In terms of connectivity,
Wifi
Both laptops offer the same Wi-Fi standard (v6), ensuring fast and reliable wireless connections.
Below, you'll find a Wi-Fi Versions Table, along with their release dates and speeds, to provide a brief overview of its development.
Wi-Fi Versions and Speeds
| Standard |
Speed |
Release
Date |
Network |
Frequency
Bands (GHz) |
| Wi-Fi 7 |
up to 40 Gbps
(5 GB/s) |
2023 |
802.11be |
2.4, 5, 6 |
| Wi-Fi 6E |
up to 9.6 Gbps
(1.2 GB/s) |
2020 |
802.11ax |
2.4, 5, 6 |
| Wi-Fi 6 |
up to 9.6 Gbps
(1.2 GB/s) |
2019 |
802.11ax |
2.4, 5 |
| Wi-Fi 5 |
up to 6.93 Gbps
(866.25 MB/s) |
2014 |
802.11ac |
2.4, 5 |
| Wi-Fi 4 |
up to 600 Mbps
(75 MB/s) |
2009 |
802.11n |
2.4, 5 |
* Please note that the provided transfer rates are maximum theoretical values, and real-life performance may vary based on environmental factors.
USB
G5 2021 is equipped with 3x USB 3.2 USB-A ports. Surface Go 4 does not have USB-A ports.
Both Surface Go 4 and G5 2021 have USB Type-C ports. Surface Go 4 has 1x USB 3.1 USB Type-C ports, while G5 2021 has 1x USB 3.2 USB Type-C ports.
Below, you'll find a table of USB ports, along with their release dates and speeds.
To mitigate the confusion caused by generation names, the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) suggests using marketing names like USB 5Gbps, USB 10Gbps, and so forth, based on their respective transfer rates.
USB Type and Speeds
| USB Type |
Version |
Speed |
Date |
Other Features/Explanations |
| USB4 |
Gen 4 (2.0) |
80 Gbps |
2022 |
Also known as USB 80Gbps |
| USB4 |
Gen 3×2 |
40 Gbps |
2019 |
Also known as USB 40Gbps |
| USB 3.2 |
3.2 Gen 2x2 |
20 Gbps |
2019 |
Double the data transfer rates of Gen 2 |
| USB 3.2 |
3.2 Gen 2 |
10 Gbps |
2017 |
Previously known as USB 3.1 |
| USB 3.2 |
3.2 Gen 1 |
5 Gbps |
2017 |
Previously known as USB 3.0 |
| USB 3.1 |
3.1 Gen 2 |
10 Gbps |
2013 |
Faster data transfer rates |
| USB 3.0 |
3.1 Gen 1 |
5 Gbps |
2010 |
SuperSpeed USB, improved data transfer rates |
| USB 2.0 |
2.0 |
480 Mbps |
2000 |
High-speed data transfer |
| USB 1.0 |
1.0 |
1.5 Mbps |
1996 |
Original USB standard |
Thunderbolt
Neither Surface Go 4 nor G5 2021 has Thunderbolt port.
HDMI
G5 2021 features an HDMI port (1x HDMI 2.0) for connecting to external monitors. Surface Go 4 does not have an HDMI port.
Below, you'll find a comparison table detailing different HDMI versions, including their bandwidth, color depth, maximum resolution, and release dates. This information can be helpful in understanding the capabilities of each HDMI version and choosing the most suitable one for your needs.
HDMI Comparison Table
| HDMI Version |
Maximum Resolution |
Bandwidth
(Gbps) |
Color Depth
(bits) |
Release
Date |
| HDMI 2.1-2.1b |
7680 x 4320 (8K) @ 60p
3840 x 2160 (4K) @ 120p |
48.0 |
48 |
2017 |
| HDMI 2.0-2.0b |
3840 x 2160 (4K) @ 60p |
18.0 |
48 |
2013 |
| HDMI 1.4-1.4b |
3840 x 2160 (4K) @ 30p |
10.2 |
48 |
2009 |
| HDMI 1.3-1.3a |
2560 x 1440 @ 60p |
10.2 |
48 |
2006 |
| HDMI 1.0-1.2a |
1920 x 1200 @ 60p |
4.95 |
24 |
2002 |
* Please note that the provided resolution values represent the maximum supported resolution, and actual display quality may depend on other factors such as source content and connected devices.
SD Card Reader
Both Surface Go 4 and G5 2021 come with an SD Card Reader for easy access to memory cards.
Audio Jack
Both Surface Go 4 and G5 2021 are equipped with a 3.5mm Audio Jack, providing seamless connection to headphones and speakers.
To summarize the connectivity and ports details, please refer to the table below to see them listed.
| Connectivity and Ports |
|---|
WiFi Standard
(latest: v7) |
v6
|
v6
|
Bluetooth
(latest: v5.4) |
v5.1
|
v5.2
|
USB-A
(latest: 3.2) |
No |
3x USB 3.2 |
USB Type-C
(latest: USB4 2.0) |
1x USB 3.1
|
1x USB 3.2
|
Thunderbolt
(latest: 4) |
No
|
No
|
HDMI
(latest: 2.1) |
No |
1x HDMI 2.0 |
Display Port
(latest: v2.0) |
No
|
1x v1.4
|
| VGA |
No
|
No
|
| Fingerprint Sensor |
No
|
No
|
| Optical Drive |
No
|
No
|
| Audio Jack 3.5mm |
Yes
|
Yes
|
| Ethernet RJ45 |
No
|
Yes
|
| SD CardReader |
Yes
|
Yes
|
| Proprietary Charging Port |
Yes
|
Yes
|