Microsoft Surface Pro 9, 13″ 2-in-1 Tablet & Laptop, Thin & Lightweight, Intel 12th Gen i7 Fast Processor for Multi-Tasking, 32GB Ram, 1TB Storage with Windows 11, Platinum

About This Product

Introduction

In the ever-evolving world of technology, Microsoft has consistently pushed the boundaries of innovation. The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is the latest addition to the Surface family and aims to redefine the way we use 2-in-1 devices. In this comprehensive review, we will delve deep into the features and capabilities of the Microsoft Surface Pro 9, a 13-inch 2-in-1 tablet and laptop hybrid.

The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 offers a compelling combination of portability, performance, and versatility, making it a potential game-changer for professionals, students, and creative enthusiasts. With a 12th Gen Intel i7 processor, 32GB of RAM, 1TB of storage, and Windows 11, it packs a punch in terms of power and productivity. Join us as we explore the design, performance, display, pen support, and more in this in-depth review.

Design, Display, and Performance Microsoft Surface Pro 9

The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 continues the tradition of the Surface line by maintaining a sleek, minimalist design that exudes professionalism. Its platinum-colored magnesium-aluminum chassis is not just visually appealing but also durable and lightweight. The device weighs in at just 2.19 pounds (0.99 kg), making it one of the lightest and most portable 2-in-1s in its class.

The Microsoft Surface Pro 9‘s build quality is exceptional, with precise craftsmanship and attention to detail. The device feels sturdy and premium in hand, and its well-balanced design makes it easy to hold in tablet mode or use on your lap like a traditional laptop. The signature kickstand, which has been a hallmark of Surface devices, allows for versatile positioning, making it possible to use the Surface Pro 9 at almost any angle.

The 13-inch PixelSense touchscreen display of the Surface Pro 9 is a visual delight. It boasts a resolution of 2880 x 1920 pixels and a 3:2 aspect ratio, which strikes an excellent balance between productivity and entertainment. The higher resolution results in sharp, crisp visuals with vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. This display is equally at home displaying spreadsheets, watching movies, or editing photos.

The display also supports a wide color gamut, making it a great choice for creative professionals who demand accurate color representation. Whether you’re a graphic designer or a video editor, the Surface Pro 9’s screen will not disappoint. The Surface Pro 9 also supports HDR, which enhances the viewing experience when watching HDR content.

One standout feature of the Surface Pro 9’s display is its 120Hz refresh rate. This higher refresh rate not only makes the interface feel smoother but also improves the experience when using the Surface Pen. The device automatically adjusts the refresh rate based on the content being displayed to optimize both performance and battery life.

Under the hood, the Surface Pro 9 is powered by Intel’s 12th Gen i7 processor. This processor, based on Intel’s Alder Lake architecture, brings significant improvements in terms of performance and power efficiency. With a mix of high-performance cores and power-efficient cores, the Surface Pro 9 can handle demanding tasks while conserving battery life during less intensive usage.

The 32GB of RAM and 1TB of SSD storage provide ample headroom for multitasking and storage. Whether you’re running multiple applications simultaneously, editing 4K videos, or working with large datasets, the Surface Pro 9 won’t break a sweat. This combination of processing power and memory makes it an excellent choice for professionals who rely on their devices for resource-intensive tasks.

In terms of day-to-day tasks, the Surface Pro 9 feels incredibly responsive. Opening applications, switching between tasks, and browsing the web are all smooth and snappy. Windows 11’s optimizations further enhance the user experience by taking advantage of the hardware capabilities of the Surface Pro 9.

Gaming and Connectivity

While the Surface Pro 9 is primarily a productivity-oriented device, it’s no slouch when it comes to light gaming and graphics performance. The integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics offer decent performance for a 2-in-1 device. You can enjoy casual gaming and even play some older or less demanding titles without any issues. However, for more graphics-intensive games, you may want to consider an external GPU.

The device’s 120Hz display also contributes to a smoother gaming experience, enhancing responsiveness and reducing screen tearing. The touchscreen adds an extra layer of interactivity for games that support touch input.

The Surface Pro 9 offers a decent array of connectivity options, considering its slim form factor. You’ll find a USB-C port, a USB-A port, a 3.5mm audio jack, and a Surface Connect port for charging and connecting to the Surface Dock. While USB-C is becoming increasingly standard, it’s worth noting that this device does not feature Thunderbolt 4 support, which might be a concern for some users who rely on Thunderbolt accessories.

Wireless connectivity includes Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0, ensuring fast and reliable connections for both internet access and peripheral devices. Additionally, the Surface Pro 9 supports 4G LTE connectivity for those who require internet access on the go.

The battery life of the Surface Pro 9 is commendable, thanks to its power-efficient processor and well-optimized software. Microsoft claims up to 10 hours of battery life, and in our tests, the device often exceeded that mark during light to moderate usage. However, running resource-intensive applications or tasks like gaming or video editing will naturally consume more power.

Windows 11 offers improved power management, allowing the device to enter a low-power state when not in use. Additionally, the 120Hz display can dynamically adjust its refresh rate to conserve battery life when you’re not actively interacting with the screen. Overall, the Surface Pro 9 should easily get you through a full workday without needing a recharge.

The Surface Pro 9 features a detachable Type Cover keyboard, which is essential for transforming the device into a full-fledged laptop. The keyboard layout is comfortable and well-spaced, providing a tactile typing experience. The keys have good travel, and the backlighting makes it easy to work in dimly lit environments.

The glass trackpad is responsive and supports multi-touch gestures, which are essential for navigating the Windows 11 interface. It’s not the largest trackpad you’ll find, but it’s certainly functional and feels precise.

One minor quibble is that the Type Cover is sold separately, which can be a disappointment for users who were hoping for an all-in-one solution. However, it’s a worthwhile investment if you plan to use the Surface Pro 9 as a laptop frequently.

One of the standout features of the Surface Pro 9 is its excellent support for the Surface Pen. The device is compatible with the latest Surface Slim Pen 2, which offers impressive precision and pressure sensitivity for tasks like digital note-taking, drawing, and creative work.

The 120Hz display and the responsive Surface Pen combine to create an exceptional digital inking experience. Whether you’re an artist, a student taking notes, or a professional annotating documents, the Surface Pro 9 delivers a natural and precise pen experience.

The Surface Pro 9 also features a magnetic storage and charging area for the Surface Pen on the side of the device. This ensures that your pen is always within reach and ready for action, and it even charges wirelessly when attached.

The Surface Pro 9 runs on Windows 11, Microsoft’s latest operating system. Windows 11 brings several enhancements to the user experience, including a refreshed Start Menu, improved window management, and a more streamlined taskbar.

One of the most significant advantages of Windows 11 is its support for touch and pen input. The interface is optimized for these input methods, making it easier to interact with the operating system and applications using your fingers or the Surface Pen. The Snap Layouts and Snap Groups features are particularly useful for multitasking, allowing you to organize and manage open windows more efficiently.

Windows 11 also supports running Android apps, adding a new dimension of compatibility and functionality to the Surface Pro 9. This feature opens up a vast library of Android applications that you can run on your device, broadening your software options.

The Surface Pro 9 offers multiple layers of security to protect your data and privacy. It includes a hardware-based TPM (Trusted Platform Module) for secure storage of encryption keys, helping to safeguard your sensitive information.

For biometric authentication, the device is equipped with both Windows Hello facial recognition and a fingerprint sensor. These options provide quick and convenient ways to unlock your device and secure your data. Facial recognition is particularly fast and reliable, even in various lighting conditions.

The front-facing camera on the Surface Pro 9 is a 5-megapixel webcam capable of capturing 1080p video. It provides clear video quality for video conferencing and virtual meetings, making it an excellent choice for remote work and online collaboration. The dual far-field studio microphones ensure that your voice is picked up accurately, reducing background noise during calls.

The device also features an 8-megapixel rear camera, which can be handy for capturing documents, whiteboards, or other content when needed.

The Surface Pro 9’s audio quality is surprisingly good for a device of its size. The dual front-facing speakers offer clear and loud sound, making it enjoyable to watch movies, listen to music, or participate in video conferences without the need for external speakers or headphones.

Microsoft offers a range of accessories to enhance the functionality and versatility of the Surface Pro 9. In addition to the Type Cover keyboard and Surface Pen, there are other accessories like the Surface Dock, which expands the device’s connectivity options with additional ports. The Surface Dock is a valuable addition if you need to connect multiple peripherals, monitors, and external storage devices.

There are also various cases and sleeves available to protect the Surface Pro 9 during transport, and even a Surface Dial, which adds an extra layer of creativity and functionality when used with compatible applications.

Pros of the Microsoft Surface Pro 9:

1. Powerful Performance: The 12th Gen Intel i7 processor, 32GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage ensure the device can handle demanding tasks with ease.
2. Versatile 2-in-1 Design: The detachable Type Cover and support for the Surface Pen make it easy to switch between tablet and laptop modes for various tasks.
3. Stunning Display: The 13-inch PixelSense touchscreen display with a 120Hz refresh rate offers vibrant colors and sharp visuals, perfect for productivity and entertainment.
4. Excellent Build Quality: The platinum-colored magnesium-aluminum chassis is not only attractive but also durable and lightweight.
5. Windows 11 Optimization: The device benefits from Windows 11’s enhancements in performance and touch/pen input support.
6. Surface Pen Support: The Surface Pro 9’s compatibility with the Surface Pen, including the Surface Slim Pen 2, offers an exceptional digital inking experience.
7. Battery Life: The device offers up to 10 hours of battery life, making it suitable for a full workday without needing to recharge.
8. Biometric Security: Windows Hello facial recognition and a fingerprint sensor provide quick and secure authentication options.
9. Audio and Video Quality: The dual front-facing speakers and high-quality webcam with studio microphones enhance the audio and video experience for communication and entertainment.
10. Range of Accessories: Microsoft offers a variety of accessories, including the Surface Dock, Type Cover, and Surface Dial, to enhance the device’s functionality.

Cons of the Microsoft Surface Pro 9:

1. Type Cover Sold Separately: The Type Cover keyboard, a crucial accessory for laptop functionality, is sold separately, increasing the overall cost.
2. No Thunderbolt Support: The absence of Thunderbolt 4 support might disappoint users who rely on Thunderbolt accessories for high-speed data transfer and connectivity.
3. Additional Accessory Costs: While Microsoft offers a range of accessories, adding them can significantly increase the overall investment in the Surface Pro 9.
4. Limited Graphics Performance: While suitable for casual gaming and graphics tasks, the integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics may not satisfy users with more demanding gaming or graphical requirements.
5. Weight and Portability: While relatively lightweight, some users may find the device slightly heavier than dedicated tablets, impacting extended use in tablet mode.
6. Limited Connectivity: With only one USB-C and one USB-A port, the Surface Pro 9 might not offer enough connectivity for users with multiple peripherals.
7. Limited App Ecosystem: While Windows 11 introduces support for Android apps, the Windows Store may still have a smaller app selection compared to other ecosystems like iOS or Android.

Conclusion

The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is a 2-in-1 device that excels in versatility, performance, and portability. With its sleek design, high-quality display, and powerful 12th Gen Intel i7 processor, it’s an ideal choice for professionals, creatives, and students who require a multifunctional device for work and play. The exceptional support for the Surface Pen adds another layer of functionality, making it a great option for digital artists and note-takers.

While the Type Cover keyboard is sold separately, it’s an essential accessory to unlock the full potential of the Surface Pro 9 as a laptop replacement. Additionally, the device’s battery life and excellent build quality further enhance its appeal.

The Surface Pro 9 is not without its minor drawbacks, such as the absence of Thunderbolt support and the additional cost of accessories, but these are outweighed by the numerous benefits it offers. Whether you’re a professional on the go, a student in need of a versatile study tool, or a creative enthusiast seeking a canvas for your ideas, the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 delivers in style.

In conclusion, the Surface Pro 9 is a shining example of Microsoft’s commitment to innovation and excellence in the 2-in-1 device category. It seamlessly combines power and flexibility, making it a worthy investment for those who demand the best of both worlds in a single device.