Surface 3 specs and features
Applies To
SurfaceSupport for Windows 10 will end in October 2025
After October 14, 2025, Microsoft will no longer provide free software updates from Windows Update, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10. Your PC will still work, but we recommend moving to Windows 11.
In each box, you'll find your new Surface 3 and a Micro USB power supply, along with a Quick Start Guide and the safety and warranty documents.
Overview of Surface 3 features
Power button |
Press the power button to turn your Surface 3 on. When your Surface is on, press and hold the power button to shut down. You'll also use the power button to put your Surface to sleep, and to wake it when you're ready to start working again. |
Windows button |
The Windows button takes you to the Start screen, where you can open your apps quickly, look for files on your Surface, or search for info the web. If you're already at Start, the Windows button takes you back to the last app you were using. |
Touchscreen |
Use the 10.8 ClearType full HD display, with its 3:2 aspect ratio and 1920 x 1280 resolution display, to watch HD movies, browse the web, and use your favorite apps. 10-point multi-touch lets you use your fingers to select, zoom, and move things around, or you can use your Surface Pen. For more info, see Touch gestures for Windows. |
Battery life |
Up to 10 hours of video playback.1 |
Kickstand |
Flip out the three-position kickstand and work or play comfortably at your desk, on the couch, or while giving a hands-free presentation. |
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth |
Surface 3 supports standard Wi-Fi protocols (802.11a/b/g/n/ac) and Bluetooth® 4.0. Connect to a wireless network and use Bluetooth devices such as mice, printers, and headsets.2 |
Cameras |
Surface 3 features an 8-megapixel rear-facing camera with autofocus, and a 3.5-megapixel, fixed-focus, front-facing camera. Both cameras record video in 1080p, with a 16:9 aspect ratio (widescreen). Front and back privacy lights help make sure there are no surprises. For more info, see Take photos and videos with Surface. |
Microphone |
Use the front-facing microphone for calls and recordings. |
Stereo speakers |
Stereo speakers with Dolby® enhanced sound let you listen to music, podcasts, and audio books. To learn more, see Surface sound, volume, and audio accessories. |
Ports and connectors |
Surface 3 has the ports you expect in a full-feature laptop.
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SIM card tray (Surface 3 (4G LTE) only) |
Surface 3 (4G LTE) includes built-in mobile broadband capability, which you can use to connect to the Internet when a Wi-Fi network isn't available. See Set up the LTE connection on your Surface for more info. |
Software |
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Surface 3 hardware specifications
Size |
10.52" x 7.36" x 0.34" (267 mm x 187 mm x 8.7 mm) |
Weight |
1.41 lb. (641g) |
Display |
10.8” ClearType Full HD Plus Display Resolution: 1920 x 1280 Aspect ratio: 3:2 Touch: 10 point multi-touch Surface Pen support |
Battery life |
Up to 10 hours of video playback1 |
RAM/storage2 |
2GB RAM with 64GB storage 4GB RAM with 128GB storage |
Processor |
Intel® Quad Core Atom processor |
Network (wireless) |
Wi-Fi (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac) Bluetooth® 4.0 |
Ports |
Full-size USB 3.0 Mini DisplayPort3 microSD™ card reader Micro USB charging port Headset jack Cover port Nano SIM card slot (Surface 3 [4G-LTE] only) |
Software |
Windows 8.1 or Windows 10 (depending on when you purchased your Surface 3) |
Cameras, video, and audio |
3.5 megapixel front-facing camera 8.0 megapixel rear-facing camera with autofocus Microphone Stereo speakers with Dolby® audio |
Sensors |
Ambient light sensor Proximity sensor Accelerometer Gyroscope Magnetometer |
What’s in the box |
Surface 3 Micro USB power supply Quick Start Guide Safety and warranty documents |
1 Testing conducted by Microsoft in March 2015 using 64 GB and 128 GB units with 4 GB RAM. Testing consisted of full battery discharge during video playback. All settings were default except: Wi-Fi was associated with a network and Auto-Brightness was disabled. Battery life varies significantly with settings, usage, and other factors.
2 System software uses significant storage space. Available storage is subject to change based on system software updates and apps usage. 1 GB = 1 billion bytes. See Surface.com/storage for more details.
3 Maximum display output from the Mini DisplayPort depends on the refresh rate and the screen resolution. For more info, see Connect Surface to a TV, monitor, or projector.
Coverage, service, and 4G LTE are not available everywhere.