The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is officially here. If you were planning a major overhaul, you''ll be dissatisfied with the fact that this years model hasn''t received any significant design changes. In fact, it is almost identical to its predecessor, the Microsoft Surface Pro 8.
Microsofts new 2-in-1 version has processors that provide it with more power. Yes, the Surface Pro 9 has two versions: one with an Intel processor and one with a Microsoft SQ3 processor powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon. The latter has 5G connectivity, which is the first in the Surface line.
The Microsoft Surface Pro 8 is one of the finest 2-in-1 laptops you can buy, but it was certainly worth it. While the Surface Pro 9 does not steer clear of its predecessor''s design and overall functionality, the inclusion of powerful current-gen processors and a 5G option might be enough to make it a top priority on our top laptops list.
Everything you need to know about the Microsoft Surface Pro 9.
Price and availability for Microsoft Surface Pro 9
The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 will be available for purchase on October 25th at a starting price of $999 for the Intel version and $1,299 for the Intel version of the Model powered by Microsoft''s Qualcomm-powered SQ3 SoC (System on Chip).
Microsoft Surface Pro 9: Design
Both Surface Pro 9 models (with and without 5G) measure 11.3 x 8.2 x 0.37 inches and weigh 1.94 pounds. They feature an anodized aluminum body, with a kickstand on the back of the device, and a keyboard attachment.
With the latter three colors available on Wi-Fi models, platinum, Graphite, Sapphire, and Forest are all available in color choices.
Microsoft Surface Pro 9: Ports
Each Surface Pro 9 model has a different set of ports.
Models with Intel chips have a pair of Thunderbolt 4/USB-C ports, a Surface Connect port, and a Surface Keyboard port. Surface Pro 9 with 5G has two USB-C ports, a Surface Connect port, a Surface Keyboard port, and a nano SIM slot.
Microsoft Surface Pro 9: Display
The Surface Pro 9 has a 13-inch (12,880 x 1,920) 120Hz touch display with a 3:2 ratio, as well as a predecessor.
Microsoft''s slate should have new features that include a pen and paper; a HD camera, omnisonic speakers, and directional microphones are all employed in order to produce tactile signals. Other features such as Ink Focus in Microsoft OneNote and the new GoodNotes app for Windows 11 imply that the writing experience is more realistic.
Microsoft Surface Pro 9: Performance
The Surface Pro 9 comes with either a 12th gen Intel Core Alder Lake processor or a Microsoft SQ3 processor. Both the latter is built on the Intel Evo platform, while the second is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon.
Due to Intel''s latest processor, the Surface Pro 9 boasts up to 50% greater performance than the Surface Pro 8, which includes swift data transfer, docking to multiple 4K displays and support for external graphics cards.
According to Microsoft, model types with a Microsoft SQ3 processor have 5G connectivity and up to 19 hours of battery life. The processor also claims to have new AI features that are made possible by a new Neural Processing Unit (NPU). The Surface Pro 9 NPU is capable of over 15 trillion calculations per second.
Surface Pro 9 models with Intel chips pack up to 32GB of RAM and up to 1TB SSD storage. 5G models have up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of (removable) SSD.
The Surface Pro 9 is compatible with Windows 11 Home and is now available on Microsoft 365 apps and the Xbox app. Both applications can be tested for free thanks to enhanced 30-day trials for the Microsoft 365 Family and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
The Surface Pro 9 is compatible with Microsofts Surface Pro, Surface Pro X, Surface Pro Signature, and Surface Pro X Signature keyboards. It is also compatible with the Surface Slim Pen 2, which you may store and charge in the respective keyboards.
These peripherals will be ordered separately, but they do not appear to come with the Surface Pro 9.
Microsoft Surface Pro 9: Outlook
The Microsoft Surface line of 2-in-1 devices is generally reliable machines that allow you to work from anywhere. However, it''s a bit difficult to recommend this years model to those who purchased the previous iteration. Although the new processors might make the Surface Pro 9 more efficient, you might be better off waiting for a further substantial update.
The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 should be reviewed fairly soon. At that time, we should see for ourselves if this new 2-in-1 is worth buying or skipping. Stay tuned for more!