Surface Book 3 15 reviewed: Predecessor achieves similar results

We recently tested the 15-inch version of the Surface Book 3. At least on paper, the unique convertible offers even faster performance in the form of the Ice Lake processor Intel Core i7-1065G7 with integrated Iris Plus Graphics G7 for significantly improved graphics performance compared to the older Intel HD graphics.

Additionally, the base unit contains a dedicated Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Ti Max-Q, whereas the predecessor was equipped with the non-Max-Q GTX 1060. Aside from a few wishes that remain unfulfilled on Microsoft's luxury convertible, we only have one complaint about an unnecessary change: Inexplicably, the manufacturer has installed an SSD that is significantly slower than the one inside the previous model. Instead of Samsung, Microsoft now relies on SK Hynix, which results in slower SSD performance. The decision to install a lower-end SSD in the premium device is confusing.

While the graphics performance has been improved, the CPU performance results paint a different picture and remain largely unchanged. However, we appreciate the even lower noise levels of the fans under load and the switch to USB 3.1 Gen. 2, although the device also appears to become warmer now. While the new generation feels like a slight upgrade overall, there is no good reason for current owners of a Surface Book 2 to upgrade.

As for the unfulfilled wishes: We are hoping for a return to a better storage solution, the long-overdue implementation of Thunderbolt, a USB Type-C port on the tablet unit and perhaps even a bigger tablet battery. Our in-depth review can be found here.