Surface 3
CPU Benchmark
1,400
Battery Life
8h
Weight
622g
Customization
1/10
Surface 3 Features
"Ditched Windows RT for full Windows via an Intel Atom x7, adopting a 3:2 screen and Surface Pen support to become a beloved 'mini Surface Pro'."
Standout strengths
- Runs full Windows and legacy x86 applications
- Productivity-friendly 3:2 aspect ratio
- Supports high-quality digital inking with Surface Pen
Trade-offs
- Intel Atom limits performance for heavy tasks
- Slow eMMC storage read/write speeds
Surface 3 Performance Position
Compare specs and performance against the latest model, generation rank within Surface, and overall standing among all Surface devices.
Compare with Current Model
Latest Model in This Series
This model is part of the latest on-sale lineup.
Rank in Surface Series (3 Models)
Overall Surface Ranking
Specs Comparison: vs Predecessor (Surface 2)
Check the specs and evolutionary differences from the predecessor
This Model
Surface 3
Previous Gen
Surface 2
Upgrade Criteria
CPU performance improved by approx. 17%. Heavy tasks become dramatically smoother.
Battery life is 8 hours. More peace of mind on the go.
Support for latest AI features and connectivity (Wi-Fi 7) increases future value.
Specs Comparison: Current Models vs Surface 3
Compare current models across each series side by side.
| Spec Item | 3 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CPU Benchmark | 1,400 | 13,800 | 16,800 | 10,500 | 13,800 | 16,800 | 16,800 | 10,500 | 22,500 |
| GPU Benchmark | 300 | 3,100 | 3,400 | 2,000 | 3,100 | 3,400 | 3,400 | 2,000 | 16,500 |
| AI Processor (NPU) | — | 80 TOPS | 80 TOPS | 45 TOPS | 80 TOPS | 80 TOPS | 80 TOPS | 45 TOPS | 120 TOPS |
| Battery Life | Up to 8h | Up to 15.5h | Up to 15.5h | Up to 15h | Up to 22h | Up to 20h | Up to 22h | Up to 18h | Up to 15h |
| Weight | 622g | 686g | 895g | 680g | 1220g | 1340g | 1660g | 1220g | 2000g |
| Model Page | Model Page |
Accessory Compatibility
Check compatibility status for major official accessories.
| Accessory | 3 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Type Cover | - | Surface Pro 12-inch Keyboard (Compatible) | Surface Pro Flex / Signature Keyboard | Surface Pro 12-inch Keyboard | N/A (Integrated Keyboard) | - | - | N/A (Integrated Keyboard) | N/A (Integrated Keyboard) |
Surface Pen | - | Surface Slim Pen 2 (Supported) | Surface Slim Pen 2 | Surface Slim Pen | Surface Slim Pen 2 (Supported) | - | - | Surface Slim Pen (Supported) | Surface Slim Pen 2 (Supported) |
AC Adapter | - | 39W / 65W Surface Connect / USB-C PD | 65W Surface Connect / USB-C (USB4) | USB-C | 39W / 65W Surface Connect / USB-C PD | 65W Surface Connect / USB-C (USB4) | 65W Surface Connect / USB-C (USB4) | USB-C / 39W Surface Connect | 127W / 200W Surface Connect / USB-C PD |
Surface Dock | - | Surface Dock 2 / USB-C Dock | Surface Dock 2 / Thunderbolt 4 Dock | Surface Thunderbolt 4 Dock | Surface Dock 2 / USB-C Dock | Surface Dock 2 / Thunderbolt 4 Dock | Surface Dock 2 / Thunderbolt 4 Dock | Surface Dock 2 / Thunderbolt 4 Dock | Surface Thunderbolt 4 Dock / USB-C Dock |
| Model Page | Model Page | Model Page | Model Page | Model Page | Model Page | Model Page | Model Page | Model Page | Model Page |
Surface 3 Specs
Comprehensive technical specifications including processor, memory, storage, display, and ports.
| Processor (CPU) | Intel Atom x7-Z8700 (CPU Benchmark: 1,400) |
|---|---|
| Graphics (GPU) | Intel® HD Graphics (Atom x7) (GPU Benchmark: 300) |
| Memory (RAM) | 2GB / 4GB |
| Storage (SSD) | 64GB / 128GB |
| Display Size | 10.8" |
| Resolution | 1920 × 1280 |
| Aspect Ratio | 3:2 |
| Battery Life | Up to 8h |
| Weight | 622g |
| Dimensions | 266.9 × 172.4 × 8.6 mm |
| Release Date | May 5, 2015 |
Customization Level
Evaluate build-to-order options and long-term expandability.
CPU
Processor options
Memory (RAM)
RAM capacity options
Storage
SSD capacity and upgradability
GPU
Graphics options