Key points
- The Surface Pro 4 comes with a Type Cover keyboard that attaches magnetically, while the Surface Pro 7 offers a choice between the Type Cover and the newer Surface Pro Signature Keyboard, which provides a more comfortable and responsive typing experience.
- The Surface Pro 4 is a solid choice for users who prioritize affordability and value for money, while the Surface Pro 7 offers a more premium experience with improved performance, battery life, and features.
- Whether you’re a student, a professional, or simply someone who wants a versatile and portable device, the Surface Pro 4 or Surface Pro 7 is sure to meet your needs.
The Microsoft Surface Pro series has revolutionized the world of 2-in-1 devices, seamlessly blending the functionality of a laptop with the portability of a tablet. The Surface Pro 4 and Surface Pro 7 are two of the most popular models in the lineup, each offering unique features and capabilities. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the key differences between the Surface Pro 4 and Surface Pro 7 to help you make an informed decision about which device best suits your needs.
Design and Build Quality
The Surface Pro 4 and Surface Pro 7 share a similar design aesthetic, featuring a premium magnesium alloy casing that exudes both durability and sophistication. However, the Surface Pro 7 boasts a slightly slimmer profile and a slightly larger display, making it a more compact and portable option. Both devices come with an adjustable kickstand that allows for versatile positioning, whether you’re working at a desk or relaxing on the couch.
Display
The Surface Pro 4 features a 12.3-inch PixelSense display with a resolution of 2736 x 1824 pixels, while the Surface Pro 7 offers a slightly larger 12.3-inch PixelSense display with a resolution of 2736 x 1824 pixels. Both displays are sharp, vibrant, and offer excellent color accuracy, making them ideal for creative work and multimedia consumption.
Performance
The Surface Pro 4 is powered by a 6th-generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processor, while the Surface Pro 7 is equipped with a 10th-generation Intel Core i3, i5, or i7 processor. The Surface Pro 7 offers a significant performance boost over its predecessor, especially when it comes to multitasking and demanding workloads. Both devices come with 4GB, 8GB, or 16GB of RAM and a solid-state drive (SSD) for fast storage.
Battery Life
The Surface Pro 4 has a battery life of up to 9 hours, while the Surface Pro 7 offers a slightly improved battery life of up to 10.5 hours. Both devices support fast charging, which can charge the battery to 80% in about an hour.
Ports and Connectivity
The Surface Pro 4 has a USB 3.0 port, a Mini DisplayPort, a microSD card slot, and a Surface Connect port. The Surface Pro 7 expands on this with the addition of a USB-C port, which supports Thunderbolt 3 for faster data transfer and charging. Both devices also feature Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi 6 for seamless wireless connectivity.
Stylus and Keyboard
Both the Surface Pro 4 and Surface Pro 7 are compatible with the Surface Pen, which offers a natural and precise writing and drawing experience. The Surface Pro 4 comes with a Type Cover keyboard that attaches magnetically, while the Surface Pro 7 offers a choice between the Type Cover and the newer Surface Pro Signature Keyboard, which provides a more comfortable and responsive typing experience.
Software and Features
The Surface Pro 4 and Surface Pro 7 both run on Windows 10, and they are eligible for free upgrades to Windows 11. Both devices also come with a suite of pre-installed apps, including Microsoft Office, OneNote, and Cortana. The Surface Pro 7 introduces some additional features, such as Windows Hello facial recognition and Instant On, which allows the device to wake up instantly from sleep mode.
Which Device is Right for You?
The Microsoft Surface Pro 4 and Surface Pro 7 are both excellent 2-in-1 devices that offer a unique blend of portability, performance, and versatility. The Surface Pro 4 is a solid choice for users who prioritize affordability and value for money, while the Surface Pro 7 offers a more premium experience with improved performance, battery life, and features. Ultimately, the best device for you depends on your individual needs and budget.
Final Thoughts
The Microsoft Surface Pro 4 and Surface Pro 7 are two of the most popular 2-in-1 devices on the market, and for good reason. They offer a premium design, excellent performance, and a wide range of features that make them ideal for a variety of users. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or simply someone who wants a versatile and portable device, the Surface Pro 4 or Surface Pro 7 is sure to meet your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which device has a better display?
A: Both the Surface Pro 4 and Surface Pro 7 have excellent displays, but the Surface Pro 7 offers a slightly larger and more vibrant display.
Q: Which device has better performance?
A: The Surface Pro 7 offers significantly better performance than the Surface Pro 4, especially when it comes to multitasking and demanding workloads.
Q: Which device has longer battery life?
A: The Surface Pro 7 has a slightly longer battery life than the Surface Pro 4, with up to 10.5 hours of battery life compared to 9 hours.
Q: Which device has more ports and connectivity options?
A: The Surface Pro 7 has more ports and connectivity options than the Surface Pro 4, including a USB-C port with Thunderbolt 3 support.
Q: Which device is more affordable?
A: The Surface Pro 4 is more affordable than the Surface Pro 7, especially when you consider the price of the Type Cover keyboard.