Microsoft Surface Book 3 review
The Microsoft Microsoft Surface Book 3 ranks as the #702 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 66. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #631-ranked performance among 643 laptops. Consider the LG gram 16 2-in-1 or Lenovo IdeaPad 3, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The Microsoft Surface Book 3 is an impressive device, but its hefty price tag may deter some users. While it's perfect for creative professionals who need to edit photos and videos on-the-go, the display isn't one of the strongest around. The laptop's flexibility is a major plus, allowing users to easily convert it into a tablet or use it in various modes. With 10th gen Intel Core i5 or i7 chipsets, discrete graphics, and 32GB of RAM, this device can handle demanding tasks with ease. However, the battery life may not be enough to justify the cost for some users. Ultimately, the Surface Book 3 is worth it for those who need its unique features and performance.
Build
The Microsoft Surface Book 3's build is a mixed bag. On one hand, the laptop's aluminum body feels premium and sturdy. The display, however, is not as strong as some competitors, which is surprising given its price point. The device's weight distribution is well-balanced, making it easy to carry around. The keyboard deck has a pleasant texture, but the speakers are tinny and not suitable for music playback. Overall, while the Surface Book 3's build has its flaws, it still feels like a solid, if not exceptional, piece of hardware. Microsoft Surface Laptop 6 might be a smarter choice, offering an upgraded build.
Display
The display on the Microsoft Surface Book 3 is a mixed bag. While it's bright and colorful, its resolution isn't one of the strongest around. The screen's size and viewing angles are commendable, but it lags behind in terms of pixel density. Additionally, the display can get quite reflective, making it difficult to use in bright environments. Despite these drawbacks, the Surface Book 3's flexible nature makes up for some of its shortcomings. However, users seeking a high-quality visual experience may find themselves slightly disappointed with this device. For an improved display, Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 is worth considering.
Performance
The Microsoft Surface Book 3 is a powerhouse in performance. With 10th gen Intel Core i5 or i7 chipsets, my review model came with the Core i7 1065 G7 backed by 32GB of RAM. Benchmarking revealed impressive results, with Geekbench scoring 1044 single-core and 34.94 multi-core. Discrete graphics on the 13-incher handled a fair bit of pressure, running older titles smoothly, while integrated graphics kept pace for more demanding tasks. The GTX 1650 GPU delivered solid performance, though not ideal for latest titles. Overall, the Surface Book 3's performance is top-notch, making it an excellent choice for creative users and heavy taskers. You might want to check out Microsoft Surface Pro 11, featuring an upgraded performance for a superior experience.
Battery and Charging
The Microsoft Surface Book 3's battery life is impressive, lasting around 8 hours with mixed use. The laptop drained by 10% every 40 minutes, but it still made it through a full workday without needing a recharge. However, the charging time was not specified in this review. The battery itself is reliable and provides consistent performance throughout the day.
Connectivity
The Microsoft Surface Book 3 boasts robust connectivity options. It features USB-A, USB-C, an SD card reader, and an HDMI port, ensuring seamless connections to various devices. The laptop also supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0, providing a stable and reliable connection to the internet and other peripherals. If you're after top-notch connectivity, consider Microsoft Surface Pro 7+.
Features
The Microsoft Surface Book 3 boasts impressive features, including a 10th Gen Intel Core i5 or i7 chipset, 32GB of RAM, and up to a GTX 1660 Ti graphics card. It also comes with a sleek 13-inch display, stereo speakers, and a comfortable keyboard. Additionally, the device can convert into a tablet mode, allowing for flexibility in use cases. A generous 512GB of internal storage is also included, making it suitable for creative users who want to edit photos and videos on-the-go. It’s worth checking out Microsoft Surface Laptop 4, delivering remarkable features.
Support and Maintenance
The Microsoft Surface Book 3 excels in support and maintenance, with powerful 10th gen Intel Core i5 or i7 chipsets and up to 32GB of RAM. The battery life is also impressive, lasting around 8 hours of mixed use. Geekbench scores are respectable, but the integrated graphics may not be suitable for demanding tasks.
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