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.
A third generation launched back in September 2021, delivering upgrades in two key areas. The top-spec model now features an Intel Core i3 processors, while the device ships with Windows 11 out of the box.
Performance was a key strength in our full review, while it retains the premium build and impressive webcam & mic setup you’ll find on high-end Surface products. But battery life and a dated design held it back, especially as the price climbs steeply from that £369/US$399.99 starting point.
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?
- On sale since 5 October
- Matte black and LTE models announced 11 January, available immediately
- New affordable LTE model available from 18 March
The Surface Go 3 was officially announced on 22 September 2021. It’s available to buy now in the UK and US, having been released on 5 October.
We’re separately tracking where to buy the Surface Go 3 both in the UK and US here.
Back in September, Microsoft confirmed that it would be adding an LTE models to the Surface Go line-up at some point. That became reality on 11 January 2022, with a new Matte Black colour option also being added to the range. Both became available immediately after announcement.
Then, in March 2022, Microsoft added LTE to it’s entry-level Intel Pentium 6500Y model. It means both CPUs on the Surface Go 3 now have optional 4G connectivity.
Also see: Where to buy the Surface Duo 2
How much does the Microsoft Surface Go 3 cost?
- 4GB RAM/64GB storage with Intel Pentium 6500Y processor – £369.99/$399.99
- 4GB RAM/64GB storage with Intel Pentium 6500Y processor – £449/$499
- 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
- 8GB RAM/128GB storage with Intel Core i3 processor and LTE/4G – £649/$729.99
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 the US starting price has remained the same at $399.99.
You’ll also still need to buy the Type Cover separately, with prices starting at £99.99/$99.99.
Related: Where to buy the Surface Pro 8
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
One slight disappointment at launch was the lack of colour options, with no alternative to Platinum available at launch. However, on 10 January, leaked images showing what looks to be a new matte black finish were posted to Twitter:
— Aggiornamenti Lumia (@ALumia_Italia) January 10, 2022
We didn’t have long to wait for an official announcement, with Microsoft revealing the Matte Black model the very next day. There’s also now the option for LTE connectivity, although that’s limited to the top-spec Intel Core i3 configuration and even more expensive.
We discussed the Go 3 in episode 84 of our weekly podcast, Fast Charge:
Related article for further reading
Author: Anyron Copeman, Senior Staff Writer
As the resident expert on Windows, Senior Staff Writer Anyron’s main focus is PCs and laptops. Much of the rest of his time is split between smartphones, tablets and audio, with a particular focus on Android devices.