# Surface Pro 3
**Surface Pro 3** is a 12-inch 2-in-1 tablet computer developed by Microsoft, announced on May 20, 2014 and marketed as "the tablet that can replace your laptop." It runs full desktop Windows on 4th generation [Intel Core](https://www.edgepedia.org/intel-core) processors, attaches to a snap-on Type Cover keyboard, and introduced the larger 3:2 display and continuous kickstand that later [Surface Pro](https://www.edgepedia.org/surface-pro) models retained.[1](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/surface/models/surface-pro-3-specs-and-features) • [2](https://blogs.windows.com/devices/2014/05/20/announcing-surface-pro-3/?obref=obinsite)
| Key fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Announced / released | Announced May 20, 2014 in New York; pre-orders May 21; Core i5 models on sale June 20, 2014 in the US and Canada; Core i3 and i7 models August 1, 2014[3](https://ukstories.microsoft.com/features/surface-pro-3-released/) |
| Display | 12-inch ClearType Full HD, 2160 x 1440, 3:2 aspect ratio, multi-touch with Surface Pen support[1](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/surface/models/surface-pro-3-specs-and-features) |
| Size and weight | 11.5" x 7.93" x 0.36" (292 x 201.3 x 9.1 mm); 1.76 lb (800 g)[1](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/surface/models/surface-pro-3-specs-and-features) |
| Processors | 4th generation Intel Core i3, i5, or i7 (Haswell); i3-4020Y at 1.5 GHz, i5-4300U, or i7-4650U with Turbo Boost to 3.3 GHz[1](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/surface/models/surface-pro-3-specs-and-features) • [4](https://www.notebookcheck.net/Microsoft-Surface-Pro-3-Tablet-Review.122170.0.html) |
| Memory and storage | 4 GB RAM with 64 GB or 128 GB storage; 8 GB RAM with 256 GB or 512 GB storage[1](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/surface/models/surface-pro-3-specs-and-features) |
| Price | US$799 (i3, 64 GB) to $1,949 (i7, 512 GB); Type Cover sold separately at $129.99[5](https://time.com/106322/microsoft-surface-pro-3/) |
| Battery | Up to 9 hours of web browsing (Microsoft figure)[1](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/surface/models/surface-pro-3-specs-and-features) |
| End of firmware servicing | November 13, 2021[6](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/surface/surface-driver-firmware-lifecycle-support) |
## Launch
Microsoft unveiled the Surface Pro 3 at a New York press event on May 20, 2014, with CEO Satya Nadella and Surface corporate vice president Panos Panay presenting. Pre-orders opened the next day, and the first Core i5 models went on sale on June 20, 2014 in the United States and Canada.[3](https://ukstories.microsoft.com/features/surface-pro-3-released/) • [5](https://time.com/106322/microsoft-surface-pro-3/) [The Core](https://www.edgepedia.org/the-core) i3 and Core i7 configurations followed on August 1, 2014, and the device reached 25 additional markets on August 28.[3](https://ukstories.microsoft.com/features/surface-pro-3-released/)
Pricing ran from $799 for the entry Core i3 model with 64 GB of storage and 4 GB of RAM through $999, $1,299, $1,549, and $1,949 for the top Core i7 configuration with 512 GB.[5](https://time.com/106322/microsoft-surface-pro-3/) The Type Cover keyboard, which Microsoft positioned as essential to the laptop-replacement claim, cost $129.99 extra.[5](https://time.com/106322/microsoft-surface-pro-3/)
## Design and display
The Surface Pro 3 was Microsoft's thinnest and lightest Pro to that point, at 9.1 mm thick and 800 g, about 30 percent thinner than an 11-inch [MacBook Air](https://www.edgepedia.org/macbook-air).[1](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/surface/models/surface-pro-3-specs-and-features) • [2](https://blogs.windows.com/devices/2014/05/20/announcing-surface-pro-3/?obref=obinsite) It was the first Surface to abandon the 10.6-inch 16:9 form factor of the four previous models, moving to a 12-inch 3:2 panel that Microsoft described as reminiscent of a piece of paper and closer to a conventional laptop's proportions.[7](https://www.anandtech.com/show/8037/microsoft-surface-pro-3-hands-on-display-performance-preview) The 2160 x 1440 [ClearType](https://www.edgepedia.org/cleartype) display was 38 percent larger than the Surface Pro 2's with 50 percent more pixels, and every screen was color calibrated at the factory.[2](https://blogs.windows.com/devices/2014/05/20/announcing-surface-pro-3/?obref=obinsite) AnandTech's review confirmed the panel used an RGB stripe rather than RGBW or PenTile subpixel layout.[8](https://www.anandtech.com/show/8077/microsoft-surface-pro-3-review/5)
**Kickstand and lapability.** Earlier Surface Pro kickstands snapped to one or two fixed angles (22 degrees on the original, with a 55-degree stop added on the Pro 2). The Surface Pro 3 replaced this with a friction hinge that holds any angle from zero to 150 degrees, which Microsoft promoted heavily as improving use on the lap.[9](https://blogs.windows.com/devices/2014/06/30/formidable-lapability-surface-pro-3/) • [10](https://www.pcworld.com/article/439398/microsoft-surface-pro-3-review-a-legitimate-work-pc-in-tablet-clothing.html) The new Type Cover added a second magnetic strip that locks to the lower bezel across the full width of the tablet, raising the keyboard slightly and stabilizing the whole unit; its trackpad was 68 percent larger than the Pro 2's.[2](https://blogs.windows.com/devices/2014/05/20/announcing-surface-pro-3/?obref=obinsite) • [10](https://www.pcworld.com/article/439398/microsoft-surface-pro-3-review-a-legitimate-work-pc-in-tablet-clothing.html) Reviewers found the combination usable on a lap for extended typing, though the kickstand-and-keyboard footprint extends further down the legs than a conventional laptop's.[10](https://www.pcworld.com/article/439398/microsoft-surface-pro-3-review-a-legitimate-work-pc-in-tablet-clothing.html)
## Configurations and performance
All models use 4th generation (Haswell) Intel Core processors. The base i3-4020Y runs at 1.5 GHz with a reduced 11.5 W thermal design power and no Turbo Boost; the i5-4300U runs at 1.9 to 2.9 GHz; and the i7-4650U can Turbo Boost to 3.3 GHz at a 15 W TDP.[4](https://www.notebookcheck.net/Microsoft-Surface-Pro-3-Tablet-Review.122170.0.html) • [11](https://www.anandtech.com/show/8287/first-look-the-799-microsoft-surface-pro-3-with-core-i3) The i3 configuration is offered only with 4 GB of RAM, while i5 and i7 models come with 4 GB or 8 GB.[4](https://www.notebookcheck.net/Microsoft-Surface-Pro-3-Tablet-Review.122170.0.html)
Because the thinner chassis set new thermal targets, [AnandTech](https://www.edgepedia.org/anandtech) found that short-burst performance matched comparable Ultrabooks, but sustained workloads showed a slight regression against the Surface Pro 2, and the machine throttles sooner in tablet or laptop mode.[12](https://www.anandtech.com/show/8077/microsoft-surface-pro-3-review/6) Connectivity carried over the laptop-style port set: a full-size [USB 3.0](https://www.edgepedia.org/usb-3-0) port, [Mini DisplayPort](https://www.edgepedia.org/mini-displayport) 1.2, microSD card reader (housed under the kickstand), headset jack, and a 36 W power supply, with 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0.[1](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/surface/models/surface-pro-3-specs-and-features) The device shipped with Windows 8.1 Pro, later with Windows 10 depending on purchase date.[1](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/surface/models/surface-pro-3-specs-and-features)
## Pen
Every Surface Pro 3 included an N-trig based Surface Pen with OneNote integration; holding the pen's top button wakes the tablet from sleep and opens a new note without a password.[10](https://www.pcworld.com/article/439398/microsoft-surface-pro-3-review-a-legitimate-work-pc-in-tablet-clothing.html) Microsoft's Devices blog stated the pen measures 256 levels of pressure sensitivity,[13](https://blogs.windows.com/devices/2014/05/22/get-know-surface-pro-3-pen/) while Microsoft's current pen compatibility page lists the Surface Pro 3 as supporting pen and inking with 1024 pressure points.[14](https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/surface/accessories/pen/surface-pen-compatibility-and-features) The lower nominal level than the Pro 2's stylus drew criticism at launch, though Microsoft argued the N-trig pen's accuracy and latency compensated.[13](https://blogs.windows.com/devices/2014/05/22/get-know-surface-pro-3-pen/)
Accuracy was a stated focus: Microsoft's testing with a robot touching the display on a 2 mm grid found the cursor within 0.5 mm of the pen tip 98 percent of the time, addressing the parallax complaints about the Pro 2's edges.[13](https://blogs.windows.com/devices/2014/05/22/get-know-surface-pro-3-pen/)
## Battery life
Microsoft rated the Surface Pro 3 at up to 9 hours of web browsing, about 10 percent better than the Surface Pro 2.[1](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/surface/models/surface-pro-3-specs-and-features) • [2](https://blogs.windows.com/devices/2014/05/20/announcing-surface-pro-3/?obref=obinsite) Independent results were lower: PCWorld's scripted mix of Office use and video playback drained the device in 4 hours 18 minutes, short of the 4 hours 44 minutes it measured for the smaller Surface Pro 2.[10](https://www.pcworld.com/article/439398/microsoft-surface-pro-3-review-a-legitimate-work-pc-in-tablet-clothing.html)
## Repairability and support lifecycle
iFixit's teardown gave the Surface Pro 3 a repairability score of 1 out of 10. Opening the device risks cracking the display glass; the SSD can be replaced but only after risky disassembly; the battery is glued rather than soldered, making removal hazardous; and the fused glass-and-LCD display assembly is extremely difficult to replace.[15](https://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Microsoft%2BSurface%2BPro%2B3%2BTeardown/26595)
Microsoft's driver and firmware lifecycle table lists the Surface Pro 3, released June 20, 2014, with a firmware and driver end-of-servicing date of November 13, 2021; after that date the device no longer receives newer Surface firmware or driver updates, though Windows OS updates follow the separate Windows lifecycle policy.[6](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/surface/surface-driver-firmware-lifecycle-support) [Windows 8.1](https://www.edgepedia.org/windows-8-1), the launch operating system, reached the end of its extended support on January 10, 2023, and [Windows 10](https://www.edgepedia.org/windows-10) support ended on October 14, 2025.[16](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/lifecycle/faq/windows) • [17](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/deployment/updates-lifecycle/windows-10-support-has-ended-on-october-14-2025?trk=article-ssr-frontend-pulse_x-social-details_comments-action_comment-text)
## References
1. [Surface Pro 3 specs and features, Microsoft Support](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/surface/models/surface-pro-3-specs-and-features)
2. [Announcing Surface Pro 3, Microsoft Devices Blog (May 20, 2014)](https://blogs.windows.com/devices/2014/05/20/announcing-surface-pro-3/?obref=obinsite)
3. [Surface Pro 3 is released, Microsoft UK Stories](https://ukstories.microsoft.com/features/surface-pro-3-released/)
4. [Microsoft Surface Pro 3 Tablet Review, Notebookcheck](https://www.notebookcheck.net/Microsoft-Surface-Pro-3-Tablet-Review.122170.0.html)
5. [Microsoft Unveils New Surface Pro 3 Tablet, Time (May 20, 2014)](https://time.com/106322/microsoft-surface-pro-3/)
6. [Surface devices driver and firmware lifecycle, Microsoft Learn](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/surface/surface-driver-firmware-lifecycle-support)
7. [Microsoft Surface Pro 3: Hands On, Display & Performance Preview, AnandTech](https://www.anandtech.com/show/8037/microsoft-surface-pro-3-hands-on-display-performance-preview)
8. [Display Analysis, Microsoft Surface Pro 3 Review, AnandTech](https://www.anandtech.com/show/8077/microsoft-surface-pro-3-review/5)
9. [The Formidable Lapability of Surface Pro 3, Microsoft Devices Blog](https://blogs.windows.com/devices/2014/06/30/formidable-lapability-surface-pro-3/)
10. [Microsoft Surface Pro 3 review: A legitimate work PC in tablet clothing, PCWorld](https://www.pcworld.com/article/439398/microsoft-surface-pro-3-review-a-legitimate-work-pc-in-tablet-clothing.html)
11. [First Look: The $799 Microsoft Surface Pro 3 with Core i3, AnandTech](https://www.anandtech.com/show/8287/first-look-the-799-microsoft-surface-pro-3-with-core-i3)
12. [Laptop Performance, Microsoft Surface Pro 3 Review, AnandTech](https://www.anandtech.com/show/8077/microsoft-surface-pro-3-review/6)
13. [Surface Pro 3 Pen – Designed for Accuracy Across the Entire Canvas, Microsoft Devices Blog](https://blogs.windows.com/devices/2014/05/22/get-know-surface-pro-3-pen/)
14. [Surface Pen compatibility and features, Microsoft Support](https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/surface/accessories/pen/surface-pen-compatibility-and-features)
15. [Microsoft Surface Pro 3 Teardown, iFixit](https://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Microsoft%2BSurface%2BPro%2B3%2BTeardown/26595)
16. [Lifecycle FAQ – Windows, Microsoft Learn](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/lifecycle/faq/windows)
17. [Windows 10 support has ended on October 14, 2025, Microsoft Support](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/deployment/updates-lifecycle/windows-10-support-has-ended-on-october-14-2025?trk=article-ssr-frontend-pulse_x-social-details_comments-action_comment-text)
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*Topic: Encyclopedia › Technology and the built world › Computing and digital systems › Computer hardware › Boards, peripherals & form factors › Motherboards & form factors*
*Initially written Sep 17, 2026 · Reviewed: Oct 15, 2026 · Edited: Oct 15, 2026 · Last review: Oct 15, 2026*
*Copyright 2026 EdgeChat AI, a subsidiary of Biostate AI.*
License: Edgepedia Community License 1.0, https://www.edgepedia.org/edgepedia/license