The Surface Go is Microsoft’s affordable Windows 2-in-1. It’s one of the smallest and lightest devices running a full version of Windows, making it great for on-the-go productivity.
In our full review, we praised the Go 2’s screen and webcam but were frustrated by the Intel Pentium Gold’s performance on the model we tested. Now Microsoft has officially released an update in the Surface Go 3 wither stronger processors, following its September 22 launch event – and the devices are available to pre-order now.
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The 10.5in 2-in-1s will ship with Windows 11 out of the box and feature a (very welcome) 10th-gen Intel Core i3 that Microsoft promises is 60% faster than its predecessor.
The entry-level options run on a more affordable Pentium 6500Y chip, allowing a starting price of just £369 in the UK (US$399.99). Microsoft will also release a 4G variant soon, though specific dates have not yet been confirmed.
The Surface Go 3 launched along with a number of other devices at the event including the Surface Pro 8, Surface Go 3, Surface Pro X (2021), and a brand new Surface Laptop Studio. Here’s everything Microsoft announced at the event. Watch the show again here.
Here, we’re diving into everything you need to know about the Surface Go 3’s specs, release date, and price.
When will the Microsoft Surface Go 3 release?
5 October release date, pre-orders open now
The Surface Go 3 is available to pre-order now in the UK and US ahead of the 5 October release date.
Microsoft will also be releasing a version with LTE in select markets. We’ll update this article once we learn more.
How much does the Microsoft Surface Go 3 cost?
4GB RAM/64GB storage with Intel Pentium 6500Y processor – £369.99/$399.99
8GB RAM/128GB storage with Intel Pentium 6500Y processor – £499.99/$549.99
8GB RAM/128GB storage with Intel Core i3 processor – £569/$629.99
The entry-level price in the UK is the cheapest we’ve seen so far, and £30 cheaper than the Go 2. The original started at £379.99/US$399.99, while the Go 2 stepped up to £399 in UK, though US pricing has remained the same at $399.99.
You’ll still need to buy the Type Cover separately, with prices starting at £99.99/$99.99.
Microsoft Surface Go 3 design & specs
The new processors are the most notable upgrade, with the Go 3 offering a choice between Intel’s Pentium Gold 6500Y or Core i3-10100Y. The Core i3 option is the priciest in the range, however, and will set you back £569/$629.99 (which could get you a decent mid-range laptop).
Both chips should deliver a useful performance boost over last year’s equivalent Gold 4425Y or Core m3-8100Y. Microsoft also introduced 4GB and 8GB RAM options, though the maximum SSD storage is still capped at 128GB.
Here are the full specs for the Surface Go 3:
10.5in PixelSense Display (1920×1280) with 3:2 aspect ratio
Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y or Intel Core i3-10100Y processor
4/8GB RAM
64GB (eMMC)/128GB SSD/256GB SSD storage (all expandable via microSD)
5Mp front-facing camera with support for Windows Hello face unlock (1080p HD video)
8Mp rear camera with auto-focus (1080p HD video)
Enhanced dual far-field studio mics
2W Studio Speakers with Dolby Atmos
Wi-Fi 6 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax compatible
Bluetooth 5.0
Qualcomm Snapdragon X16 – 4G LTE
LTE Advanced Nano SIM tray
Ports – 1x USB-C, 1x Surface Connect, Surface Type Cover port, microSDXC card reader, 3.5mm headphone jack
2W stereo speakers with Dolby Audio Premium
Up to 11 hours battery life (claimed)
24W power supply
245mm x 175mm x 8.3mm
Check out our guide to the best Surface devices you can buy right now. We’re separately tracking the best Surface deals in the UK.
Read: Should I buy a 5G laptop?
