Microsoft Surface Go 4: Everything we know so far about the rumored 2-in-1
If you ask those in the know, they’ll tell you that the Microsoft Surface Go 4 is almost certain to be when Microsoft launches new devices at its upcoming “special Surface event” on September 21, along with the Surface Pro 10.
While you still have to take that with a grain of salt, it seems like an obvious move for Microsoft. After all, the Microsoft Surface Go 3 was launched on September 22, 2021, and after the less than favorable reviews, it makes sense that the manufacturer is looking for redemption.
The Microsoft Surface Go device never quite reached the heights of the best 2-in-1 laptops and best touchscreen laptops on the market, mainly due to the cheap components under the hood. However, the 2020 Microsoft Surface Go 2 still proved to be a great affordable Windows 10 option for users who don’t need a lot of power and appreciate having to save money on their laptop.
Unfortunately, its successor, the Microsoft Surface Go 3, couldn’t keep up with the competition due to its low power consumption and short battery life. The Microsoft Surface Go 4 is therefore the perfect opportunity for Microsoft to prove that it is capable of making a 2-in-1 device that is both affordable and reliable, if not one of the best Windows tablets. And with Microsoft delaying the launch of its ARM-based Surface Go and rumors pointing to an Intel-powered model, things are looking promising for the somewhat cursed line.
Will a better and much improved Surface Go appear at the event? More importantly, can it keep up with the rest of other brands’ offerings? We’ll have to wait for Microsoft’s event to know for sure, but if you’re a fan of the line or curious about what’s to come, we’ve got the details for you below.
Microsoft Surface Go 4: Get straight to the point
- What is it? The next Microsoft Surface Go device
- When is it out? Possibly Q3 2023
- What will it cost? Possibly for a higher price than its predecessor
Microsoft Surface Go 4: price and release date
Both the Surface Go 2 and Surface Go 3 started around the same price, with the former costing $399 / £399 / AU$547 and the latter asking $399 / £369 / AU$629 for their respective base configurations. That puts this 2-in-1 in the budget market – a rare treat for hybrid laptops, which typically put a premium on their versatile form factor.
This time, however, it’s likely that the Surface Go line will come at a higher price. According to Windows Central, the Surface Go 4 could cost you around $500 (about £500, AU$775). That’s because it’s likely that “the company will drop the 4GB RAM model from the lineup,” a wise move considering 8GB of memory is the threshold for laptops these days.
Windows Central also claims that the Surface Go 4 “will be announced on September 21 and ship sometime in October.” So those who have been waiting two years to replace their old Surface Go won’t have to wait long.
Microsoft Surface Go 4: design
Although the Surface Go 3 received less favorable reviews, mainly because it was underpowered, it was praised for some design choices, such as a 1080p webcam (a big deal in 2021), its highly portable form factor, and a microSD card reader. And we’d like to see the Surface Go 4 adopt these features, which is pretty much what’s expected to happen, according to Windows Central.
However, we’d like to see the Type Cover in the box as well, especially if Microsoft is going to increase the price of entry. The accessory turns the Surface Go into a laptop, rather than just a Windows tablet, but at $129.99 / £124.99 / AU$199.95 it does add to the overall cost. And if Microsoft doesn’t put it in the box this time, you’ll essentially be paying around $500 (about £500, AU$775) for a Windows 11 tablet.
Another thing we’d like to see is a more modern-looking screen. The Surface Go 3 has thick bezels, which not only made it feel outdated, but also gave you significantly less screen real estate to work with. Hopefully the Surface Go 4 has nice thin bezels so that even if the overall dimensions remain the same, you get a larger screen.
One promising thing Window Central said is that Microsoft could make it easier to repair and replace its components: “The device will include a replaceable battery, stand, display, and even motherboard.” And just like the rumored Surface Laptop Go 3, which may also appear at the event, it could feature AI features like Voice Clarity.
Microsoft Surface Go 4: specs and performance
A major reason why the Surface Go 4 is getting a price increase is that Microsoft is rumored to be phasing out its 4GB RAM devices, meaning the base configuration for this upcoming Surface Go will likely have 8GB of memory, as well as 128GB of storage. . Android Authority also said that the device will be Intel N200 powered, meaning the base model will also be more capable than the top Intel Core i3-10100Y powered configuration of the Surface Go 3.
While there’s nothing concrete at this point, we really hope Microsoft improves the performance of the next part of its 2-in-1 line. That’s mainly because one of the biggest complaints about it is how little power it has, even in its highest configuration.
Another opportunity for change is battery life. We managed to get just over six hours out of the Surface Go 3 in our testing, which was embarrassing even by 2021 standards. And considering many laptops and tablets these days offer at least 10 hours of gaming, there’s really no reason for the Surface Go 4 to exist if it can’t keep up with the rest.
We’ll share more information about the upcoming Surface Go 4 as it lands on our desks, but with the Microsoft event just around the corner, you won’t have to wait long to find out more.