 1280 pixels, while the Surface 4 boasts a 12.3-inch PixelSense touchscreen display with a higher resolution of 2736 x 1824 pixels. This significant difference in display size and resolution makes the Surface 4 more suitable for tasks that require a larger and more detailed screen. Additionally, the Surface 4 has a more premium design with a thinner and lighter chassis, making it more portable and easier to handle.
In terms of design, the Surface 3 has a more rounded edge and a slightly thicker body compared to the Surface 4. The Surface 4, on the other hand, has a more angular design with a magnesium alloy body that provides added strength and durability. The Surface 4 also features a more advanced hinge system that allows for smoother transitions between laptop and tablet modes. Overall, the design and display differences between the Surface 3 and Surface 4 reflect the different target markets and use cases for each device, with the Surface 4 being more geared towards professionals and power users who require a larger and more advanced display.
How do the processors and performance of the Microsoft Surface 3 and Surface 4 compare?
The Microsoft Surface 3 and Surface 4 have distinct differences in terms of processor and performance. The Surface 3 is powered by a quad-core Intel Atom x7-Z8700 processor with a clock speed of up to 2.4 GHz, while the Surface 4 is available with a range of processor options, including Intel Core m3, i5, and i7 processors. The Surface 4’s more powerful processors provide significantly better performance, making it more suitable for demanding tasks such as video editing, 3D modeling, and software development. Additionally, the Surface 4 has more storage and RAM options, with up to 16 GB of RAM and 1 TB of solid-state storage.
In terms of real-world performance, the Surface 4 is generally faster and more responsive than the Surface 3, with improved multitasking capabilities and faster loading times for applications and files. The Surface 4 also supports more advanced features such as Windows Hello facial recognition and a more advanced stylus experience with the Surface Pen. Overall, the performance differences between the Surface 3 and Surface 4 reflect the different use cases and target markets for each device, with the Surface 4 being more geared towards power users and professionals who require a more powerful and capable device.
What are the differences in battery life between the Microsoft Surface 3 and Surface 4?
The Microsoft Surface 3 and Surface 4 have different battery life expectations, with the Surface 3 offering up to 10 hours of video playback and the Surface 4 offering up to 9 hours of video playback. However, the actual battery life of both devices can vary depending on usage patterns and settings. The Surface 4’s more powerful processors and larger display may contribute to shorter battery life, but it also has a more advanced power management system that helps to optimize battery life. Additionally, the Surface 4 has a more efficient battery charging system that allows for faster charging and longer battery life.
In terms of real-world usage, the Surface 3 may be more suitable for users who require a device for basic tasks such as web browsing, email, and social media, where battery life is less of a concern. On the other hand, the Surface 4 is more geared towards power users who require a device for more demanding tasks, where battery life may be more of a concern. However, the Surface 4’s more advanced power management system and efficient battery charging system help to mitigate the impact of its more powerful processors and larger display on battery life. Overall, the battery life differences between the Surface 3 and Surface 4 reflect the different design priorities and use cases for each device.
How do the cameras and audio capabilities of the Microsoft Surface 3 and Surface 4 compare?
The Microsoft Surface 3 and Surface 4 have different camera and audio capabilities, with the Surface 4 featuring more advanced cameras and audio systems. The Surface 4 has an 8-megapixel rear camera and a 5-megapixel front camera, while the Surface 3 has a 3.5-megapixel rear camera and a 3.5-megapixel front camera. The Surface 4’s cameras also support more advanced features such as autofocus, auto-white balance, and more. In terms of audio, the Surface 4 features more advanced speakers with Dolby Audio Premium, while the Surface 3 has more basic speakers with stereo sound.
In terms of real-world usage, the Surface 4’s more advanced cameras and audio capabilities make it more suitable for tasks such as video conferencing, photography, and video editing. The Surface 4’s cameras also support more advanced features such as Windows Hello facial recognition, which provides an additional layer of security and convenience. The Surface 4’s more advanced audio capabilities also make it more suitable for tasks such as music and video streaming, where high-quality audio is important. Overall, the camera and audio differences between the Surface 3 and Surface 4 reflect the different design priorities and use cases for each device, with the Surface 4 being more geared towards professionals and power users who require more advanced multimedia capabilities.
What are the differences in ports and connectivity options between the Microsoft Surface 3 and Surface 4?
The Microsoft Surface 3 and Surface 4 have different port and connectivity options, with the Surface 4 featuring more advanced and versatile options. The Surface 4 has a USB-C port, a USB-A port, a Surface Connect port, and a microSD card slot, while the Surface 3 has a micro-USB port, a microSD card slot, and a headphone jack. The Surface 4’s USB-C port also supports more advanced features such as Thunderbolt 3 and Power Delivery, making it more suitable for tasks such as data transfer and charging. Additionally, the Surface 4 supports more advanced wireless connectivity options such as Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0.
In terms of real-world usage, the Surface 4’s more advanced port and connectivity options make it more suitable for tasks such as data transfer, charging, and wireless connectivity. The Surface 4’s USB-C port also supports more advanced features such as docking and expansion, making it more suitable for professionals and power users who require more advanced connectivity options. The Surface 4’s more advanced wireless connectivity options also make it more suitable for tasks such as online collaboration and cloud computing, where fast and reliable wireless connectivity is important. Overall, the port and connectivity differences between the Surface 3 and Surface 4 reflect the different design priorities and use cases for each device, with the Surface 4 being more geared towards professionals and power users who require more advanced connectivity options.
How do the pricing and value propositions of the Microsoft Surface 3 and Surface 4 compare?
The Microsoft Surface 3 and Surface 4 have different pricing and value propositions, with the Surface 3 being more affordable and the Surface 4 being more premium. The Surface 3 starts at around $500, while the Surface 4 starts at around $900. However, the Surface 4 offers more advanced features and capabilities, such as a larger and more detailed display, more powerful processors, and more advanced cameras and audio systems. The Surface 4 also offers more storage and RAM options, making it more suitable for demanding tasks and heavy usage.
In terms of value proposition, the Surface 3 is more suitable for users who require a basic and affordable device for tasks such as web browsing, email, and social media. The Surface 4, on the other hand, is more geared towards professionals and power users who require a more advanced and capable device for tasks such as video editing, 3D modeling, and software development. The Surface 4’s more premium pricing reflects its more advanced features and capabilities, as well as its more durable and premium design. Overall, the pricing and value proposition differences between the Surface 3 and Surface 4 reflect the different design priorities and use cases for each device, with the Surface 4 being more geared towards professionals and power users who require a more advanced and capable device.