Microsoft Surface Pro 3 vs. Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga Comparison Video

In this Microsoft Surface Pro 3 vs. Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga comparison video, we’ll take an in-depth look at these two premium 2-in-1 devices, designed to cater to professionals seeking performance, portability, and versatility. Both devices aim to combine the functionality of a laptop with the portability of a tablet, but they approach this in different ways. Let’s dive into the key aspects of each and see how they compare.

Design & Build

  • Microsoft Surface Pro 3:
    • The Surface Pro 3 has a sleek, ultra-portable design with a 12-inch display and a premium magnesium alloy body. It weighs just 1.76 pounds, making it ideal for users who need to travel light. The kickstand offers multiple angles, allowing for flexible use in various positions, from laptop mode to studio mode for drawing.
  • Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga:
    • The ThinkPad Yoga features Lenovo’s signature 360-degree hinge, which allows it to rotate into four modes: laptop, tent, stand, and tablet. It has a 14-inch display and is built with durable magnesium-alloy materials, maintaining Lenovo’s well-known rugged design. At around 3.5 pounds, it’s heavier than the Surface Pro 3 but offers a more traditional laptop experience with a built-in keyboard.

Winner: Surface Pro 3 for its lighter, more portable design, but the ThinkPad Yoga excels if you prefer the feel of a traditional laptop.

Display

  • Surface Pro 3:
    • The Surface Pro 3 features a 12-inch ClearType Full HD+ display with a resolution of 2160×1440 pixels, offering sharp visuals and excellent color accuracy. The 3:2 aspect ratio is ideal for productivity, providing more vertical screen space for reading and editing documents.
  • ThinkPad Yoga:
    • The ThinkPad Yoga comes with a 14-inch Full HD display with a 1920×1080 resolution. It’s larger, which can be beneficial for multitasking or media consumption, but the resolution isn’t as sharp as the Surface Pro 3’s display. However, the IPS panel offers good viewing angles and vibrant colors.

Winner: Surface Pro 3 for higher resolution and sharper visuals, but the ThinkPad Yoga provides a larger display for those who prefer more screen real estate.

Performance

  • Surface Pro 3:
    • Powered by Intel Core i3, i5, or i7 processors, the Surface Pro 3 delivers smooth performance for everyday tasks, multimedia editing, and light gaming. It comes with 4GB or 8GB of RAM and SSD storage options up to 512GB.
  • ThinkPad Yoga:
    • The ThinkPad Yoga is also available with Intel Core i5 or i7 processors and can be configured with up to 16GB of RAM and SSD storage up to 512GB. This makes it a powerhouse for multitasking and more demanding business applications.

Winner: Tie – Both devices offer excellent performance, but the ThinkPad Yoga edges out with the option for 16GB of RAM, making it more suitable for power users.

Keyboard & Input

  • Surface Pro 3:
    • The Surface Pro 3 uses an optional Type Cover, a slim detachable keyboard that connects magnetically. While functional, it doesn’t offer the same tactile feedback or typing comfort as a traditional laptop keyboard. However, the Surface Pro 3 includes the Surface Pen, which is highly responsive and ideal for drawing and note-taking.
  • ThinkPad Yoga:
    • The ThinkPad Yoga has a built-in backlit keyboard with Lenovo’s renowned typing experience, offering deep key travel and comfort for long typing sessions. It also comes with a built-in stylus, but it’s less refined compared to the Surface Pen in terms of pressure sensitivity.

Winner: ThinkPad Yoga for its superior typing experience, though the Surface Pro 3 shines if you prioritize pen input for creative tasks.

Battery Life

  • Surface Pro 3:
    • The Surface Pro 3 offers up to 9 hours of battery life on moderate use, making it reliable for a full day’s work without needing to recharge frequently.
  • ThinkPad Yoga:
    • The ThinkPad Yoga provides up to 8 hours of battery life, which is still solid but slightly less than the Surface Pro 3. However, it’s dependable for office use throughout the day.

Winner: Surface Pro 3 for better battery life.

Portability

  • Surface Pro 3:
    • With its lightweight design and detachable keyboard, the Surface Pro 3 excels in portability. It’s perfect for users who need to switch between tablet and laptop modes frequently and value a slim, travel-friendly device.
  • ThinkPad Yoga:
    • While the ThinkPad Yoga is heavier, it’s still portable compared to traditional laptops, especially considering its versatility with the 360-degree hinge. However, its bulkier design makes it less convenient for users who prioritize tablet mode.

Winner: Surface Pro 3 for superior portability.

Conclusion

In this comparison, the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 stands out for users who need a lightweight, portable device with strong pen input capabilities and excellent display quality. It’s perfect for those who prioritize portability and flexibility in tablet mode. On the other hand, the Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga is the better choice for users who want a more traditional laptop experience with a superior keyboard and the ability to handle more intensive workloads thanks to the extra RAM option.

Both devices are excellent for professionals, but your choice depends on whether you prioritize portability and tablet use (Surface Pro 3) or need a more robust laptop experience with versatile mode switching (ThinkPad Yoga).

Watch the full video for in-depth comparisons, including performance tests, design insights, and real-world usage scenarios to help you decide which device fits your needs better!