Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is finally revealed. I say finally Because this 2-in-1 has been widely expected since Microsoft releases a new Surface Pro every year. While last year’s Microsoft Surface Pro 8 marked the series’ most significant change, the latest model doesn’t bring a major overhaul — at least in terms of design. Instead, the Surface Pro 9 story lies under the hood.
The new Surface Pro 9 features two models with current-generation processors – one variant that packs a 12th-generation Intel Core CPU and one with the new Microsoft SQ3 processor. This latest model also offers 5G connectivity, a first for the Surface line. And at least based on what Microsoft has shown, the 5G version appears to be the only version to take advantage of new AI-powered NPU features.
While the Surface Pro 9 may not change the world of computing, it has advantages for being one of the best 2-in-1 laptops, and it could also land on our best laptops list. Read on to find out everything you need to know about the Surface Pro 9 and what I thought based on my short working time with the new Microsoft device.
Microsoft Surface Pro 9: Price and Availability
Microsoft Surface Pro 9 will be available for purchase on October 25 with a starting price of $999 for the Intel version and $1,299 for the Microsoft SQ3 SoC (System on a Chip) powered model.
For a limited time, you can get a special edition Pro 9 (and matching keyboard) with a laser-etched blue floral pattern. Created in partnership with London-based design house Liberty to celebrate 10 years of Surface hardware, this model isn’t unlike any other Surface Pro 9 except for the cosmetic changes.
Microsoft Surface Pro 9: Design
Both Surface Pro 9 models (with or without 5G) measure 11.3 x 8.2 x 0.37 inches and weigh 1.94 pounds. It features an anodized aluminum body, with a kickstand on the back of the device and a magnetic keyboard attachment. Color options include Platinum, Graphite, Sapphire, and Forest, with the last three colors only available on Wi-Fi models.
While I don’t particularly care about anything beyond the platinum color option, I think it’s great that the Surface Pro 9 features such a wide range of different colors. The Liberty variant mentioned above isn’t really my style, but it’s definitely eye-catching.
Microsoft Surface Pro 9: Ports
Each Surface Pro 9 model features a different set of ports. This is because only the Intel model includes Thunderbolt 4 support.
Models with Intel chipsets include a pair of Thunderbolt 4 / USB-C ports, a Surface Connect port, and a Surface Keyboard port. Surface Pro 9 with 5G comes with two USB-C ports, a Surface Connect port, a Surface Keyboard port, and a nano SIM slot.
This is not a huge abundance of ports but should be enough to suit most people’s needs.
Microsoft Surface Pro 9: Presentation
Like the Surface Pro 8, the Surface Pro 9 has a 13-inch (2880 x 1920) 120Hz touchscreen display with a 3:2 aspect ratio.
Microsoft has described features that should enable a more realistic typing experience. The 720p webcam, all-around speakers, directional microphones, and the custom G6 chip from Microsoft are designed to work together to deliver tactile feedback when you type on the screen. Other features like Ink Focus in Microsoft OneNote and the new GoodNotes app for Windows 11 It is meant to help simulate a more realistic typing experience.
In my short time with the Surface Pro 9, I didn’t feel that the writing experience was much different than it was on the Surface Pro 8. That’s not to say it was horrible, but it certainly wasn’t an approximation of writing with pen and paper. For now, I’ll reserve judgment until I spend more time with the device.
Microsoft Surface Pro 9: Performance
The Surface Pro 9 comes with a 12th generation Intel “Alder Lake” processor or a Microsoft SQ3 CPU powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon technology.
Configurations using Alder Lake chips are meant to handle large workloads. According to Microsoft, the Surface Pro 9 offers up to 50% more performance than the Surface Pro 8 thanks to Intel’s latest CPU. Thunderbolt 4 functionality allows for fast data transfer, docking to multiple 4K displays or support for external graphics cards.
Models with the Microsoft SQ3 processor feature 5G connectivity and up to 19 hours of battery life, according to Microsoft. The company also says that the processor has new artificial intelligence features made possible by this neural processing unit, which can perform more than 15 trillion calculations per second, Microsoft says.
Surface Pro 9 models with Intel chipsets pack up to 32GB of RAM and up to 1TB of SSD storage. 5G models have up to 16GB of RAM and up to 512GB of SSD (removable).
During the Surface event on October 12, Microsoft discussed what an NPU could do. In one example, the company demonstrated how the new technology is able to completely eliminate background noise such as annoying jackhammers. In another example, we saw how AI-based technology was able to prevent blurring of the clarity of a user’s face when they get too close to the webcam. These are some great things that I can’t wait to test myself.
Surface Pro 9: Windows 11 and accessories
The consumer version of the Surface Pro 9 will run on Windows 11 Home and come preloaded with Microsoft 365 and Xbox apps. You can test both apps for free thanks to the included 30-day trials for Microsoft 365 Family and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, respectively.
Surface Pro 9 is compatible with Microsoft Surface Pro, Surface Pro X, Surface Pro Signature, and Surface Pro X Signature keyboards. It’s also compatible with the Surface Slim Pen 2, which you can store and charge inside the aforementioned keyboards.
Unfortunately, you will have to purchase these peripherals separately as they do not appear to come bundled with the Surface Pro 9.
Microsoft Surface Pro 9: Outlook
Although I didn’t spend much time with the Microsoft Surface Pro 9, I found it to be a good upgrade to last year’s model. (Our Surface Pro 9 vs Surface Pro 8 comparison looks at the changes in more depth.) Since the new 2-in-1 isn’t a complete overhaul, you could argue it might be worth skipping it. This was my initial thought when I first found out about the device.
However, 5G connectivity and new NPU features could make the Surface Pro 9 a worthwhile upgrade for existing Surface Pro owners. This may also be what unlocks the 2-in-1 for new customers looking for their first Surface Pro PC.
We should have a full Microsoft Surface Pro 9 review for you relatively soon. At that time, we’ll see for ourselves if the new 2-in-1 is worth buying or skipping. Stay tuned for more!
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