In this Specs Appeal article, we dive deep into all the differences between the new Surface Pro 9 and its two preceding generations. If you are considering buying the Surface Pro 9, this article will help you see how the tablet compares to the Surface Pro 8 and the Surface Pro 7, which you can still buy with significant discounts. We did not include the Surface Pro 7+ since Microsoft aims this device squarely at commercial customers.
The Surface Pro 9 focuses on improving the redesigned model that Microsoft introduced last year, so there are no major or ground-breaking visual changes this year. The only design change you can spot on the surface is two new vivid color variants. Besides the same chassis, the Surface Pro 9 features the same 120Hz display (now with dynamic refresh rate support out of the box).
.jpg){kind=link}
A significant difference between the Surface Pro 9 and 8 is the optional variant with an ARM processor, which was previously available in the separate Surface Pro X lineup. Microsoft is now confident in its custom ARM processors (made in partnership with Qualcomm) enough to include them in the Surface Pro lineup. Besides offering a notably better battery life, the Surface Pro 9 with the Microsoft SQ 3 processor is your choice if you want a Surface with 5G. Intel-based variants are Wi-Fi-only.
Speaking of less exciting changes, Microsoft this year, for some reason, decided to ditch the 3.5 mm headphone jack. Also, despite having a user-upgradeable SSD, the Surface Pro 9 does not allow you to expand its storage with microSD cards since Microsoft removed that slot in the Surface Pro 8.
Here are the key changes summed up in a list:
- New color variants: blue (Sapphire) and green (Forest)
- 12th Gen Intel processors and the third-gen Microsoft SQ by Qualcomm
- Newer LPDDR5 memory
- Improved security with TPM 2.0 chip and Windows 11 Secure-core PC standard
- Wi-Fi 6E support and optional 5G
- Better battery life (only in the Microsoft SQ 3-based variants)
- No 3.5 mm headphone jack
| Surface Pro 9 | Surface Pro 8 | Surface Pro 7 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chassis | 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 | 11.5" x 7.9" x 0.33", 1.7 lb 292 x 201 x 8.5 mm, 790 g |
| Colors | Platinum, Graphite, Sapphire, Forest | Platinum, Graphite | Platinum, Matte Black |
| Display | 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 | 12.3-inch 3:2 PixelSense 2736x1284 (267 ppi) 60Hz |
| Processor | Intel Core i5-1235U Intel Core i7-1255U Microsoft SQ 3 | Intel Core i5-1135G7 Intel Core i7-1185G7 | Intel Core i3-1005G1 Intel Core i5-1035G4 Intel Core i7-1065G7 |
| Memory | 8GB, 16GB, 32GB LPDDR5 | 8GB, 16GB, 32GB LPDDR4x | 4GB, 8GB, 16GB LPDDR4x |
| Storage | User-removable SSD 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | Non-user-removable SSD 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | |
| Security | TPM 2.0 Chip Windows Hello face sign-in Windows 11 Secured-core PC | Firmware TPM Windows Hello face sign-in | |
| Network | Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.1 Optional 5G | Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1 | Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Battery | Up to 15.5 hours of typical use (Intel) Up to 19 hours of typical use (ARM) | Up to 16 hours of typical use | Up to 10.5 hours of typical use |
| Cameras | Front-facing camera with 1080p video and Windows Hello 10MP rear-facing camera with 4K video support | 5.0MP front-facing camera with 1080p video and Windows Hello 8.0MP rear-facing camera with auto-focus and 1080p video | |
| Ports | Intel: 2x USB-C Thunderbolt 4/USB 4.0 (Intel) ARM: 2x USB-C 3.2 | 2x USB-C Thunderbolt 4/USB 4.0 3.5mm headphone jack 1x Surface Connect 1x Surface Keyboard Port | 1x USB-C 1x USB-A 3.5mm headphone jack 1x Surface Connect 1x Surface Type Cover 1x microSDXC |
| Accessories | Surface Slim Pen 2 Surface Signature Keyboard | Surface Pen Surface Slim Pen 2 Surface Type Cover | |
| Price | TBA | $1,099 | $750 |
The Surface Pro 9 looks like a great upgrade option for owners of the Surface Pro 7 or older models. You will get a significantly upgraded display, much more horsepower courtesy of Intel"s 12th Gen processors, better battery life, and an overall more modern-looking device. If you own the Surface Pro 8, upgrading to the Surface Pro 9 does not feel like a reasonable decision unless you want 5G. Also, users who can accept using a device with an older processor could just buy the Surface Pro 8 for notably less money.
Do you think the Surface Pro 9 offers enough changes to justify upgrades from the previous two generations? Share your thoughts in the comments.