Microsoft Surface Go 3 vs Redmi Pad 2 9.7
The Verdict
The Microsoft Surface Go 3 and Redmi Pad 2 9.7 sit in the same category and end up appealing to slightly different buyers. The Redmi Pad 2 9.7 is the cheaper of the two at $190 versus $399, a difference of about $209. The Redmi Pad 2 9.7 is the newer release, which usually means a faster chipset and longer software support. Microsoft Surface Go 3 stands out for most portable windows device at 544 g with built-in kickstand, while Redmi Pad 2 9.7 is praised for compact 9.7-inch screen is more portable than 11-inch competitors. Use the side-by-side spec table below to compare cameras, displays, battery life and connectivity in detail and decide which one fits your priorities.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Microsoft Surface Go 3 if…
- →Most portable Windows device at 544 g with built-in kickstand
- →Full Windows 11 runs desktop apps not available on iPad or Android
- →Affordable entry into the Surface ecosystem at $399
Buy the Redmi Pad 2 9.7 if…
- →Compact 9.7-inch screen is more portable than 11-inch competitors
- →90Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and responsiveness
- →IP52 rating offers dust and water resistance for everyday protection
Pros & Cons
Microsoft Surface Go 3
Pros
- Most portable Windows device at 544 g with built-in kickstand
- Full Windows 11 runs desktop apps not available on iPad or Android
- Affordable entry into the Surface ecosystem at $399
- LTE option for always-connected productivity
- MicroSD expansion and headphone jack included
Cons
- Pentium/i3 processors struggle with anything beyond light tasks
- 64 GB eMMC base storage is painfully slow and limited
- 10.5" screen feels cramped for Windows desktop apps
- 4 GB RAM base model is barely usable with modern Windows
- Type Cover and pen still sold separately
Redmi Pad 2 9.7
Pros
- Compact 9.7-inch screen is more portable than 11-inch competitors
- 90Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and responsiveness
- IP52 rating offers dust and water resistance for everyday protection
- Optional 4G LTE support for connectivity on the go
- 33W fast charging reduces downtime
Cons
- MediaTek Helio G99 offers mid-range performance, not flagship-tier
- No wireless charging despite premium positioning
- Base 4GB RAM variant may struggle with multitasking
- 10100mAh battery is modest for a 9.7-inch tablet
- Single rear camera limits photography versatility
Full Specifications
| Spec | Microsoft Surface Go 3 | Redmi Pad 2 9.7 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Windows 11 Home (S Mode) / Pro | — |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 544 g | — |
| Dimensions | 245 x 175 x 8.3 mm | — |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 11 hours (typical usage) | — |
| Capacity | 28 Wh | 10100mAh |
| Charging Speed | — | 33W fast charging |
| Wireless Charging | — | |
| Display | ||
| Size | 10.5 inches | 9.7 inches |
| Type | PixelSense IPS | IPS LCD |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1280 | 2560 x 1600 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 90Hz |
| Brightness | — | 500 nits |
| Storage | ||
| Storage options | 64 GB eMMC, 128 GB SSD | — |
| Expandable storage | — | |
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 4 GB / 8 GB | — |
| Chipset | Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y / Intel Core i3-10100Y (Dual-core) | — |
| Connectivity | ||
| USB | 1x USB-C | — |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | — |
| Cellular | — | |
| Stylus Support | — | |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | — | 13MP rear |
| Front camera | — | 8MP |
| Design | ||
| Colors | — | Graphite Gray, Mint Green, Rose Gold |
| Weight | — | 595g |
| IP rating | — | IP52 |
| Performance | ||
| RAM | — | 4GB / 8GB |
| Chipset | — | MediaTek Helio G99 |
| Storage | — | 128GB / 256GB |
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