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Microsoft Surface Go
Microsoft Surface Go
Microsoft Surface Go
Microsoft Surface Go
...


7.8/10
Informr score
The Microsoft Surface Go currently has an Informr score of 7.8 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 47 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

The "1-Minute" Review

Verdict

 If you’re looking for a well-designed productivity or media consumption device for both work and play, the Surface Go is a great pick -- just be sure to consider the added price of the Type Cover keyboard.

What's good

  • Bright, crisp display
  • Sturdy design
  • Compatible with Windows Software
  • Ultra portable
  • microSD support

What's bad

  • Keyboard case not included
  • Only one USB port (and it’s USB Type-C, not Type-A)

Manufacturers have made the promise of a 2-in-1 device that provided all the perks of a tablet and a laptop in a single handy device plenty of times in the past. While Microsoft’s Surface Pro 5 and Apple’s iPad Pro 12.9 offer a compelling experience, they’re far from budget-friendly. With the release of the Microsoft Surface Go, they’re trying to bring a refined 2-in-1 experience at an affordable price.

The Go features the same solid magnesium body with an integrated kickstand as it’s larger, pricier siblings. Weighing 522g (1.15lbs), reviewers had no problem tossing it in their bags or holding it in one hand during extended work, reading, or streaming sessions. The new design features more rounding on the corners, but otherwise just scales the Surface experience down to an ultra-portable size.

Around front, you’re greeted by a 10-inch 1800-by-1200 pixel LCD panel. While reviewers loved the color, brightness, and crispness, they were not as fond of the large bezels surrounding the screen. But many noted that once you slot the Surface Go into a Type Cover keyboard, the bezels make a little more sense.

To help reduce the price, Microsoft powered the tablet with a 1.6Ghz Intel Pentium Gold processor. Depending on the model you choose, you’ll find either 4GB to 8GB of RAM. While many reviewers found the 4GB model acceptable, they all agreed that the 8GB model offers greater flexibility in terms of multitasking and using the Go as a PC.

Regardless of the choice, this isn’t a setup for high-end gaming or video editing. But for streaming video, checking email, using Office 365, playing casual games, and just general daily tasks, it’s more than capable of keeping things clipping along at a respectable pace. CNet notes, “In our benchmark testing, this system hits the middle ground in budget PCs -- a bit faster than comparable budget Pentium laptops, but not as fast as a basic Intel Core i3 laptop.”

The Go ships with either 64GB of eMMC storage or 128GB of solid-state drive storage. The upgrade to the 128GB model does not just bring more space, but the storage itself is faster. Both choices offer microSD support for cards up to 1TB though. So, there’s plenty of room for files and media.

Out of the box, the tablet runs Windows 10 in S Mode. Essentially, this is a stripped down mode that only allows apps from the Microsoft Store. And for casual users, this might be everything needed. 

If you’d like to install Chrome, or the Kindle app, or test out a game on Steam, you must disable S mode. This is an easy switch you can make in the Microsoft Store for free. But you cannot re-enable S mode again. Reviewers note there’s little downside to turning off S mode in terms of battery life or performance though. 

The tablet includes an 8MP rear camera with 5MP front-facing lens. Apart from mentioning that Microsoft Hello face recognition and video chat worked fine, reviewers had little to say about the cameras. But based on the specs, they’ll be fine for communications or productivity use -- just don’t expect them to keep up with a standalone camera or flagship phone.

The Go offers a good audio experience. There are front-facing stereo speakers and a 3.5mm headphone jack to provide plenty of volume and flexibility. While the speakers lack bass, reviewers found them loud and well-balanced overall.

If you’re looking to get the most out the Go, reviewers recommend the Type Cover keyboard case. But it’ll set you back a fair sum. Despite the price, reviewers loved the keyboard's design and found it enjoyable to use despite its smaller size.

The Surface Pen received good reviews as well. Most reviewers recommended it for drawing or writing and praised the pressure sensitivity and minimal lag.

The tablet includes USB Type-C charging and an undisclosed battery capacity. But reviews found it good for just over 6 hours of video streaming and 4 to 5 hours for mixed or productivity use. So you’ll want to keep an external battery pack or power outlet nearby for extended sessions. But for quick use out and about, it offers plenty of power.

The biggest complaint about the Surface Go was the price of the Type Cover case. Many considered it essential and thought it should be included with the tablet. Otherwise, reviewers found the tablet a joy to use.

The Guardian says, “You won’t be playing any graphically intensive games on it, or fancy trying to edit a movie on it, but browsing, using web apps in a desktop-class browser, Office duties and even photo manipulation in a proper image editor such as Affinity Photo are workable with a little patience…  You can get a lot more power for your money, but you’ll struggle to get as good an experience.”

Windows Central says, “If you're on the fence when it comes to a Surface Go, I'd suggest taking some time to go actually use one in a store. I wouldn't fuss with spec sheets, just go use one. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised by the overall quality of this machine.”


Windows
Operating system
Operating system
Windows
1.6 GHz
Processor
Processor
1.6 GHz
10"
Screen Size
Screen Size
10"
8+ MP
Camera
Camera
8+ MP
Unknown
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


TechWeLike
TechWeLike

The Surface Go starts at $399 (for 64GB storage version). While affordable, the need to buy accessories and preferably a higher-spec model, it goes above the $500 range. I just don’t think that 64GB is enough, especially if you’re using it daily. That space will go fast.

- Analie Cruz, TechWeLike
Pickr
Pickr

Indeed, this is a tiny tablet to go, and one that folks after truly terrific portability will go for. Like an iPad, this tablet is made to go, and it also comes with Windows, making it better for some. While you’ll still need to spend on Microsoft’s accessories which can blow out the cost and conver...

- Leigh :) Stark, Pickr
Gadgets 360
Gadgets 360

The Microsoft Surface Go is a pretty interesting device that gives you a lot to like. The design is nice and premium, the display is excellent, and the performance is good enough for most everyday tasks.

- Kunal Dua, Gadgets 360
HardwareZone
HardwareZone

The Surface Go will not satisfy everyone, but it is a capable sidekick when you know what you're getting in to, and you appreciate its extreme portability that doesn't quite have an immediate equal - at least not from a major player.

- PY Ho, HardwareZone
trekbible
trekbible

When you are out and about, having the right travel laptop can make or break your trip. This is especially true if your travels demand that you stay connected. When you are traveling with the Microsoft Surface Go, you have the ability to do both. You can get all your work done without having to worr...

- Nadia El, trekbible


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Quick view

Screen Size
10"

The Microsoft Surface Go's screen size is 10 inches with 1800 x 1200 pixels resolution.

Processor
1.6 GHz

There is a Intel Pentium Gold Processor 4415Y 1.6 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The tablet runs on the Windows 10 in S mode operating system (OS).

Camera
8+ MP
You can take photos or capture video with the tablet's onboard 8+ MP camera. There is also a secondary front facing camera with 5+ megapixels resolution.
Storage
64/128 GB

Internal memory is 64/128 GB. An external, MicroSD, MicroSDHC, microSDXC (up to 1000 GB) expansion slot is available for increased storage capacity.

Battery
Unknown

The tablet is powered by a battery.

Surface Go Specs

Overview
Release Date August 2, 2018
Regions Available USA, Canada, United Kingdom
Operating System Windows 10 in S mode

Compare Windows Smartphones

Processor Intel Pentium Gold Processor 4415Y 1.6 GHz
Internal Storage 64/128 GB
RAM 4/8 GB
Hearing Aid Compatible No
TTY/TDD No
SAR Unknown
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included USB Power Adapter, Data Cable
Cellular
Networks
No
Mobile / Cellular Data
No (Option available)
Wi-Fi Calling No
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) No
SIM card size
No
variations
Dual SIM No
Connectivity
USB USB Type-C
USB OTG Support Unknown
Infrared No
Bluetooth 4.1
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, AVRCP, OPP/FTP, HID, HFP, HSP, PAN
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n
Memory Expansion Slot Yes
Expansion Slot Info MicroSD, MicroSDHC, microSDXC (up to 1000 GB)
NFC No
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
8+ Megapixels
Zoom
Yes
Flash
No
Additional Main Camera Info
Auto focus
Video Recording Formats
MPEG-4
Video Recording Parameters
Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels)
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
5+ Megapixels
Additional Front Camera Info
No
Video Recording Parameters
Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels)
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology LCD
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution 1800 x 1200 pixels
Pixel density 217 pixels
Size 10 inches
Sensors Ambient Light, Motion / Accelerometer, Gyroscope
Backlit Illumination Yes
Zoom / Magnification Yes
Screen Orientation Lock Yes
Multi-Touch Yes
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features Capacitive touch screen, Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Power & Battery
Battery Capacity Unknown
Removable Battery No
Wireless Charging No
Fast Charging No
Battery Charge Time Unknown
Video Playback Time Up to 9 hours
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Unknown
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Standby Time Unknown
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Material Magnesium alloy
Colors Silver
Dimensions [H x W x D] 9.65 x 6.9 x 0.33 cm (3.8 x 2.7 x 0.1 in)
Weight 522 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof No
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Headset Jack 3.5mm
External Speakers Yes
Input / Navigation
Touchscreen Yes
Sleep / Wake Key Yes
Home Key No
Physical keyboard No
Text-to-Speech Unknown
Screen Reader Unknown
Keypad/Screen Lock Yes
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
More
Additional Information Other Names (AKA):
Related Links Microsoft Surface Go Reviews
Where to buy Microsoft Surface Go
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