Microsoft Surface
The Microsoft Surface is a budget-focused device, powered by the Nvidia Tegra 3 T30, built for basic everyday tasks (2012).
2012 · Entry-level · Microsoft Windows RTⓘ Grades compare this device against others in its own market segment (Budget), not against every device on the site.
⚡ Quick Specs
Size10.6" · 274.6 x 172 x 9.4 mm (10.81 x 6.77 x 0.37 in)
ChipsetNvidia Tegra 3 T30
RAM2GB
Storage32GB | 64GB
Main Camera2 MP
⚖️ Compare With
✓︎ Pros
✓3.5mm headphone jack for wired audio without adapters
⊗ Cons
✗Basic Nvidia Tegra 3 T30 for simple tasks only
✗Only 2GB RAM — apps may reload frequently
✗2 MP main camera — basic quality, limited for photography enthusiasts
✗Lower-resolution 148 PPI screen — visible pixels on close inspection
⚠️ Not ideal for
GamingMultitaskingMultitaskingPhotography
ℹ️ Overview
Announced
2012, October. Released 2012, November
⚙️ Performance
Chipset
Nvidia Tegra 3 T30
Entry-level — basic tasks only
CPU
Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A9
RAM
2GB
Apps may reload frequently
💻 Display
Sharpness
148 ppi
Pixels visible at normal viewing distance
📷 Camera
Main Camera
2 MP
Basic quality — limited flexibility
🔋 Battery
Type
Li-Ion battery, non-removable (31.5 Wh)
📱 Design & Build
Weight
680.4g
On the heavier side — noticeable in pocket
Dimensions
274.6 x 172 x 9.4 mm (10.81 x 6.77 x 0.37 in)
Sensors
Accelerometer, gyro, compass
📡 Connectivity
WiFi
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
🔊 Sound
Loudspeaker
Yes, with stereo speakers
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
No, the Microsoft Surface does not support 5G — it supports No cellular connectivity.
No, the Microsoft Surface does not have NFC.
Yes, the Microsoft Surface supports microSDXC expandable storage.
The Microsoft Surface SIM configuration: No.
Yes, the Microsoft Surface has a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Yes, the Microsoft Surface has stereo speakers.
The Microsoft Surface uses USB 2.0, OTG.
The Microsoft Surface supports Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct.
The Microsoft Surface has 4.0, A2DP.
