Microsoft’s new Surface Pro 9 has been launched. It offers both the flexibility and power of a tablet, with the option of either an Intel 12-Gen Core or a Microsoft SQ3 Arm processor.
It’s a major shakeup for Microsoft’s tablet PCs. Users are now wondering if two Surface Pros with different processors can co-exist harmoniously. The new Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is here.
Microsoft also revealed the Surface Laptop 5 (and Surface Studio 2+) models. They didn’t have any major upgrades except for the necessary ones, such as processors.
Surface Pro 9 available in Intel 12th-Gen Arm Processors and Microsoft SQ3 Arm Processors
Microsoft upgraded the Surface Pro 9 tablet with Intel’s 12th Generation Core processor, as everyone expected. They surprised everyone by introducing another Surface Pro 9 with a custom SQ3-ARM chip that includes 5G.
Surface Pro 9 buyers now have the option to choose which processor they want to use. Both models feel and look the same. The SQ3 Arm-powered model has more visible 5G antennas.
Microsoft claims that both variants perform the same, but we may have to verify this ourselves. Geekbench 5’s early test resulted in 978/4760, which is slower than Intel 12th or even 11th-gen systems.
Software optimization can improve performance, but it is possible to make the system run faster. Microsoft representatives noted that ARM devices have improved app compatibility with legacy x86 applications. Both models will work flawlessly for an increasing number of apps.
What are the differences between the Surface Pro 9 versions?
The Surface Pro 9 with an Intel 12th-Gen Core processor is identical to the Surface Pro 9 with a custom SQ3ARM chip. There are no major differences. The SQRARM model adds certain features.
This neural processor includes real-time enhancements like blurring the background and video chats. Microsoft claims that these features can also be added to Intel chips if they have their own neural processing units.
The appearance and performance of both models are very similar. Shoppers will be confused if they don’t do their research before walking into stores. Microsoft admits to having usability issues.
Surface Pro 9: Full Specifications
Let’s take a look at the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 in terms of its full specs and design.
| Screen | 13.-inch PixelSenseFlow display, 2,880×1,920 resolution, 120Hz refresh rate |
| Processor | 12th Generation Intel Core i5-1235U (12th Gen Intel Core i7-1255U) (Surface Pro 9), Microsoft SQ 3 (Surface Pro 9 5G) |
| Ports | 2 USBC ports with Thunderbolt® 4.0 and a Microsoft Surface connector, (Surface Pro 9), 2 USB-C-3.2 ports, a nano sim slots, and a Microsoft Surface connector, (Surface Pro 9 5G). |
| Battery | Up to 15.5 hours (Surface Pro 9), or up to 19 (Surface Pro 9 and 5G). |
| RAM | 8GB (16GB, 32GB, or 32GB LPDDR5 RAM (Surface Pro 9), 8GB or 16GB RAM LPDDR4x (Surface Pro 9 using 5G). |
| Storage | 128GB 256GB 512GB or 1TB of removable SSD storage, (Surface Pro 9), 128GB 256GB or 512GB removable SSD storage, (Surface Pro 9) or 128GB 256GB or 512GB (Surface Pro 9 (with 5G) |
| Camera | 1080p Windows Hello Front Camera and a 10-megapixel Rear Camera |
Surface Pro 9 Design & Display
Microsoft has not made any major changes to Surface Pro 9’s design, except for the more prominent 5G antennas on the SQ3 ARM model. The 13-inch PixelSense display measures 2880×1920 PixelSense and have a 120Hz refresh rate.
This device is ideal for fluid scrolling and sketching, especially when using the Surface Pen. Thunderbolt 4 ports are available on the Surface Pro 9, which can be used to connect external displays and accessories. The battery is now more powerful and can last for around 15.5 hours.
Your Type Cover keyboard will need to be purchased separately. Surface Pro 9 has been designed for Surface Slim Pen 2, but can be used with any Surface Pen.
What colour options are available for Microsoft Surface Pro 9’s Surface Pro 9?
Microsoft hasn’t made much of the Surface Pro 9’s processor choice. Perhaps the most important change to the Tablet Laptop is the availability of four colour options.
Microsoft has kept the Surface Pro 9’s Graphite and Platinum colours, but added two new colours: Sapphire (Blue), and Forest (Green). These new colours are stunning and come with their own Type Cover keyboards.
To make your setup more personal, you can mix and match colours on your Surface Pro 9 keyboard and Surface Pro 9 keyboard. There are many options available.
Surface Pro 9 price:
For the entry-level platinum version, the Surface Pro 9 costs $999 The 2-in-1 tablet laptop Intel will be $1,099 if you require more colours or have at least 256GB storage.
The Surface Pro 9 with the SQ3 ARM processor chip will cost you $1,299. To find out the exact cost of the Surface Pro 9, you can browse the colour options and storage options available on the Microsoft Store.
You can also use the Surface Pen or Keyboard support. These will need to be purchased separately, which increases the overall cost.
What is the Surface Pro 9 Release Date?
Surface Pro 9 will be available in retail stores on October 25, 2022. We expect the Surface Studio 2+, Surface Laptop 5, and Surface Pro 9 to be released on the same date.
The Microsoft Store allows you to pre-order the Surface Pro 9 immediately. All major retailers will have the tablet-like laptop starting October 25th. Pre-orders for the laptop will be shipped on that same date.
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