The Surface Pro 3 Vs. the Surface Pro 4

The world was shocked when Microsoft introduced its line of Surface Pro tablets. The company was considered behind the trend in mobile devices and technology. But, the Surface Pro changed all that, and Microsoft conveyed their desire to stay in line and even ahead of the trends.

Several iterations later, and only within a matter of months, we now have the Surface Pro 3 and Surface Pro 4 available on the market. Both offer a wide array of admirable features, and we compare the two below.

Check out our previous article on The Surface Pro 2 Vs. the Surface Pro 3 to have a comparison on all the three.

Hardware

The new Surface Pro 4 features a 12.3 inch PixelSense picture while the Surface Pro 3 has a 10.8 inch Full HD sceen.

If size really matters to you, the Surface Pro 4 is the way to go. Both feature a full-sized USB port, making functionality one of the paramount features of these Surface Pro tablets. Both have the capability to connect to a second monitor through the Mini Display Port.

Internals

The Surface Pro 3 offers an already excellent 1920x1080 pixel resolution, while the Surface Pro 4 steps it up with a 2763x1824 pixel resolution . This means pictures and videos look even sharper on the Surface Pro 4. Both feature a 3:2 aspect ratio.

Both of these Surface Pro models were designed as a laptop replacement. With the Surface Pro 3 offers fourth generation Intel Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7 processors, while the Surface Pro 4 has seventh generation m3, i5, and i7 processors available.

64GB and 128GB versions of Surface Pro 3 are available, while the Surface Pro 4 boasts 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and a remarkable 1TB storage option.

Desktop Apps

There are unlimited apps available for both of these devices, with the impressive processors making even desktop software run smooth. Windows Office is fully functional on both the Surface Pro 3 and Surface Pro 4.

In addition, you will be pleased to note that both models have solid state drives. Devices with SSDs boot faster, launch apps faster and have a better overall performance.

Battery Life

This is an important facet when it comes to choosing your tablet. Both the Surface Pro 3 and Surface Pro 4 have a battery life of approximately 9 hours.

Extras

When the Surface Pro 3 was released, the improved kickstand from the Surface Pro 2 was a big selling feature, and Microsoft has upped the ante again by making the kickstand even more movable on the Surface Pro 4

The older model weighs in at 798g while the updated version comes in at 786g.

One cool new innovation available on only the Surface Pro 4 is Palm Block Technology.

Since the natural writing feature is huge in the Surface Pro devices, Microsoft made it so that you can rest your hand on the screen of the Surface Pro 4 while writing without adverse effects (i.e., clicking things accidentally and navigating away from the page you’re on).

Last but not least, the Surface Pro 3 starts at around $500 and the Surface Pro 4 starts at around $900, with the faster processors and greater storage capabilities costing more.

There is no question that the Surface Pro line is formidable in and of itself. It's only natural for improvements with each iteration. However, you can decide whether or not your budget reigns supreme.