Specs Appeal: Comparing the new Surface Pro with Surface Pro 9 and Surface Pro 8

On May 20, 2024, Microsoft announced the new Surface Pro tablet with ARM processors from Qualcomm. The latest version is one of the biggest updates to the lineup, which was initially introduced 12 years ago. For the first time ever, the tablet is available exclusively with ARM chips, optional OLED displays, optional 5G connectivity, and more.

The new Surface Pro (it is actually called "Surface Pro 11th Edition") is now available for preorder starting at $999. However, you can still find the previous generation on sale, often with big discounts. Therefore, here is a detailed spec-by-spec comparison between the three generations to help you make a decision.

The biggest update in the new Surface Pro is unquestionably the processor. Instead of Intel chips, Microsoft"s flagship tablet now uses ARM processors exclusively. Customers can pick between the cheaper Snapdragon X Plus with 10 cores or the more expensive 12-core Snapdragon X Elite.

According to Microsoft, the shift to ARM chips enables significant performance and efficiency improvements, and the under-the-hood improvements in Windows 11 allow for much better emulation in software that is not yet optimized for Windows on ARM. As for the battery life, the new Surface Pro is rated for up to 14 hours of video playback on a single charge.

Although many popular apps already have native ARM64 versions, you should mind potential compatibility issues before ordering the new Surface Pro. Luckily, with quite a lot of manufacturers supporting Qualcomm"s latest chips, we can expect more developers to port their projects to Windows on ARM.

Surface Pro 9
Surface Pro 8

Besides offering performance and efficiency improvements, the new Surface Pro has some exclusive features. Recall is one such thing (previously rumored as "AI Explorer"), and it will let you go back in time to any app, file, email, conversation, or anything else on your computer. More information about Windows 11"s Recall feature is available here.

Another important change is OLED displays. However, it is worth saying right off the bat that OLED displays are only available in much more expensive configurations. In fact, the cheapest Surface Pro with an OLED display will set you back $1,499 (OLED models also have a slightly bigger battery). The more appealing $999 version comes with a regular IPS display that still features plenty of pixels, a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR support, and more.

In addition to the new tablet, Microsoft announced fresh accessories, such as the Surface Keyboard Pro Flex, which is more rigid, works wirelessly, and has a haptic trackpad. However, the keyboard supports the previous generations, such as the Surface Pro 10 for Business, Surface Pro 9 and Surface Pro 8.

As for colors, the Surface Pro 11th Edition is available in Platinum, Black, Dune, and Sapphire:

Here are the key changes summed up in a list:

  • Optional OLED displays with rounded corners
  • Snapdragon X Plus and X Elite processors instead of Intel
  • A minimum of 16GB of RAM with 32GB max
  • Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4
  • Optional 5G connectivity (coming later in 2024)
  • New accessories and new colors
  • New 1440p ultra-wide front-facing camera
  • "Copilot+ PC"

Here is a more detailed spec-by-spec comparison:

Surface Pro (11th Edition) Surface Pro 9 Surface Pro 8
Chassis 11.3" x 8.2" x 0.37", 1.97lbs
287 x 209 x 9.3 mm, 895 g
11.3" x 8.2" x 0.37", 1.94 lbs
287 x 108.28 x 9.3 mm, 879.9 g
11.3" x 8.2" x 0.37", 1.96 lbs
287 x 108.28 x 9.3 mm, 889 g
Colors Sapphire, Dune, Platinum, Black Platinum, Graphite, Sapphire, Forest Platinum, Graphite
Display 13" IPS PixelSense Flow
2880x1920 (267 ppi)
Dynamic refresh rate up to 120Hz
1200:1 contrast ratio
600 nits (SDR)
600 nits (HDR)
13" OLED PixelSense Flow
2880x1920 (267 ppi)
Dynamic refresh rate up to 120Hz
1M:1 contrast ratio
600 nits (SDR)
900 nits (HDR)
13-inch 3:2 PixelSense with narrow bezels
2880x1920 (267 ppi)
Dynamic refresh rate up to 120Hz
13-inch 3:2 PixelSense with narrow bezels
2880x1920 (267 ppi)
Up to 120Hz refresh rate
Processor Snapdragon X Plus
Qualcomm Hexagon NPU
Qualcomm Adreno GPU
Snapdragon X Elite
Qualcomm Hexagon NPU
Qualcomm Adreno GPU
Intel Core i5-1235U
Intel Core i7-1255U
Microsoft SQ 3
Intel Core i5-1135G7
Intel Core i7-1185G7
Memory 16GB LPDDR5X 16GB or 32GB LPDDR5X 8GB, 16GB, 32GB LPDDR5 8GB, 16GB, 32GB LPDDR4x
Storage User-removable PCIe Gen4 SSD
256GB, 512GB
User-removable PCIe Gen4 SSD
512GB, 1TB
User-removable SSD
128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
Security Microsoft Pluton TPM 2.0
Windows Hello face sign-in
Windows 11 Secured-core PC
TPM 2.0 Chip
Windows Hello face sign-in
Windows 11 Secured-core PC
Firmware TPM
Windows Hello face sign-in
Network Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4
Optional 5G (coming later in 2024)
Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.1
Optional 5G
Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1
Battery

47Wh

Up to 14 hours of video playback

53Wh

Up to 14 hours of video playback

Up to 15.5 hours of typical use (Intel)
Up to 19 hours of typical use (ARM)
Up to 16 hours of typical use
Cameras Front-facing 1440p ultra-wide camera with Windows Hello
10MP rear-facing camera with 4K video support
Front-facing camera with 1080p video and Windows Hello
10MP rear-facing camera with 4K video support
Ports 2x USB-C/USB4
1x Surface Connect

Intel:

2x USB-C Thunderbolt 4/USB 4.0 (Intel)
1x Surface Connect

ARM:

2x USB-C 3.2
1x Surface Connect
1x nanoSIM

2x USB-C Thunderbolt 4/USB 4.0
3.5mm headphone jack
1x Surface Connect
Accessories Surface Slim Pen 2
Surface Pro Flex Keyboard
Surface Pro Keyboard
Surface Pro Signature Keyboard
Price $999+ $1,499+ $999+ $1,099

It is also worth noting that the ARM-based Surface Pro is not the only tablet Microsoft released this year. A couple of months ago, the company revealed the Surface Pro 10 for Business. Check out its Specs Appeal article here.

The Surface Pro 11th Edition is now available for preorder in the Microsoft Store. Are you buying it?

Report a problem with article
Next Article

Flex indeed: The new Surface Pro Flex Keyboard is seriously expensive

Previous Article

Kingdom Hearts is coming to Steam after three years of Epic Games Store exclusivity