Tablet Comparison
Microsoft Surface 3 vs Microsoft Surface Pro 5 Comparison
A detailed, side-by-side comparison to help you pick the right tablet.
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Verdict
Pros & cons
Surface 3
+
What's good
+
Premium build quality
+
Full Windows OS along with access to all apps and software
+
Keyboard attachment feels natural
+
Good contrast and brightness on display
+
Fairly robust speakers
−
What's not
−
Keyboard attachment sold separately
−
Unable to handle heavy multi-tasking and 3D games
−
In tablet mode not touch-screen friendly
−
Track pad on keyboard too small
Surface Pro 5
+
What's good
+
Beautiful display
+
Lightweight design
+
Excellent accessories
+
Plenty of storage
+
Solid performance
−
What's not
−
Price
−
So-so cameras
−
Extra cost for pen and keyboard cover
−
No USB Type-C
Surface 3
+
Good
+
Premium build quality
+
Full Windows OS along with access to all apps and software
+
Keyboard attachment feels natural
+
Good contrast and brightness on display
+
Fairly robust speakers
−
Not
−
Keyboard attachment sold separately
−
Unable to handle heavy multi-tasking and 3D games
−
In tablet mode not touch-screen friendly
−
Track pad on keyboard too small
Surface Pro 5
+
Good
+
Beautiful display
+
Lightweight design
+
Excellent accessories
+
Plenty of storage
+
Solid performance
−
Not
−
Price
−
So-so cameras
−
Extra cost for pen and keyboard cover
−
No USB Type-C
Spec data
How they compare
Surface 3
Surface Pro 5
Price (MSRP)
—
—
OS
Windows
Windows
Processor
Intel Atom x7-Z8700 Quad core
Intel Core m3
Camera zoom
—
—
Battery life
—
—
Wired charging
—
—
Wireless charging
—
—
Display
Color
Color
Software support
—
—
Repairability
—
—
Weight
622g (21.9 oz)
766g (27 oz)
Fingerprint
No
No
Highlighted cells indicate the stronger value where a clear winner exists.
Spec data
How they compare
Surface 3
Surface Pro 5
Price (MSRP)
—
Price (MSRP)
—
OS
Windows
OS
Windows
Processor
Intel Atom x7-Z8700 Quad core
Processor
Intel Core m3
Camera zoom
—
Camera zoom
—
Battery life
—
Battery life
—
Wired charging
—
Wired charging
—
Wireless charging
—
Wireless charging
—
Display
Color
Display
Color
Software support
—
Software support
—
Repairability
—
Repairability
—
Weight
622g (21.9 oz)
Weight
766g (27 oz)
Fingerprint
No
Fingerprint
No
Highlighted cells indicate the stronger value where a clear winner exists.
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Physical comparison
Size & weight
Footprint · to scale
Surface 3
10.5" × 7.4"
Surface Pro 5
11.5" × 7.9"
Thickness · to scale
Surface 3
0.4"
Surface Pro 5
0.3"
Surface 3
Surface Pro 5
Height
10.5" (267 mm)
11.5" (292 mm)
Width
7.4" (187 mm)
7.9" (201 mm)
Depth
0.4" (9 mm)
0.3" (8 mm)
Weight
622g (21.9 oz)
766g (27 oz)
Screen
10.8"
12.3"
Height
10.5" (267 mm)
Height
11.5" (292 mm)
Width
7.4" (187 mm)
Width
7.9" (201 mm)
Depth
0.4" (9 mm)
Depth
0.3" (8 mm)
Weight
622g (21.9 oz)
Weight
766g (27 oz)
Screen
10.8"
Screen
12.3"
Dimensions shown in inches (mm). Silhouettes are proportionally scaled for visual comparison.
Common questions
Surface 3 vs Surface Pro 5: FAQ
Which is better, the Surface 3 or Surface Pro 5?
Based on aggregated critic reviews, the Surface Pro 5 earns a Compass Score of 8.2 compared to 7.9 for the Surface 3. That 0.3-point gap reflects stronger reviews across the board, though individual priorities like camera quality, battery life, or price could tip the scales the other way. Scores aggregate dozens of expert opinions, so they are a useful starting point, not the final word.
Specifications sourced from manufacturers and third-party databases. Last updated October 2026. Suggest a correction →