Today, the Microsoft Surface Pro 4 and Surface Pro 3 are two of the most popular tablets in the market. They are both incredibly powerful and offer a wealth of features, making them ideal for both work and play. But how do they compare? In this article, we’ll explore the differences between the Microsoft Surface Pro 4 and Surface Pro 3, in order to help you decide which one is the best fit for your needs. From battery life and processing power, to design and portability, we’ll cover all the important aspects so you can make an informed decision. So, let’s take a look and compare the Microsoft Surface Pro 4 and Surface Pro 3.
| Microsoft Surface Pro 4 | Microsoft Surface Pro 3 |
|---|---|
| 12.3″ PixelSense display with 2736 x 1824 resolution | 12.0″ ClearType Full HD display with 2160 x 1440 resolution |
| 6th gen Intel Core m3, i5, or i7 processor | 4th gen Intel Core i3, i5, or i7 processor |
| Up to 16 GB RAM | Up to 8 GB RAM |
| Up to 1 TB storage | Up to 512 GB storage |
| 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.1 | 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0 |
Microsoft Surface Pro 4 Vs 3: Comparison Chart
| Microsoft Surface Pro 4 | Microsoft Surface Pro 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 12.3-inch 2736×1824 pixels | 12-inch 2160×1440 pixels |
| Weight | 772g/786g | 800g/907g |
| CPU | Intel Core i5/i7 | Intel Core i3/i5/i7 |
| GPU | Intel HD Graphics 515 | Intel HD Graphics 4400/5000 |
| RAM | 4GB/8GB/16GB | 4GB/8GB |
| Storage | 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB | 64GB/128GB/256GB/512GB |
| Battery | Up to 9 hours | Up to 9 hours |
| Price | $999 – $2,699 | $799 – $1,799 |
| Operating System | Windows 10 Pro | Windows 8.1 Pro |
| Camera | 5MP front/8MP rear | 5MP front/rear |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.0, USB 3.0, Mini DisplayPort, microSD card reader | Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.0, USB 3.0, Mini DisplayPort, microSD card reader |
| Other Features | Stereo speakers with Dolby Audio, Surface Pen, Precision touchpad | Stereo speakers with Dolby Audio |
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Microsoft Surface Pro 4 vs Surface Pro 3
Design
The Surface Pro 4 is slightly smaller than the Surface Pro 3, measuring 292.1 x 201.4 x 8.45mm versus the Pro 3’s 292.10 x 201.42 x 9.1mm. The Surface Pro 4 is also lighter, weighing 766g compared with the Pro 3’s 800g. Both devices feature a magnesium alloy body and a kickstand with multiple angles.
The Surface Pro 4’s display is larger, measuring 12.3 inches compared with the Pro 3’s 12 inches. Microsoft has increased the resolution from 2160 x 1440 to 2736 x 1824, giving the Pro 4 a 267 ppi pixel density compared with the Pro 3’s 216 ppi. The Pro 4 also features a higher contrast ratio and better color accuracy, making it better suited for multimedia and creative tasks.
The Surface Pro 4 features an improved Type Cover keyboard with a larger trackpad, a larger glass surface area, and better key travel. It also has a new fingerprint reader, allowing users to log in with Windows Hello.
Performance
The Surface Pro 4 is powered by Intel’s 6th-generation Skylake processors, ranging from the Core m3 to the Core i7. The Pro 3 is powered by Intel’s 5th-generation Haswell processors, ranging from the Core i3 to the Core i7. The Pro 4 also has more RAM options, ranging from 4GB to 16GB, compared with the Pro 3’s 4GB to 8GB.
The Pro 4 also features an improved cooling system to keep temperatures under control. And the Pro 4’s battery life is rated at 9 hours compared with the Pro 3’s 8 hours.
Features
The Surface Pro 4 features a new Surface Pen with improved pressure sensitivity and an eraser on the back. It also has an improved audio system with stereo speakers. The Pro 4 also features a USB-C port, allowing users to connect to a variety of new peripherals.
The Pro 4 also has a new Windows Hello camera, which allows users to quickly log in using facial recognition. The Pro 4 also supports Windows Ink, allowing users to quickly jot down notes and draw sketches with the Surface Pen.
Price
The Surface Pro 4 is more expensive than the Pro 3, with prices starting at $899 for the Core i3 model and going up to $2,699 for the Core i7 model. The Pro 3 starts at $799 for the Core i3 model and goes up to $1,799 for the Core i7 model.
Verdict
The Surface Pro 4 is a significant upgrade over the Pro 3, with improved performance, a larger and higher resolution display, an improved Type Cover keyboard, a new Surface Pen, and new features like Windows Hello and Windows Ink. It’s also more expensive, so it may not be worth it for users who don’t need the extras.
Overall, the Surface Pro 4 is a significant upgrade over the Pro 3, and is worth considering for users who need the extra performance, features, and display quality.
Microsoft Surface Pro 4 Vs 3
Pros
- Microsoft Surface Pro 4 has a larger, higher-resolution display than the Surface Pro 3.
- The Surface Pro 4 has a more powerful processor than the Surface Pro 3.
- The Surface Pro 4 has longer battery life than the Surface Pro 3.
Cons
- The Surface Pro 4 is more expensive than the Surface Pro 3.
- The Surface Pro 4 is heavier than the Surface Pro 3.
- The Surface Pro 4 has fewer ports than the Surface Pro 3.
Microsoft Surface Pro 4 Vs 3: Which Is Better?
Overall, both the Microsoft Surface Pro 4 and 3 are excellent options for a laptop/tablet hybrid. The Surface Pro 4 offers a slightly faster processor, longer battery life, and a higher resolution display than the Surface Pro 3. It also boasts a larger screen, updated accessories, and Windows 10. On the other hand, the Surface Pro 3 is lighter, more portable, and more affordable than the Surface Pro 4. Both models offer excellent performance, portability, and battery life, so the final decision comes down to individual preference and budget.
For those who prioritize portability and affordability, the Surface Pro 3 may be the better choice. It’s lighter and more affordable than the Surface Pro 4, but still has a great processor, battery life, and Windows 10. On the other hand, the Surface Pro 4 is a great option for those who prioritize performance and battery life. It has a faster processor, longer battery life, and a higher resolution display than the Surface Pro 3.
Overall, both the Microsoft Surface Pro 4 and 3 are good options depending on individual needs. The Surface Pro 4 offers better performance and battery life, while the Surface Pro 3 is lighter, more portable, and more affordable. Ultimately, the decision comes down to individual preference and budget.
Top Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What are the main differences between the Microsoft Surface Pro 4 and the Surface Pro 3?
A1. The main differences between the Microsoft Surface Pro 4 and the Surface Pro 3 are primarily in the specs and design. The Surface Pro 4 is powered by an Intel Core i5 or i7 processor, while the Surface Pro 3 uses an Intel Core i3, i5, or i7 processor. The Surface Pro 4 has 4GB, 8GB, or 16GB of RAM, while the Surface Pro 3 has 4GB or 8GB. The Surface Pro 4 has a larger 12.3-inch PixelSense display with a resolution of 2736 x 1824, and the Surface Pro 3 has a 12-inch PixelSense display with a resolution of 2160 x 1440. The Surface Pro 4 also has an improved Type Cover with a larger trackpad, and the bezels on the display are thinner than on the Surface Pro 3.
Q2. Does the Surface Pro 4 have a better camera than the Surface Pro 3?
A2. Yes, the Surface Pro 4 has an improved 8MP rear-facing autofocus camera, compared to the 5MP rear-facing camera on the Surface Pro 3. The Surface Pro 4 also has a 5MP front-facing camera, while the Surface Pro 3 has a 3.5MP front-facing camera. The cameras on both devices are capable of recording 1080p video.
Q3. Is the Surface Pro 4 more powerful than the Surface Pro 3?
A3. Yes, the Surface Pro 4 is more powerful than the Surface Pro 3, as it is powered by an Intel Core i5 or i7 processor, while the Surface Pro 3 uses an Intel Core i3, i5, or i7 processor. Additionally, the Surface Pro 4 has 4GB, 8GB, or 16GB of RAM, while the Surface Pro 3 has 4GB or 8GB.
Q4. Does the Surface Pro 4 have a longer battery life than the Surface Pro 3?
A4. Yes, the Surface Pro 4 has a longer battery life than the Surface Pro 3. The Surface Pro 4 has a battery life of up to 9 hours, while the Surface Pro 3 has a battery life of up to 8 hours.
Q5. Are the Type Covers compatible between the Surface Pro 4 and the Surface Pro 3?
A5. No, the Type Covers for the Surface Pro 4 and the Surface Pro 3 are not compatible. The Type Cover for the Surface Pro 4 has a larger trackpad, and the keys are spaced differently than on the Surface Pro 3.
Q6. Does the Surface Pro 4 have an improved pen compared to the Surface Pro 3?
A6. Yes, the Surface Pro 4 has an improved pen compared to the Surface Pro 3. The Surface Pro 4 pen has 1,024 levels of pressure sensitivity, compared to the 256 levels of pressure sensitivity on the Surface Pro 3 pen. Additionally, the Surface Pro 4 pen has an eraser button on the back, whereas the Surface Pro 3 pen does not.
Surface Pro 4 Vs Pro 3
When it comes to choosing between the Microsoft Surface Pro 4 and the Microsoft Surface Pro 3, it comes down to personal preference. The Pro 4 offers more power and a bigger display, while the Pro 3 is lighter and more affordable. Both are excellent options for those who want the portability and convenience of a laptop with the power and flexibility of a tablet. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which device will best fit your needs. Regardless of which device you choose, you’re sure to enjoy a top-notch experience.