Surface 3
CPU Benchmark
507
Battery Life
10h
Weight
622g
Support
Ended ~5 yrs ago
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. 50600%. Heavy tasks become dramatically smoother.
Battery life is 10 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 | 507(Single 145) | 11,500(Single 2,700) | 16,500(Single 3,100) | 10,800(Single 2,400) | 12,500(Single 2,750) | 16,500(Single 3,100) | 17,200(Single 3,150) | 11,500(Single 2,600) | 12,200(Single 2,650) | 10,800(Single 2,400) | 22,500(Single 3,300) |
| GPU Benchmark | 500 | 20,000 | 26,000 | 18,000 | 21,000 | 26,000 | 26,000 | 27,000 | 27,000 | 18,000 | 115,000 |
| AI Processor (NPU) | — | 80 TOPS | 80 TOPS | 45 TOPS | 80 TOPS | 80 TOPS | 80 TOPS | 48 TOPS | 48 TOPS | 45 TOPS | 120 TOPS |
| Battery Life | Up to 10h | Up to 15.5h | Up to 15.5h | Up to 16h | Up to 22h | Up to 20h | Up to 22h | Up to 19h | Up to 19h | Up to 18h | Up to 15h |
| Weight | 622g | 686g | 895g | 680g | 1220g | 1340g | 1660g | 1342g | 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) | 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 2 (supported) | 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) | 65W Surface Connect / USB-C | 65W Surface Connect / USB-C | 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 Thunderbolt 4 Dock | Surface 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 | Model Page | Model Page |
Surface 3 Specs
Comprehensive technical specifications including processor, memory, storage, display, and ports.
| Processor (CPU) | Intel Atom x7-Z8700CPU Benchmark: 507(Single 145) |
|---|---|
| Graphics (GPU) | Intel® HD Graphics (Atom x7) (GPU Benchmark: 500) |
| Memory (RAM) | 2GB / 4GB |
| Storage (SSD) | 64GB / 128GB |
| Display Size | 10.8" |
| Resolution | 1920 × 1280 |
| Aspect Ratio | 3:2 |
| Battery Life | Up to 10h |
| 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
Support Information
OS, driver and firmware support status, together with the System SKU that identifies your device.
OS / Driver & Firmware Support
Official Microsoft driver and firmware lifecycle end date alongside current supported OS (Windows 11 etc.) status.
- Driver & Firmware
- Support Ended
Official End Date
Nov 13, 2021 Ended ~5 yrs ago - Compatible OS Support
- OS Support Ended / Unsupported
- Support Notes
- Windows 10 support ended (Oct 2025)
* End dates follow official Microsoft Surface lifecycle definitions. Even after driver support ends, standard Windows security updates may continue if the underlying Windows edition remains supported.
System SKU
The System SKU reported by Windows System Information (msinfo32) and the model number printed on the device. Use them to identify your exact model.
- System SKU
- Surface_3
Find the System SKU in System Information (msinfo32), or run `wmic csproduct get sku` in Command Prompt. The model number is engraved on the device (e.g. behind the kickstand).
* Where Geekbench has no measured result, scores are estimated from spec change ratios wherever possible. 32-bit models have no data.