Unveiling the winner: surface pro 4 vs. 5 – which one reigns supreme?

The Microsoft Surface Pro series has revolutionized the world of 2-in-1 devices, offering a seamless blend of power, portability, and versatility. The Surface Pro 4 and Surface Pro 5 stand as two prominent iterations in this lineage, each boasting its own strengths and limitations. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the intricacies of these devices, pitting them against each other to determine which one emerges as the superior choice.

Design and Build Quality

The Surface Pro 4 and Surface Pro 5 share a striking resemblance, featuring a sleek and sophisticated design. Both devices are crafted from magnesium alloy, ensuring durability and a premium feel. The Surface Pro 4, however, sports a slightly thicker profile, while the Surface Pro 5 is a tad slimmer and lighter. Additionally, the Surface Pro 4 has a removable back cover, allowing for easy access to its internal components, a feature absent from the Surface Pro 5.

Display

The Surface Pro 4 boasts a 12.3-inch PixelSense display with a resolution of 2736 x 1824 pixels. The Surface Pro 5 retains the same screen size but upgrades the resolution to 2736 x 1824 pixels, resulting in a crisper and more vibrant display. Both devices support the Surface Pen, offering exceptional precision and a natural writing experience.

Performance

Under the hood, the Surface Pro 4 and Surface Pro 5 offer a range of hardware configurations. The Surface Pro 4 can be equipped with Intel Core i5 or i7 processors of the 6th generation, while the Surface Pro 5 features 7th generation Intel Core i5 and i7 processors. The Surface Pro 5 generally delivers better performance, thanks to its newer architecture and improved thermal management.

Storage and Memory

The Surface Pro 4 offers a choice of 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB of solid-state storage. The Surface Pro 5, on the other hand, starts with 128GB of storage and goes up to 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB. Both devices can be expanded via a microSD card slot. In terms of memory, the Surface Pro 4 is available with 4GB or 8GB of RAM, while the Surface Pro 5 offers 4GB, 8GB, or 16GB of RAM.

Battery Life

The Surface Pro 4 and Surface Pro 5 have similar battery capacities, but their battery life can vary depending on usage. In general, the Surface Pro 5 offers slightly better battery life, lasting up to 13.5 hours on a single charge. The Surface Pro 4, on the other hand, typically lasts around 9 hours.

Accessories

Both the Surface Pro 4 and Surface Pro 5 can be used with the Surface Pen and the Surface Type Cover. The Surface Pen provides a natural writing and drawing experience, while the Surface Type Cover transforms the device into a full-fledged laptop. Additionally, the Surface Pro 5 introduces the Surface Dial, a unique input device that enhances creativity and productivity.

Wrap-Up: Unveiling the Winner

After weighing the various aspects, the Surface Pro 5 emerges as the superior choice in this comparison. It offers a slimmer and lighter design, a crisper display, improved performance, better battery life, and access to the innovative Surface Dial. While the Surface Pro 4 remains a capable device, its age and relative limitations make it the runner-up in this showdown.

Answers to Your Most Common Questions

1. Which device has a larger display?
Both the Surface Pro 4 and Surface Pro 5 feature a 12.3-inch display.

2. Does the Surface Pro 4 support the Surface Dial?
No, the Surface Dial is exclusive to the Surface Pro 5 and later models.

3. Can I upgrade the internal components of the Surface Pro 4?
Yes, the Surface Pro 4 has a removable back cover that allows for access to its internal components.

4. Which device has better battery life?
The Surface Pro 5 generally offers better battery life than the Surface Pro 4, lasting up to 13.5 hours on a single charge.

5. Is the Surface Pro 5 more expensive than the Surface Pro 4?
Yes, the Surface Pro 5 is typically more expensive than the Surface Pro 4 due to its newer hardware and features.