[REVIEW] Microsoft Surface Pro 9 – Is this a Laptop or Tablet?

The Design

The Surface Pro 9 is a sleek and stylish tablet that offers the functionality of a laptop. Made of aluminum, it has a slim profile of only 9.3 millimeters, making it lightweight and portable. The rounded sides and corners add to its modern and sophisticated look. With a kickstand at the back and a 10 MP camera capable of shooting 4K videos, it is both practical and versatile. It comes in various colors, giving users the option to choose the one that suits their style.

The Specs

Weighing at 879 grams, the Surface Pro 9 is slightly heavier than an iPad Pro but offers more in terms of performance and features. It boasts an impressive 12.9 inch screen, perfect for those who need a larger display for work or entertainment purposes. Along the sides, you will find a power button, volume rocker, and two Thunderbolt 4 ports, which are extremely useful for a Windows machine. The display is protected by Gorilla Glass 5, ensuring durability and scratch resistance.

The Camera and Security

Equipped with a 10 megapixel rear camera and an IR sensor, the Surface Pro 9 allows for fast and secure login through Windows Hello. The front webcam is perfect for video calls and has the same 10 megapixels resolution. The display is of high quality, offering a resolution of 2880 by 1920 pixels and a three to two aspect ratio. It is bright and vibrant, reaching 454 nits and displaying colors vividly.

The Performance

Powered by Alder Lake, the Surface Pro 9 delivers exceptional performance, whether you are using it as a tablet or a laptop. It runs on Windows, giving you access to a wide range of applications and software. The tablet comes with active cooling components, which ensure that it remains cool even during heavy usage. With the option to get a keyboard cover and a Surface Pen, you can transform this tablet into a full-fledged laptop, making it perfect for productivity tasks.

Display Quality and Calibration

The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 boasts impressive display quality, thanks to its 99% sRGB coverage. This means that colors are vibrant and accurate, making it perfect for designers and artists. With Windows running on the tablet, it can be easily calibrated with design and gaming profiles, lowering the Delta e value down to an impressive 1.1. This ensures that the display meets the professional standards required by designers and artists.

PWM Usage and Display Comfort

Although there is some PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) usage below 120 nits, the amplitude of the pulsations is low and the frequency is high. This makes the display less uncomfortable for longer periods of use. However, for those who are more sensitive to PWM, fear not. The Surface Pro 9 offers a health guard profile that completely eliminates the PWM usage, ensuring a comfortable viewing experience for all users.

Audio Quality

The stereo speakers of the Surface Pro 9 are mounted on the front, slightly behind the glass cover. This positioning allows for quality sound production with no deviations across all frequencies. Whether you’re watching movies, listening to music, or participating in video conferences, you can expect crisp and clear audio from this device.

Battery Life and Efficiency

Given the higher resolution display, it’s not surprising that the battery life of the Surface Pro 9 takes a hit. With a 47.7 watt-hour unit, you can expect approximately 10 hours of web browsing or 7 hours and 30 minutes of video playback. However, thanks to the efficient Alder Lake U series processors, which run at just 15 watts, the device can be incredibly power efficient when needed. This allows users to get through their tasks without constantly worrying about battery life.

Performance and Cooling

We opted for the Core i5 1235u configuration of the Surface Pro 9, which offers a remarkable amount of power considering its size. In fact, this configuration outperforms the Surface Pro 8 from last year by a large margin. It’s even quicker than many smaller laptops that are often considered competitors. The active cooling solution inside the device features one fan, which does an excellent job of handling the Core i5 1235u. Even during stress tests, the CPU spikes to 44 watts in the early stages, showcasing the device’s impressive short-load performance.

In conclusion, the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is a versatile device that blurs the line between a laptop and a tablet. With its excellent display quality, efficient performance, and quality audio, it’s a great choice for designers, artists, and professionals alike. While the battery life may not be the longest, the device compensates with its power efficiency and impressive performance. Whether you’re working on creative projects, watching movies, or simply browsing the web, the Surface Pro 9 is a reliable and powerful companion.

Design and Construction

The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is a compact and tightly constructed device that is easily portable for on-the-go use. However, due to its small size and enclosed design, some heat can be felt on the outside. Using an IR camera, we observed the backside reaching temperatures as high as 46.7 degrees Celsius. Despite this, the fan remains impressively quiet and doesn’t even turn on during the first 15 seconds of a stress test. Microsoft has clearly done their homework in optimizing the cooling and power management of the device.

Features and Specifications

While the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 offers many impressive features, there are a few areas where it falls short. One notable absence is an SD card reader, which may be disappointing for users who rely on expandable storage. Additionally, the quad Channel lpddr5 Ram is soldered to the board, limiting upgrade options for memory. However, Microsoft has compensated for these limitations by providing a service hatch on the back, allowing users to access and upgrade the storage with smaller, 30 millimeter drives. This level of flexibility sets the Surface Pro 9 apart from other Pro tablets on the market.

Performance and Display

Microsoft has truly delivered on performance with the Surface Pro 9. From seamless multitasking to smooth graphics rendering, this device excels in delivering a powerful computing experience. The display is another standout feature, offering vibrant colors and crisp details. Whether you’re watching videos, working on documents, or editing photos, the Surface Pro 9’s display will not disappoint.

Audio and Battery Life

In terms of audio quality, the Surface Pro 9 delivers clear and balanced sound. Whether you’re listening to music, watching movies, or participating in video conferences, the built-in speakers provide a satisfying audio experience. As for battery life, the Surface Pro 9 impresses with its long-lasting performance. You won’t have to worry about running out of power during a busy day, as this device can easily keep up with your demanding tasks.

Conclusion

The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is a versatile and powerful device that blurs the line between a laptop and a tablet. With its sleek design, impressive specs, and excellent performance, it is a great option for those who need a portable device for work or entertainment. Whether you prefer the convenience of a tablet or the functionality of a laptop, the Surface Pro 9 offers the best of both worlds.

In conclusion, the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is a remarkable device that can seamlessly blur the line between a laptop and a tablet. While it may lack certain features, such as an SD card reader and upgradeable RAM, it compensates with its compact design, optimized cooling, and flexible storage options. The performance, display, audio quality, and battery life all contribute to making this device a top choice for users who require versatility and power in their computing experience. Whether you’re a professional on the go or a student in need of a portable workstation, the Surface Pro 9 is definitely worth considering.