What To Know
- The Surface Pro 9 features a 13-inch PixelSense Flow display with a resolution of 2880 x 1920 pixels and a refresh rate of 120Hz.
- The Surface Pro 9 comes with a built-in Surface Pen, which provides a natural and precise writing and drawing experience.
- If you prefer a larger display, longer battery life, and a more tablet-centric experience, the Tab S8 Ultra is a solid option.
The world of 2-in-1 devices has witnessed a fierce rivalry between Microsoft’s Surface Pro series and Samsung’s Tab S series. The latest iterations, the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 and the Samsung Tab S8 Ultra, have emerged as formidable contenders, each boasting unique features and advantages. In this comprehensive blog post, we will pit these two titans against each other, exploring their specifications, performance, design, and overall value to determine which one reigns supreme.
Display
The Surface Pro 9 features a 13-inch PixelSense Flow display with a resolution of 2880 x 1920 pixels and a refresh rate of 120Hz. The Tab S8 Ultra, on the other hand, boasts a larger 14.6-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 2960 x 1848 pixels and a refresh rate of 120Hz. Both displays offer vibrant colors, sharp details, and excellent viewing angles. However, the Tab S8 Ultra’s larger screen provides a more immersive experience, especially for content consumption and multitasking.
Performance
The Surface Pro 9 is powered by Intel’s 12th-generation Core i5 or i7 processors, while the Tab S8 Ultra utilizes Qualcomm‘s Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip. Both devices offer ample performance for everyday tasks, such as web browsing, office productivity, and media playback. However, the Surface Pro 9’s Intel processors provide an edge in demanding tasks like video editing and heavy multitasking.
Design
The Surface Pro 9 retains the iconic 2-in-1 design of its predecessors, featuring a sleek magnesium chassis and a built-in kickstand. The Tab S8 Ultra, on the other hand, adopts a more tablet-centric approach, with a slim and lightweight aluminum body. Both devices are well-crafted and premium-looking, but the Surface Pro 9’s kickstand offers greater flexibility for use on a variety of surfaces.
Battery Life
The Surface Pro 9 has a battery life of up to 15.5 hours, while the Tab S8 Ultra boasts a slightly longer battery life of up to 17 hours. Both devices can easily last through a full day of moderate use, but the Tab S8 Ultra’s larger battery provides peace of mind for extended usage.
Features
The Surface Pro 9 comes with a built-in Surface Pen, which provides a natural and precise writing and drawing experience. The Tab S8 Ultra, on the other hand, supports the S Pen, which is sold separately and offers similar functionality. Both devices also feature front-facing cameras for video calls and facial recognition. Additionally, the Surface Pro 9 offers Thunderbolt 4 ports for fast data transfer, while the Tab S8 Ultra has a microSD card slot for expandable storage.
Value
The Surface Pro 9 starts at $999 for the base model, while the Tab S8 Ultra starts at $1,099. Both devices offer excellent value for their respective price points, but the Surface Pro 9 provides a more versatile experience with its built-in kickstand and Surface Pen. However, the Tab S8 Ultra’s larger display and longer battery life may appeal to users who prioritize these features.
Which One to Choose?
The choice between the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 and the Samsung Tab S8 Ultra ultimately depends on individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize versatility, a built-in kickstand, and a dedicated stylus, the Surface Pro 9 is an excellent choice. If you prefer a larger display, longer battery life, and a more tablet-centric experience, the Tab S8 Ultra is a solid option.
Alternatives
If you are considering alternatives to the Surface Pro 9 and Tab S8 Ultra, here are a few options to explore:
- Apple iPad Pro (2022): A premium 2-in-1 device with a powerful M2 chip and an excellent display.
- Lenovo ThinkPad X13s Gen 1: A compact and lightweight 2-in-1 device with a 13.3-inch OLED display and a long battery life.
- Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 (9315): A stylish and versatile 2-in-1 device with a 13.4-inch OLED display and Intel’s 12th-generation processors.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: Which device has a better display?
A: The Tab S8 Ultra’s larger display provides a more immersive experience, while the Surface Pro 9’s 120Hz refresh rate offers smoother scrolling and animations.
Q: Which device is more powerful?
A: The Surface Pro 9’s Intel processors provide an edge in demanding tasks, while the Tab S8 Ultra’s Snapdragon chip offers excellent performance for everyday use.
Q: Which device is more versatile?
A: The Surface Pro 9’s built-in kickstand and Surface Pen provide greater flexibility for use on a variety of surfaces.
Q: Which device has a longer battery life?
A: The Tab S8 Ultra has a slightly longer battery life than the Surface Pro 9, lasting up to 17 hours.
Q: Which device is a better value?
A: Both devices offer excellent value for their respective price points, but the Surface Pro 9 provides a more versatile experience with its built-in kickstand and Surface Pen.
