Microsoft Surface Pro 8 vs Surface Pro 9: Which One Fits Your Needs?

Microsoft’s Surface Pro lineup has long been celebrated for its exceptional design and powerful performance, making it a popular choice for both professionals and casual users. The Surface Pro 9, the latest addition to the range, brings several upgrades over the Surface Pro 8. In this comparison, we’ll explore the key differences between these two models, including design, performance, battery life, and more, to help you decide which is the best fit for you.

Design and Portability

Both the Surface Pro 8 and Surface Pro 9 maintain the sleek and minimalist design that the Surface range is known for, featuring anodized aluminium bodies. The physical design of the two models is quite similar, with the main difference being that the Surface Pro 9 has slightly more rounded edges. This is a minor update, and the overall form factor remains highly portable for professionals and students who need a device they can take on the go. While the weight difference between the two is minimal, the Surface Pro 9 offers more colour options, available in four hues compared to the two on the Pro 8. Both models are equipped with a built-in kickstand, allowing you to adjust the device to various angles for better viewing and typing.

Display

The Surface Pro 8 comes with a 13-inch PixelSense display, boasting a resolution of 2880 x 1920 pixels. It offers vibrant colours and sharp clarity, suitable for everything from productivity tasks to media consumption. The Surface Pro 9, however, comes with a slightly larger 14-inch PixelSense display, maintaining the same resolution but adding Dolby Vision IQ™ technology for a richer and more immersive visual experience. Both models support a 120Hz refresh rate and a 3:2 aspect ratio, which enhances productivity by providing more vertical screen space.

Performance

The Surface Pro 8 offers various Intel processor options, including i3 to i7 models, with the i7 capable of reaching clock speeds of up to 4.80 GHz. The Surface Pro 9, however, upgrades to 12th Gen Intel processors, which bring more cores and threads, offering better performance and efficiency. Additionally, the Pro 9 introduces the SQ3 chip for consumers, along with deca-core CPUs in both consumer and business models, making it a more powerful option for demanding tasks like video editing and 3D rendering. These improvements result in smoother multitasking and faster processing, particularly for power users.

Battery Life

Battery life is a significant consideration for mobile users, and here the Surface Pro 9 has a notable advantage. The Surface Pro 8 offers up to 11 hours of battery life under typical use, which is sufficient for most users. However, the Surface Pro 9 extends this to up to 15.5 hours, making it a better option for users who need a longer-lasting device, especially when on the move or working in locations without regular access to charging.

Connectivity

Both models are well-equipped in terms of connectivity, featuring Bluetooth 5.1 and various Wi-Fi capabilities. The Surface Pro 9 supports Wi-Fi 6E, which is faster and more efficient than the Wi-Fi 6 on the Pro 8. The Pro 9 also offers more advanced connectivity options, including USB 4/Thunderbolt ports on the Intel models and USB-C 3.2 on the SQ3 models. The Surface Pro 9 also introduces a nano-SIM slot for 5G connectivity, which is a game-changer for users who require high-speed mobile internet. While the Surface Pro 8 lacks this feature, it still includes a headphone jack, which is absent on the Surface Pro 9.

Keyboard and Accessories

Both the Surface Pro 8 and Pro 9 use high-quality keyboards that are sold separately. These keyboards feature chiclet-style keys with three-stage backlighting, providing a comfortable typing experience despite their slim design. They also include a slot for the Slim Pen 2 stylus, which must be purchased separately. While both devices support a great typing experience, the keyboards are identical across both models, making them equally effective.

Multimedia Performance

For everyday tasks like office work, browsing, and streaming, both the Surface Pro 8 and Pro 9 come with integrated Intel Xe graphics, which are sufficient for light gaming and 3D modelling. Audio quality is handled by 2-watt stereo speakers with Dolby Audio, providing an immersive sound experience for multimedia tasks. However, if you’re looking for the best audio and video performance, the Surface Pro 9 slightly edges out the Pro 8, particularly with its larger screen and enhanced Dolby Vision support.

Conclusion

When choosing between the Surface Pro 8 and Surface Pro 9, the decision largely depends on your specific needs and budget. The Surface Pro 8 is an excellent choice for users who want a reliable device for general use, offering solid performance and good battery life at a more affordable price. It’s well-suited for everyday tasks, moderate gaming, and multimedia applications.

On the other hand, the Surface Pro 9 is the better option for power users who need enhanced performance, longer battery life, and improved display technology. With its latest processors, longer battery life, and better connectivity options, the Pro 9 is ideal for users who demand top-tier performance for more intensive tasks.

Ultimately, the Surface Pro 8 offers great value for most users, while the Surface Pro 9 is geared towards those who need the latest tech and extra power. Whichever model you choose, both deliver on Microsoft’s promise of a premium, versatile, and portable computing experience.