The Microsoft Surface series has been a benchmark for tablets and laptops, offering a unique blend of portability, power, and versatility. Among the various models, the Surface Go and Surface Go 2 have garnered significant attention for their compact design, user-friendly interface, and affordability. While both devices share some similarities, there are notable differences that set them apart. In this article, we will delve into the details of each device, exploring their features, specifications, and overall performance to help you decide which one suits your needs.
Introduction to Surface Go and Surface Go 2
The Surface Go, released in 2018, was Microsoft’s attempt to create a more affordable and portable version of its popular Surface Pro lineup. It was designed to be a compact, lightweight device that could handle everyday tasks with ease. The Surface Go 2, launched in 2020, builds upon the success of its predecessor, offering improved performance, enhanced features, and a more refined design. Both devices are positioned as ideal solutions for students, professionals, and individuals seeking a versatile and travel-friendly computer.
Design and Display
In terms of design, both the Surface Go and Surface Go 2 boast a sleek and sturdy construction, with a magnesium alloy body that provides excellent durability. The devices feature a similar dimensions, with the Surface Go measuring 9.65 x 6.9 x 0.33 inches and weighing 1.15 pounds, while the Surface Go 2 is slightly larger at 9.65 x 6.9 x 0.33 inches and 1.22 pounds. The portability of both devices is undeniable, making them perfect for commuting, traveling, or working on-the-go.
The display is another area where both devices excel. The Surface Go features a 10-inch PixelSense display with a resolution of 1800 x 1200 pixels, while the Surface Go 2 offers a slightly larger 10.5-inch PixelSense display with a resolution of 1920 x 1280 pixels. Both displays are touch-sensitive and support the Surface Pen, making them ideal for note-taking, drawing, and other creative tasks.
Performance and Hardware
Under the hood, the Surface Go and Surface Go 2 differ significantly. The Surface Go is powered by a dual-core Intel Pentium Gold 4415Y processor, paired with 4GB or 8GB of RAM and 64GB of eMMC storage. In contrast, the Surface Go 2 offers more powerful processor options, including a dual-core Intel Core m3-8100Y and a quad-core Intel Pentium Gold 4425Y. The device also comes with 4GB, 8GB, or 16GB of RAM and 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB of SSD storage.
The performance difference between the two devices is noticeable, with the Surface Go 2 offering faster processing speeds, improved multitasking, and enhanced overall performance. The Surface Go 2 also features longer battery life, with up to 10 hours of typical device usage, compared to the Surface Go’s 9 hours.
Software and Features
Both the Surface Go and Surface Go 2 run on Windows 10 in S mode, which provides a streamlined and secure user experience. The devices also come with a range of pre-installed apps, including Microsoft Office, OneDrive, and Skype. The Surface Go 2, however, offers more advanced features, such as Windows Hello facial recognition and a USB-C port for faster data transfer and charging.
In terms of security, both devices feature robust protection, including TPM 2.0, BitLocker, and Secure Boot. The Surface Go 2 also offers additional security features, such as Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection and Microsoft Intune management.
Connectivity and Accessories
The Surface Go and Surface Go 2 offer a range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, and a Surface Connect port for docking and charging. The devices also support a variety of accessories, such as the Surface Pen, Surface Keyboard, and Surface Mouse.
The Surface Go 2, however, offers more advanced connectivity options, including USB-C with Power Delivery and DisplayPort 1.2. The device also supports external displays with up to 4K resolution at 60Hz, making it ideal for presentations, video editing, and other graphics-intensive tasks.
Comparison of Key Features
To summarize the key differences between the Surface Go and Surface Go 2, we can look at the following comparison:
| Feature | Surface Go | Surface Go 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Pentium Gold 4415Y | Intel Core m3-8100Y or Intel Pentium Gold 4425Y |
| RAM | 4GB or 8GB | 4GB, 8GB, or 16GB |
| Storage | 64GB eMMC | 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB SSD |
| Display | 10-inch PixelSense, 1800 x 1200 pixels | 10.5-inch PixelSense, 1920 x 1280 pixels |
| Battery Life | Up to 9 hours | Up to 10 hours |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Surface Go and Surface Go 2 are both excellent devices that offer a unique blend of portability, power, and versatility. While the Surface Go is a great option for basic tasks and everyday use, the Surface Go 2 offers more advanced features, improved performance, and enhanced overall value. If you’re looking for a device that can handle demanding tasks, provide longer battery life, and offer more advanced security features, the Surface Go 2 is the better choice. However, if you’re on a budget and seeking a compact, user-friendly device for basic tasks, the Surface Go remains a great option.
Ultimately, the decision between the Surface Go and Surface Go 2 depends on your specific needs and preferences. By considering the key differences outlined in this article, you can make an informed decision and choose the device that best suits your lifestyle and requirements.
What are the key differences between the Surface Go and Surface Go 2 in terms of display?
The Surface Go and Surface Go 2 are both compact and portable devices, but they have distinct differences when it comes to their displays. The original Surface Go features a 10-inch PixelSense display with a resolution of 1800 x 1200 pixels, which provides a decent visual experience. However, the Surface Go 2 takes it up a notch with a larger 10.5-inch PixelSense display and the same resolution, offering more screen real estate for users to enjoy their favorite content.
In terms of display quality, both devices offer excellent color accuracy and decent brightness levels, making them suitable for everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, and working on documents. However, the Surface Go 2’s larger display provides a more immersive experience, especially when watching videos or playing games. Additionally, the Surface Go 2’s display is also more suitable for multitasking, as users can have multiple windows open at the same time without feeling too cramped. Overall, while both devices have great displays, the Surface Go 2’s larger screen gives it a slight edge in this department.
How do the Surface Go and Surface Go 2 compare in terms of performance and processing power?
The Surface Go and Surface Go 2 have different processors that impact their performance and processing power. The original Surface Go is powered by a dual-core 7th Gen Intel Pentium Gold 4415Y processor, which provides decent performance for basic tasks like browsing, email, and office work. However, the Surface Go 2 offers more powerful processor options, including a dual-core 8th Gen Intel Core m3 and a quad-core 10th Gen Intel Core i5, which provide a significant boost in performance and multitasking capabilities.
The Surface Go 2’s more powerful processors make it better suited for demanding tasks like photo editing, video streaming, and running multiple applications at the same time. Additionally, the Surface Go 2’s processors also provide better battery life, with up to 10 hours of typical device usage, compared to the Surface Go’s 9 hours. Overall, while the Surface Go is sufficient for basic tasks, the Surface Go 2’s more powerful processors make it a better choice for users who need more performance and processing power to get their work done efficiently.
What are the differences in storage and RAM options between the Surface Go and Surface Go 2?
The Surface Go and Surface Go 2 have different storage and RAM options that cater to various user needs. The original Surface Go comes with 64GB of eMMC storage and 4GB of RAM, or 128GB of SSD storage and 8GB of RAM. In contrast, the Surface Go 2 offers more storage and RAM options, including 64GB of eMMC storage and 4GB of RAM, 128GB of SSD storage and 8GB of RAM, or 256GB of SSD storage and 8GB of RAM. The Surface Go 2 also offers a microSD card slot, allowing users to expand their storage capacity up to 1TB.
The Surface Go 2’s more generous storage and RAM options make it a better choice for users who need more space to store their files, apps, and data. Additionally, the Surface Go 2’s SSD storage options provide faster loading times and overall performance compared to the Surface Go’s eMMC storage. The extra RAM also enables users to run more applications simultaneously without experiencing significant slowdowns. Overall, the Surface Go 2’s more flexible storage and RAM options make it a more versatile device that can adapt to different user needs and preferences.
How do the Surface Go and Surface Go 2 differ in terms of battery life and charging?
The Surface Go and Surface Go 2 have different battery life and charging capabilities. The original Surface Go has a battery life of up to 9 hours, depending on usage, and supports charging via the Surface Connect port or a USB-C adapter. The Surface Go 2, on the other hand, has a battery life of up to 10 hours, depending on usage, and also supports charging via the Surface Connect port or a USB-C adapter. However, the Surface Go 2’s more powerful processors and larger display do impact its battery life, especially when used for demanding tasks.
In terms of charging, both devices support fast charging, which can quickly top up the battery to 80% in about an hour. However, the Surface Go 2’s more efficient processors and power management system help to extend its battery life, even with the larger display. Additionally, the Surface Go 2’s battery life can be further extended with power-saving features like lowering the screen brightness, turning off unnecessary features, and using the device’s power-saving mode. Overall, while both devices have decent battery life, the Surface Go 2’s more efficient design and power management system give it a slight edge in this department.
What are the differences in camera capabilities between the Surface Go and Surface Go 2?
The Surface Go and Surface Go 2 have different camera capabilities that impact their usability for tasks like video conferencing, photography, and scanning documents. The original Surface Go features a 5MP front-facing camera and an 8MP rear-facing camera, which provide decent image quality for basic tasks. However, the Surface Go 2 has improved camera capabilities, with an 8MP front-facing camera and a 10.5MP rear-facing camera, which offer better low-light performance and more detailed images.
The Surface Go 2’s improved cameras make it a better choice for users who need to participate in video conferences, take photos, or scan documents regularly. The higher-resolution cameras also enable features like facial recognition, which provides an additional layer of security for users. Additionally, the Surface Go 2’s cameras are also better suited for tasks like augmented reality and mixed reality, which require more advanced camera capabilities. Overall, while both devices have decent cameras, the Surface Go 2’s improved camera capabilities make it a more versatile device for various use cases.
How do the Surface Go and Surface Go 2 compare in terms of ports and connectivity options?
The Surface Go and Surface Go 2 have different ports and connectivity options that impact their usability for various tasks and accessories. The original Surface Go features a USB-C port, a Surface Connect port, a microSD card slot, and a headphone jack, which provide a decent range of connectivity options. However, the Surface Go 2 has a more comprehensive set of ports, including a USB-C port, a Surface Connect port, a microSD card slot, a headphone jack, and support for Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0, which offer faster and more reliable connectivity.
The Surface Go 2’s more extensive ports and connectivity options make it a better choice for users who need to connect multiple accessories, transfer files, or access the internet. The USB-C port, for example, supports faster data transfer speeds and can be used to charge the device, while the Surface Connect port provides a secure and reliable connection to the Surface Dock. Additionally, the Surface Go 2’s support for Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 enables faster and more stable wireless connectivity, making it a better choice for users who need to stay connected on the go. Overall, while both devices have decent ports and connectivity options, the Surface Go 2’s more comprehensive set of features makes it a more versatile device.
What are the differences in pricing and value between the Surface Go and Surface Go 2?
The Surface Go and Surface Go 2 have different price points that impact their value proposition for users. The original Surface Go starts at around $399 for the base model, while the Surface Go 2 starts at around $499 for the base model. However, the Surface Go 2 offers more features, better performance, and improved cameras, which justify its higher price point. The Surface Go 2’s more powerful processors, larger display, and improved cameras make it a better choice for users who need a more capable device for work, entertainment, or creativity.
In terms of value, the Surface Go 2 offers more bang for the buck, despite its higher price point. The device’s improved performance, cameras, and display make it a more versatile device that can handle a wide range of tasks, from basic productivity to more demanding creative tasks. Additionally, the Surface Go 2’s more comprehensive set of ports and connectivity options, including support for Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0, make it a better choice for users who need to stay connected and productive on the go. Overall, while the Surface Go is a more affordable option, the Surface Go 2’s improved features and capabilities make it a better value proposition for users who need a more capable device.