What To Know
- The Microsoft Surface Pro 8 and Surface Pro 9 are two of the most popular 2-in-1 devices on the market, offering a unique blend of portability, power, and versatility.
- The Surface Pro series is renowned for its exceptional stylus experience, and both the Surface Pro 8 and Surface Pro 9 are fully compatible with the Surface Pen (sold separately).
- The Surface Pro 8 and Surface Pro 9 are equipped with a 5MP front-facing camera and a 10MP rear-facing camera, offering decent image and video quality for video calls and casual photography.
The Microsoft Surface Pro 8 and Surface Pro 9 are two of the most popular 2-in-1 devices on the market, offering a unique blend of portability, power, and versatility. If you’re considering purchasing one of these devices, it’s crucial to understand the key differences between the Surface Pro 8 vs. 9 to make an informed decision. This comprehensive comparison will delve into every aspect of these two devices, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and which one might be the best fit for your needs.
Design and Display
The Surface Pro 8 and Surface Pro 9 share a similar sleek and minimalistic design, with a magnesium alloy chassis that exudes durability and sophistication. However, the Surface Pro 9 has a slightly smaller footprint and is thinner than its predecessor, making it even more portable.
Both devices feature a 13-inch PixelSense Flow display with a resolution of 2880 x 1920 pixels, offering stunning visuals and vibrant colors. The Surface Pro 9’s display has a 120Hz refresh rate, providing smoother scrolling and animations, while the Surface Pro 8’s display has a 60Hz refresh rate.
Performance and Hardware
Under the hood, the Surface Pro 8 and Surface Pro 9 offer a range of processor options, including Intel Core i5 and i7 processors. The Surface Pro 9 has the latest 12th-generation Intel Core processors, while the Surface Pro 8 features 11th-generation Intel Core processors. This generational difference results in a noticeable performance boost for the Surface Pro 9, especially in demanding tasks like video editing and multitasking.
In terms of graphics, the Surface Pro 8 and Surface Pro 9 both utilize integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics, providing decent performance for casual gaming and basic photo editing. However, the Surface Pro 9’s 12th-generation processors offer slightly improved graphics capabilities.
Battery Life and Connectivity
Battery life is a crucial consideration for any portable device, and the Surface Pro 8 and Surface Pro 9 both offer impressive battery performance. The Surface Pro 9 has a slightly larger battery capacity (51.5Wh) compared to the Surface Pro 8 (46.5Wh), resulting in longer battery life. According to Microsoft, the Surface Pro 9 can last up to 15.5 hours on a single charge, while the Surface Pro 8 has a battery life of up to 10 hours.
Both devices support Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1 for wireless connectivity, ensuring fast and reliable internet access. Additionally, the Surface Pro 8 and Surface Pro 9 feature USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 4 support, allowing for high-speed data transfer and external display connectivity.
Stylus and Keyboard
The Surface Pro series is renowned for its exceptional stylus experience, and both the Surface Pro 8 and Surface Pro 9 are fully compatible with the Surface Pen (sold separately). The Surface Pen offers precise and responsive handwriting and drawing capabilities, making it an excellent tool for note-taking, sketching, and digital art.
The Surface Pro 8 and Surface Pro 9 also come with detachable keyboards, which can be attached magnetically to the device. The keyboards provide a comfortable typing experience with backlit keys and a spacious trackpad. However, the Surface Pro 8’s keyboard has a slightly larger trackpad and dedicated function keys, while the Surface Pro 9’s keyboard is thinner and lighter.
Camera and Audio
The Surface Pro 8 and Surface Pro 9 are equipped with a 5MP front-facing camera and a 10MP rear-facing camera, offering decent image and video quality for video calls and casual photography. However, the Surface Pro 9’s rear-facing camera has a wider field of view, making it more suitable for capturing group photos and videos.
In terms of audio, both devices feature dual microphones and stereo speakers. The Surface Pro 9’s speakers have been improved compared to the Surface Pro 8, offering louder and more immersive sound quality.
Price and Availability
The Microsoft Surface Pro 8 and Surface Pro 9 are available in a range of configurations, with varying prices depending on the processor, storage, and RAM options. The Surface Pro 8 starts at $999, while the Surface Pro 9 starts at $999 as well. Both devices are available from Microsoft’s official website and authorized retailers.
The Final Verdict: Which One Is Right for You?
The Surface Pro 8 and Surface Pro 9 are both excellent 2-in-1 devices that offer a unique blend of portability, power, and versatility. The Surface Pro 9 has a slight edge over its predecessor in terms of performance, battery life, and display refresh rate. However, the Surface Pro 8 remains a compelling option for those who prioritize a larger trackpad and dedicated function keys on the keyboard.
Ultimately, the best choice between the Surface Pro 8 and Surface Pro 9 depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you require the latest performance, longer battery life, and a smoother display, the Surface Pro 9 is the better option. If you prefer a more spacious keyboard and are willing to sacrifice some performance and battery life, the Surface Pro 8 is a solid choice.
What You Need to Know
1. Which device has a better display?
The Surface Pro 9 has a 120Hz refresh rate display, while the Surface Pro 8 has a 60Hz refresh rate display. The Surface Pro 9’s display provides smoother scrolling and animations.
2. Which device has a longer battery life?
The Surface Pro 9 has a slightly larger battery capacity and can last up to 15.5 hours on a single charge, compared to the Surface Pro 8’s battery life of up to 10 hours.
3. Which device has a better keyboard?
The Surface Pro 8’s keyboard has a slightly larger trackpad and dedicated function keys, while the Surface Pro 9’s keyboard is thinner and lighter. The best choice depends on your individual preferences.
