The Surface Pro 3 placed Microsoft ahead of the competition in the tablet market last year, and with the recent launch of the Surface Pro 4, the company is undoubtedly hoping that its winning formula is repeated. Here is how these two tablet-laptop hybrids from Microsoft fare in a face off. 

Design

Both these devices have similar builds and have magnesium alloy on their bodies. However, the Surface Pro 3 is heavier with its base model weighing in at 794 grams while the Surface Pro 4 only weighs 766 grams.

Since both devices are basically tablets without the Type Cover keyboard, Microsoft has improved it and it now has a wider glass trackpad. It is priced at $129. Also, there is a fingerprint sensor included in an improved Type Cover that costs $159 and it can be used on the Surface 4 and the older Surface 3.

The Surface Pen has also been improved and is backward compatible. However, unlike the previous version on the Surface Pro 3, it has a digital eraser included at its rear which, as it name suggests, can be used to remove any faulty content inputted by the user. 

Display

The display on the Surface Pro 4 is now bigger and it consists of a 12.3-inch screen with a resolution of 2736 x 1824 pixels, while the Surface Pro 3 has a 12-inch screen with a resolution of 2160 x 1440 pixels. Also, the Surface Pro 4 has PixelSense technology which can sense whether the user is employing their finger on the touchscreen or using the Surface Pen on it and it automatically adjusts to capture the input. 

Specs

On the Surface Pro 3, users can choose between Intel Core i3, Core i5 or Core i7 processors. As for the Surface Pro 4, buyers can select between a Skylake Intel Core M3 processor or an i5 or i7 processor. 

Memory

Both devices have microSD slots so external storage can be added. As for RAM, the Surface Pro 4 has 4 GB, 8 GB and 16 GB options while the Surface Pro 3 allows users to choose between 4 GB and 8 GB. 

Camera

The Surface Pro 3 has similar 5-megapixel cameras on its front and back, while the Surface Pro 4 has an 8-megapixel version at its rear and a 5-megapixel version in front. 

Price

The starting model of the Surface Pro 4 with Surface Pen included is priced at $899, while the Surface Pro 3 with stylus included costs $799.