OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Tablets Methodology v3.0
Tablets Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Tablets Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Tablets Methodology v3.0

Microsoft Surface 3 4G (2GB + 64GB) review: 168 specs compared

Avg. price:~£630RAM capacity:2 GBInternal storage:64 GBScreen size:10.8 inchesChipset:Intel Atom x7-Z8700

Microsoft Surface 3 4G (2GB + 64GB) Review: Compare 168 technical specifications and 37 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Tablets category and whether it is worth buying.

Microsoft Surface 3 4G (2GB + 64GB)
7.2/10

Overall score

Score
7.2/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, best-of lists, expert reviews and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 35%, List score 30%, Reviews score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 60% of models
Score components

35%

5.9

Technical score

30%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

25%

8.1

Reviews score

10%

9.0

Sentiment score

â–²Better than 60% of tablets
7.2

Value for money

Value for money
7.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the tablet's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a tablet with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 72% of models
Score components

70%

7.2

Overall score

30%

7.2

Price

â–¼Worse than 72%
5.9

Technical score

Technical score
5.9/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
Score components

22%

4.8

Performance

20%

5.5

Display

16%

6.8

Camera

14%

5.2

Battery

12%

6.6

Connectivity

8%

8.0

Software

5%

5.9

Design

3%

4.8

Audio

â–¼Worse than 58%
8.1

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.1/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.4 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 68% of models

80%

7.9

Average grade

20%

9.0

Popularity

Grades by review (37)
27 reviews: 11 with a printed score, 16 estimated from the review. 10 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–²Better than 68%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
  • microsoft-surface-3-2gb-64gb-4g
  • microsoft-surface-3-2gb-64gb-4g
  • microsoft-surface-3-2gb-64gb-4g
microsoft-surface-3-2gb-64gb-4g
microsoft-surface-3-2gb-64gb-4g
microsoft-surface-3-2gb-64gb-4g
Where to buy
    N/A~ £630
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
Other versions:
2GB + 64GB4GB + 128GB

What reviewers say about the Microsoft Surface 3 4G (2GB + 64GB)

Based on 27 · 10

Reviewers praise the silent design, solid build and good ports, but criticise costly accessories, slow performance and mixed battery life.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

What owners say about the Microsoft Surface 3 4G (2GB + 64GB)

Based on 142 owners sharing their experience in online comments

59%positive12%mixed29%negative

Owners value its portable full Windows flexibility and pen, but recurring charging faults and modest speed hold it back.

What owners dislike

  • Some owners say charging stops, or the device shows plugged in but not charging.54
  • Owners say apps launch slowly and copying files takes a long time because the storage is slow eMMC, not an SSD.14
  • Some owners say the battery drains quickly, even when turned off, or the percentage jumps and the device shuts off at 60% or 75%.11
  • Owners report unexpected restarts, the keyboard not being recognized, and Windows updates causing problems. Some also say the Windows Store does not work and the sound stopped.10
  • Some owners say the price is high for what they get, especially for the keyboard cover and accessories.8
  • Owners say charging is very slow, especially while the device is in use. Some say it takes hours with the included or other chargers.7
  • Owners say the 10.6-inch screen is too small for long work, and the native resolution is hard to read.6
  • Owners say the keyboard cover is overpriced and the trackpad feels weak, with little feedback and poor gesture response. Some find the keyboard unpleasant to type on.6
  • Some owners say many art and desktop programs do not install or run properly on it.6
  • Some owners report dead or stuck pixels on the screen. Others say the screen cracked, which made the touch screen stop working.3

Points mentioned by at least 3 owners, most mentioned first.

Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of tablet Microsoft Surface 3 4G (2GB + 64GB)

Technical score
Technical score
5.9/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
Score components:

22%

4.8

Performance

20%

5.5

Display

16%

6.8

Camera

14%

5.2

Battery

12%

6.6

Connectivity

8%

8.0

Software

5%

5.9

Design

3%

4.8

Audio

5.9
Reviews score
8.1
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the tablet's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a tablet with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 72% of models
Score components:

70%

7.2

Overall score

30%

7.2

Price

7.2
RAM capacity
2 GB
Market range: <1 GB – >8 GB
This tablet has 2 GB of RAM, which is less than 61.3% of tablets and equal to 15.5% of tablets.
Process node
14 nm
Market range: <4 nm – >40 nm
This tablet is built on a 14 nm process, which is smaller than 44.6% of tablets and equal to 8.5% of tablets.
Internal storage
64 GB
Market range: <16 GB – >256 GB
This tablet has 64 GB of internal storage, which is more than 39.1% of tablets and equal to 17% of tablets.
Geekbench 6 single-core score
178 points
Market range: <233 points – >2.3k points
This tablet scores 178 points in single-core tests, which is lower than 94.7% of tablets and equal to 0.2% of tablets.
Chipset
Intel Atom x7-Z8700
This tablet runs on Intel Atom x7-Z8700, which is less advanced than 73.4% of tablets and equal to 0.2% of tablets.
Show more
What reviewers say
Screen resolution
1920×1280
This tablet has a 1920×1280 screen, which is sharper than 66.2% of tablets and equal to 1.1% of tablets.
Refresh rate
60 Hz
Market range: <60 Hz – >120 Hz
This tablet has a 60 Hz screen, which is smoother than 0.1% of tablets and equal to 73.4% of tablets.
Display type
IPS LCD
This tablet uses a IPS LCD display type. 17% of tablets use this display technology.
Pixel density
214 ppi
Market range: <149 ppi – >291 ppi
This tablet has a pixel density of 214 ppi, which is lower than 56% of tablets and equal to 0.1% of tablets.
Display glass type
Corning Gorilla Glass 3
This tablet protects its screen with Corning Gorilla Glass 3, which is more durable than 80.2% of tablets and the same as 11.2% of tablets.
Show more
What reviewers say
Optical image stabilization
no
This tablet does not support optical stabilisation. 0.4% of tablets offer this.
Main camera megapixels
8 MP
Market range: <3.15 MP – >13 MP
This tablet has a rear camera with 8 MP resolution, which is higher than 36.4% of tablets and equal to 31.9% of tablets.
Front camera megapixels
3.5 MP
Market range: <1.2 MP – >9 MP
This tablet has a front camera with 3.5 MP resolution, which is lower than 51.4% of tablets and equal to 0.2% of tablets.
Main camera aperture
f/2.0
This tablet has a main camera aperture of f/2.0, which is wider than 57.4% of tablets and equal to 24.7% of tablets.
Optical zoom
1xxx
This tablet has 1xx optical zoom, which is stronger than 18.2% of tablets and equal to 80.9% of tablets.
Show more
What reviewers say
Battery capacity
7,270 mAh
Market range: <4k mAh – >10.1k mAh
This tablet has 7,270 mAh battery capacity, which is larger than 62% of tablets and equal to 0.1% of tablets.
Charging speed
13 W
Market range: <10 W – >45 W
This tablet charges at 13 W, which is slower than 58.4% of tablets and equal to 0.3% of tablets.
Battery life
10 hours
Market range: <7 hours – >16 hours
This tablet has a battery life of 10 hours, which is longer than that of 39.1% of tablets and equal to that of 20.5% of tablets.
video playback
Wireless charging
no
This tablet does not support wireless charging. 1.5% of tablets offer this.
Fast charging
no
This tablet does not support fast charging. 56.9% of tablets offer this.
Show more
What reviewers say
LTE support
yes
This tablet has built-in LTE. 57.1% of tablets offer this.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This tablet connects to Wi-Fi. 0.2% of tablets offer this.
GPS
yes
This tablet has built-in GPS. 17.1% of tablets offer this.
5G connectivity
no
This tablet does not support 5G. 8.1% of tablets offer this.
NFC
no
This tablet does not include NFC. 10.8% of tablets offer this.
Show more
What reviewers say
Operating system
Windows
This tablet uses the Windows operating system, which is less advanced than the one used by 84.2%.
Update support duration
long
This tablet offers long update support, which is longer than the support period of 80% of tablets and equal to that of 20% of tablets.
Direct OS updates
yes
This tablet supports direct OS updates. 20.3% of tablets offer this.
On-device AI
no
This tablet does not support on-device AI. 28.3% of tablets support this capability.
App tracking protection
no
This tablet does not support app tracking protection. 28.4% of tablets offer this.
Show more
IP rating
not rated
This tablet's IP rating is not rated, which is less protected than 16.5% of tablets and the same as 83.6% of tablets.
Weight
622 g
Market range: <315 g – >730 g
This tablet weighs 622 g, which is heavier than 80.5% of tablets and equal to 0.1% of tablets.
Backlit keyboard
yes
This tablet supports a backlit keyboard. 90.4% of tablets support backlit keyboards.
Keyboard accessory
yes
This tablet supports a keyboard accessory. 15.8% of tablets support this option.
Pen latency
?
Show more
What reviewers say
Number of microphones
1
Market range: <1 – >3
This tablet has a microphone array of 1, which is more than 0.2% of tablets and equal to 54.8% of tablets.
aptX Adaptive
no
This tablet does not support aptX Adaptive. 6.9% of tablets offer this.
Dolby Atmos support
no
This tablet does not support Dolby Atmos. 31.3% of tablets support Dolby Atmos.
N. of speakers
2
Market range: <2 – >4
This tablet includes 2 speakers, which is more than in 9.8% of tablets and equal to the number in 60.8% of tablets.
FM radio
no
This tablet does not include an FM radio. 19% of tablets offer this.
Show more

Microsoft Surface 3 4G (2GB + 64GB) vs the average tablet

246810TotalPerformanceDisplayCameraBatteryConnectivitySoftwareDesignAudio
  • Supports LTE
    This tablet supports LTE, while the average tablet does not. 42.9% of tablets support LTE.
  • Longer update support
    This tablet offers longer update support than the average tablet (long vs medium). The average tablet gets medium of update support.
    long vs medium
  • Supports manual shutter speed
    This tablet supports manual shutter speed, while the average tablet does not. 21.8% of tablets support manual shutter speed.
  • Manual focus control
    This tablet supports manual focus, while the average tablet does not. 36.9% of tablets support manual focus.
  • Monitors battery health
    This tablet monitors battery health, while the average tablet does not. 36.7% of tablets monitor battery health.
  • 20% higher CPU speed
    This tablet has a higher CPU speed than the average tablet (2.4 GHz vs 2 GHz). The average tablet has CPU speed of 2 GHz.
    2.4 GHz vs 2 GHz
  • Supports manual ISO
    This tablet supports manual ISO, while the average tablet does not. 45.9% of tablets support manual ISO.
  • Faster USB ports
    This tablet has faster USB ports than the average tablet (USB 3.2 Gen 1 vs USB 2).
    USB 3.2 Gen 1 vs USB 2.0
  • 15.7% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.1/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.4 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–² Better than 68% of models

    80%

    7.9

    Average grade

    20%

    9.0

    Popularity

    Grades by review (37)
    27 reviews: 11 with a printed score, 16 estimated from the review. 10 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.1 vs 7.0
  • 20.0% higher sentiment score
    9.0 vs 7.5
  • 20% higher CPU speed
    This tablet has a higher CPU speed than the average tablet (2.4 GHz vs 2 GHz). The average tablet has CPU speed of 2 GHz.
    2.4 GHz vs 2 GHz
  • 12 more GPU execution units
    This tablet has more GPU execution units than the average tablet (16 vs 4). The average tablet has 4 GPU execution units.
    16 vs 4
  • More advanced chipset
    This tablet has a more advanced chipset than the average tablet (Intel Atom x7-Z8700 vs MediaTek MT8169A).
    Intel Atom x7-Z8700 vs MediaTek MT8169A
  • 0.7 inches larger screen
    This tablet has a larger screen than the average tablet (10.8 inches vs 10.1 inches). The average tablet measures 10.1 inches.
    10.8 inches vs 10.1 inches
  • Sharper display
    This tablet has a sharper screen than the average tablet (1920×1280 vs 1920×1200).
    1,920×1,280 vs 1,920×1,200
  • More durable glass
    This tablet has more durable glass than the average tablet (Corning Gorilla Glass 3 vs Corning Gorilla Glass). The average tablet uses Corning Gorilla Glass.
    Corning Gorilla Glass 3 vs Corning Gorilla Glass
  • Supports manual shutter speed
    This tablet supports manual shutter speed, while the average tablet does not. 21.8% of tablets support manual shutter speed.
  • Manual focus control
    This tablet supports manual focus, while the average tablet does not. 36.9% of tablets support manual focus.
  • Supports manual ISO
    This tablet supports manual ISO, while the average tablet does not. 45.9% of tablets support manual ISO.
  • Wider main camera aperture
    This tablet has a wider main camera aperture than the average tablet (f/2 vs f/2.2). The average tablet's main camera aperture is f/2.2.
    f/2.0 vs f/2.2
  • Monitors battery health
    This tablet monitors battery health, while the average tablet does not. 36.7% of tablets monitor battery health.
  • 10.2% larger battery capacity
    This tablet has a larger battery capacity than the average tablet (7,270 mAh vs 6,600 mAh). The average tablet offers 6,600 mAh of battery capacity.
    7,270 mAh vs 6,600 mAh
  • Supports LTE
    This tablet supports LTE, while the average tablet does not. 42.9% of tablets support LTE.
  • Faster USB ports
    This tablet has faster USB ports than the average tablet (USB 3.2 Gen 1 vs USB 2).
    USB 3.2 Gen 1 vs USB 2.0
  • Supports cellular data
    This tablet supports cellular data, while the average tablet does not. 47.4% of tablets offer this.
  • Supports HDMI output
    This tablet supports HDMI output, while the average tablet does not. 49.8% of tablets offer this.
    via Mini DisplayPort adapter
  • Longer update support
    This tablet offers longer update support than the average tablet (long vs medium). The average tablet gets medium of update support.
    long vs medium
  • Supports app offloading
    This tablet supports app offloading, while the average tablet does not. 26.3% of tablets offer this.
  • Includes backlit keyboard
    This tablet has a backlit keyboard, the average tablet does not. 9.6% of tablets offer a backlit keyboard.
  • No USB-C port
    This tablet does not have a USB Type-C port, while the average tablet does. 54% of tablets have one.
  • 4 fewer CPU threads
    This tablet has fewer CPU threads than the average tablet (4 vs 8). The average tablet has 8 CPU threads.
    4 vs 8
  • No fast charging
    This tablet does not support fast charging, while the average tablet does. 56.8% of tablets support fast charging.
  • Less advanced operating system
    This tablet runs on a less advanced operating system than the average tablet (Windows vs Android). Operating system choice shapes app support, updates, and ecosystem features.
    Windows vs Android
  • No continuous video AF
    This tablet does not support continuous video AF, the average tablet does. 57.7% of tablets support continuous video autofocus.
  • 2 GB less RAM
    This tablet has less RAM than the average tablet (2 GB vs 4 GB). The average tablet has 4 GB of RAM.
    2 GB vs 4 GB
  • 61.4% lower multi-core score
    This tablet has a lower multi-core score than the average tablet (730 points vs 1,891 points). The average tablet scores 1,891 points in multi-core tests.
    730 points vs 1,891 points
  • No HDR photo mode
    This tablet does not have HDR photo mode, the average tablet does. 79.8% of tablets support HDR photo mode.
  • 2.42x more expensive
    Microsoft Surface 3 4G (2GB + 64GB) is more expensive than the average tablet (£630 vs £260).
    £630 vs £260
  • 4.7% worse value for money
    Microsoft Surface 3 4G (2GB + 64GB) has worse value for money than the average tablet (7.21 vs 7.6).
    7.21 vs 7.55
  • 4 fewer CPU threads
    This tablet has fewer CPU threads than the average tablet (4 vs 8). The average tablet has 8 CPU threads.
    4 vs 8
  • 2 GB less RAM
    This tablet has less RAM than the average tablet (2 GB vs 4 GB). The average tablet has 4 GB of RAM.
    2 GB vs 4 GB
  • 61.4% lower multi-core score
    This tablet has a lower multi-core score than the average tablet (730 points vs 1,891 points). The average tablet scores 1,891 points in multi-core tests.
    730 points vs 1,891 points
  • 75.6% lower single-core score
    This tablet has a lower single-core score than the average tablet (178 points vs 729 points). The average tablet scores 729 points in single-core tests.
    178 points vs 729 points
  • No big.LITTLE architecture
    This tablet does not support big.LITTLE architecture, while the average tablet does. 51.7% of tablets support big.LITTLE architecture.
  • More basic graphics
    This tablet has less advanced graphics than the average tablet (Intel HD Graphics vs Mali-G51).
    Intel HD Graphics vs Mali-G51
  • 266 MHz slower RAM speed
    This tablet has a lower RAM speed than the average tablet (1,600 MHz vs 1,866 MHz). The average tablet has RAM speed of 1,866 MHz.
    1,600 MHz vs 1,866 MHz
  • 14.1% less memory bandwidth
    This tablet has less memory bandwidth than the average tablet (12.8 GB/s vs 14.9 GB/s). The average tablet has 14.9 GB/s of memory bandwidth.
    12.8 GB/s vs 14.9 GB/s
  • 4 years older
    This tablet was released earlier than the average tablet (2015 vs 2019). The average tablet was released in 2019.
    May 2015
    2015 vs 2019
  • 6 nits dimmer screen
    This tablet is dimmer than the average tablet (395 nits vs 401 nits). The average tablet reaches 401 nits.
    395 nits vs 401 nits
  • 5 nits lower typical brightness
    This tablet has a lower typical brightness than the average tablet (395 nits vs 400 nits). The average tablet reaches 400 nits typical brightness.
    395 nits vs 400 nits
  • 3.2% softer screen detail
    This tablet has softer screen detail than the average tablet (214 ppi vs 221 ppi). The average tablet has a pixel density of 221 ppi.
    214 ppi vs 221 ppi
  • No continuous video AF
    This tablet does not support continuous video AF, the average tablet does. 57.7% of tablets support continuous video autofocus.
  • No HDR photo mode
    This tablet does not have HDR photo mode, the average tablet does. 79.8% of tablets support HDR photo mode.
  • No timelapse video
    This tablet does not support timelapse video, while the average tablet does. 57.5% of tablets support timelapse video.
  • 1.5 MP lower front resolution
    This tablet has a lower-resolution front camera than the average tablet (3.5 MP vs 5 MP). The average tablet has a front camera of 5 MP.
    3.5 MP vs 5 MP
  • No fast charging
    This tablet does not support fast charging, while the average tablet does. 56.8% of tablets support fast charging.
  • 27.8% slower charging
    This tablet charges slower than the average tablet (13 W vs 18 W). The average tablet charges at 18 W.
    13 W vs 18 W
  • No USB-C port
    This tablet does not have a USB Type-C port, while the average tablet does. 54% of tablets have one.
  • Older Bluetooth version
    This tablet has an older Bluetooth version than the average tablet (4 vs 5).
    4 vs 5
  • No face recognition
    This tablet does not have face recognition, the average tablet does. 56.4% of tablets support face recognition.
  • Less advanced operating system
    This tablet runs on a less advanced operating system than the average tablet (Windows vs Android). Operating system choice shapes app support, updates, and ecosystem features.
    Windows vs Android
  • No picture-in-picture mode
    This tablet does not support picture-in-picture, the average tablet does. 61.4% of tablets support picture-in-picture.
  • No full-page screenshots
    This tablet does not support full-page screenshots, the average tablet does. 53% of tablets support full-page screenshots.
  • 26.9% heavier
    This tablet is heavier than the average tablet (622 g vs 490 g). The average tablet weighs 490 g.
    622 g vs 490 g
  • 91.7 mm wider
    This tablet is wider than the average tablet (267 mm vs 175.3 mm). The average tablet is 175.3 mm wide.
    267 mm vs 175.3 mm
  • 0.7 mm thicker
    This tablet is thicker than the average tablet (8.7 mm vs 8 mm). The average tablet is 8 mm thick.
    8.7 mm vs 8 mm

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.0
SourceForge
≈ estimated
30/11/2015
Long-term use · about three weeks as daily laptop
Verdict
Microsoft Surface 3 4G is worth it for portability and full Windows, though the trackpad and accessory pricing are weak points.
8.0
PhoneArena
≈ estimated
11/09/2015
Full review · battery test, camera and display
Verdict
Microsoft Surface 3 4G is a powerful laptop-like tablet, but its camera is weak, battery life is short in tests and charging is slow.
8.0
Matthew Moniz
≈ estimated
05/08/2015
Long-term review · over three months of use
Verdict
Microsoft Surface 3 4G suits students and frequent travellers, but it gets expensive once you add the keyboard and pen.
6.0
Adam Savage’s Tested
≈ estimated
17/06/2015
Review · design, keyboard, pen and pricing discussion
Verdict
Microsoft Surface 3 4G has the right form factor and a good design, but the price is too high without a bundle.
8.0
Molten Music Technology
≈ estimated
04/05/2015
Hands-on review · music software and Photoshop tests
Verdict
Microsoft Surface 3 4G runs music software well and suits smaller projects and live use best.
8.0
Jon Rettinger
≈ estimated
07/05/2015
Hands-on review · gaming, photo and video editing tests
Verdict
Microsoft Surface 3 4G is recommended if price is no issue, especially for students and travellers.
8.0
My Next Tablet
≈ estimated
01/05/2015
First look · unboxing and pen test
Verdict
Microsoft Surface 3 4G gives a good first impression and a solid build, but it is pricey and best for people who plan to work on it.
9.0
The Dallas Morning News
≈ estimated
11/09/2015
Short first look · form factor and LTE
Verdict
Microsoft Surface 3 4G is a low-end tablet with a nice form factor, great for back to school, though RAM is borderline.

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.0
laptopmag.com
✓ explicit
28/04/2015
Lab test · Benchmarks and battery
Verdict
The Microsoft Surface 3 is a bright, quiet hybrid that lasts about 8 hours of web surfing, but slow storage and weak gaming hold it back.
8.0
pcmag.com
✓ explicit
13/04/2015
Benchmark review · Windows tablet
Verdict
The Microsoft Surface 3 is a light, well-made Windows tablet with excellent battery life, but accessories cost extra and similar rivals cost less.
8.0
techradar.com
✓ explicit
15/11/2017
Hands-on test · Windows tablet
Verdict
The Microsoft Surface 3 is the most portable Surface yet and suits light work, but its flimsy keyboard and modest Atom chip hold back heavier tasks.
7.0
techadvisor.com
✓ explicit
12/05/2015
Real-world test · Windows tablet
Verdict
The Surface 3 is a light Windows tablet that runs full desktop programs, but the small screen is cramped and the keyboard and pen cost extra.
10
expertreviews.co.uk
✓ explicit
05/05/2015
Lab test · Pen and drawing
Verdict
The Surface 3 is a Windows tablet with a bright, accurate screen and an excellent pen for sketching, but it lasts only a working day and struggles with 3D games.
8.0
theguardian.com
≈ estimated
01/05/2015
Hands-on review · Tablet-laptop hybrid
Verdict
The Surface 3 is a fanless, light Windows tablet that works as a laptop with its keyboard, but it is a jack of all trades and master of none.
6.2
computerbild.de
✓ explicit
22/05/2015
Hands-on test · Office tablet
Verdict
The Microsoft Surface 3 is a well-built Windows tablet with a sharp screen and quick Office performance, but its battery and weight hold it back.
9.0
spiegel.de
≈ estimated
11/05/2015
Hands-on test · Keyboard tablet
Verdict
The Microsoft Surface 3 is a sturdy mini laptop running full Windows that is only a good buy with the Type Cover, and it can't handle demanding games.
7.0
computerwoche.de
≈ estimated
15/05/2015
Hands-on test · Windows tablet
Verdict
The Microsoft Surface 3 is the most capable Atom-based tablet running full Windows, but heavy office work still needs the Surface Pro 3.
8.0
notebooks-und-mobiles.de
≈ estimated
01/07/2015
Detailed test · Windows convertible
Verdict
The Surface 3 is a well-built Windows tablet with a precise pen and three-position stand, though it is heavy and its keyboard cover is sold separately.
8.0
connect.de
≈ estimated
26/06/2015
Real-use test · Presenting tablet
Verdict
The Microsoft Surface 3 has a built-in stand, Mini DisplayPort and a stable build, but it is heavy and its Atom chip trails Core i models.
7.0
futurezone.at
≈ estimated
30/04/2015
Test report · Netbook-style tablet
Verdict
The Surface 3 is a fanless Windows tablet that works well for office tasks, but the pen and keyboard make it an expensive bundle.
8.0
n-tv.de
≈ estimated
12/05/2015
Hands-on test · Windows tablet
Verdict
The Surface 3 is an excellent Windows tablet for office work, but its keyboard is expensive, so it may remain a niche product.
5.6
01net.com
✓ explicit
22/05/2015
Lab test · Hybrid tablet
Verdict
The Microsoft Surface 3 is fast, quiet and responsive, but short battery life and Windows 8 leave it between a good ultrabook and a good tablet.
8.0
es.gizmodo.com
≈ estimated
27/04/2015
Hands-on test · Tablet and laptop
Verdict
The Microsoft Surface 3 is a bright, comfortable keyboard laptop, but it is tiring to hold as a tablet and struggles with Steam games.
7.0
adslzone.net
≈ estimated
06/05/2015
Hands-on test · Laptop-style tablet
Verdict
The Surface 3 is a tablet that can replace a light laptop for documents and browsing, but its 2GB RAM and Atom chip limit photo and video work.
9.0
computerhoy.20minutos.es
≈ estimated
20/05/2015
Full review · Office tablet
Verdict
The Microsoft Surface 3 handles office work and media on the move with a quiet design, but its pen and keyboard cover are extras.
7.0
zonamovilidad.es
≈ estimated
15/03/2018
Hands-on test · Windows 2-in-1
Verdict
The Surface 3 is portable and runs full Windows with a real USB port, which suits office work with several documents open, though it is heavier than most tablets.
7.0
xataka.com
≈ estimated
15/06/2016
Hands-on review · Portable hybrid
Verdict
The Surface 3 is essentially a lighter, smaller Surface Pro 3, a good pick only if portability matters more than performance and you accept its high price.
9.0
geeknetic.es
✓ explicit
06/06/2015
Full review · Fanless Windows tablet
Verdict
The Surface 3 is a fanless, well-built Windows tablet with a good screen and battery, but its eMMC storage and Atom chip limit demanding work.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Microsoft Surface 3 4G (2GB + 64GB)

  • Premium build quality with a magnesium alloy chassis
  • Lightweight and highly portable form factor, weighing roughly 1.4 lbs
  • Bright and color-accurate 10.8-inch display with a 3:2 aspect ratio
  • Reliable 4G LTE connectivity for on-the-go internet access
  • Supports full Windows desktop applications, unlike predecessors using Windows RT
  • Exceptional typing experience with the optional backlit Type Cover
  • Quiet, fanless design for silent operation

What customers don't like about Microsoft Surface 3 4G (2GB + 64GB)

  • Necessary accessories like the Type Cover and Surface Pen are sold separately
  • Base model with 2GB RAM can struggle with multitasking and Windows 10 updates
  • Slow charging times through the micro-USB port
  • Intel Atom processor lacks the power needed for intensive tasks or gaming
  • Three-position kickstand is less adjustable than the Pro model's continuous hinge
  • Limited number of physical ports
  • Completely unupgradable internal hardware

Verdict

The Microsoft Surface 3 4G is a compact 10.8-inch tablet featuring a 1920x1280 ClearType display with a 3:2 aspect ratio, powered by a quad-core Intel Atom x7-Z8700 processor (1.6GHz) with 2GB of RAM and 64GB of eMMC storage. Its primary characteristics include a premium magnesium alloy chassis, a 3-position integrated kickstand, 4G LTE connectivity for mobile data, and a fanless design that ensures silent operation. Main pros are its high-quality, bright display, excellent portability at just 622g, and the ability to run full Windows desktop applications. However, significant cons include the limited multitasking capabilities of the 2GB RAM, relatively slow charging via Micro-USB, and the fact that essential accessories like the Type Cover and Surface Pen are sold separately.

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