Scored using Tablets Methodology v1.0
Tablets Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Tablets Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Tablets Methodology v1.0

Microsoft Surface 3 WiFi (2GB + 64GB) Review | 168 Data compared

Avg. price:~£60RAM capacity:2 GBInternal storage:64 GBScreen size:10.8 inchesChipset:Intel Atom x7-Z8700

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

Microsoft Surface 3 WiFi (2GB + 64GB)
6.1/10

Overall score

Score
6.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the smartphone's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best Tablets on the market.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

90%

5.9

Technical score

10%

8.2

User score

▼Worse than 55% of tablets
7.3

Value for money

Value for money
7.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartphone's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartphone with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

6.1

Overall score

30%

10

Price

▲Better than 56%
5.9

Technical score

Technical score
5.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartphone's technical performance, covering eight key areas: performance & hardware, software, camera, connectivity, display, battery, audio, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare Tablets based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

22%

4.9

Performance

20%

5.3

Display

16%

7.0

Camera

14%

5.2

Battery

12%

6.6

Connectivity

8%

8.0

Software & Features

5%

5.9

Design

3%

4.8

Audio & Multimedia

▼Worse than 57%
8.2

User score

User score
8.2/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
When it matters
When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

7.9

User ratings

30%

8.8

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
▲Better than 75%
  • microsoft-surface-3-2gb-64gb-wifi
  • microsoft-surface-3-2gb-64gb-wifi
  • microsoft-surface-3-2gb-64gb-wifi
microsoft-surface-3-2gb-64gb-wifi
microsoft-surface-3-2gb-64gb-wifi
microsoft-surface-3-2gb-64gb-wifi
Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Available versions:
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Technical Specifications of tablet Microsoft Surface 3 WiFi (2GB + 64GB)

Technical score
Technical score
5.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartphone's technical performance, covering eight key areas: performance & hardware, software, camera, connectivity, display, battery, audio, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare Tablets based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

22%

4.9

Performance

20%

5.3

Display

16%

7.0

Camera

14%

5.2

Battery

12%

6.6

Connectivity

8%

8.0

Software & Features

5%

5.9

Design

3%

4.8

Audio & Multimedia

5.9
User score
User score
8.2/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
When it matters
When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

7.9

User ratings

30%

8.8

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
8.2
Popularity
Popularity
8.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the smartphone.
When it matters
When you prefer to purchase a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Popularity:
Microsoft Surface 3 WiFi (2GB + 64GB) has a user popularity of 8.8 points, which is lower than 84.5% of Tablets.
8.8
Value for money
Value for money
7.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartphone's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartphone with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

70%

6.1

Overall score

30%

10

Price

7.3
RAM capacity
2 GB
This tablet has a RAM capacity of 2 GB which is smaller than the RAM capacity of 60.9% of tablets and equal to that of 15.6% of tablets.
Process node
14 nm
This tablet is built on a 14 nm process node, which is smaller than the node size used in 45% of tablets and equal to the node used in 8.6% of tablets.
Internal storage
64 GB
This tablet has an internal storage capacity of 64 GB which is larger than the storage of 39.5% of tablets and equal to that of 17.1% of tablets.
Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score
178 points
This tablet scored 178 points in Geekbench 6 (single-core) which is lower than the score of 94.7% of tablets and equal to the score of 0.2% of tablets.
Chipset
Intel Atom x7-Z8700
This tablet uses the Intel Atom x7-Z8700 chipset, which is less advanced than the chipsets in 73.4% of tablets and equal to those in 0.2% of tablets.
Show more
Screen resolution
1920×1280
This tablet has a screen resolution of 1920×1280 which is higher than that of 66.4% of tablets and equal to that of 1.1% of tablets.
Refresh rate
60 Hz
This tablet supports a refresh rate of 60 Hz which is equal to that in 73.8% of tablets.
Display type
LCD
This tablet uses a LCD display type. 83% of tablets use this display technology.
Pixel density
214 ppi
This tablet has a pixel density of 214 ppi which is lower than that of 56.2% of tablets and equal to that of 0.1% of tablets.
Display glass type
Corning Gorilla Glass 3
This tablet uses Corning Gorilla Glass 3 display glass which is stronger than that on 80.1% of tablets and equal to that on 11.2% of tablets.
Show more
Optical image stabilization
no
This tablet does not support optical image stabilization. 0.4% of tablets include OIS.
Main camera megapixels
?
Front camera megapixels
3.5 MP
This tablet has a front camera resolution of 3.5 MP which is lower than in 51.2% of tablets and equal to that in 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 that of 57.5% of tablets and equal to that of 24.5% of tablets.
Optical zoom
1xxx
This tablet supports 1xx optical zoom which is higher than in 18.4% of tablets and equal to that in 80.7% of tablets.
Show more
Battery capacity
7,270 mAh
This tablet has a battery capacity of 7,270 mAh which is larger than the batteries in 62.2% of tablets and equal to those in 0.1% of tablets.
Charging speed
13 W
This tablet supports charging speeds of 13 W which is slower than in 58.5% of tablets and equal to speeds in 0.3% of tablets.
Battery life
10 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 support wireless charging.
Fast charging
no
This tablet does not support fast charging. 49.7% of tablets support fast charging.
Show more
LTE support
yes
This tablet supports LTE. 36.8% of tablets include LTE connectivity.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This tablet supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 0.2% of tablets offer Wi-Fi support.
GPS
yes
This tablet supports GPS. 17.3% of tablets include GPS functionality.
5G connectivity
no
This tablet does not support 5G connectivity. 11.1% of tablets support 5G.
NFC
no
This tablet does not support NFC. 10.9% of tablets support NFC.
Show more
Operating system
Windows
This tablet uses the Windows operating system, which is less advanced than the one used by 84.1%.
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 receives direct OS updates. 20.3% of tablets receive direct updates.
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 include app tracking protection. 28.3% of tablets include app tracking protection.
Show more
IP rating
not rated
This tablet has an IP rating of not rated which is lower than that of 16.3% of tablets and equal to that of 83.7% of tablets.
Weight
622 g
This tablet weighs 622 g which is heavier than 80.5% of tablets and equal to the weight of 0.1% of tablets.
Backlit keyboard
yes
This tablet supports a backlit keyboard. 90.3% 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
Number of microphones
1
This tablet includes 1 microphones, which is more than in 0.2% of tablets and equal to the number in 54.8% of tablets.
aptX Adaptive
no
This tablet does not support aptX Adaptive. 6.9% of tablets offer this codec.
Dolby Atmos support
no
This tablet does not support Dolby Atmos. 31.5% of tablets support Dolby Atmos.
N. of speakers
2
This tablet includes 2 speakers, which is more than in 9.8% of tablets and equal to the number in 60.9% of tablets.
FM radio
no
This tablet does not include an FM radio. 19% of tablets offer FM radio functionality.
Show more

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

246810TotalPerformanceDisplayCameraBatteryConnectivitySoftware & FeaturesDesignAudio & Multimedia
  • 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
  • Allows manual shutter speed
    This tablet allows manual shutter speed control, the average tablet does not. 21.9% of tablets offer manual shutter speed control.
  • Allows manual focus
    This tablet allows manual focus control, the average tablet does not. 37.2% of tablets include manual focus.
  • Includes battery health monitoring
    This tablet features battery health monitoring, the average tablet does not. 37% of tablets include battery health tools.
  • 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
  • Allows manual ISO
    This tablet allows manual ISO adjustment, the average tablet does not. 46% of tablets feature manual ISO.
  • Newer USB version
    This tablet supports a newer USB version than the average tablet (USB 3.2 Gen 1 vs USB 2). The average tablet uses USB USB 2.0.
    USB 3.2 Gen 1 vs USB 2.0
  • 0.7 inches larger screen size
    This tablet has a higher screen size than the average tablet (10.8 inches vs 10.1 inches). The average tablet has screen size of 10.1 inches.
    10.8 inches vs 10.1 inches
  • 4.33x cheaper
    Microsoft Surface 3 WiFi (2GB + 64GB) is cheaper than the average tablet (£60 vs £260).
    £60 vs £260
  • 82.3% more popular
    Microsoft Surface 3 WiFi (2GB + 64GB) is more popular than the average tablet (8.77 vs 4.8).
    8.77 vs 4.81
  • 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 capable chipset
    This tablet uses the Intel Atom x7-Z8700 chipset, while the average tablet uses MediaTek MT8169A.
    Intel Atom x7-Z8700 vs MediaTek MT8169A
  • 0.7 inches larger screen size
    This tablet has a higher screen size than the average tablet (10.8 inches vs 10.1 inches). The average tablet has screen size of 10.1 inches.
    10.8 inches vs 10.1 inches
  • Higher screen resolution
    This tablet has a higher screen resolution than the average tablet (1920×1280 vs 1920×1200). The average tablet resolution is 1920×1200.
    1920×1280 vs 1920×1200
  • More durable display glass
    This tablet uses better display glass than the average tablet (Corning Gorilla Glass 3 vs Corning Gorilla Glass). Display glass choice still varies across tablets.
    Corning Gorilla Glass 3 vs Corning Gorilla Glass
  • Allows manual shutter speed
    This tablet allows manual shutter speed control, the average tablet does not. 21.9% of tablets offer manual shutter speed control.
  • Allows manual focus
    This tablet allows manual focus control, the average tablet does not. 37.2% of tablets include manual focus.
  • Allows manual ISO
    This tablet allows manual ISO adjustment, the average tablet does not. 46% of tablets feature manual ISO.
  • Wider main camera aperture
    This tablet has a better main camera aperture than the average tablet (f/2 vs f/2.2). The average tablet uses f/2.2 main camera aperture.
    f/2.0 vs f/2.2
  • Includes battery health monitoring
    This tablet features battery health monitoring, the average tablet does not. 37% of tablets include battery health tools.
  • 10.5% larger battery capacity
    This tablet has a higher battery capacity than the average tablet (7,270 mAh vs 6,580 mAh). The average tablet battery has capacity of 6,580 mAh.
    7,270 mAh vs 6,580 mAh
  • Newer USB version
    This tablet supports a newer USB version than the average tablet (USB 3.2 Gen 1 vs USB 2). The average tablet uses USB USB 2.0.
    USB 3.2 Gen 1 vs USB 2.0
  • 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
  • Allows app offloading
    This tablet allows app offloading, the average tablet does not. 26.4% of tablets support app offloading.
  • Includes backlit keyboard
    This tablet has a backlit keyboard, the average tablet does not. 9.8% of tablets offer a backlit keyboard.
  • No USB Type-C
    This tablet lacks a USB Type-C port, the average tablet includes one. 53.4% of tablets use USB Type-C.
  • 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
  • Inferior display type
    This tablet has an inferior display type compared to the average tablet (LCD vs IPS LCD). 0.00% of tablets use the superior display type.
    LCD vs IPS LCD
  • 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 capacity than the average tablet (2 GB vs 4 GB). The average tablet has 4 GB of RAM.
    2 GB vs 4 GB
  • 71.1% lower Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score
    This tablet achieves a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score than the average tablet (546 points vs 1,891 points). The average tablet scores 1,891 points in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    546 points vs 1,891 points
  • No HDR photo mode
    This tablet does not have HDR photo mode, the average tablet does. 79.6% of tablets support HDR photo mode.
  • 75.6% lower Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score
    This tablet achieves a lower Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score than the average tablet (178 points vs 729 points). The average tablet scores 729 points in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    178 points vs 729 points
  • 2 GB less RAM
    This tablet has less RAM capacity than the average tablet (2 GB vs 4 GB). The average tablet has 4 GB of RAM.
    2 GB vs 4 GB
  • 71.1% lower Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score
    This tablet achieves a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score than the average tablet (546 points vs 1,891 points). The average tablet scores 1,891 points in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    546 points vs 1,891 points
  • 75.6% lower Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score
    This tablet achieves a lower Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score than the average tablet (178 points vs 729 points). The average tablet scores 729 points in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    178 points vs 729 points
  • 2 fewer CPU threads
    This tablet has less CPU threads than the average tablet (4 vs 6). The average tablet has 6 CPU threads.
    4 vs 6
  • No big.LITTLE architecture
    This tablet does not use a big.LITTLE architecture, the average tablet does. 51.3% of tablets use a big.LITTLE architecture.
  • Worse GPU
    This tablet uses the Intel HD Graphics GPU, while the average tablet uses the stronger Mali-G51. GPU choice is one of the main performance differences between tablets.
    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% lower memory bandwidth
    This tablet has a lower memory bandwidth than the average tablet (12.8 GB/s vs 14.9 GB/s). The average tablet has memory bandwidth of 14.9 GB/s.
    12.8 GB/s vs 14.9 GB/s
  • Inferior display type
    This tablet has an inferior display type compared to the average tablet (LCD vs IPS LCD). 0.00% of tablets use the superior display type.
    LCD vs IPS LCD
  • 6 nits lower peak brightness
    This tablet has a lower peak brightness than the average tablet (395 nits vs 401 nits). The average tablet reaches 401 nits peak brightness.
    395 nits vs 401 nits
  • Lower contrast ratio
    This tablet has a lower contrast ratio than the average tablet (963:1 vs 1015:1). The average tablet has a contrast ratio of 1015:1.
    963:1 vs 1,015:1
  • 4.5% lower pixel density
    This tablet has a lower pixel density than the average tablet (214 ppi vs 224 ppi). The average tablet has pixel density of 224 ppi.
    214 ppi vs 224 ppi
  • 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
  • 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. 79.6% of tablets support HDR photo mode.
  • No timelapse video
    This tablet does not support timelapse video, the average tablet does. 57.5% of tablets include timelapse modes.
  • 1.5 MP lower front camera megapixels
    This tablet has less front camera megapixels than the average tablet (3.5 MP vs 5 MP). The average tablet has 5 MP front camera resolution.
    3.5 MP vs 5 MP
  • 27.8% slower charging speed
    This tablet supports slower charging than the average tablet (13 W vs 18 W). The average tablet supports charging speed of 18 W.
    13 W vs 18 W
  • No USB Type-C
    This tablet lacks a USB Type-C port, the average tablet includes one. 53.4% of tablets use USB Type-C.
  • Older Bluetooth version
    This tablet uses an older Bluetooth version than the average tablet (4 vs 5). The average tablet uses Bluetooth 5.0.
    4.0 vs 5.0
  • No face recognition
    This tablet does not have face recognition, the average tablet does. 56% 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% of tablets support picture-in-picture.
  • No full-page screenshots
    This tablet does not support full-page screenshots, the average tablet does. 52.5% 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 8.0 mm thick.
    8.7 mm vs 8.0 mm
  • 4 older release date
    This tablet is an older model than the average tablet (2015 vs 2019).
    May 2015
    2015 vs 2019

Video reviews

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

7.0
Adam Savage’s Tested
≈ estimated
17/06/2015
Hands-on review · keyboard, touchpad and pricing
Verdict
Microsoft Surface 3 WiFi has a good form factor and keyboard, but it is too expensive at full price; wait for a bundle.
4.0
Dave2D
≈ estimated
15/05/2015
Full review · performance, battery and usability tests
Verdict
Microsoft Surface 3 WiFi is mediocre as both laptop and tablet; skip it unless you really need a hybrid.
7.0
MobileTechReview
≈ estimated
06/05/2015
Hands-on review · display, keyboard, pen and price
Verdict
Microsoft Surface 3 WiFi is a good light, portable second device, but not a main computer; the Pro model suits heavier use.
8.0
Jon Rettinger
≈ estimated
07/05/2015
Hands-on review · apps, ports, screen and price
Verdict
Microsoft Surface 3 WiFi is recommended if the price works for you, especially for students and frequent travelers.
Not graded yet
Not graded yet
Not graded yet

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

T
theverge.com
14/04/2015
Summary of the review
P
pcmag.com
13/04/2015
Summary of the review
C
cnet.com
14/04/2015
Summary of the review
L
laptopmag.com
28/04/2015
Summary of the review
T
techadvisor.com
12/05/2015
Summary of the review
U
ultrabookreview.com
21/07/2015
Summary of the review
F
financialpost.com
01/05/2015
Summary of the review
E
expertreviews.co.uk
05/05/2015
Summary of the review
L
linkedin.com
18/07/2015
Summary of the review
U
uk.pcmag.com
13/04/2015
Summary of the review
T
theguardian.com
01/05/2015
Summary of the review
T
trustedreviews.com
05/05/2015
Summary of the review
M
mobiletechreview.com
13/05/2015
Summary of the review
P
pcwelt.de
08/05/2015
Summary of the review
S
spiegel.de
11/05/2015
Summary of the review
H
hardwareluxx.de
13/05/2015
Summary of the review
C
computerbild.de
22/05/2015
Summary of the review
C
connect.de
26/06/2015
Summary of the review
C
curved.de
23/01/2023
Summary of the review
C
computerwoche.de
15/05/2015
Summary of the review

Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: November 2026 · How we calculate this

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

  • Sleek and attractive design with a premium build quality
  • Highly portable and lightweight, making it an excellent travel companion
  • Vivid, high-resolution PixelSense display with great color accuracy
  • Quiet and fanless operation due to the Intel Atom processor
  • Versatile integrated 3-position kickstand for different viewing angles
  • Impressive battery life, typically lasting up to 10 hours for video playback

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

  • Essential accessories like the Type Cover and Surface Pen are sold separately, increasing the total cost
  • Computing performance is limited to lightweight tasks and may struggle with heavy multitasking
  • Small and sometimes awkward touchpad on the optional keyboard cover
  • Limited port selection, often featuring only one full-size USB port
  • The 10.8-inch screen can feel too small for extensive productivity work
  • Keyboard cover material may show signs of wear and scuffing over time

Verdict

The Microsoft Surface 3 WiFi is a compact 10.8-inch tablet featuring a 1920 x 1280 PixelSense display with a 3:2 aspect ratio, powered by a quad-core Intel Atom x7-Z8700 processor (1.6GHz to 2.4GHz) with 2GB of RAM and 64GB of eMMC storage. Main characteristics include its premium magnesium alloy build, a 3-position integrated kickstand, and a fanless design that ensures silent operation. Key pros are its lightweight portability (622g), support for the Surface Pen and Type Cover, and a full 64-bit Windows operating system that runs standard desktop applications. However, the base 2GB of RAM significantly limits multitasking performance, the 64GB of storage is relatively small for a Windows device, and essential accessories like the keyboard and stylus are typically sold separately.

Compare Microsoft Surface 3 WiFi (2GB + 64GB) with other tablets

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