Microsoft Surface Pro vs Microsoft Surface Go 2
The Microsoft Surface Pro is the better laptop on paper: it is much faster, has more memory and has more storage. Pick the Microsoft Surface Go 2 only if it matters to you that it is lighter and is more compact.
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Key differences
- Speed Microsoft Surface Pro wins
The Microsoft Surface Pro is much quicker. Its Snapdragon X Plus has the power for photo and video editing, while the Intel Core m3-8100Y in the Microsoft Surface Go 2 is built for browsing, email and documents.
- Memory Microsoft Surface Pro wins
The Microsoft Surface Pro has 16 GB of memory against 8 GB. That's the difference between coping and staying quick with lots of tabs and apps open.
- Storage Microsoft Surface Pro wins
The Microsoft Surface Pro has twice the storage: 256 GB against 128 GB.
- Weight Microsoft Surface Go 2 wins
The Microsoft Surface Go 2 is 0.4 kg lighter: 0.789 kg against 1.176 kg.
- Screen size Depends on you
The Microsoft Surface Pro has the bigger screen (13" against 10.5"), while the Microsoft Surface Go 2 is more compact.
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Microsoft Surface Pro if…
- You edit photos or video, or keep a lot open at once: its Snapdragon X Plus is the more powerful processor.
- You keep lots of tabs and apps open: 16 GB of memory gives it more room than 8 GB.
- You store lots of photos, videos or games: it has 256 GB of storage.
- You want more room to work: its 13-inch screen fits two windows side by side.
Choose the Microsoft Surface Go 2 if…
- You'll carry it every day: at 0.789 kg it's easy to take everywhere.
- You want something compact for small bags and train tables: it has a 10.5-inch screen.
- You plug things in: it has an SD card reader (for camera cards).
Full spec comparison
Add more laptopsThe Microsoft Surface Pro leads on performance and the screen, while the Microsoft Surface Go 2 leads on battery and weight. Highlighted values mark the better spec in each row, and you can hide the rows where they match.
Performance
The Microsoft Surface Pro is ahead on performance.
It is much faster, has more memory and has more storage, and the Microsoft Surface Go 2 doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | Microsoft Surface Pro | Microsoft Surface Go 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Snapdragon X Plus (X1P64100) | Intel Core m3-8100Y |
| Graphics | Qualcomm Adreno GPU | Intel UHD Graphics 615 |
| AI engine (NPU) | 45 TOPS | — |
| Memory (RAM) | 16 GB | 8 GB |
| Memory type | LPDDR5X | — |
| Maximum memory | 16 GB | — |
| Memory upgrades | Soldered (not upgradeable) | — |
| Storage | 256 GB | 128 GB |
| Storage type | SSD | SSD |
| Storage interface | removable SSD | — |
| Storage slots | 1 | — |
Screen
The Microsoft Surface Pro is ahead on the screen.
The Microsoft Surface Pro has the bigger screen (13" against 10.5"), while the Microsoft Surface Go 2 is more compact. The Microsoft Surface Pro has a bigger screen, has a sharper screen and has a smoother screen, while the Microsoft Surface Go 2 is more compact.
| Spec | Microsoft Surface Pro | Microsoft Surface Go 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 13" | 10.5" |
| Resolution | 3K (2880 x 1920) | Full HD+ (1920 x 1280) |
| Aspect ratio | 3:2 | 3:2 |
| Panel | LCD | LCD |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 60 Hz |
| Variable refresh (VRR) | Yes | — |
| Brightness | 600 nits | — |
| Colour range | sRGB and Vivid colour profiles | — |
| HDR | Dolby Vision IQ | None |
| Finish | Glossy | — |
| Touchscreen | Yes | Yes |
| Pen standard | Microsoft Pen Protocol | — |
Battery and size
Each laptop has its strengths on battery and weight.
The Microsoft Surface Pro charges over USB-C, while the Microsoft Surface Go 2 is lighter.
| Spec | Microsoft Surface Pro | Microsoft Surface Go 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery life (maker claim) | Up to 14 hours | Up to 10 hours |
| Battery capacity | 47 Wh | — |
| Charger | — | 24 W |
| Charges via | USB-C or Surface Connect | Surface Connect |
| Fast charging | 5% to 80% with minimum 65 W Surface supply or 60 W USB-C PD charger | — |
| Weight | 1.176 kg | 0.789 kg |
| Dimensions | 287 x 209 x 9.3 mm | 245 x 175 x 8.3 mm |
| Materials | anodized aluminium | Magnesium |
| Durability | MIL-STD-810H tested | — |
| Hinge | 165-degree full-friction kickstand | — |
| Colour | Platinum | Platinum |
| Colours available | Platinum, Black, Sapphire, Dune | Platinum |
Ports and wireless
The Microsoft Surface Pro is ahead on ports and wireless.
The Microsoft Surface Pro has Thunderbolt or USB4 and has Wi-Fi 7, while the Microsoft Surface Go 2 has an SD card reader.
| Spec | Microsoft Surface Pro | Microsoft Surface Go 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Ports | 2x USB-C / USB4 (charging, data, DisplayPort 1.4a), 1x Surface Connect (charging), 1x Surface Keyboard port | 1x USB-C (charging), 1x Surface Connect (charging), 1x 3.5 mm headphone jack, 1x microSDXC (UHS-I), 1x Surface Type Cover port |
| Thunderbolt / USB4 | USB4 / Thunderbolt 4 dock support | None |
| Card reader | None | microSDXC (UHS-I) |
| Ethernet | None | None |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.4 | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Mobile data | None | None |
Features
The Microsoft Surface Pro is ahead on extras.
It has Copilot+ AI features, and the Microsoft Surface Go 2 doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | Microsoft Surface Pro | Microsoft Surface Go 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Webcam | Quad HD + IR | 1080p + IR |
| Webcam privacy | — | None |
| Backlit keyboard | No | No |
| Login | Face | Face |
| Number pad | No | No |
| Speakers | 2 W stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos | 2 W stereo speakers, Dolby Audio |
| Microphones | dual Studio Mics with voice focus | Dual Studio Mics |
| Pen | Supported (sold separately) | Supported (sold separately) |
| Security | Microsoft Pluton TPM 2.0, Windows 11 Secured-core PC, Windows Hello face authentication | Firmware TPM, Windows Hello face sign-in |
Software and model
The Microsoft Surface Pro is ahead on software and updates.
It is newer, and the Microsoft Surface Go 2 doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | Microsoft Surface Pro | Microsoft Surface Go 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Pro |
| Update promise | — | None |
| Model number | EP2-08340 | — |
| Released | 2024 | 2020 |