Microsoft Surface Go 4 Microsoft Surface Go 4 Tablet - 10.5" - 8 GB - 128 Review

The Surface Go 4 is a tough, ultra-portable Windows tablet built for specific jobs, not speed. Its performance scores in the bottom 20%, making it a poor value at $629. Only buy this if durability and Windows are your absolute top priorities.

The Surface Go 4 is Microsoft's smallest, most portable Windows tablet. It's built for frontline workers and people who need a rugged, lightweight device they can toss in a bag without a second thought. Don't expect a powerhouse, though. With an Intel N200 processor and 8GB of RAM, this is strictly for basic tasks.

Let's be real: the performance is the weak spot. That Intel N200 CPU lands in the 16th percentile, which means it's slower than most tablets out there. It's fine for checking email, browsing the web, and running a few basic Windows apps, but try to do more than two things at once and you'll feel it chug. The 12.5-hour battery claim is decent, but our data puts battery life in the 48th percentile, so your mileage may vary.

At $629, the value proposition is tough. You're paying a premium for the Surface brand and its rugged, serviceable design. For the same money, you could get a much more powerful traditional laptop or a faster tablet. The value is only there if you specifically need a super-portable, durable Windows device and performance is your last concern.

Stack it up against the competition and the trade-offs are clear. An iPad Pro or Galaxy Tab S10+ will run circles around it in speed and screen quality, but they don't run full Windows. The Lenovo Idea Tab Pro offers a bigger, sharper screen for less money. Even Microsoft's own Surface Pro, while more expensive, is a vastly more capable machine. The Go 4's niche is being the toughest, most portable Windows option, but that comes at a high cost for mediocre specs.

Skip this if you need performance. If you're editing videos, running complex software, or just hate waiting for web pages to load, look at a Surface Pro or a traditional laptop. Also skip it if you're on a budget—there's more power for less money elsewhere.

Buy this only if you're a frontline worker, a student who needs a super basic and durable note-taking device, or someone whose top priority is a feather-light Windows tablet you can abuse. For literally anyone else—people who need speed, a good screen, or just general value—there are far better options.