Quick summary
- With the release of the Surface Pro 9, the latest iteration in the lineup, many are eager to compare it to its predecessor, the Surface Pro 8.
- The Surface Pro 8 and 9 both offer similar battery life, with the Surface Pro 8 lasting up to 16 hours on a single charge and the Surface Pro 9 lasting up to 15.
- In terms of connectivity, the Surface Pro 8 and 9 both offer a full-sized USB-C port, a Thunderbolt 4 port, a Surface Connect port, and a headphone jack.
The Microsoft Surface Pro series has consistently set the benchmark for 2-in-1 devices, blending the versatility of a tablet with the productivity of a laptop. With the release of the Surface Pro 9, the latest iteration in the lineup, many are eager to compare it to its predecessor, the Surface Pro 8. This detailed guide will delve into the key differences between these two devices, helping you make an informed decision about which one is the right choice for your needs.
Design and Build
The Surface Pro 8 and 9 share a similar design language, featuring a sleek magnesium alloy chassis. However, the Surface Pro 9 boasts a slightly larger 13-inch display compared to the Surface Pro 8’s 12.3-inch screen. Both devices offer a 3:2 aspect ratio, providing ample vertical space for multitasking.
Display
The Surface Pro 9 takes a significant leap forward in display technology. It features a 120Hz refresh rate, which makes scrolling, gaming, and video playback incredibly smooth. The Surface Pro 8, on the other hand, is limited to a 60Hz refresh rate. Additionally, the Surface Pro 9’s display is Dolby Vision HDR certified, delivering vibrant and lifelike colors.
Performance
Under the hood, the Surface Pro 9 offers a choice of 12th-generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processors, while the Surface Pro 8 features 11th-generation Intel Core processors. The newer processors in the Surface Pro 9 provide a noticeable performance boost, particularly in demanding tasks such as video editing and 3D rendering.
Graphics
The Surface Pro 8 and 9 both feature integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics. However, the Surface Pro 9’s Iris Xe graphics have been slightly improved, offering slightly better performance in graphics-intensive applications.
Battery Life
Battery life is a crucial consideration for any portable device. The Surface Pro 8 and 9 both offer similar battery life, with the Surface Pro 8 lasting up to 16 hours on a single charge and the Surface Pro 9 lasting up to 15.5 hours.
Connectivity
In terms of connectivity, the Surface Pro 8 and 9 both offer a full-sized USB-C port, a Thunderbolt 4 port, a Surface Connect port, and a headphone jack. However, the Surface Pro 9 introduces a new addition: a dedicated SIM card slot for cellular connectivity.
Software
Both the Surface Pro 8 and 9 run Windows 11 out of the box. However, the Surface Pro 9 is eligible for a free upgrade to Windows 11 Pro, which offers additional features and security enhancements.
Accessories
The Surface Pro 8 and 9 are compatible with the same Surface accessories, including the Surface Pen, Surface Keyboard, and Surface Mouse. However, the Surface Pro 9 also supports the new Surface Slim Pen 2, which features a built-in haptic motor for a more realistic writing experience.
Value for Money
The Surface Pro 8 and 9 represent a premium investment in the 2-in-1 market. The Surface Pro 8 offers excellent value for money, providing a solid combination of performance, features, and battery life. The Surface Pro 9, on the other hand, commands a slightly higher price tag but offers a more advanced display, faster performance, and cellular connectivity.
Final Verdict: Which One to Choose?
Ultimately, the best choice between the Microsoft Surface Pro 8 and 9 depends on your specific needs and budget. If you value a high refresh rate display, lightning-fast performance, and cellular connectivity, the Surface Pro 9 is the clear winner. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable option with a still-impressive feature set, the Surface Pro 8 remains a solid choice.
What People Want to Know
Q: Which device has a better display?
A: The Surface Pro 9 features a 120Hz refresh rate and Dolby Vision HDR certification, providing a smoother and more vibrant viewing experience.
Q: Which device is more powerful?
A: The Surface Pro 9 is powered by 12th-generation Intel Core processors, offering a significant performance boost over the Surface Pro 8’s 11th-generation processors.
Q: Which device has better battery life?
A: Both devices offer similar battery life, with the Surface Pro 8 lasting up to 16 hours and the Surface Pro 9 lasting up to 15.5 hours on a single charge.
Q: Which device supports cellular connectivity?
A: Only the Surface Pro 9 offers a dedicated SIM card slot for cellular connectivity.
Q: Which device is more expensive?
A: The Surface Pro 9 commands a slightly higher price tag than the Surface Pro 8 due to its more advanced features.