Is Surface Pro 9 the Best 2-in-1 Laptop? Find Out!

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Design and Layout
3. Hardware and Performance
4. Display Quality
5. Battery Life and Charging
6. Keyboard and Pen Features
7. Software and Productivity
8. Multimedia and Entertainment
9. Pricing and Value
10. Conclusion

Surface Pro 9 Review: The Perfect Two-in-One Laptop

The Surface Pro 9 is the latest offering in Microsoft's lineup of two-in-one laptops. With updated hardware and a redesigned layout, it aims to be an Incremental upgrade over its predecessor, the Surface Pro 8. In this article, we will Delve into the various aspects of the Surface Pro 9 and discuss its pros and cons. From design and performance to battery life and pricing, we will cover it all. So, let's dive in and find out if the Surface Pro 9 is worth the upgrade or if you're better off sticking with the Surface Pro 8.

1. Introduction

The Surface Pro 9 is available in the Intel version with a Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage. It is powered by the 12th generation Intel CPU and DDR5 RAM, providing a slight performance boost compared to its predecessor. With a 13-inch display and a thin, compact body, it offers the perfect Blend of portability and productivity.

2. Design and Layout

The Surface Pro 9 continues the sleek and sturdy design that has become synonymous with Microsoft's Surface Pro line. The kickstand is robust, ensuring stability, and the hinge mechanism maintains its sturdiness over the years. The accessibility of the SSD storage has also been improved, making it easier to open and swap out the SSD.

The layout of the volume rocker, power buttons, and USB-C ports has been rearranged compared to previous models. The volume rocker and power buttons are now placed on the top left, preventing accidental presses when opening the laptop. The two USB-C ports have been moved to the left side, allowing for improved productivity when connecting multiple displays.

However, one major disappointment is the absence of a headphone jack. Users will need to use a USB-C to 3.5mm headphone jack adapter or USB-C earphones. This limitation also reduces the number of available USB-C ports, causing inconvenience when connecting peripherals.

3. Hardware and Performance

With the 12th generation Intel CPU and DDR5 RAM, the Surface Pro 9 offers a slight performance boost compared to its predecessor. It handles everyday tasks with ease and provides a stable and smooth experience for applications like Photoshop and Illustrator. However, it may struggle with editing 4K videos, which can lead to sluggish performance and increased heat generation.

For content Creators, the Surface Pro 9 is capable of handling live video editing and is ideal for editing short videos with minimal effects. The battery life is commendable, offering around 9 hours of usage with typical tasks and 5 hours of screen-on time. However, continuous video editing and high-performance tasks may reduce the battery life.

4. Display Quality

The 13-inch display of the Surface Pro 9 offers a vibrant and color-accurate viewing experience. With a brightness of 473 nits, it is suitable for indoor use. However, it may not fare as well for outdoor use due to its limited brightness. The display features a 120Hz dynamic refresh rate, allowing for smoother scrolling and reduced motion blur. Users can choose between running at a consistent 120Hz or opting for the dynamic mode, which automatically switches between 120Hz and 60Hz Based on the content being displayed.

5. Battery Life and Charging

The battery life of the Surface Pro 9 is impressive, providing around 9 hours of usage on a single charge. However, it is worth noting that enabling the 120Hz display refresh rate can significantly impact battery life. Users concerned about battery longevity can opt for the 60Hz display mode to extend usage time.

Charging the Surface Pro 9 can be done via the new USB-C port. However, an issue has been reported where connecting the charger after connecting a USB-C hub can cause the tablet to not recognize the hub until all cables are disconnected and only the hub is reconnected. This inconvenience can be resolved by plugging in the hub first and then connecting the charger.

6. Keyboard and Pen Features

To fully experience the Surface Pro 9's capabilities, it is recommended to purchase the keyboard accessory. The same keyboard and slim pen from the previous generation are compatible with the Surface Pro 9. However, the keyboard only offers three different backlight settings and allows for finer brightness tuning compared to the Surface Pro 8.

Typing on the keyboard is comfortable, despite its thin profile. The keys provide good tactile feedback, making it enjoyable to use. The trackpad, although small, is precise and supports multi-finger gestures. The slim pen attaches magnetically to the charging slot, offering a temporary placeholder while working. However, it is prone to being knocked off easily.

7. Software and Productivity

The Surface Pro 9 runs on Windows 11, the latest operating system from Microsoft. It provides a familiar and user-friendly interface, optimized for touch and pen input. Windows 11 enhances productivity with features like improved multitasking with Snap Layouts and Snap Groups.

The Surface Pro 9's two-in-one form factor, combined with Windows 11, offers a seamless transition between tablet and laptop modes. The tablet mode optimizes the interface for touch input, while the laptop mode provides a traditional desktop experience with the keyboard attached.

8. Multimedia and Entertainment

For multimedia consumption, the Surface Pro 9's 13-inch display delivers great visuals with solid color representation. However, the limited brightness may hinder outdoor viewing. The device's speakers provide decent audio quality, but external speakers or headphones are recommended for an enhanced experience.

The Surface Pro 9 is capable of handling casual gaming and multimedia tasks. However, it may not offer the best gaming experience for demanding, graphically intensive games. Users looking for gaming capabilities should consider an external GPU for improved graphics performance.

9. Pricing and Value

While the Surface Pro 9 offers an upgraded experience over its predecessor, the pricing may deter some users. Considering the value for money, the Surface Pro 8 still holds up as a very capable laptop. Unless the specific updates and features of the Surface Pro 9 are essential for your needs, opting for the Surface Pro 8 may provide better value.

10. Conclusion

In conclusion, the Surface Pro 9 is a great two-in-one laptop that delivers a fantastic user experience, especially when combined with the keyboard and pen accessories. The sleek design, improved performance, and versatile form factor make it a compelling choice for productivity and creative tasks.

However, the pricing of the Surface Pro 9 may be a deterrent for some users, making the Surface Pro 8 a more attractive option in terms of value. Ultimately, the decision between the two depends on individual needs and budget.