Microsoft Surface Pro 9: What’s new in the flagship tablet from Microsoft

I am not going to lie. I am a real fan of the Microsoft Surface Pro. The built-in kick stand, the large display and the versatility of a tablet and laptop in one. Although, you will need the optional Surface Keyboard and Pen to truly take advantage of it as a 2-in-1 detachable hybrid. So, it won’t come as a surprise when Microsoft launched the Surface Pro 9, our interest in the device is renewed once again.

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What’s new in the flagship tablet, Microsoft Surface Pro 9

Microsoft seems to be sticking to the mantra “don’t fix it if it ain’t broken” with the Surface Pro tablet. Generations after generations the design looks pretty much the same with minor tweaks here and spec bumps there. But this 9th generation tablet has more under the hood going for it. Here is what’s new.

1. The expected spec bumps

The last Surface Pro 8 was launched in 2021. A year later, you would expect the usual spec bumps, since the last iterations was quite a jump from the previous generation. The 2022 version gives us the same looking tablet, even similar in dimensions, kitted with newer 12th generation Intel Processor and newer Microsoft SQ3 chip for the 5G enabled version (a bit more on this later). Basically, what you get with this generation is entirely under the hood.

2. The Surface Pro X is now part of Surface Pro 9

Yes, it will still use Microsoft specified ARM chip but will just be known as Surface Pro 9 with 5G, dropping the Surface Pro X name. The standard Surface Pro (without 5G) will use Intel’s 12 generation (Alder Lake) Core-i processors. Merging the two lines make it a little confusing when choosing the right tablet. You may think that they are the same tablet but they are based on wholly different architecture. The always connected ARM model is designed for connectivity first with the inclusion of Qualcomm’s 5G chip. For more productivity and processor intensive work, choose the version powered by Intel. To muddy the waters even more, there are three different series sharing the same Surface Pro 9 name, they are as below:

• Surface Pro 9 with 5G (ARM chip)
• Surface Pro 9 for Consumers (Intel Processors)
• Surface Pro 9 for Business (Intel Processors)

3. Bigger “Surface Pro X”

Dropping the X name and joining the Surface Pro 9 line also means the cellular model, Surface Pro 9 with 5G now gains both in dimensions and weight. Now thicker and heavier, it does feel significantly different to its predecessor. However, it’s not something to worry about give that it also means you get plenty in return in the form of battery life with up to 19 hours per charge on typical use.

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4. Processors or chip

Names aside, The processors in use are in deed the latest. Microsoft goes all in with 12th generation Alder Lake Intel Core i5-1235U and Intel Core i7-1255U processors. The mid-range Intel Core i5-1235U processor comes with a total of 10 cores, 2 of which are performance cores with a maximum frequency of 4.40GHz while the other 8 are efficient cores with a maximum frequency of 3.30GHz. Together they offer a total of 12 processing threads with 12MB Intel Smart Cache memory.

The faster Intel Core i7-1255U also has the same number of cores, 2 performance cores with a higher maximum frequency of 4.70GHz and 8 efficient cores with a higher maximum frequency of 3.50GHz. Choosing the U-series to power the Surface Pro means the processors are kinder on the battery. Both processors has a base power consumption of only 15W maxing out at 55W. At the same power rating, the Intel Core i7 does give you more power per watt but not by a lot.

PassMark puts the Intel Core i7-1255U at 13459 in the Average CPU Mark score and 3350 in the Single Thread Rating (see CPU Benchmarks). On the other hand, the Intel Core i5-1235U manages 13432 in Average CPU Mark and 3336 in Single Thread Rating (see CPU Benchmark). This puts the two processor quite close to each other in terms of performance.  Scores are correct at the time of writing.

For the mobile chip, the custom Microsoft SQ3 is actually based on Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 chip which puts it right up there with all the latest flagships. It achieves an Average CPU Mark of 11783 and a Single Thread Rating of 2540 (see CPU Benchmark).

5. Memory and storage options are the same

In true Surface Pro fashion, there is a whole range of memory and storage options aside from picking which Intel Core-i processor to go for. For memory, its 8GB, 16GB or 32GB. For storage, there is 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB for a total of  6 configurations as shown below:

• Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD
• Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD
• Intel Core i7, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD
• Intel Core i7, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD
• Intel Core i7, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD
• Intel Core i7, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD

For the Surface Pro 9 with 5G, you have two options, with memory at 8GB or 16GB and storage at 128GB or 256GB. Options are as below.

• SQ3, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD
• SQ3, 16GB RAM 256GB SSD

It is worth noting that on the Intel models, you get faster LPDDR5X memory and for both Intel and ARM powered devices, the SSD storage is easily removable with the hatch hidden securely behind the kickstand.

6. Higher resolution web cam with 4-degree tilt

With group video calls and online meetings being the norm, the front facing camera gets an upgrade from using a 5MP sensor to a 10MP sensor although the rear facing camera stays the same with a 10MP sensor. It doesn’t stop there as it is also tilted down by 4-degree for a model levelled view, at least for the user at the other end

In our mind, there is no real advantage in increasing the sensor unless you introduce ultra wide lenses and centre stage like feature. This is only available on Surface Pro 9 with 5G or what Microsoft likes to call Automatic Framing. It also takes advantage of Neural Processing Unit in the ARM chip to make Windows Studio effects possible on Windows 11. On top of Automatic Framing, features include Eye Contact, Voice Focus to filter out background noise and Portrait Background Blur.

The supported video recording resolution for the front facing camera is still Full HD at 1080p and is used for Windows Hello face authentication. For 4K recording, use the 10MP rear facing autofocus camera.

7. Still manages good battery life

The device may pile up on CPU cores, but it is still very energy efficient. The Intel Core-i models manages up to 15.5 hours on a full charge, 30 minutes less than the Surface Pro 8 model’s 16 hours. It does this with slightly lower capacity battery, a nominal of 47.7Wh down from 51.5Wh. Even so, 15.5 hours is a long time. As for the 5G model, it can achieve up to 19 hours on typical use up from 16 hours with Surface Pro X.

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8. More exciting colour options

If you think the dark shades of Graphite is a great addition to the standard Platinum (silver), wait till you see the Surface Pro 9 colour options. There are now four colours to choose from with the addition of Sapphire (Blue) and Forest (Green). Plus, accompanying optional keyboard covers are available in various designs with matching shades; grey, black, blue and green.

9. Blazing fast 5G

In case you haven’t noticed, first on a Surface Pro is the blazing fast 5G connectivity but only with ARM model using Qualcomm’s 5G chip.

10. Lost the audio

Being a super sleek tablet means there is no room for extra ports. Just like the Surface Pro 8, you only get two USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 4 support on Intel models. This is on top of the Surface Connect port and Surface Type Cover port. However, there is one thing missing this time. The 3.5mm headphone jack is finally gone from the Surface Pro 9.

Everything else stayed the same

The spacious 13-inch PixelSense Flow touchscreen display is still based on LCD. Based on 3:2 aspect ratio, it is more practical for productivity applications and web browsing. At 2880 x 1920 pixels resolution, images look sharp and motion is smooth with up to 120Hz dynamic refresh rate (DRR). Although, Microsoft has listed some features for the first time, such as Dolby Vision IQ support (HDR), contrast ratio of 1200:1, Gorilla Glass 5, Auto Colour Management support and sRGB coverage.

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Final Thoughts

We don’t cover them here but the Surface Pro 9 for Business uses different Intel Core i5-1245U and Intel Core i7-1265U. These are again only slightly faster/slower than those found in the Consumer units.

The Intel Core i5-1245U manages an Average CPU Mark of 13094 and Single Thread Rating of 3194 while the Intel Core i7-1265U scored 13491 and 3387 respectively (See CPU Benchmarks). As you can see, there are some discrepancies with the scores here.

Ultimately, our favourite would still be the Intel Core i5-1235U model. With the right memory and storage, it has the best balance for performance and cost. The embedded Intel Iris Xe graphics will even allow you to game locally on top of online gaming.

However, you might want to consider the 5G enabled ARM model if portability and connectivity is foremost on your mind. Most applications written for ARM are now more stable, and you get the bonus of longer battery life. Just be sure to check that the app you intend to use is supported.

Whatever you decision, whether to go with the ARM or Intel options, consider the optional Microsoft Type Cover and Slim Pen 2 stylus. These are essential accessories to make the most of the tablet. It does however push the price way up so budget for them accordingly.

Surface Pro 8 vs Surface Pro 9 (Intel Models) Comparison