Reviewing the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 can be challenging. This is identical to the Microsoft Surface Pro 8 we tested last year, except for upgraded processors. We have no issues with iterative releases. We anticipated Microsoft would take some action to improve the current version of their popular Windows 11 2-in-1.
Its most intriguing feature is the Surface Pro 9’s availability in two different flavors. There are two versions available, one with the new Microsoft SQ3 ARM processor and the other with a 12th-generation Intel Core CPU. Additionally, that last model provides 5G connectivity, a first for the Surface range. And the 5G model is the only one making use of neural pathways processing unit (NPU) features, at least on what Microsoft demonstrated at its Microsoft Surface event.
We’ll examine the features of the Intel model in this Microsoft Surface Pro 9 review. We’ll briefly go over how this concept differs from the ARM version. To be safe, we’ll also evaluate it compared to the iPad Pro 2022 to determine how it stacks up against Apple’s top tablet.
Should you avoid entirely the Microsoft Surface Pro 9, or does it rank high enough to make our lists of the best 2-in-1 laptops and best laptops? Find out by reading on.
Price and Availability
Surface Pro 9 price starts at $999; the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 may be purchased via the Microsoft Store. The 12th generation Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, 128GB of SSD storage, and Wi-Fi are all included in this setup. For $1,299, you can also purchase the ARM above variant. It has 8GB of RAM, a 128GB SSD, a Microsoft SQ3 CPU, and a 5G connection.
The Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM, Wi-Fi, and 256GB of SSD storage are all features of the Surface Pro 9 that we evaluated. The suggested retail price for this configuration in the US is $1,599.
The Surface Pro 9 release date was October 25 in the US, Canada, and China; additional markets will follow in the coming days. For the most recent information on regional availability, visit Microsoft.com.
Is this Device Looks Good?
The Surface Pro 9’s design was mostly the same as Microsoft’s. This year’s model is identical to last year’s. Since the design is contemporary and useful, we can’t say we are against it.
The weight of the Surface Pro 9 with and without 5G is 1.94 pounds. The devices have an anodized aluminum body, a stand on the back, and a magnetic keyboard attachment. The Surface Pro 9 is just as portable and lightweight as its predecessors.
Graphite, Platinum, Sapphire, and Forest are the available hues; the last three are only offered in Wi-Fi variants. Though we only really like the Platinum color choice, it’s fantastic that the Surface Pro 9 comes in many shades.
There are various ports on each Surface Pro 9 model. This is so that Thunderbolt 4 can only be supported by the Intel model.
There are two Thunderbolt 4/USB-C connectors, a Surface Connect port, and a Surface Keyboard port on models with Intel CPUs. In contrast, the Surface Pro 9 with 5G has a nano SIM card, a Surface Connect port, two USB-C ports that don’t support Thunderbolt 4, and a Surface Keyboard port.
On this gadget, ports are a few. However, given that Microsoft wants to keep this device as tiny as possible, we can see why there are o HDMI or USB-A ports. We didn’t voice any complaints about its predecessor’s portability, so we won’t with this version either
Display and Audio
The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 sports a 13-inch PixelSense Flow display with 2,880 x 1,920 pixels, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a 3:2 aspect ratio, just like the Surface Pro 8. The display is adequate for anything you’re viewing or concentrating on, but it won’t turn you from getting away.
Although the film’s color grading may be to blame, colors appeared to be overexposed. Similar to the Surface Pro 8 from the previous year, its display is excellent for watching entertainment. The touchscreen was responsive, and never had the impression that it failed to recognize our taps or swipes. We are not surprised because Windows 11 naturally performs well on tablets.
The Surface Pro 9 features identical speakers to its forerunner. We didn’t have great expectations going into this review because we weren’t delighted with the audio quality of the previous device.
We were surprised by how clear the audio was in the Black Adam trailer. This was also true when we played certain other music with less bass, but the song retained its intensity. Simply put, the speakers can handle a variety of audio.
However, we do prefer the speakers were louder. The Surface Pro 9 didn’t get very loud, even with the volume turned up to its maximum. Possibly years of listening to loud heavy metal have damaged our hearing. The quad speakers on the iPad Pro 2022 have a volume that can fill a complete room. Although we understand that two speakers cannot be as loud as four, we preferred louder sounds.
Performance of Surface Pro 9
However, we do prefer the speakers were louder. The Surface Pro 9 didn’t get loud, despite having the volume turned up to its maximum. Possibly years of listening to loud heavy metal have damaged our hearing. The quad speakers on the iPad Pro 2022 have a volume that can fill a complete room. Although we understand that two speakers cannot be as loud as four, we preferred louder sounds.
Although the Surface Pro 9 outperforms its model in this area, it still falls short of the iPad Pro 2022 with an M2 processor. Using Handbrake, the Surface Pro 9 converted a 4K video to 1080p in 9 minutes and 34 seconds. Comparatively, the Surface Pro 8 took 13 minutes and 30 seconds.
During my in-depth testing, the Surface Pro 9 handled up to 20 open tabs with ease. When we added a YouTube video, the 2-in-1 continued to function. Playing video games remotely on the Surface Pro 9 will be challenging because it uses Intel Iris Xe graphics rather than a standalone graphics card.
At 1080p resolution, Sid Meier’s Civilization VI averaged a pitiful 24 frames per second, and at 1920p, it was even lower at 17. At those resolutions, the model from the previous year averaged 37 and 29 frames per second. We advise using subscription sites like Xbox Cloud Gaming or GeForce Now if you want to play video games.
The Snapdragon SoC (system on chip) architecture, the foundation of the SQ3 chip, is a mobile CPU created to be more resource than a computer processor. The ARM version’s longer battery endurance than the Intel version’s, which survived for 10 hours, is not unexpected in light of this.
The Intel Surface Pro 9 easily defeats the ARM Surface Pro 9 in all tests performed, according to the specifications and data published above. The SQ3 Surface Pro 9’s battery life is its only benefit.
Overall, the Surface Pro 9 with an Intel CPU appears to be the superior choice. This is particularly true given that the Intel version is less expensive.
The Microsoft 365 and Xbox apps are pre-installed on the Surface Pro 9 consumer model, which runs Windows 11 Home. Thanks to unlimited 30-day trials for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and Microsoft 365 Family, alternatively, you can test both programs without cost.
The Surface Pro Classic Keyboard with Slim Pen 2 is easily removable on the Microsoft Store for $279. The attachable keyboard, like the one from the previous year, is a crucial accessory. The trackpad responded quickly.
Battery Capacity
The Surface Pro 9 lasted 10 hours on our battery test, which entails constant web browsing over Wi-Fi at 150 nits of brightness. Although far shorter than the promised 15.5 hours, this is still significantly longer than the Surface Pro 8.
The upper right side of the 2-in-1 reached a temperature of 95.2 degrees Fahrenheit during our standard heat test, which entails passing a heat gun across a device after broadcasting 15 minutes of full HD content on it.
Final Verdict
The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is a functional and respectable device. It has a good screen for watching videos, is strong enough to handle routine computing chores, and is light enough to carry with you wherever you go. This device does the job if you need something that can serve as a laptop or tablet, even though it doesn’t reinvent the 2-in-1.
