Microsoft's Surface Go 3 sports strong Intel processors, same convenient form factor

Surface Go
Surface Go (Image credit: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)

Surface Go

Source: Microsoft (Image credit: Source: Microsoft)

What you need to know

  • The Surface Go 3 has been announced and is available for pre-order ahead of its October 5 release.
  • The Wi-Fi version of the device will start at $399, with LTE models coming in December for the U.S. and Canada and early 2022 for other markets.
  • The leaked Surface Go 3 processor specs have turned out to be accurate.

Microsoft's latest line of Surface products has been officially revealed, following a short burst of leaks prematurely revealing items such as the Surface Duo 2's existence and the Surface Go 3's processor details. As it turns out, the latter have been confirmed by Microsoft's formal announcement of the third installment in its Surface tablet line.

The Surface Go 3 features the Intel Pentium GOLD 6500Y and Intel Core i3-10100Y processors that were namedropped in association with the device over on Geekbench not too long ago, with 4GB or 8GB of RAM attached respectively. Storage-wise, you can go as low as 64GB of eMMC memory, while Commerical Channels will get up to 256GB SSDs. Here's the complete spec list:

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CategorySurface Go 3
OSWindows 11 Home in S mode (consumer)Windows 11 Pro (commercial)Windows 10 Pro (commercial)
ProcessorIntel Pentium Gold 6500Y10th Gen Intel Core i3-10100Y
RAM4GB, 8GB
GraphicsIntel UHD 615
Storage64GB eMMC128GB SSD256GB SSD (commercial)
Display10.5 inches1920x1280220 PPI3:2 aspect ratioTouch
PortsUSB-CSurface Connect3.5mm audiomicroSD card readerNano SIM (LTE models)
AudioDual 2W stereo speakersDual far-field studio mics
ConnectivityWi-Fi 6Bluetooth 5Snapdragon X16 LTEeSIM supportNano SIM support
CameraFront-facing 5MP (1080p)Rear-facing 8MP (1080p)IR camera
KeyboardType CoverNot included
TouchpadPrecision
PenMPP compatibleNot included
SecurityIR cameraFirmware TPM (consumer)Hardware TPM 2.0 (commercial)
BatteryUp to 11 hours
Dimensions9.65 x 6.9 x 0.33 inches(245mm x 175mm x 8.3mm)
WeightWi-Fi: 1.2 pounds (544g)LTE: 1.22 pounds (533g)
ColorPlatinum

As can be seen on the table, consumers will receive Windows 11 Home S. It's fitting given that Windows 11 is having its own launch on October 5, the same day the Surface Go 3 releases to the public. Again, the device will start at $399 but can get more expensive depending on what internals you opt for.

Surface Go 3

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SpecsPrice
Intel Pentium, 4GB RAM, 64GB, WiFi$399.99
Intel Pentium, 8GB RAM, 128GB, WiFi$549
10th Gen Intel Core i3, 8GB RAM, 128GB, WiFi$629.99
Intel Pentium, 4GB RAM, 64GB, LTE$499.99
10th Gen Intel Core i3, 8GB RAM, 128GB, LTE$729.99

LTE models will come in December 2021 for the U.S. and Canada, with other markets having to wait until early 2022.

Robert Carnevale

Robert Carnevale is the News Editor for Windows Central. He's a big fan of Kinect (it lives on in his heart), Sonic the Hedgehog, and the legendary intersection of those two titans, Sonic Free Riders. He is the author of Cold War 2395. Have a useful tip? Send it to robert.carnevale@futurenet.com.