Microsoft Surface Pro 9 Analysis

Microsoft Surface Pro 9 Analysis. The Microsoft Surface Pro has long established itself as the go-to device in the convertible laptop category, with few competitors daring to challenge its dominance. With the release of the Microsoft Surface Pro 9, the expectations are high.

Microsoft Surface Pro 9 Analysis

The Surface Pro 9 doesn’t radically deviate from the proven formula that has made it a success, but it incorporates necessary internal updates to stay ahead of the competition. This review provides an in-depth analysis of the Surface Pro 9, examining its design, performance, features, and areas where it could still improve.

You may be interested: Google Nest Hub Review: Your Complete Smart Display Companion

Design: Instantly Recognizable with Subtle Enhancements

From the outside, the Surface Pro 9 remains highly recognizable, continuing the iconic design that Microsoft has honed over the years. Its signature kickstand, detachable keyboard, and premium materials give it a refined look and feel. This year's model introduces a new Forest color, a slightly metallic olive green, which adds a fresh aesthetic to the lineup.

The Surface Pro 9 maintains its reputation for outstanding hardware quality, offering a premium finish that feels luxurious in the hand. Weighing less than 900 grams and just over 9mm thick, it is a sleek and portable device ideal for on-the-go professionals. The edges are slightly smoother than previous models, but this rounded design can make the device feel a bit slippery when held.

The hallmark feature of the Surface Pro series is its kickstand, which can be adjusted to almost any angle, offering flexibility from 10 degrees to a near-flat 180-degree angle. The stand remains sturdy, and its ease of use adds to the overall functionality of the device.

Windows Hello: A Seamless Biometric Experience

One area where the Surface Pro 9 excels is biometric security. Windows Hello allows for fast and secure facial recognition, making logins quick and easy. While there is no fingerprint sensor, its omission isn’t a significant drawback given how reliable the facial recognition is. The camera for Windows Hello is located in the upper bezel, ensuring it won’t be accidentally covered when the device is used in landscape mode.

Connectivity: Falling Behind in Ports

One of the more noticeable drawbacks of the Surface Pro 9 is its limited connectivity. Unlike many of its competitors, it lacks a headphone jack and offers only two USB-C ports (USB 4.0/Thunderbolt 4), located on the left side. This can be limiting for users who need more robust connectivity, especially those with legacy devices requiring USB-A ports. There is no microSD card slot either, which would have been a useful addition for those who need expandable storage.

The Surface Connect port remains, allowing users to charge the device and connect it to various accessories. However, the limited port selection makes it clear that users will need to rely on adapters for more traditional peripherals.

The Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.1 capabilities provide fast and stable wireless connections. For those who need 5G connectivity, it’s only available on the ARM version of the Surface Pro 9, which means opting for the non-Intel variant.

Display: A Stellar PixelSense Experience

The Surface Pro 9 comes equipped with a 13-inch PixelSense Flow display, protected by Gorilla Glass 5. The screen resolution is an impressive 2880x1920 with 267 pixels per inch (PPI), providing a sharp and detailed image. The 120Hz refresh rate, a carryover from previous models, ensures smooth scrolling and enhances the overall fluidity of the user interface.

The 3:2 aspect ratio signals that the Surface Pro 9 is built with productivity in mind, rather than media consumption. This ratio is ideal for multitasking, as it allows users to have more vertical space when working with documents or spreadsheets.

While it’s not an AMOLED panel, the IPS technology used here provides accurate colors and good viewing angles. With a 1200:1 contrast ratio and over 450 nits of brightness, the Surface Pro 9’s screen is easily viewable in most lighting conditions. The display is responsive to both touch and stylus input, making it a great option for creative professionals and note-takers alike.

The Surface Pen: Convenient but Costly

The Surface Slim Pen 2 remains a popular accessory for the Surface Pro series. It is housed in the Signature Keyboard, where it charges when not in use. While the flat design of the pen makes it convenient to store, it’s not as comfortable as traditional round pens when used for extended periods. The pen’s pressure sensitivity and low latency make it ideal for drawing and note-taking, but it’s worth noting that the pen and keyboard are sold separately, adding to the overall cost.

Performance: Intel’s 12th Gen Processors Power the Surface

Internally, the Surface Pro 9 makes significant upgrades. The device is available with Intel’s 12th Generation Evo Core i5-1235U or i7-1255U processors. These processors are built on Intel’s latest architecture, offering improved performance, especially in multitasking and demanding applications. For those who prefer a non-Intel variant, Microsoft also offers an ARM-based model with a SQ3 processor, which includes 5G connectivity.

Depending on the configuration, the Surface Pro 9 can come with 8GB, 16GB, or 32GB of RAM. Storage options range from 256GB to 1TB of SSD storage. The jump to LPDDR5 RAM enhances the device's memory performance, which is particularly noticeable when juggling multiple apps or working with large files.

Benchmark Performance

In testing, the Surface Pro 9 performed admirably across a variety of tasks. In Cinebench R23, the device scored over 1500 points in the single-core test and more than 6300 points in the multi-core test. These numbers place it on par with many traditional laptops in terms of raw power, which is impressive given its compact size.

While not a gaming powerhouse, the Intel Iris Xe graphics can handle light photo and video editing tasks without much trouble. However, it struggles with more intensive gaming and graphical tasks, which isn’t surprising given the device’s focus on productivity over entertainment.

Real-World Performance

In everyday use, the Surface Pro 9 is a pleasure to work with. Tasks like web browsing, word processing, and light media consumption are handled with ease. It’s also suitable for more demanding tasks like photo and video editing, though professionals working with heavy workloads may find its performance slightly lacking compared to dedicated workstations.

The device remains cool and quiet during most tasks, though it can generate some noise under heavy workloads. The cooling system does a good job of keeping the temperature in check, allowing the device to be used comfortably on your lap or in tablet mode without overheating.

Battery Life: A Weak Point

One of the most significant areas where the Surface Pro 9 falls short is battery life. Microsoft claims the device can last up to 15 hours on a single charge with typical use, but real-world testing tells a different story.

During testing, the Surface Pro 9 averaged between 6.5 and 8 hours of battery life, depending on the workload. With the 120Hz refresh rate enabled and brightness set above 50%, the battery drains quickly. For users who need a device that can last an entire day on a single charge, this may be a dealbreaker. The Surface Pro 9 charges via the proprietary Surface Connect port or through USB-C, offering some flexibility, but the overall battery performance is disappointing for a device marketed to professionals on the go.

Cameras and Audio: Tablet-Grade Performance

In a nod to its tablet heritage, the Surface Pro 9 features surprisingly good cameras for a laptop. The front-facing camera is a 1080p sensor, perfect for video calls and conferences. It performs well in various lighting conditions, and the two studio microphones provide clear and crisp audio, making it one of the best devices for remote work and virtual meetings.

The rear camera is a 10MP sensor capable of recording 4K video. While not a standout feature, it’s useful for taking quick photos or videos when needed. That said, most users will likely stick to using their smartphones for photography.

The audio quality is decent, with two 2W stereo speakers featuring Dolby Atmos support. While the sound quality isn’t groundbreaking, it’s more than adequate for conference calls, streaming, and casual listening. However, the lack of a 3.5mm headphone jack may be frustrating for users who prefer wired headphones.

Pricing and Configurations

The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is available in several configurations, with the entry-level model featuring an Intel Core i5, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage, priced at approximately $999. Upgrading to the Core i7 model with 32GB of RAM and 1TB of storage can push the price well above $2000.

Adding the Signature Keyboard and Surface Pen will add to the overall cost, making the Surface Pro 9 one of the more expensive options in the convertible laptop market. While it offers premium build quality and performance, the price may deter budget-conscious consumers, especially when comparable laptops are available at lower prices.

Conclusion: Still the King, but Not Without Competition

The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 continues to be the gold standard for convertible laptops, offering a sleek design, powerful internals, and excellent display.