Microsoft Surface - Front View

Microsoft Surface

$0

Overview

Microsoft Surface is a budget Android smartphone released in 2012 with a 10.6-inch TFT, Nvidia Tegra 3 T30 chipset, 1.2 main camera, and 2700 mAh battery.

Priced at $0, it targets users seeking budget performance.

Specifications of Microsoft Surface

The display of Microsoft Surface measures 10.6 inches with TFT technology. Peak brightness reaches 300 nits for excellent outdoor visibility. The screen renders at 1366x768 pixels resolution.

Size
10.6 inches
Type
TFT
Resolution
1366x768 pixels
Refresh Rate
60Hz
Peak Brightness
300 nits
HDR
No

The camera system of Microsoft Surface features 1 rear cameras: 1.2 main. Video recording supports up to 720p.

Main Sensor
1.2
Camera Count
1 cameras
Max Video
720p

The battery of Microsoft Surface has 2700mAh capacity with 10.0 wired charging. A full charge takes approximately 240 min minutes.

Capacity
2700mAh
Wired Charging
10.0
Full Charge Time
240 min minutes

The performance of Microsoft Surface is powered by the Nvidia Tegra 3 T30 chipset with ULP GeForce GPU. Geekbench scores reach 150 single-core and 500 multi-core. AnTuTu benchmark achieves 25000.

Chipset
Nvidia Tegra 3 T30
CPU
Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A9
GPU
ULP GeForce
Geekbench Single
150
Geekbench Multi
500
AnTuTu Score
25000

The memory of Microsoft Surface offers 2GB RAM with 32GB storage options. RAM uses DDR3 technology. Storage is 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM.

RAM Options
2GB
Storage Options
32GB
RAM Type
DDR3
Storage Type
32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM
Expandable
microSDXC (dedicated slot)

The connectivity of Microsoft Surface includes 5G support, Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, and Bluetooth 4.0.

5G
Yes
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Bluetooth
4.0
NFC
No

The build of Microsoft Surface weighs 680.4g with Plastic frame and Plastic back. Dimensions measure 274.6 x 172 x 9.4 mm.

Dimensions
274.6 x 172 x 9.4 mm
Weight
680.4g
Frame
Plastic
Back
Plastic

The software of Microsoft Surface runs Microsoft Windows RT. Software support extends 2 years through 2028.

OS
Microsoft Windows RT
Update Policy
2 years

Compare Microsoft Surface

Microsoft Surface vs Samsung Galaxy A34

Microsoft Surface offers competitive value at $0 compared to Samsung Galaxy A34.

$0 price point
Nvidia Tegra 3 T30
10.6" display

Microsoft Surface vs Motorola Moto G Power

Microsoft Surface offers competitive value at $0 compared to Motorola Moto G Power.

$0 price point
Nvidia Tegra 3 T30
10.6" display

Microsoft Surface vs Xiaomi Redmi Note 13

Microsoft Surface offers competitive value at $0 compared to Xiaomi Redmi Note 13.

$0 price point
Nvidia Tegra 3 T30
10.6" display

Frequently Asked Questions about Microsoft Surface

Microsoft Surface has a 1.2 camera suitable for casual photography. For professional photography, consider phones with higher-resolution sensors.

Related: mobile photography

Microsoft Surface with Nvidia Tegra 3 T30 can handle casual gaming. For intensive gaming, consider phones with flagship chipsets.

Related: mobile gaming

Microsoft Surface receives 2 years of updates through 2028. Consider this when planning long-term device usage.

Related: software support

Yes, Microsoft Surface supports 5G connectivity with both Sub-6GHz and mmWave bands for maximum network compatibility and fastest speeds. It works with major 5G carriers globally.

Related: 5G connectivity

Microsoft Surface has a 2700mAh battery. Battery life varies based on usage patterns.

Related: battery life

Microsoft Surface at $0 is a budget device. It's worth buying if you prioritize affordability over premium features.

Related: buying decision

Microsoft Surface supports 10.0 wired charging with full charge in approximately 240 min minutes.

Related: fast charging

Microsoft Surface is available in 32GB storage options. Storage is not expandable, so choose your capacity based on your needs.

Related: storage capacity

Microsoft Surface has a 10.6-inch TFT with 60Hz refresh rate and 300 nits peak brightness. HDR support includes No.

Related: display quality

See how Microsoft Surface ranks in these categories:

Verdict

The Microsoft Surface delivers practical value for users prioritizing affordability over premium features. Pick this phone for essential smartphone functionality, if you prioritize affordability while still needing core features.

Key Specifications

Display

10.6"

Main Camera

1.2

Chipset

Nvidia Tegra 3 T30

Full Specifications

Network

TechnologyNo cellular connectivity
2G BandsGSM /
3G BandsN/A
4G LTE BandsN/A
5G Sub-6 Bands
5G mmWave Bands
SpeedN/A
Carrier Aggregation
SIMNo SIM
Dual SIM Mode
eSIM Support
VoLTE SupportN/A
VoWiFiN/A
NR CA Support

Launch

Announced2012
StatusDiscontinued
AvailabilityN/A
Model VariantsN/A
Launch PriceN/A

Body & Design

Dimensions (mm)274.6 x 172 x 9.4 mm
Weight (g)680.4
Build MaterialsMagnesium alloy
FramePlastic
Back FinishPlastic
Colors["Dark Titanium"]
IP RatingN/A
Rugged Certifications
Ingress GasketsN/A
Form FactorTablet
Hinge TypeN/A
Folded Dimensions
Thermal SolutionPassive
Notification/Alert
HapticsBasic

Display

Panel TypeTFT
Size (inches)10.6
Resolution (px)1366x768 pixels
Aspect Ratio5:3
Pixel Density (ppi)133
Screen-to-body Ratio (%)65.6
Refresh Rate (Hz)60
Adaptive Refresh Rate
Touch Sampling Rate (Hz)60
Peak Brightness (nits)300
HDR Standards
Color GamutsRGB
Color Depth24
PWM Dimming (Hz)N/A
Glass ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass
Oleophobic CoatingN/A
CurvatureFlat
Always-on Display
Display Driver ICN/A
Cover Display

Platform (SoC)

OS at LaunchMicrosoft Windows RT
Update Policy2 years
ChipsetNvidia Tegra 3 T30
CPUQuad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A9
GPUULP GeForce
NPU/AI TOPsN/A
ISP FeaturesBasic
Modem
Wi-Fi/Bluetooth ChipN/A
Throttling BehaviorN/A
Geekbench Single-Core150
Geekbench Multi-Core500
AnTuTu Score25000
3DMark ScoresN/A

Memory & Storage

RAM2GB
RAM TypeDDR3
Storage32GB
Storage Type32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM
Storage SpeedeMMC
Expandable StoragemicroSDXC (dedicated slot)
Slot TypemicroSD
USB OTG
Filesystem Encryption

Main Camera System

Rear Cameras1
Main Sensor1.2
Main Sensor Size1/6 inch
Main Sensor ModelN/A
Main Lensf/2.4, 3.5mm
OIS
AutofocusFixed Focus
Pixel Binning
UltrawideN/A
TelephotoN/A
MacroN/A
Depth/ToF/LiDAR
Flicker/Color SensorsN/A
FlashLED
Video Resolution720p
HDR/Dolby Vision Video
Video CodecsH.264
Slow Motion
Video Stabilization
Night Mode Features
RAW/Pro ControlsN/A

Selfie Camera

Resolution1.2
Sensor Size1/6 inch
Aperturef/2.4
AF/OIS
Secondary Front Cam
Front Flash
Video720p
HDR/Dolby VisionN/A
Face Unlock

Audio

LoudspeakersYes, with stereo speakers
3.5mm Jack
Hi-Res Audio
Spatial Audio / Dolby Atmos
Microphones2
Bluetooth CodecsN/A
DAC/AmpN/A

Connectivity

Wi-FiWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Wi-Fi FeaturesWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Bluetooth4.0
NFC
IR Blaster
UWBN/A
Positioning
Dual-Band GNSS
FM Radio
USBN/A
Display Out
eSIM Capacity

Sensors

Fingerprint SensorFingerprint (Front-Mounted)
3D Face IDN/A
Accelerometer
Gyroscope
Magnetometer
Proximity Sensor
Ambient Light
Barometer
Thermo/HygrometerN/A
UV SensorN/A
Hall Sensor
Color Temp Sensor
Health Sensors
Satellite SOS

Battery & Charging

Capacity (mAh)2700
TypeLi-Ion
Removable
Endurance RatingN/A
Wired Charging10.0
Wired Standard10W
0-50% Time (mins)120 min
Full Charge Time240 min
Wireless ChargingN/A
Wireless Standard
Reverse WirelessN/A
Reverse Wired
Charger in Box
Battery Health FeaturesBasic

Software

OS at LaunchMicrosoft Windows RT
Update Window2 years
UI Skin / LauncherN/A
Feature DropsN/A
App CloningN/A
Game Mode
Privacy FeaturesBasic
AccessibilityBasic
Satellite Messaging UI

Miscellaneous

In-Box ContentsCharger, Manual
Recycled Materials (%)N/A
Repairability ScoreN/A
WarrantyN/A

Reviews & Ratings

4.6

186 ratings

5 star
120
4 star
45
3 star
11
2 star
5
1 star
5

Showing 3 of 186 reviews

A

Alex R.

2 weeks ago

Absolutely love the camera on this phone! The zoom is incredible and the photos are so crisp. Battery life is also a huge plus.

B

Ben C.

1 month ago

Great performance and beautiful display. My only complaint is that it feels a bit heavy, but you get used to it. Solid phone overall.

C

Chloe D.

3 months ago

The best phone I've ever owned. It's fast, the software is clean, and the build quality is top-notch. Highly recommend!

Review

Microsoft Surface Review: Solid Performance for the Price

6/10
Good

Our comprehensive review of the Microsoft Surface covers display quality, camera performance, battery life, and overall value. A solid choice in its price segment.

(3 stars)
Pros
    Cons
    • - Display could be brighter or smoother
    • - Performance may struggle with demanding tasks

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