The release of the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 marks another evolutionary step in Microsoft’s journey to blur the lines between tablet and laptop. Building on the successful Surface lineup, the Surface Pro 9 empowers users with powerful hardware, a smooth operating system experience, and enough flexibility to accommodate both casual media consumers and productivity power users. This review from TodoAndroid takes a deep dive into the features, performance, design, and overall value of the Surface Pro 9 to help users make an informed purchasing decision.
Design and Build Quality
One of the standout aspects of the Surface Pro series over the years has been its sleek and professional design, and the Surface Pro 9 continues in the same tradition. It features a polished aluminum chassis with clean lines and a minimalist aesthetic that screams premium. It’s available in multiple color options, including the ever-popular Platinum and bold Sapphire Blue, giving users some personalization options.
Weighing just under 900 grams (without the Type Cover), the Surface Pro 9 is extremely portable. Its compact form factor makes it the ideal companion for travel, daily commuting, and working remotely. The iconic kickstand also returns, offering flexibility for productivity whether using it on a desk, lap, or even on a tray table in-flight.
Display
At the heart of the Surface Pro 9 is a stunning 13-inch PixelSense Flow Display with a resolution of 2880 x 1920. The 3:2 aspect ratio is ideal for productivity tasks like editing documents, multitasking, and browsing. The screen supports a dynamic refresh rate of up to 120Hz, allowing for ultra-smooth scrolling and improved performance during stylus input and animations.
Brightness peaks at around 450 nits, which makes it usable even in bright environments, although it still faces some challenges under direct sunlight. Color accuracy is excellent, making it a good option for creative professionals, graphic designers, and photographers who need precision in color reproduction.
Performance
The Surface Pro 9 offers two different configurations: one with Intel’s 12th Gen processors and another with the Microsoft SQ3 ARM-based chip. Each configuration targets slightly different use cases.
- Intel 12th Gen U-Series CPUs: Ideal for mainstream users running full desktop applications. Options include Core i5 and Core i7 processors, paired with up to 32GB of RAM and 1TB SSD.
- Microsoft SQ3 (ARM): Designed for battery efficiency and always-on connectivity, this version allows 5G wireless support but is not fully compatible with all x86 Windows apps.
On the Intel platform, performance is snappy and reliable. It can handle heavy multitasking, productivity tools like Microsoft Office, creative suites like Adobe Photoshop, and even light gaming. The SQ3 model, on the other hand, trades raw power for increased battery life and mobile connectivity, which is suitable for people who rely on cloud computing and light usage.
Battery Life
Battery life varies significantly between configurations. The ARM-powered SQ3 model boasts up to 19 hours of battery life on a single charge, while the Intel versions deliver slightly lower figures, ranging around 9 to 12 hours depending on usage. Real-world usage shows that users can comfortably get through a day of work without needing to reach for the charger, especially on lighter tasks like web browsing, video streaming, and document editing.
Connectivity and Ports
Microsoft has opted for a more minimalist approach in terms of I/O. The Surface Pro 9 provides:
- 2 x USB-C ports (Thunderbolt 4 on Intel models)
- 1 x Surface Connect port
- No headphone jack
The removal of the headphone jack may disappoint some users, especially those who rely on wired audio devices. However, wireless Bluetooth headphones are widely supported and work flawlessly. While the lack of more diverse ports may be inconvenient to power users, Thunderbolt support allows docking with hubs and external monitors, helping to mitigate the issue.
Keyboard and Pen Experience
The Surface Pro 9 pairs best with the optional Surface Pro Signature Keyboard and Slim Pen 2. The keyboard provides a surprisingly comfortable typing experience, considering its ultra-thin design. It features backlit keys, a responsive touchpad, and attaches magnetically to the tablet’s bottom edge, doubling as protection for the screen during travel.
The Slim Pen 2 enhances the experience further. It offers low-latency input, pressure sensitivity, and haptic feedback for a more realistic writing feel. Artists, students, and note-takers will appreciate the improved pen latency and overall precision in the stylus interaction.
Software and Features
The Surface Pro 9 runs on Windows 11, bringing with it a refined interface designed around both touch and traditional input. Features like improved window snapping, an overhauled Start menu, and deep Teams integration make it a joy to use for hybrid work. For the ARM variant, Windows on ARM still has a few compatibility hiccups with older desktop apps, but support has been improving over time.
Another key software feature is Windows Hello, which allows users to log in securely using facial recognition. Webcam quality is solid, and audio is enhanced by dual far-field microphones, making it more than sufficient for remote meetings and video calls.
Price and Value
As with most premium devices, the Surface Pro 9 comes at a cost. Base models start at around $999 USD and can climb steeply with upgrades and accessories. The Surface Keyboard and Slim Pen are sold separately, costing around $279 combined, which can inflate the total package cost past $1,300 for a complete setup.
While not cheap, the Surface Pro 9 offers tremendous value to users who need both portability and power. Its unique capability to transition between tablet and laptop roles justifies the price for professionals, creatives, and students alike who want one device for all needs.
Conclusion
The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is a polished, versatile 2-in-1 device that continues to lead the pack when it comes to premium Windows hybrids. Whether you’re a digital artist, a student, or a business professional, it offers the flexibility, performance, and design that meet a variety of modern computing needs. Users must consider which model suits their workflow better—Intel for full desktop compatibility or SQ3 for connectivity and battery longevity—but after that choice, there’s little else to complain about. It’s a top-tier choice in 2024 for anyone seeking a powerful yet portable device.
FAQ
- Q: Does the Surface Pro 9 come with the keyboard and pen?
A: No, the Type Cover keyboard and Slim Pen 2 are sold separately and not included in the base package. - Q: Can I run full desktop apps on the Surface Pro 9 SQ3 ARM model?
A: Most common Windows apps work through emulation, but some legacy applications may not run or may have performance limitations. - Q: Is the Surface Pro 9 suitable for gaming?
A: Yes, but only for light gaming or cloud-based services. It’s not designed for running high-end AAA games natively. - Q: Does it have expandable storage or microSD slot?
A: No, the Surface Pro 9 does not include a microSD card slot. Storage is non-expandable. - Q: Can I use USB-C hubs for additional ports?
A: Absolutely. The USB-C Thunderbolt ports are compatible with docking stations and hubs to extend connectivity options.