So while the Go 3 is a super-portable machine for getting bits and pieces done while on the go, it's just not adept enough to challenge Apple's iPad range on the one hand, while a decent Chromebook would be preferable on the other. Perhaps it's largely to represent Windows 11 - and we must say the ability to install executable files, unlike Windows 10 S from before, is great - but even that can be shown in better light on more advanced devices. But to the point that it barely earns its Surface stripes, really, with lacklustre performance overall and limited battery life.Īdd the lack of any advancement in its design - the same big bezel and a repeat of the ports available as per the previous Go 2 - and we're at odds as to why the Go 3 was pushed out to release. Our quick takeĪs the baby of Microsoft's Surface range, the Go 3 is inevitably the least powerful device of the family. And when holding the device in tablet mode, I noticed that it became pretty hot on more than one occasion.We've been using the Go 3 for a week and, while it's still a perfectly portable Windows machine, it feels like it's behind the times in too many areas to really win the hearts of many. Overall responsiveness can become fairly sluggish, with clicks taking a second or two to register. Even the maxed-out Core i3 model felt slow, and noticeably stuttered when apps like Photoshop entered the equation. This seems to be the main trade-off for the brilliant portability of the device – if you're heading out with the Surface Go 3 for more than a few hours, you'll probably be looking for a power socket.Īlso underwhelming is speed and performance. I managed to eke just over four hours out of the Surface Go during light use, and with the screen brightness set to 80%. If you're looking for a machine for video editing or even graphic design, you might be better off checking out our Surface Laptop Studio review.īattery life isn't great.

In terms of performance, it's difficult to recommend the Surface Go 3 to creatives with a remotely intensive or power-hungry workflow.

Surface go 3 battery life