Microsoft Surface Go 4 Review: 7.8/10 - Ultra-portable Windows tablet for on-the-go productivity
Overview
The Microsoft Surface Go 4 is the fourth generation of Microsoft’s compact Windows tablet, designed for portability without sacrificing the full Windows 11 experience. It features a 10.5-inch PixelSense display, Intel N-series processors, and support for the Surface Pen and Type Cover. At just 544 grams, it is one of the most portable full Windows tablets available.
Design & Build
The Surface Go 4 retains the iconic magnesium alloy design of its predecessors, with adjustable Kickstand and a premium build that belies its price. The 10.5-inch 3:2 aspect ratio PixelSense display offers a comfortable canvas for productivity with 1920x1280 resolution and 10-point multi-touch. Windows Hello facial recognition via the front camera provides fast, secure login. The USB-C 3.2 port supports charging, data transfer, and display output. Build quality is excellent, with the sturdy Kickstand providing stability on any surface.
Performance
The Intel N200 or N305 processors offer modest but sufficient performance for web browsing, Office applications, video streaming, and note-taking. Benchmark scores are lower than Core i5-based ultrabooks, so heavy multitasking or demanding creative software will show limitations. The 8GB or 16GB RAM options help with multitasking, and the SSD storage options provide faster boot and app loading. Battery life is solid at up to 12 hours, enough for a full workday. The device is fanless and silent in operation, with good thermal management.
Features
Full Windows 11 Home in S Mode provides access to the entire Windows ecosystem, including the Microsoft Store, Office, and legacy Win32 applications. The Surface Pen offers 4096 levels of pressure for note-taking and drawing. The Surface Go Signature Keyboard includes a full-sized keyboard with precision trackpad. The 8MP rear camera captures decent photos and 1080p video. Integration with Microsoft 365 and OneDrive is seamless, and the device supports enterprise management features for business deployments.
Pros
- Full Windows 11 in an ultra-portable form factor
- Premium magnesium alloy build with Kickstand
- Windows Hello facial recognition
- Surface Pen and Type Cover support
- Fanless, silent operation
Cons
- Intel N-series performance is modest
- Type Cover and Pen sold separately
- Only one USB-C port
- Base storage is limited UFS, not SSD
Verdict
The Microsoft Surface Go 4 is a compelling choice for those who need a full Windows device in the most portable package possible, ideal for students, field workers, and light productivity users.
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Technical Specifications
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