Highlights
- Both the Surface Pro 7 and Pro 9 feature a sleek and premium design with a magnesium alloy body.
- The Surface Pro 7 has a USB-A port, a USB-C port, a microSD card slot, and a Surface Connect port.
- The Microsoft Surface Pro 7 and Pro 9 are both excellent 2-in-1 laptops, but the Pro 9 emerges as the superior choice for most users.
Microsoft’s Surface Pro line has been a staple in the 2-in-1 laptop market for years. With the release of the Surface Pro 9, it’s time to compare it to its predecessor, the Surface Pro 7. In this comprehensive analysis, we’ll delve into the key differences, similarities, and which device is the better choice for your specific needs.
Design and Build
Body: Both the Surface Pro 7 and Pro 9 feature a sleek and premium design with a magnesium alloy body. They have nearly identical dimensions, with the Pro 9 being slightly thinner (0.33 inches vs. 0.37 inches).
Display: The Surface Pro 7 has a 12.3-inch PixelSense display, while the Pro 9 comes with a larger 13-inch PixelSense Flow display. Both displays offer high resolution and touch support, but the Pro 9’s display has a higher refresh rate (120Hz vs. 60Hz), making it smoother for scrolling and gaming.
Performance
Processor: The Surface Pro 7 is powered by 10th-generation Intel Core processors, while the Pro 9 uses 12th-generation Intel Core processors. The latter offers significant performance improvements, especially in multi-core tasks and graphics-intensive applications.
RAM and Storage: Both devices come with 8GB or 16GB of RAM, and storage options range from 128GB to 1TB SSD. The Pro 9 offers slightly faster SSD speeds (PCIe Gen4 vs. PCIe Gen3).
Battery Life
Microsoft claims that both the Surface Pro 7 and Pro 9 can last up to 15 hours on a single charge. However, real-world battery life will vary depending on usage. The Pro 9’s larger battery (51.5Wh vs. 45Wh) may provide a slight advantage in this regard.
Features
Camera: The Surface Pro 7 has a 5MP front-facing camera and an 8MP rear-facing camera. The Pro 9 upgrades to a 10MP front-facing camera and a 10MP rear-facing camera, both of which offer improved image quality and video recording capabilities.
Ports: The Surface Pro 7 has a USB-A port, a USB-C port, a microSD card slot, and a Surface Connect port. The Pro 9 retains the USB-C port and Surface Connect port but replaces the USB-A port with two Thunderbolt 4 ports, providing faster data transfer speeds and versatility.
Accessories: Both the Surface Pro 7 and Pro 9 are compatible with the Surface Pen and Surface Keyboard. The Pro 9 also supports the new Surface Slim Pen 2, which offers haptic feedback and improved writing experience.
Which Device Is Right for You?
Surface Pro 7:
- Ideal for budget-conscious users
- Good enough performance for basic tasks
- Suitable for students and casual users
Surface Pro 9:
- Best for demanding users
- Excellent performance for productivity and creative work
- Ideal for professionals, creatives, and gamers
The Verdict
The Microsoft Surface Pro 7 and Pro 9 are both excellent 2-in-1 laptops, but the Pro 9 emerges as the superior choice for most users. Its faster processor, upgraded display, improved camera, and Thunderbolt 4 ports make it the more versatile and capable device. However, if you’re on a budget or prioritize affordability, the Surface Pro 7 remains a solid option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which device has a better battery life?
A: Both devices claim to have similar battery life, but real-world usage may vary. The Pro 9’s larger battery may provide a slight advantage.
Q: Can I use the Surface Pen with both devices?
A: Yes, both the Surface Pro 7 and Pro 9 are compatible with the Surface Pen.
Q: Which device has a better sound system?
A: Both devices feature dual front-firing speakers, so their sound quality is comparable.