The Microsoft Surface Go 2 was officially released on May 6, 2020. We were thrilled to see Microsoft roll out this affordable, versatile device, especially for students and budget-conscious users. This release brought a refreshing update to the original Surface Go, offering better performance and a bigger display.
Visiting the Microsoft Store soon after the release, we could feel the excitement. As a 2-in-1 laptop and tablet, the Surface Go 2 weighed just 1.2 lbs, making it the lightest Surface device. Its 10.5-inch touchscreen and built-in kickstand made it perfect for those who need a portable device that doesn’t skimp on features.
The Surface Go 2 is all about convenience without breaking the bank. Starting at $399, it offers impressive specs for its price. While it doesn’t include the Surface Type Cover, which costs an additional $99, it remains a valuable option. The improved computing performance and longer battery life make it an ideal companion for both work and leisure. We’ve even started using it for our daily tasks and have found it to be incredibly reliable.
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Key Features
The Microsoft Surface Go 2 is packed with features that make it a versatile device.
Design and Display
With a 10.5-inch PixelSense display and a resolution of 1920 x 1280, it offers crisp visuals. The 3:2 aspect ratio makes it perfect for web browsing and reading emails.
Performance
Equipped with options like the Pentium Gold CPU and an M3 processor, the Surface Go 2 handles everyday tasks with ease. It’s great for streaming, browsing, and light gaming.
Connectivity
For those on the go, LTE Advanced ensures you’re connected almost anywhere. Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 provide fast and reliable connectivity.
Ports and Accessories
The Surface Go 2 includes a USB-C port, a Surface Connect port, and a headphone jack. This device is also compatible with the Surface Pen, Surface Dock, Surface Mouse, and Type Cover Keyboard.
Cameras and Audio
The front camera supports Windows Hello for secure facial recognition, while the rear 8 MP camera is good for quick snaps. Dolby Audio enhances media playback.
| Feature | Details |
| Display | 10.5-inch, 1920 x 1280, PixelSense |
| CPU Options | Pentium Gold, M3 |
| Connectivity | LTE Advanced, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Ports | USB-C, Surface Connect, Headphone Jack |
| Cameras | Front: Windows Hello, Rear: 8 MP |
| Audio | Dolby Audio |
Battery Life
It boasts a long battery life that helps with productivity, making it a solid choice for work-from-home setups and while you’re on the move.
Performance and Specifications
Our main focus here is on the brains and brawn of the Microsoft Surface Go 2. It features both Intel Pentium Gold and Intel Core m3 processors. We have seen solid performance for everyday tasks like web browsing, streaming, and office applications.
When it comes to memory and storage, we see a couple of options to suit different needs:
-
RAM:
- 4GB
- 8GB
-
Storage:
- 64GB eMMC
- 128GB SSD
The graphics are powered by Intel UHD Graphics 615, which provides decent visual performance for basic gaming and video playback.
We should mention battery life too. It’s tested to deliver up to 10 hours of usage, which suffices for an entire day of work or study without needing a recharge.
Here’s a quick glance at some of the key specs:
| Specification | Details |
| Processor | Intel Pentium Gold 4425Y or Intel Core m3 |
| RAM | 4GB or 8GB |
| Storage | 64GB eMMC or 128GB SSD |
| Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics 615 |
| Battery Life | Up to 10 hours |
Running on Windows 10 Home in S mode, the Surface Go 2 ensures a lightweight and secure operating experience. Users can also switch to the full Windows 10 Home for a broader range of applications.
This compact device, with a 10.5-inch touchscreen, brings flexibility with its built-in kickstand, making it super handy for various modes of use.
If you need specifics on benchmarks, the Surface Go 2 holds its ground with a respectable Geekbench multi-core score. It fits snugly in the category of portable, yet powerful, devices.
Design and Build Quality
The Microsoft Surface Go 2 impresses us with its sleek design and solid build quality. Weighing just 1.2 pounds, it’s incredibly portable. Its 10.5-inch screen is surrounded by thinner bezels, enhancing the overall aesthetic.
The magnesium casing gives it a durable, yet lightweight feel. The kickstand is adjustable, making it versatile as both a tablet and laptop.
| Dimensions | 9.65 x 6.9 x 0.33 inches |
| Weight | 1.2 pounds (544 grams) |
We love the poppy red and ice blue options, adding some flair to the usual platinum and black.
Connectivity options are adequate with a USB-C port, Surface Connect port, microSDXC card slot, and a reliable headphone jack.
The Alcantara keyboard cover feels premium and comes in silver, making typing a pleasant experience.
We appreciate the Surface Connect’s functionality for charging and accessories. The built-in kickstand enhances usability, especially when switching from laptop to tablet mode.
This being a 2-in-1 device, flexibility is crucial. The touchpad is responsive and the power button is easily accessible, making daily use smooth.
In short, the Surface Go 2 combines function and style, making it a top choice for on-the-go computing tasks.
Comparison with Previous Models
The Surface Go 2 brings several tweaks and enhancements compared to its predecessors. These changes impact both performance and usability, with notable differences when compared to the Surface Go and the Surface Pro models.
Surface Go vs Surface Go 2
The first difference between the Surface Go and the Surface Go 2 is the screen size. The Surface Go 2 has a larger 10.5-inch display compared to the 10-inch screen of the Surface Go. This makes a noticeable difference when viewing documents or browsing the web.
Performance-wise, the Surface Go 2 includes an upgraded processor. While the original Surface Go came with an Intel Pentium Gold, the newer model offers an 8th Gen Intel Core m3 option.
Battery life also sees an improvement, with the Surface Go 2 offering up to 10 hours, compared to around 9 hours on its predecessor. Another upgrade is in connectivity. The Surface Go 2 features better Wi-Fi and LTE options.
Surface Go 2 vs Surface Pro
When comparing the Surface Go 2 and the Surface Pro 7, a few things stand out. The Surface Pro 7 is better in many ways but also comes at a higher price.
Firstly, the screen size of the Surface Pro 7 is larger, at 12.3 inches, compared to the Surface Go 2’s 10.5 inches. This makes the Pro more suitable for detailed work.
The Surface Pro 7 also features more powerful internals, with options for Intel Core i3, i5, and i7 processors. This means it can handle more demanding tasks.
Lastly, the Surface Pro 7 generally has more storage and RAM options, making it more versatile for power users.