A stereo microscopes comes with two independent optical paths. This allows to give a deep perception and 3D effect on the sample. It is true-sided and upright. Stereomicroscopes have a magnification range from around 10 to 80 times. Usually offered with fix end magnifications 10x/30x or 20x/40x but also available with a continous zoom.
Higher resolutions are not useful because the stereo effect as well as the resolution decreases sharply.
Stereomicroscopes are mainly used for inspection of electronic parts, textiles, minerals, different hobby applications. But they are also great for children who want to venture into microscopy.
A standard biological microscope has one optical path which is splitted in the tube that gives you right and left an identical image. It is used to look at specimens under very high magnification (40 -1000 or higher). Typical specimens for this type of microscope would be e.g. cells and bacteria.