What To Know
- The Surface Pro 3 and Surface Pro 5 share a similar design philosophy, featuring a sleek magnesium chassis with a kickstand that allows for a variety of usage modes.
- Under the hood, the Surface Pro 5 packs a more powerful processor, the Intel Core i5 or i7 of the 7th generation, compared to the 4th generation Intel Core i5 or i7 found in the Surface Pro 3.
- In terms of memory, the Surface Pro 5 has a slight edge with 4GB or 8GB of RAM, while the Surface Pro 3 offers 4GB or 8GB of RAM in select models.
The Microsoft Surface Pro lineup has consistently impressed with its versatility and performance. In this blog post, we’ll delve into a detailed comparison of two of its most popular models: the Surface Pro 3 and the Surface Pro 5. By analyzing their key features, design, and capabilities, we aim to help you make an informed decision about which device best suits your needs.
Design and Build Quality
The Surface Pro 3 and Surface Pro 5 share a similar design philosophy, featuring a sleek magnesium chassis with a kickstand that allows for a variety of usage modes. However, the Surface Pro 5 introduces a more refined design with thinner bezels and a slightly larger 12.3-inch display compared to the 12-inch screen of the Surface Pro 3.
Display
Both devices offer vibrant and crisp displays, but the Surface Pro 5 has a clear advantage with its higher resolution (2736 x 1824) and wider color gamut. This results in more detailed images, deeper blacks, and richer colors. The Surface Pro 3’s display (2160 x 1440) is still impressive, but it falls short in terms of overall image quality.
Performance
Under the hood, the Surface Pro 5 packs a more powerful processor, the Intel Core i5 or i7 of the 7th generation, compared to the 4th generation Intel Core i5 or i7 found in the Surface Pro 3. This significant performance boost translates into faster application loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming capabilities.
Storage and Memory
The Surface Pro 3 offers a range of storage options from 64GB to 512GB, while the Surface Pro 5 comes with storage capacities ranging from 128GB to 1TB. Both devices support microSD card expansion for additional storage space. In terms of memory, the Surface Pro 5 has a slight edge with 4GB or 8GB of RAM, while the Surface Pro 3 offers 4GB or 8GB of RAM in select models.
Battery Life
Battery life is a crucial factor for portable devices. The Surface Pro 5 boasts an improved battery life over its predecessor, lasting up to 13.5 hours on a single charge. The Surface Pro 3, on the other hand, has a battery life of approximately 9 hours. This difference in battery performance gives the Surface Pro 5 an edge for extended usage without needing to worry about finding an outlet.
Stylus and Pen Support
Both the Surface Pro 3 and Surface Pro 5 come with support for Microsoft’s Surface Pen, which allows for precise note-taking, sketching, and annotations. The Surface Pro 5, however, features a more advanced Surface Pen with 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity, offering a more natural and responsive writing experience.
Connectivity
The Surface Pro 3 and Surface Pro 5 provide a comprehensive set of connectivity options. Both devices feature a USB 3.0 port, a mini DisplayPort, a microSD card slot, and a headset jack. The Surface Pro 5 additionally includes a USB-C port, which offers faster data transfer speeds and the ability to connect to external displays or charging devices.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Device for Your Needs
The Microsoft Surface Pro 3 and Surface Pro 5 are both excellent devices, but their differences may influence your decision based on your specific requirements. If you prioritize a slimmer design, a high-resolution display, and the latest performance, the Surface Pro 5 is the better choice. However, if you value a more affordable option with a still-capable processor and a decent display, the Surface Pro 3 remains a viable option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which device is more portable?
A: Both devices are highly portable, but the Surface Pro 5 is slightly lighter and thinner than the Surface Pro 3.
Q: Can I run heavy-duty software on the Surface Pro 3 or Surface Pro 5?
A: Yes, both devices can handle demanding software, but the Surface Pro 5 with its more powerful processor will provide better performance for intensive tasks.
Q: Is the Surface Pen included with the devices?
A: No, the Surface Pen is sold separately for both the Surface Pro 3 and Surface Pro 5.
