Microsoft to Release Two New Windows Tablets: Surface Go 4 and Smaller Surface Pro
Microsoft is reportedly planning to release two new Windows tablets later this year, including an ARM-powered entry-level Surface Go “4” and a smaller 11-inch Surface Pro.[0] According to reports, the Surface Go 4 will be equipped with an ARM-based processor for the first time, powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 7c Soc in the entry-level model. This would give the Surface Go 4 similar performance as previous Intel models, but with better efficiency and battery life.[1] The new tablet could end up shipping with 5G support, which would also be a first for the Surface Go family.[2]
The Surface Go 4 is said to be codenamed “Tanta,” and Microsoft will reportedly stick with an Intel version of the Surface Go 4, but the Qualcomm-powered model may include 5G support.[3] There has been no official announcement on this yet.
The move to an ARM processor on the Surface Go 4 is reportedly in the works, and it would be the first time the Surface Go lineup has been equipped with an ARM-based processor. The ARM-based version of the Surface Go 4 would offer buyers an alternative to the Intel-based model, which will also be available for purchase.
In addition to the Surface Go 4, Microsoft is also said to be working on a smaller 11-inch Surface Pro, which is codenamed Luxor.[3] The 11-inch Surface Pro is similar in shape and size to the Surface Go, and we would expect it to have updated internals and maintain its 120hz display.[1] Apple's offering of 11 and 13-inch iPad Pro models is akin to having both 11-inch and 13-inch versions.[0]
It's not clear exactly when both of these smaller tablets will appear, though.[3] According to Windows Central, Microsoft's latest compact Surface tablets are not expected to be shipped until autumn, which means we may have to wait until the beginning of next year to get our hands on them. However, with Intel and Microsoft both hinting at an unannounced Windows 12 operating system, we could be looking at a busy year for Surface hardware in 2024, particularly if Microsoft wants to ship hardware with chips that are optimized to handle AI workloads that will “reinvent how you do everything on Windows.”
Overall, the release of these two new tablets is expected to offer buyers more choices in terms of processor type, size, and functionality.[3] With the Surface Go 4 offering an ARM-based option for the first time, Microsoft is expanding its range of products to cater to a wider audience. As we wait for official announcements from Microsoft, it will be interesting to see how these new tablets fare in the market and whether they can compete with other popular options.
0. “Microsoft reportedly prepares new 11-inch Surface Pro and ARM-powered Surface Go 4” Neowin, 19 Apr. 2023, https://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-reportedly-prepares-new-11-inch-surface-pro-and-arm-powered-surface-go-4/
1. “Microsoft is working on a new Surface Go 4 and 11 inch Surface Pro” OnMSFT.com, 19 Apr. 2023, https://www.onmsft.com/news/microsoft-is-working-on-a-new-surface-go-4-and-11-inch-surface-pro/
2. “Microsoft is reportedly planning an 11-inch Surface Pro to launch this year” XDA Developers, 19 Apr. 2023, https://www.xda-developers.com/microsft-surface-pro-11-inch-report
3. “Microsoft is reportedly working on a smaller Surface Pro and Arm-powered Surface Go 4” The Verge, 19 Apr. 2023, https://www.theverge.com/2023/4/19/23689559/microsoft-surface-pro-11-inch-surface-go-4-arm-rumors
