The original GPD MicroPC of 2019 was a landmark device, earning a devoted following among on-site IT professionals and industrial technicians who needed maximum connectivity in a minimal footprint. In the tech world of 2025, where performance expectations have soared, its highly anticipated successor, the GPD MicroPC 2, has finally entered the scene. For both long-time fans and newcomers, this raises a critical question: how does the new contender stack up against the old guard? This is the ultimate GPD MicroPC 2 vs GPD MicroPC analysis to see if the new iteration is a worthy heir to the legacy.

Evolution in Form and Function

The family resemblance between the two models is undeniable, but the GPD MicroPC 2 showcases a clear design evolution. The most noticeable upgrade is the display: the original’s 6-inch, 720p screen gives way to a luminous 7-inch, 1080p touchscreen. This new panel is mounted on a precision 180-degree hinge, a pivotal new feature that enables a full tablet mode.

While both models are exemplary compact laptops, the GPD MicroPC 2 brings its connections up to modern standards with faster USB 3.2 Gen2 ports and a significantly quicker 2.5Gbps Ethernet port. This thoughtful evolution in design makes the newer model of these small-sized laptops far more adaptable to a variety of tasks.

A Chasm of Computing Power

While the physical upgrades are significant, the difference in processing capability is a vast chasm. The original’s Intel Celeron CPU has been replaced by the far more potent Intel N-series processors in the GPD MicroPC 2. The benchmark data below makes this performance difference irrefutable.

In the direct GPD MicroPC 2 vs GPD MicroPC matchup, the results are conclusive. The new models deliver a 5-to-6-fold increase in PassMark’s overall system score, and nearly double the productivity performance in PCMark. Raw CPU power sees a threefold or greater increase across the board in tests like Geekbench 6. When comparing the two 2025 models, the N300 variant establishes itself as the clear performance king, with a notable 20-33% advantage in multi-core workloads over the already impressive N250.

Endurance Under Pressure

Battery endurance is another critical point of comparison. Under maximum continuous stress, the 2019 MicroPC offered approximately 2 hours of runtime. The new models post comparable, albeit slightly lower, figures despite their massive power advantage: the N250 runs for 1 hour and 42 minutes, and the N300 for 1 hour and 47 minutes.

This negligible trade-off in peak-load endurance is a small price for such a monumental gain in capability. For average, everyday use, all models are on equal footing, providing an estimated 4 to 6 hours of battery life, making them reliable for a standard workday.

From Niche Tool to Versatile Powerhouse

The raw data translates into a dramatically improved user experience. The original MicroPC was functional but could feel deliberate with modern software; the new models feel fluid and responsive at all times. This transforms the device’s role from a specialised diagnostic gadget into a versatile and powerful primary computer.

It’s now fully capable of running more complex applications and can serve as a legitimate desktop replacement, making it one of the most compelling laptops for business in its size class. This enhanced capability also makes it one of the most interesting laptops for students, especially those who need to run demanding software for their studies, setting it apart from other ultra-portable notebooks.

The Legacy Connection: A Notable Omission

An honest assessment must address the most significant change for its original user base: the absence of the native RS-232 serial port. This was a defining feature for many industrial and network professionals. The decision to omit it from the GPD MicroPC 2 signals a strategic pivot toward modern connectivity and features.

While reliable USB-to-Serial converters are a viable workaround for most, those who absolutely require a native port will find the original model indispensable or perhaps consider the GPD Pocket 4 with its modular port and RS-232 module. Thus, the GPD MicroPC 2 vs GPD MicroPC choice becomes a question of valuing modern versatility over a specific legacy connection.

The Final Verdict

For the vast majority of users, the GPD MicroPC 2 represents an upgrade of immense proportions. The improvements to performance, display quality, and overall functionality are truly generational. While the original MicroPC remains a peerless classic for a specific niche, the MicroPC 2 is a forward-thinking evolution that sets a new benchmark for what an ultra-mobile PC can be in 2025. Read our full GPD MicroPC 2 review here.

GPD MicroPC 2

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We are especially interested in hearing from those who have used the original GPD MicroPC. Do the new features and performance make a compelling case for you to upgrade? For new buyers, which model are you leaning towards? Please share your thoughts and any questions in the comments below.