Quick Overview
- The Surface Go 3 has a claimed battery life of up to 11 hours on a single charge, which is impressive for a device of its size.
- The Xiaomi Pad 5 has a slightly longer battery life, with a claimed endurance of up to 16 hours on a single charge.
- While the Surface Go 3 offers a more premium design and Windows 11 experience, the Xiaomi Pad 5’s superior value and performance make it the better choice for most users.
The tech industry is abuzz with the arrival of two formidable 2-in-1 devices: Microsoft Surface Go 3 and Xiaomi Pad 5. Both devices promise exceptional performance, versatility, and portability, making them ideal companions for students, professionals, and content creators alike. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the intricacies of each device, uncovering their strengths, weaknesses, and ultimately determining which one emerges as the ultimate winner.
Design and Build Quality
Microsoft Surface Go 3: The Surface Go 3 exudes elegance with its sleek magnesium alloy body and a vibrant 10.5-inch PixelSense display. Its compact dimensions and feather-light weight make it highly portable, while the built-in kickstand provides stability for various viewing angles.
Xiaomi Pad 5: The Xiaomi Pad 5 boasts a premium design with a slim metal frame and a vibrant 11-inch IPS LCD display. Its larger size offers a more immersive viewing experience, and the quad speakers deliver exceptional audio quality.
Display
Microsoft Surface Go 3: The Surface Go 3’s 10.5-inch PixelSense display delivers sharp visuals with a resolution of 1920 x 1280 pixels and support for 10-point touch. The display is also protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, ensuring durability against scratches and accidental drops.
Xiaomi Pad 5: The Xiaomi Pad 5’s 11-inch IPS LCD display offers a slightly larger viewing area with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels. It features TrueTone technology, which automatically adjusts the display’s color temperature based on the ambient lighting, providing a more comfortable viewing experience.
Performance
Microsoft Surface Go 3: The Surface Go 3 is powered by Intel’s Pentium Gold 6500Y processor, which provides adequate performance for everyday tasks such as web browsing, email, and office productivity. However, it may struggle with more demanding applications or multitasking.
Xiaomi Pad 5: The Xiaomi Pad 5 boasts a more powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 processor, which offers significantly faster performance than the Surface Go 3. It can handle demanding applications, including video editing, gaming, and multitasking, with ease.
Battery Life
Microsoft Surface Go 3: The Surface Go 3 has a claimed battery life of up to 11 hours on a single charge, which is impressive for a device of its size. This makes it a reliable companion for extended periods away from a power outlet.
Xiaomi Pad 5: The Xiaomi Pad 5 has a slightly longer battery life, with a claimed endurance of up to 16 hours on a single charge. This makes it an ideal device for users who spend extended periods on the go.
Camera
Microsoft Surface Go 3: The Surface Go 3 features a modest 5MP front-facing camera and an 8MP rear-facing camera. The front-facing camera is suitable for video calls, while the rear-facing camera can capture decent images in well-lit conditions.
Xiaomi Pad 5: The Xiaomi Pad 5 has a more advanced camera system with a 13MP rear-facing camera and an 8MP front-facing camera. The rear-facing camera offers a wider field of view and better low-light performance, making it more versatile for photography.
Operating System
Microsoft Surface Go 3: The Surface Go 3 runs Windows 11 Home in S mode, which provides a streamlined and secure experience. However, it restricts users from installing applications outside of the Microsoft Store.
Xiaomi Pad 5: The Xiaomi Pad 5 runs MIUI 12.5, which is based on Android 11. It offers a more customizable experience and allows users to install applications from various sources, including the Google Play Store.
Price
Microsoft Surface Go 3: The Surface Go 3 starts at $399 for the base model with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage.
Xiaomi Pad 5: The Xiaomi Pad 5 starts at $299 for the base model with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage.
Verdict: The Ultimate Winner
After carefully considering all aspects of the Microsoft Surface Go 3 and Xiaomi Pad 5, we declare the Xiaomi Pad 5 as the ultimate winner. Its superior performance, larger display, longer battery life, and more advanced camera system make it a more versatile and capable device overall. While the Surface Go 3 offers a more premium design and Windows 11 experience, the Xiaomi Pad 5’s superior value and performance make it the better choice for most users.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q: Is the Microsoft Surface Go 3 a good laptop replacement?
A: The Surface Go 3 can serve as a decent laptop replacement for basic tasks, but its limited performance may not be suitable for demanding users.
Q: Can the Xiaomi Pad 5 handle heavy multitasking?
A: Yes, the Xiaomi Pad 5’s powerful processor and ample RAM allow it to handle multitasking with ease, including demanding applications and games.
Q: Which device has the better display?
A: The Xiaomi Pad 5 has a larger display with a higher resolution and TrueTone technology, which provides a more immersive and comfortable viewing experience.
Q: Can I use the Surface Go 3 to run third-party software?
A: The Surface Go 3 running Windows 11 in S mode restricts users from installing applications outside of the Microsoft Store. However, users can switch to Windows 11 Home to gain full access to third-party software.
Q: Does the Xiaomi Pad 5 support stylus input?
A: Yes, the Xiaomi Pad 5 supports the Xiaomi Smart Pen, which allows users to take notes, draw, and interact with the device using a stylus.