Microsoft Surface Go 2 Specs, Pricing & What You Need To Know

The original Surface Go was a decent Windows tablet that brought all the goodies of the bigger Surface Pro to a smaller form factor. Microsoft just came out with its second iteration that packs some notable hardware upgrades, making it an overall better device in its category. The new Go is offering all this without bumping up the base price tag, and you’re still getting access to Microsoft’s enormous and equally remarkable accessory ecosystem.

Here is everything that we know about the Surface Go 2, including its detailed specifications, variants, pricing, availability details, and some alternatives.

Read: Our Microsoft Surface Go 2 Review

Highlights

• 10.5-inch FHD+ screen
• Up to Intel Core m3
• Up to 8GB RAM and 128GB storage
• Windows 10 Home in S mode
• Optional LTE
• Keyboard accessory and stylus
• Up to 10 hours of battery life
• USB Type-C, headphone jack

Microsoft Surface Go 2: The Basics

For starters, the new Surface Go model has received a facelift with a slightly bigger 10.5-inch screen that helps trim some of those bold bezels. Apart from that, the tablet borrows its general physicality from its predecessors, leaving very little to differentiate between the two. While this may seem like a drawback, it’s, in fact, a plus point as it lets the first-gen Go share its accessories with the Go 2. Keeping up with the Surface branding, the Go 2 keeps the iconic kickstand that gives you the flexibility to hold the tablet alone at virtually any angle on the table.

On the inside, you’ll find a Pentium Gold processor powering the base model, though you can upgrade to a sturdier Core m3 chip. These processors can be paired with up to 8GB of RAM and 128GB of SSD, with the option to pop in a microSD card. The convertible comes running a more restricting version of Windows 10 Home called the S mode, but you can easily do a one-way switch to the full OS. Microsoft has kept the headphone jack and the front-facing stereo speakers. On top of these, the company has improved the microphone input for better audio experience when video calling.

Read: Top 12: Best Tablets With A Stylus | 2020 Edition

In addition to the headphone jack, you’re getting a USB-C port along with the proprietary Surface Connect for charging. On the standard model, you’ll get Wi-Fi ax and Bluetooth 5.0, while 4G LTE will require an upgrade to a pricier model. Over at the front, there is a 5MP camera that supports high-quality 1080p video chats and helps enable the Windows Hello feature. An 8MP camera sits on the back with similar video capabilities. Microsoft claims that it was able to squeeze in a much larger battery this time to give you an improved battery life of up to 10 hours.

Surface Pen And The Type Cover

A Surface tablet is incomplete without the soft-touch keyboard covers that Microsoft makes. The Surface Go 2 does support those iconic Type Covers that have now become an industry standard, paving the way for many such products from other brands. As previously mentioned, the Go 2 shares the same keyboard that the 2018 Go did, since the connector position hasn’t changed since. While the keyboard may feel a little cramped compared to the one for the Pro, it still offers a better typing experience than its competitors, and that tracking pad also works well.

The Surface Pen that the standard Pro tablet uses is also compatible with both Surface Go models. The Microsoft stylus worked impressively well in our experience during our reviews of many of these Surface models. It is powered using a replaceable battery cell and sticks to the Microsoft tablet’s side to be readily available whenever you need it. However, you should secure it somewhere safe, either inside your pocket or a bag. when moving around to avoid losing it.

Read: Top 10: The Best Tablets With Keyboards | 2020 Edition

Full Specifications

Pricing & Availability

The best part about the 2020 Surface Go is that it costs the same as the last model, at least for the base configuration. The 4GB+64GB (eMMC) model with the Pentium chip costs $400 and you can upgrade to 8GB+128GB (SSD) setup for $550. If you swap the processor with the 8th-gen Core m3 and keep the 8GB+128GB memory option, you’ll have to shell out $630 for the tablet alone.

Upgrading to LTE will cost you another $100 with the same internals, while business users can also move a tier up to 256GB of storage for $880. Its two accessories —the Surface Pen and the Type Cover — are sold separately for $100 and starting from $100, respectively.

In the first phase, the Surface Go 2 will be available in North America and some key European and Asian markets starting May 12.

Microsoft Surface Go 2 Alternatives

The best alternative right now could be the first-gen Surface Go (review), which wouldn’t feel all that different from the new Go, and you’ll likely save a few dollars in the process. Go for it only if you’re getting it for cheap; otherwise, the Go 2 would be your best bet. The Apple iPad 7 (review) also gives you a similar package, complete with a keyboard accessory and a stylus, though iPadOS isn’t as full-blown as Windows 10.

On the Android side, you might be able to save a few extra bucks as the Galaxy Tab S6 (review) comes bundled with a perfectly capable stylus, leaving only the keyboard accessory to be purchased separately. If you’re on a tighter budget, then you can look at last year’s Tab S5e (review), which can attach to a keyboard but doesn’t support the S Pen, or the newly launched Tab S6 Lite, which does the opposite. Finally, you should consider getting the bigger Surface Pro 7 (review) if you plan on doing your daily office work primarily on the tablet as a 10-inch screen may feel cramped.

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Microsoft Surface Go 2

Read now: Our Microsoft Surface Go 2 Review

The Microsoft Surface Go 2 is the best 10-inch Windows tablet on the market right now. It offers a premium design, a nice screen and especially the Intel core m3 version is fast enough for demanding office work. The Surface Pen and Type Cover work fantastic. But, if you don't specifically need Windows, then it makes no sense to get a Windows tablet.

Positive

• Premium build
• Good 10.5-inch display
• Core m3 powerful enough
• Optional pen & keyboard
• Integrated kickstand
• Optional 4G LTE

Negative

• Very pricey
• Few touchscreen apps only

Buy on* Amazon

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