The Microsoft Surface Go 2 is a compact and portable tablet designed to cater to the needs of students, professionals, and anyone looking for a device that can keep up with their busy lifestyle. Released in 2020, the Surface Go 2 is an upgraded version of its predecessor, offering improved performance, enhanced display, and a more affordable price tag. But is it worth the investment? In this article, we’ll delve into the features, pros, and cons of the Surface Go 2 to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Display
The Surface Go 2 boasts a sleek and sturdy design, weighing in at just 1.2 pounds and measuring 9.65 x 6.9 x 0.33 inches. The device features a magnesium alloy body, which provides excellent durability and resistance to scratches and drops. The tablet’s compact size makes it easy to carry around, and its lightweight design allows for comfortable use in various positions.
The Surface Go 2 features a stunning 10.5-inch PixelSense display, which offers a resolution of 1920 x 1280 pixels. The display is bright, vibrant, and responsive, making it perfect for watching videos, browsing the web, and working on documents. The tablet also features a 3:2 aspect ratio, which provides more vertical screen real estate, making it ideal for reading and productivity tasks.
Display Comparison with Other Tablets
| Tablet | Display Size | Resolution | Aspect Ratio |
| — | — | — | — |
| Surface Go 2 | 10.5 inches | 1920 x 1280 | 3:2 |
| iPad (7th Gen) | 10.2 inches | 2224 x 1668 | 4:3 |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite | 10.4 inches | 2000 x 1200 | 5:3 |
As you can see, the Surface Go 2’s display is comparable to other tablets in its class, offering a high-resolution display with a unique aspect ratio that sets it apart from the competition.
Performance and Hardware
The Surface Go 2 is powered by a dual-core Intel Core m3 processor, which provides a significant boost in performance compared to its predecessor. The device also features up to 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, making it suitable for demanding tasks like photo editing, video streaming, and multitasking.
The tablet also features a range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, and a USB-C port. The Surface Go 2 also supports the Surface Pen, which provides a natural writing and drawing experience.
Processor Comparison with Other Tablets
| Tablet | Processor | RAM | Storage |
| — | — | — | — |
| Surface Go 2 | Intel Core m3 | Up to 8GB | Up to 128GB |
| iPad (7th Gen) | Apple A12 Bionic | Up to 3GB | Up to 128GB |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite | Exynos 9611 | Up to 4GB | Up to 128GB |
As you can see, the Surface Go 2’s processor is comparable to other tablets in its class, offering a balance of performance and power efficiency.
Software and Productivity
The Surface Go 2 runs on Windows 10 in S mode, which provides a streamlined and secure computing experience. The device also features a range of productivity apps, including Microsoft Office, which is perfect for working on documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.
The tablet also supports the Surface Pen, which provides a natural writing and drawing experience. The Surface Go 2 also features a range of accessibility features, including text-to-speech, speech-to-text, and eye care.
Productivity Apps Comparison with Other Tablets
| Tablet | Productivity Apps | Stylus Support |
| — | — | — |
| Surface Go 2 | Microsoft Office, OneNote | Surface Pen |
| iPad (7th Gen) | Apple iWork, Notability | Apple Pencil |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite | Samsung Notes, Microsoft Office | S Pen |
As you can see, the Surface Go 2 offers a range of productivity apps and stylus support, making it perfect for students and professionals.
Camera and Audio
The Surface Go 2 features a 5MP rear camera and an 8MP front camera, which provide excellent image quality and low-light performance. The tablet also features a range of camera modes, including portrait mode, landscape mode, and video recording.
The Surface Go 2 also features a range of audio options, including dual microphones and stereo speakers. The tablet also supports Dolby Audio, which provides an immersive audio experience.
Camera Comparison with Other Tablets
| Tablet | Rear Camera | Front Camera |
| — | — | — |
| Surface Go 2 | 5MP | 8MP |
| iPad (7th Gen) | 8MP | 1.2MP |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite | 13MP | 5MP |
As you can see, the Surface Go 2’s camera is comparable to other tablets in its class, offering excellent image quality and low-light performance.
Conclusion
The Microsoft Surface Go 2 is a compact and portable tablet that offers a range of features and benefits. With its stunning display, improved performance, and enhanced productivity features, the Surface Go 2 is perfect for students, professionals, and anyone looking for a device that can keep up with their busy lifestyle.
While the Surface Go 2 may not be the cheapest tablet on the market, its unique features and benefits make it a worthwhile investment. Whether you’re looking for a device for work, play, or education, the Surface Go 2 is definitely worth considering.
Who is the Surface Go 2 for?
- Students looking for a compact and portable device for note-taking and research
- Professionals who need a device for working on documents, spreadsheets, and presentations
- Anyone looking for a device for streaming videos, browsing the web, and social media
- Artists and designers who need a device for creative work
Final Verdict
The Microsoft Surface Go 2 is a solid choice for anyone looking for a compact and portable tablet. With its stunning display, improved performance, and enhanced productivity features, the Surface Go 2 is perfect for students, professionals, and anyone looking for a device that can keep up with their busy lifestyle. While it may not be the cheapest tablet on the market, its unique features and benefits make it a worthwhile investment.
What is the Surface Go 2 and how does it compare to other Surface devices?
The Surface Go 2 is a compact tablet designed by Microsoft, aimed at providing users with a portable and versatile device for everyday tasks. Compared to other Surface devices, the Surface Go 2 is smaller and more lightweight, making it ideal for those who need a device on-the-go. It features a 10.5-inch touchscreen display, Intel Core m3 processor, and up to 8GB of RAM.
In comparison to other Surface devices, the Surface Go 2 is more budget-friendly and compact, making it a great option for students, freelancers, or anyone who needs a device for basic tasks such as browsing, emailing, and streaming. However, it may not be as powerful as other Surface devices, such as the Surface Pro or Surface Laptop, which are designed for more demanding tasks.
What are the key features of the Surface Go 2?
The Surface Go 2 features a 10.5-inch PixelSense touchscreen display with a resolution of 1920 x 1280 pixels. It is powered by an Intel Core m3 processor and comes with up to 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. The device also features a USB-C port, microSD card slot, and a headphone jack. Additionally, it supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 for connectivity.
The Surface Go 2 also features a 5MP front-facing camera and an 8MP rear-facing camera, making it suitable for video conferencing and taking photos. The device runs on Windows 10 in S mode, which provides a more streamlined and secure experience. However, users can upgrade to Windows 10 Home or Pro for more features and flexibility.
Is the Surface Go 2 suitable for gaming?
The Surface Go 2 is not designed for heavy gaming, as it features integrated Intel UHD Graphics 615. While it can handle casual games and older titles, it may struggle with more demanding games that require high graphics processing power. However, it can still provide a smooth gaming experience for less demanding games and apps.
For gamers who need a more powerful device, the Surface Go 2 may not be the best option. However, for those who want a device for casual gaming and everyday tasks, the Surface Go 2 can still provide a great experience. Additionally, the device’s portability and compact design make it easy to take to gaming sessions or events.
Can the Surface Go 2 be used as a laptop replacement?
The Surface Go 2 can be used as a laptop replacement for basic tasks such as browsing, emailing, and word processing. It features a compact keyboard and supports the Surface Pen, making it suitable for note-taking and productivity. However, it may not be as powerful as a traditional laptop, and users may find it limiting for more demanding tasks.
For users who need a device for basic tasks and want a more portable option, the Surface Go 2 can be a great laptop replacement. However, for those who need a device for more demanding tasks such as video editing, software development, or gaming, a traditional laptop may be a better option.
How long does the Surface Go 2 battery last?
The Surface Go 2 battery life can last up to 10 hours, depending on usage. With moderate use, such as browsing and emailing, the device can last a full day. However, with more demanding tasks such as gaming or video streaming, the battery life may be shorter.
To extend the battery life, users can adjust the device’s settings, such as reducing the screen brightness or turning off unnecessary features. Additionally, the device supports fast charging, which can quickly top up the battery when needed.
Is the Surface Go 2 worth the investment?
The Surface Go 2 is worth the investment for users who need a compact and portable device for everyday tasks. It provides a great balance of performance, portability, and affordability, making it a great option for students, freelancers, or anyone who needs a device on-the-go.
However, for users who need a device for more demanding tasks or want a more powerful device, the Surface Go 2 may not be the best option. Additionally, the device’s price may be a consideration for some users, as it can range from around $400 to over $600, depending on the configuration.
What are the alternatives to the Surface Go 2?
Alternatives to the Surface Go 2 include other compact tablets such as the Apple iPad, Samsung Galaxy Tab, or Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Tablet. These devices offer similar features and performance to the Surface Go 2, but may have different operating systems or designs.
For users who want a more powerful device, alternatives such as the Surface Pro or Surface Laptop may be a better option. These devices offer more powerful processors, more storage, and more features, but may be larger and more expensive than the Surface Go 2.