• Tech News
    • Games
    • Pc & Laptop
    • Mobile Tech
    • Ar & Vr
    • Security
  • Startup
    • Fintech
  • Reviews
  • How To
What's Hot

Elementor #32036

January 24, 2025

The Redmi Note 13 is a bigger downgrade compared to the 5G model than you might think

April 18, 2024

Xiaomi Redmi Watch 4 is a budget smartwatch with a premium look and feel

April 16, 2024
Facebook Twitter Instagram
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest VKontakte
Behind The ScreenBehind The Screen
  • Tech News
    1. Games
    2. Pc & Laptop
    3. Mobile Tech
    4. Ar & Vr
    5. Security
    6. View All

    Bring Elden Ring to the table with the upcoming board game adaptation

    September 19, 2022

    ONI: Road to be the Mightiest Oni reveals its opening movie

    September 19, 2022

    GTA 6 images and footage allegedly leak

    September 19, 2022

    Wild west adventure Card Cowboy turns cards into weird and silly stories

    September 18, 2022

    7 Reasons Why You Should Study PHP Programming Language

    October 19, 2022

    Logitech MX Master 3S and MX Keys Combo for Business Gen 2 Review

    October 9, 2022

    Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen10 Review

    September 18, 2022

    Lenovo IdeaPad 5i Chromebook, 16-inch+120Hz

    September 3, 2022

    It’s 2023 and Spotify Still Can’t Say When AirPlay 2 Support Will Arrive

    April 4, 2023

    YouTube adds very convenient iPhone homescreen widgets

    October 15, 2022

    Google finishes iOS 16 Lock Screen widgets rollout w/ Maps

    October 14, 2022

    Is Apple actually turning iMessage into AIM or is this sketchy redesign rumor for laughs?

    October 14, 2022

    MeetKai launches AI-powered metaverse, starting with a billboard in Times Square

    August 10, 2022

    The DeanBeat: RP1 simulates putting 4,000 people together in a single metaverse plaza

    August 10, 2022

    Improving the customer experience with virtual and augmented reality

    August 10, 2022

    Why the metaverse won’t fall to Clubhouse’s fate

    August 10, 2022

    How Apple privacy changes have forced social media marketing to evolve

    October 16, 2022

    Microsoft Patch Tuesday October Fixed 85 Vulnerabilities – Latest Hacking News

    October 16, 2022

    Decentralization and KYC compliance: Critical concepts in sovereign policy

    October 15, 2022

    What Thoma Bravo’s latest acquisition reveals about identity management

    October 14, 2022

    What is a Service Robot? The vision of an intelligent service application is possible.

    November 7, 2022

    Tom Brady just chucked another Microsoft Surface tablet

    September 18, 2022

    The best AIO coolers for your PC in 2022

    September 18, 2022

    YC’s Michael Seibel clarifies some misconceptions about the accelerator • DailyTech

    September 18, 2022
  • Startup
    • Fintech
  • Reviews
  • How To
Behind The ScreenBehind The Screen
Home»Reviews»Microsoft Surface Pro 9 review
Reviews

Microsoft Surface Pro 9 review

December 14, 2022No Comments14 Mins Read
Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
Microsoft Surface Pro 9 - front view
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email
At a glance

Expert’s Rating

Pros

  • Stellar battery life 
  • Gorgeous design and screen 
  • Great keyboard and pen experience 
  • Excellent webcam with extra ARM features

Cons

  • Underwhelming performance 
  • Poor port selection 
  • Not all apps are compatible with ARM 
  • Expensive, with keyboard still sold separately 

Our Verdict

The ARM-based model of the Surface Pro 9 is one of the best devices you shouldn’t buy, with superb battery life and extra webcam features let down by a clear drop in performance and reduced app compatibility. Go for the Intel version instead. 

When most people think of a Windows 2-in-1, the Surface Pro is the first device that comes to mind. A decade after it was first introduced, Microsoft’s flagship 2-in-1 is now better than ever. 

After several years of iterative updates, wholesale changes arrived with 2021’s Surface Pro 8. The upgrades are more modest this time around, but the brand-new ARM-based model has made plenty of headlines. 

It delivers improved battery life, new video calling features and 5G support for the first time, replacing the Surface Pro X in the process. But unfortunately, a other key areas have been compromised to get there, making it hard to recommend. For most people, the less exciting but reliable Intel version is the one to go for.

Design & Build

  • Same premium design as Surface Pro 8 
  • Impressive video calling features, but not all work 
  • Lack of ports 

If you’ve ever used the Surface Pro 8 before, the Pro 9’s design will be extremely familiar. The device has an identical look to its predecessor, although that’s hardly surprising given the big changes that were introduced in 2021. 

It’s also not a bad thing. The Pro 9 is a seamless blend of glass and aluminium that feels very premium, helping to justify its high price tag. However, this choice of materials is reflected in the weight – at 878g for the tablet alone, it’s uncomfortable to hold for more than a few minutes.  

But that probably wasn’t in your plans for a 13in device, anyway. Microsoft helpfully continues to build a kickstand into the device, which extends across the back of the device and makes it feel very sturdy. Some budget devices make compromises in this area, but it’s one of the key strengths of Surface tablets. 

Aside from that, there’s not much else to report on the back. Microsoft keeps things very simple here, with just a minimalist Windows logo and single 10Mp camera. 

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

The latter offers a decent level of detail, making it a useful option for document scanning or the occasional snap at home. But please, don’t try and use this for serious photography. 

Frustratingly, the ARM-based model I tested is only available in Platinum. Intel versions have options for Sapphire, Forest and Graphite too, but all are minimalist and understated. If you’re looking for something which instantly stands out from the crowd, this isn’t the device for you. 

It’s a similar story when you flip the device over, but that 1080p front-facing camera is worth exploring in detail. The sensor itself hasn’t changed, but there was no need: it remains one of the best built-in webcams you’ll find on any Windows device. 

However, Microsoft has delivered key upgrades to the video calling experience via a separate NPU (Neural Processing Unit) chip that’s only included in the ARM version. It gives the Pro 9 new video effects that have the potential to make a big difference when in a virtual meeting or calls with friends and family. 

I say potential, because I couldn’t get all of these to work. In theory, automatic framing (where you’re automatically kept in frame and focus at all times) and eye contact (where your eyes appear to be looking at the camera, rather than screen) can significantly improve video calls, but I have no personal experience to back that up.  

Microsoft indicated these issues were rare, but it’s worth bearing in mind if the features here are important to you. However, some of the other features are undoubtedly impressive. 

Background blur is something most video calling apps offer, but the Surface Pro 9 does it better. Edge detection is dramatically improved, and it’s nice to have the option for either a heavy ‘standard blur’ or lighter ‘portrait blur’.  

See also  Monster DNA Max review

The device has the same dual microphones as the Pro 8, but the NPU means there’s another extra feature: Voice Focus. It’s enabled by default, and does an excellent job of isolating your voice in noisy environments. 

Even if not all these features work all the time, the Surface Pro 9 is almost unmatched when it comes to video calling. It’s one of the few Windows devices where it’s not necessary to connect separate accessories for a great experience. 

Next to the webcam is the usual IR sensor, meaning you can unlock the Pro 9 with your face via Windows Hello. But Microsoft still doesn’t include the option for a fingerprint sensor – I don’t understand why we can’t have both.

Microsoft Surface Pro 9 - ports

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

It’s also worth talking about ports, which have actually been downgraded compared to last year. The proprietary Surface Connect still feels clunky, although you can use either of the USB-C ports for charging instead.

But not being powered by Intel means there’s no Thunderbolt 4 certification for fast data transfer, while Microsoft has decided now is the time to ditch the 3.5mm headphone jack. You can connect wired headphones via USB-C, but it feels like an unnecessary move. 

Accessories

  • Excellent keyboard, trackpad not the best 
  • Impressive stylus experience 
  • All accessories sold separately 

Before exploring the accessories that transform the Pro 9 into a genuine productivity device, it’s worth remembering that they’re all sold separately. The prices you see quoted by most retailers are only for the tablet itself, which significantly limits the device’s potential. 

I tested the Signature Keyboard, which includes the Slim Pen 2 stylus and a dedicated storage location for the pen. However, Microsoft does sell more affordable options, and all existing Surface Pro 8 accessories are compatible with the Pro 9. 

But if you are willing to stump up the extra cash, you’re unlikely to be disappointed. The Signature Keyboard delivers one of the best typing experiences with any tablet, despite offering relatively limited key travel.

Microsoft Surface Pro 9 - keyboard

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

A 13in screen means there’s plenty of room for full-size keys without it feeling cramped. There are also three backlighting settings for low light situations, something many keyboard covers sacrifice. 

You’ll still notice a difference compared to most laptops, but I found long typing sessions a breeze. It helps that this version is coated with soft-touch Alcantara fabric, making it very comfortable to rest your hands either side of the trackpad. 

The latter is the one area without Alcantara, although the glass coating makes more sense here. It supports the full range of Windows 11 gestures, but being so narrow makes navigation difficult at times. I occasionally found myself having to select something twice or accidentally clicking, so I’d recommend connecting a mouse for longer sessions. 

But Microsoft has clearly put a lot of thought into the cover’s design, with a dedicated slot for Slim Pen 2 stylus above the keyboard.

This pen is same version we saw introduced alongside the Surface Pro 8, but there were no need for any upgrades. A flatter design than many digital styluses makes it more comfortable to hold, while the advertised 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity mean it’s impressively close to a pen-on-paper like experience. 

The pre-installed Microsoft Whiteboard app makes full use of it, with a customisable physical button and end which doubles as a rubber. Most third-party apps don’t offer the same level of support, but it remains a good option for note-taking or digital art.

Microsoft Surface Pro 9 - pen on screen

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

However, I can’t verify Microsoft’s claim of 15 hours of battery life for the pen, as it charges seamlessly when docked into the keyboard cover.

Screen & Speakers

  • High-quality 120Hz LCD touchscreen 
  • Excellent in a variety of situations
  • Impressive speakers 

Despite being a tablet, the Surface Pro 9 has a screen that’s as big as some laptops. The good news is that the quality of this 13in panel is higher than many rivals. 

See also  Kensington SD5800T Thunderbolt 4 Dock review

That’s despite Microsoft persisting with an LCD (PixelSense) display rather than OLED. A 2880×1920 resolution ensures great detail and gives it a boxy 3:2 aspect ratio – that’s something we see on most Surface devices these days. 

Microsoft Surface Pro 9 - screen

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

You can also expect a vivid colour scheme, which helps content to really come alive. Testing via the SpyderX Pro calibration tool suggests colours are accurate, with the Pro 9 supposedly covering the full sRGB colour gamut, plus 86% of DCI-P3 and 83% of AdobeRGB. 

It also gets impressively bright, hitting a maximum of 465 nits in testing. That makes outdoor use a realistic prospect, although visibility will still be an issue on sunny days. 

We also shouldn’t forget about 120Hz refresh rate, which makes moving across Windows 11 feel more fluid and responsive. You can manually drop to the regular 60Hz or automatically switch between the two, but it doesn’t offer the same benefit to everyday use as on gaming machines or even smartphones.

Dual stereo speakers are another area Microsoft decided against upgrading, but I continue to be impressed by the sound they produce. The Pro 9 offers clear, crisp audio, with minimal distortion – even at high volumes. 

There’s even a decent hit of bass, making them some of the best speakers you’ll find on any tablet. Audio enthusiasts may still want to connect headphones, but they’re excellent for casual listening. 

Specs & Performance

  • Uses ARM-based Microsoft SQ3 chip 
  • Underwhelming performance 
  • 5G support for the first time 

The Intel versions of the Surface Pro 9 have the expected updates to 12th-gen CPUs, but the device I tested is very different. 

It uses what Microsoft is calling the ‘SQ3’, an ARM-based chip that’s based on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3. The name hints at two previous generations, both of which were used in the Surface Pro X. 

This yields a big boost to battery life (which I’ll talk about in more detail later), but unfortunately performance suffers as a result. 

Disappointingly, this doesn’t just affect demanding tasks such as video editing or gaming: there’s a noticeable drop-off during everyday use. The most noticeable effect is on multitasking, where the Pro 9 often hesitates and stutters when moving between two or more apps. It makes using them side-by-side – one of Windows 11’s key strengths – something I’m reluctant to do. 

Despite the high refresh rate and 16GB of RAM on the model I used, basic tasks such as opening apps or scrolling menus also feel sluggish. It’s definitely still usable, but I was expecting much better from such a premium device.

The benchmarks below certainly don’t tell the full story. It’s also worth noting that our usual PCMark 10 test wouldn’t run, with the app stating it’s not designed to work with ARM devices. 

However, it’s also worth recognising some of the other benefits that the ARM model brings. Alongside the video calling features mentioned above, it’s the first ever Surface tablet with 5G support. The device supports both regular NanoSIM and eSIM cards, and it’s a welcome addition if you’re somewhere with coverage.

Internal storage is another slight concern. While customers in the US have the option for up to a 512GB SSD on SQ3 models, you’re limited to 256GB in the UK. Intel versions go up to 1TB, so you’ll need to rely on cloud storage services if you opt for ARM.

Battery Life & Charging

  • 47.7Wh battery
  • Delivers excellent battery life 
  • 65W charging not particularly fast

If there’s one main reason to buy the ARM version of the Surface Pro 9, it’s battery life. It supposedly only has a 47.7Wh capacity, but Microsoft claims you can get up to 19 hours of ‘typical device usage’ on a single charge. 

It wasn’t far off in our 720p video loop battery test, with a time of 17 hours and 40 minutes. That’s one of the best scores we’ve ever recorded, beaten only by other ARM-based devices.  

However, don’t expect it to last as long in everyday usage. The test was performed at a relatively low 120 nits, while other tasks will deplete the battery much more quickly. Allowing battery saver mode to turn on automatically (it was off for this test) will help, though. 

Microsoft Surface Pro 9 - tablet, keyboard and pen

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

See also  Pinter 2 review

But in general, you can still expect the Pro 9 to last a full day and have battery to spare. This could even be extended to two with lighter usage, something you can’t say for many tablets or laptops.

Despite having the same battery size, it’s worth noting that the estimates for the Intel version drop to a maximum of 15.5 hours – that’s slightly less than 2021’s Surface Pro 8. However, that device would still get you a full day of battery life.

When you do run out of charge, Microsoft includes a 65W adapter in the box. It still connects via the company’s Surface Connect port (you can use a USB-C charger if you prefer), but speeds are underwhelming.  

From off, I recorded 16% in 15 minutes and 33% by the half-hour mark. Even after two hours, it was still only at 98%. 

Software

  • Runs Windows 11 Home 
  • Few apps can run natively 
  • Performance issues with others 

The Surface Pro 9 runs Windows 11 Home out of the box. Manufacturers rarely make big changes to Windows, but this is as close to the ‘stock’ experience as it gets. 

I noticed only two pre-installed apps you won’t find on many other devices: Microsoft Whiteboard for handwritten notes and sketches, and the Surface app for tips and customisation. Both are genuinely useful for most people.

However, despite plenty of improvements in recent years, ARM-based devices still only run a handful of apps natively. Microsoft software such as Edge, Word and File Explorer work fine, but many third-party apps still rely on emulation, which lets the Pro 9 behave as if it was powered by Intel or AMD.

None of these run as smoothly, which helps to explain some of the performance issues. You’ll have to deal with emulated apps in order to get the most out of the Surface Pro 9, which makes it much less appealing. 

Price & Availability

My issues with the Surface Pro 9 are brought into sharp focus when you consider its price. 

ARM-based models will set you back at least $1,299/£1,299 when paying full price, but this can be configured up to $1,899/£1,599. Intel versions range from $999.99/£1,099 to $2,599.99/£2,599. 

There are often discounts available, but remember this will only get you the tablet itself. The Signature Keyboard costs an additional $179.99/£159.99, or $279.99/£259.99 if you’d like the Slim Pen 2 too. I’d also recommend a mouse – if you haven’t got one already, Microsoft’s Surface Arc Mouse is $79.99/£79.99. 

As you can see, the costs can quickly mount up for a device that’s already on the expensive side. Plenty of alternatives in our best 2-in-1 chart offer better value for money, including Huawei’s MateBook E and even the 2021 Surface Pro 8. 

Verdict

The introduction of ARM is a significant moment for the Surface Pro, but it’s not ready for the mainstream yet.  

Undoubtedly the main issue is the effect on performance, with some noticeable slowdown and less than seamless running of some apps. Alongside a port selection that’s worse than the Pro 8 and that high price tag, it’s hard to recommend. 

However, the move to ARM isn’t without its benefits. Battery life is truly excellent, and it’s great to see 5G support. The video calling experience is also among the best you’ll find on any Windows device – even without all the new effects. 

But ultimately, most people will be better off with the Intel version. It’s far less exciting, but a much safer bet. 

Specs

  • Display: 3:2 PixelSense LCD touchscreen, 13in (2880×1920) 
  • Processor: Microsoft SQ3 
  • Graphics: Microsoft SQ 3 Adreno 8cx Gen 3 
  • Memory: 8/16GB LPDDR4 RAM 
  • Storage: 256/512GB SSD 
  • Ports: 2 USB-C 3.2, Surface Connect, nano SIM tray 
  • Camera: 1080p front-facing with Windows Hello support, 10Mp rear-facing 
  • Wireless: WiFi 6E (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.1, 5G 
  • Operating system: Windows 11 Home 
  • Colours: Platinum 
  • Weight: 878g (tablet only) 

Source link

Microsoft Pro Review surface
Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email

Related Posts

The Redmi Note 13 is a bigger downgrade compared to the 5G model than you might think

April 18, 2024

Xiaomi Redmi Watch 4 is a budget smartwatch with a premium look and feel

April 16, 2024

Cosori TurboBlaze Air Fryer review

April 15, 2024

Should you buy the Nothing Phone (2) or save money and just get the Phone (2a)? Here’s our verdict

April 15, 2024
Add A Comment

Comments are closed.

Editors Picks

Why These Four Startup Founders Launched A Podcast

September 16, 2022

4 Unexpected Ways That Partnering With A Corporation Could Help Your Startup

September 25, 2022

She Sacrificed Her Youth to Get the Tech Bros to Grow Up

September 2, 2023

5 Effective Ways To Build Backlinks To Your Website

September 15, 2022

Subscribe to Updates

Get the latest news and Updates from Behind The Scene about Tech, Startup and more.

Top Post

Elementor #32036

The Redmi Note 13 is a bigger downgrade compared to the 5G model than you might think

Xiaomi Redmi Watch 4 is a budget smartwatch with a premium look and feel

Behind The Screen
Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest Vimeo YouTube
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
© 2025 behindthescreen.uk - All rights reserved.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.