Overview
- The Surface Pro 6 retains the sleek and versatile design of the Surface Pro 5, featuring a magnesium alloy body and a kickstand that allows for a variety of viewing angles.
- The base model of the Surface Pro 6 with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage costs around $899, while the base model of the Surface Pro 5 with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage can be found for around $799.
- Those seeking the latest and greatest performance and features may find the Surface Pro 6 worth the premium price, while those looking for a more affordable option with solid performance may prefer the Surface Pro 5.
The Microsoft Surface Pro series has consistently pushed the boundaries of hybrid devices, blending the functionality of a laptop with the portability of a tablet. With the release of the Surface Pro 6, Microsoft sought to refine and enhance the already impressive Surface Pro 5. This comprehensive comparison pits the Surface Pro 6 against its predecessor to determine which device emerges as the superior choice.
Design and Display: Evolution vs Revolution
The Surface Pro 6 retains the sleek and versatile design of the Surface Pro 5, featuring a magnesium alloy body and a kickstand that allows for a variety of viewing angles. However, the Surface Pro 6 introduces a new Platinum color option, adding a touch of sophistication to its aesthetic appeal.
Both devices boast stunning 12.3-inch PixelSense displays with a resolution of 2736 x 1824 pixels. The Surface Pro 6’s display offers a slight improvement in brightness and contrast, resulting in more vibrant visuals.
Performance: Powerhouse vs Workhorse
The Surface Pro 6 is powered by the latest 8th-generation Intel Core processors, ranging from the Core i5 to the Core i7. This upgrade provides a significant performance boost over the Surface Pro 5, which featured 7th-generation processors.
The Surface Pro 5, on the other hand, offers a range of processor options, including the Core m3, Core i5, and Core i7. While not as powerful as the Surface Pro 6, the Surface Pro 5’s processors still provide ample performance for everyday tasks and light multitasking.
Storage and Memory: Capacity and Speed
The Surface Pro 6 and Surface Pro 5 offer various storage and memory configurations. The Surface Pro 6 starts with 128GB of storage and 8GB of RAM, while the Surface Pro 5 starts with 128GB of storage and 4GB of RAM. Both devices can be configured with up to 1TB of storage and 16GB of RAM.
The Surface Pro 6 utilizes faster NVMe solid-state drives (SSDs), resulting in faster boot times and application loading speeds compared to the Surface Pro 5’s SATA SSDs.
Battery Life: Endurance Test
The Surface Pro 6 and Surface Pro 5 offer similar battery life, with both devices lasting around 10 hours on a single charge. However, the Surface Pro 6’s improved power management and processor efficiency may provide a slight edge in battery life in certain scenarios.
Connectivity and Peripherals: Versatility vs Convenience
Both the Surface Pro 6 and Surface Pro 5 feature a full range of connectivity options, including USB-A, USB-C, and a microSD card slot. However, the Surface Pro 6 introduces a dedicated Surface Connect port, which allows for faster charging and docking.
The Surface Pro 6 is compatible with the new Surface Pen, which offers improved pressure sensitivity and tilt support. The Surface Pro 5, on the other hand, supports the Surface Pen 4, which provides a similar writing experience.
Software and Features: Windows 10 and Beyond
The Surface Pro 6 and Surface Pro 5 come pre-installed with Windows 10, offering a familiar and intuitive operating system. The Surface Pro 6 is eligible for the latest Windows 10 updates, including the upcoming Windows 11 release.
Both devices support Windows Ink, allowing users to draw, write, and annotate directly on the screen. Additionally, the Surface Pro 6 includes the Surface Dial, which provides an innovative way to interact with creative applications.
Pricing and Value: Budget vs Premium
The Surface Pro 6 starts at a higher price point than the Surface Pro 5, reflecting its improved performance and features. The base model of the Surface Pro 6 with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage costs around $899, while the base model of the Surface Pro 5 with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage can be found for around $799.
Ultimately, the best value depends on individual needs and budget constraints. Those seeking the latest and greatest performance and features may find the Surface Pro 6 worth the premium price, while those looking for a more affordable option with solid performance may prefer the Surface Pro 5.
Verdict: The Surface Pro 6 Reigns Supreme
After a thorough comparison, the Microsoft Surface Pro 6 emerges as the superior choice over the Surface Pro 5. Its improved performance, enhanced display, faster storage, and innovative features make it the more capable and versatile device.
The Surface Pro 5 remains a solid option for those seeking a budget-friendly hybrid device, but the Surface Pro 6’s overall superiority makes it the recommended choice for professionals, students, and anyone seeking a premium computing experience.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: Which device has a better battery life?
A: Both the Surface Pro 6 and Surface Pro 5 offer similar battery life, lasting around 10 hours on a single charge.
Q: Can I use the Surface Pen with both devices?
A: Yes, both the Surface Pro 6 and Surface Pro 5 support the Surface Pen. However, the Surface Pro 6 is compatible with the newer Surface Pen, which offers improved features.
Q: What is the key difference between the Surface Pro 6 and Surface Pro 5?
A: The Surface Pro 6 features improved performance, a brighter and more vibrant display, faster storage, and a dedicated Surface Connect port.