Surface 3

Microsoft Surface 3 vs. Surface Pro 3: Scratching Beneath The Surface

 Can’t decide whether to get the Microsoft Surface 3 or the Surface Pro 3? Choosing tablet goes beyond the form factor so, here we try to compare Microsoft’s tablet offerings, specs sheet vs. specs sheet.

The first generation of Microsoft tablets were announced in June 2012 and the tablets attracted many customers but the company failed to achieve expected sales. The latest generation of the Microsoft tablets are the surface 3 and surface pro 3.

Both the Microsoft tablets are packed with features that attract many tablet enthusiasts. We take a look at some of the features and how the tablets compare against each other.

Performance:

Microsoft markets the surface pro 3 as a ‘’tablet that can replace your laptop’’. The tablet is powered by the fourth-generation Intel Core family of processors i3, i5, i7 with clock speed of 1.5GHz/1.9GHz/1.7GHz upto 2.9GHz/3.3GHz. The tablet also has 4GB/8GB RAM.

The Surface 3 tablets are powered by an Intel Atom x7-Z8700, quad-core 1.6GHz processor. The tablet is comparatively slow in comparison to the surface pro 3. Experts suggest that users should opt for the4GB RAM version of surface 3 rather than the 2GB version as the latter does not have enough memory for running Windows 8.1.

Display:

The surface 3 has a 10.8 –inch multi-touch display with 1920 by 1280 pixels resolution and 213 ppi, which offers accurate color representation making it an elegant experience for users.

The surface pro 3 has a slightly bigger screen of 12-inch and supports higher resolution of 2160 by 1440 ppi, which is slightly higher than the surface 3 and due to bigger screen size.

Both the microsoft devices have an aspect ratio of 3:2.

Storage:

The surface pro 3 is available in 64/128/256/512GB options while the Surface 3 is available in 64/128GB versions. The storage for both the tablets can be extended using a micro SD card.

Camera:

Both the microsoft tablets are equipped with a front and rear camera. The surface Pro 3 has a 5MP front-facing camera compared to the 3.5MP front-facing camera of the surface 3. However, surface 3 has a better 8MP main camera when compared to the 5MP rear-facing camera of the Surface Pro 3.

Stylus:

Usres of both the Microsoft Surface 3 as well as Surface Pro 3 can use the stylus with their tablets.

 Microsoft is again Offering $150 off the Surface Pro 3 - but only for one particular model

Rather than simply dropping the price of its flagship surface Pro 3 tablet. Microsoft has got into the habit of offering promotional discounts on the device every few weeks. Less than a month after its last discounts, that time has arrived once again - but this time around, the company is only cutting the price of one model in its range.

Specifically, it is now offering $150 off the cost of the mid-range Pro 3, which features an intel core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM and 256GB of on board storage.

That brings the price of the price of tablet from its usual $1299 down to a much nicer $1149, and you will even get a free protective sleeve  thrown into sweeten the deal further. The free sleeve is available with all Surface pro 3 tablets purchased from the microsoft store until july 1.

However, the discount on the core i5/256GB configuration will end on may 23, and is available exclusively via the company's online store, or its US retail stores.