Microsoft Surface Pro 9

Microsoft is quite selective about the products it produces, so each one is carefully designed to appeal to a specific audience. Since there are not many Surface devices available at any given time, it is simpler to decide which one will best suit your needs. Microsoft has launched Surface Pro 9 in Pakistan last year in October which is one of the nicest looking two-in-ones tablet PC you can buy in the market. Fun fact: when Microsoft created this two-in-one product, they gave the engineering schematics to other PC vendors, which is why you will see quite a lot of copies of it on the market. It is not because they are copying Microsoft, well technically they are, but they were given those engineering schematics so that they can create versions of their own and it has done very well for Microsoft because now we have a lot of good two-in-ones to choose from.

The new Surface Pro 9 comes in two different variants, resulting in two quite distinctive devices. One version is Intel-based while the other is Qualcomm’s ARM-based with SQ3 chip. Both models are nice but there are some differences between the two and we need to pay attention to those differences before purchasing because it can get quite confusing for the average user. With 12th-generation Intel processors, the Windows tablet comes in a variety of vibrant colors. Platinum, Graphite, Sapphire, and Forest are among the color options. A special-edition Liberty blue floral pattern is also available for both the tablet and the keyboard cover. The Surface Pro 9 is a gorgeous device with a fantastic display and high-end specs, and it's an easy recommendation even though it does come with some trade-offs.

Without further ado, let us have a look at the configurations and specs of the two beautiful versions launched by Microsoft in 2022, the Surface Pro 9.

Specs and Pricing

Get professional-level performance for everything from CAD files to Excel spreadsheets with 12th Gen Core processors based on the Evo platform. The Intel version comes with the 12th Generation i5 or i7 processor with a WiFi connectivity. It has a battery life of up to 15.5 hours. Pro 9 Intel offers a secured core PC along with TPM 2.0. It comes with four Thunderbolts and two USB-C ports in addition to a surface connection and keyboard port. On the other hand, with the Microsoft SQ3 Neural Processing unit, you can stay connected while enjoying quick multitasking and longer battery life of up to 19 hours. It offers enhanced security with a Microsoft Pluton processor and also comes with two USB-C 3.2 ports. Microsoft Surface Pro 9 Price in Pakistan starts from Rs. 304,900 but this does not include any of the accessories like a keyboard or pen.

Design and Build

Over the years, the design of Surface Pro got better and this is no exception to it. The design and dimensions are fairly similar to the previous version. It is all metal built which is excellent in terms of built quality. It is rock solid and the engineering done on the kickstand is first-rate. Microsoft has done a great job in terms of the quality and build on these units.

Internals and SSD

Both models have a little trapdoor that allows you to access the SSD for upgradeability which is always great. The Qualcomm 5G version needs a SIM ejection tool to get access to the SSD. There is also a space for a SIM card as it is the 5G version with supports e-SIM as well. If you go with the Intel version, you do not need the SIM ejection tool that pops off pretty easily. You just have to press the indentation and you are ready to go. These might not be the fastest SSDs we have seen but they will be adequate for what the users need to do. For those who are wondering why there is no way to upgrade the RAM on either unit, make sure that you get enough RAM for your needs when purchasing these units.

Signature Keyboard Cover

The must-have accessory is the signature keyboard cover along with the surface slim pen too. These are separate purchases that add to the overall cost of the unit, it is quite important to keep this in mind.

Ports and Connections

The Pro 9 models have 2 USB type-C ports that are fully functional, supporting data, charge, and display. If you have the 5G version, it includes USB type-C 3.2 Gen 2. If you go with the Intel version, it has USB type-C Thunderbolt 4 support which allows the users to connect to external monitors, 4K monitors, AK monitors, docks, and external GPU if the users need it. On the right side of the tablet is the surface connect port. You can either charge on that port or you can charge on either one of the USB-C ports. Notably missing, there is no SD card reader and headphone jack. Users may use Bluetooth for connecting wireless earplugs. The power button is positioned at the top of the unit along with the volume rocker up and down moving it from the pretty good side. In the 5G version, you will also notice the antenna lines placed strategically which you will not get in the Intel version.

Display

One of the best parts of the Surface Pro 9 whether it is the Intel or the Qualcomm ARM variant, is the display. It has a 13-inch pixel sense flow display which means that it has a dynamic refresh rate of up to 120 hertz. With this refresh rate, you get smooth scrolling and that is quite a fluid experience. Intel variant does support Dolby Vision IQ while the 5G variant does not. Otherwise, the displays are quite the same between the two of them and they both are very bright, have deep blacks and both have quite vibrant colors. It also has good color accuracy and there is good coverage of the color gamut. Both have very bright displays averaging about 450 nits of brightness and that is excellent. Depending on which color tablet you choose, you will get the magic wallpaper which is a nice little touch by Microsoft. It features a multi-touch display and the responsiveness is excellent navigating through the OS with touch is quite good on this device. If you want to take notes or sketch out diagrams or artwork, you should invest in the slim pen too as it is a must-have accessory along with the signature keyboard cover.

Keyboard and Touchpad

As far as typing on the type cover, it is quite good. The key travel and tactility of the keyboard are amazing. When the user will use it on the raised typing angle, it is pretty sturdy. It does not feel as hollow as it did in the past years. Microsoft has done a really good iteration in this. They have done nice improvements over the years on the type cover. It is a great accessory, turning this into a full-time laptop. The precision touchpad is responsive on this when it comes to two-finger scrolling and doing all the gestures that work great.

Windows Studio Effects and Webcam

The Qualcomm ARM version is the one with the Windows studio effects which gives users auto framing, blurring the background. One can also adjust certain settings because of the Neural Processing Unit that has eye contact, so there are a lot of extra features in this model of tablet PC. It also has the voice focus which removes any background noise when using Zoom or any kind of video conferencing application which is pretty good. There is an IR camera so that you can log in with face recognition with Windows Hello. It does not come with a fingerprint scanner so one has to rely on the camera to log in or use their passcode or password. The Intel does not come with extra features like the ARM but still has a quite good camera quality.

Performance

Things get pretty interesting when it comes to performance as the user has to choose very carefully between the two. There is quite a difference performance-wise between the Surface Pro 9 5G and the Intel 12th Gen processor. The single-core, multi-core performance and overall graphics performance are great on i5 or i7 12th Gen processors. Neither of these would be good for gaming purposes as these are not designed for it but for everyday multi-taking usages like MS Office, email and web browsing. Keeping in mind that the Pro 9 SQ3 variant is not compatible with certain applications. Compared to the Surface Pro 8, there is not much of a difference but the former performed better than Surface Pro 9. The Surface Pro 8 outperformed the SQ3 variant released last year.

Fan Noise and Thermals

Intel has any fan noise because it has fans while the ARM variant does not and it does not go above 35 decibels. The former never gets overly hot or does not feel hot to touch while the latter stays relatively cool even though it is passively cooled. If you are a productivity person, the 5G variant is your go-to option as there is no fan noise so you do not have to contend with that.

Battery Life

The 5G variant with the SQ3 chip is much better in terms of overall battery life whether or not you go for a refresh rate. But both the units have better battery life than Surface Pro 8. The 5G model comes with a 39-watt power adapter while the 12th Gen version comes with a 65-watt power adapter, both charge pretty fast when it comes to charging. There is an extra USB A charging port with the i5 or i7 version to charge the peripherals.

Conclusion

The Surface Pro 9 does not exactly excel at gaming, but it does have a few advantages that could make it the perfect choice for the right user. It might be a perfect fit if you prefer to take notes by hand or require a portable laptop alternative that is capable of running the software most of us use every day quite well. It lacks the versatility of other tablets and the power of a gaming laptop at a comparable price for everyone else. The presumptions regarding the benefits and drawbacks of these chips are likely accurate when Intel and SQ3 are compared side by side. The ARM-based SQ3 has longer battery life while the Intel 12th-gen chips are faster.

Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is a beautiful product but it is not much of an upgrade over the Surface Pro 8. Regardless of this, the Pro 9 remains one of the best 2-in-1 Convertible laptops in Pakistan you can buy. Visit Paklap for a worthwhile purchase!