Nine months have passed since Microsoft launched the last generation of its Surface Pro hybrid series, the Surface Pro 4, and rumors regarding the next generation have already flooded the internet.
With that in mind, the best-seller Surface Pro 3 turns two years old tomorrow, May 20, so which device is worth buying at the moment?
Surface Pro 3 Vs Surface Pro 4
To kick things off, let’s take a closer look at how much more is the current generation offering compared to the Pro 3.
In terms of processing and graphics power, both devices are available in a number of variants that differ in the CPU and GPU model, RAM and internal storage capacity.
The baseline Pro 4 packs an Intel Core m3 CPU while the Pro 3’s counterpart sports a slightly less snappy i3. Intel Core i5 and i7 options are available in both generations.
Moreover, the Pro 4 is equipped with newer GPUs and with an additional RAM option of 16GB, besides the 4GB and 8GB flavors that are solely being offered with the former installment. The two devices also pack the same battery life, one USB 3.0 port and microSD memory expansion.
Where the Surface Pro 4 takes the lead substantially – though – is the display, which is the most significant aspect of a hybrid tablet, as it features a tad larger 12.3″ screen with a resolution of 2736 x 1824 (267ppi), which is much crisper that Pro 3’s 12″ 2160 x 1440 (216ppi).
Both the Surface Pro 3 and Surface Pro 4 are powered by Microsoft’s Windows 10 Pro.
Furthermore, for the majority of consumers, the one factor that take under consideration more than any other, is how much they will have to shell out thus obtaining either of the two.
The Surface Pro 3 baseline model will set you back $699, while the respective variant with keyboard included retails for $829. On the other hand, the Surface Pro 4 comes at $899 and $1,029 accordingly.
All in all, despite the specs and features not being remarkably improved, the price gap is not that preposterous too. In essence, the Surface Pro 4 comes approximately at an extra $250 bid, in comparison to the respective model from the Pro 3 series.
Therefore, unless $250 is a big deal for you, we would definitely recommend opting for the Pro 4.
Should I wait for the Surface Pro 5?
Unlike Apple, Microsoft’s refresh cycle is quite incosisten, hence it is tricky to accurately estimate Surface Pro 5’s release date. The latest reports claim that the release date will take place sometime between June and October, which is a wide time frame.
It is worth adding, though, that the Surface Pro 5 might be worth the extra wait, as the same sources point towards a slew of new features, thinner and lighter design and phenomenally enhanced specs.
Additionally, industry analysts maintain that with this year’s model, Redmond will be offering the fingerprint sensor as a standard option, and not as an extra like with former generations.
Pricing of the device is unknown yet, though, granted all these additions, we expect that the baseline variant should cost a bit higher than the Surface Pro 4’s counterpart.
