As a tech enthusiast and an avid Surface Pro user, I’ve eagerly awaited the release of Microsoft’s latest addition to their 2-in-1 lineup—the Surface Pro 11. Microsoft has skipped the number 10, jumping directly from the Surface Pro 9 to the 11, a move that promises significant upgrades and innovations. With the Surface Pro 11 hitting stores on June 18, it’s time to dive deep into what makes this new model stand out and whether it’s worth the upgrade from the Surface Pro 9. Let’s explore the biggest upgrades and how these two devices compare in various aspects, including specs, design, display, performance, and more.
Surface Pro 11 vs. Surface Pro 9: Specs at a Glance
Here’s a quick look at the specifications of the Surface Pro 11 and Surface Pro 9:
| Feature | Surface Pro 11 | Surface Pro 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $999 | $749 (currently) |
| CPU | Snapdragon X Plus or X Elite | 12th Gen Intel Core i5 or i7 |
| RAM | 16GB or 32GB LPDDR5x | 8GB, 16GB, or 32GB LPDDR5 |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB SSD | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB SSD |
| Display | 13 inches OLED or LCD (2880 x 1920) | 13-inch LCD (2880 x 1920) |
| Graphics | Qualcomm Adreno | Intel Xe Graphics |
| Ports | 2x USB-C/USB 4 | 2 Thunderbolt 4/USB-C, 1 Surface Connect, 1 Surface Keyboard port |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Battery Life | Up to 14 hours video playback | Up to 15.5 hours (Intel), 19 hours (SQ3) |
| Size | 11.3 x 8.2 x 0.37 inches | 11.3 x 8.2 x 0.37 inches |
| Weight | 1.97 pounds | 1.94 pounds |
| Webcam | 5MP + IR 1440p front, 10MP rear | 1080p Full HD webcam |
| Colors | Platinum, Black, Sapphire, Dune | Sapphire, Forest, Platinum, Graphite |
| Speakers | Dual 2W stereo speakers | Dual 2W stereo speakers |
Surface Pro 11 vs. Surface Pro 9: Price and Availability
Surface Pro 11
- Starting Price: $999
- Configurations: Offers various configurations, including Snapdragon X Plus or X Elite processors, up to 32GB of RAM, and up to 1TB of SSD storage.
- OLED Model: Available starting at $1,499, includes the Snapdragon X Elite, up to 32GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage.
- Extras: The Surface Pro Flex keyboard and pen combo costs an additional $449.
Surface Pro 9
- Starting Price: $749 (currently)
- Configurations: Available with 12th Gen Intel Core i5 or i7 processors, up to 32GB of RAM, and up to 1TB of SSD storage.
- Price Advantage: Currently being sold at a reduced price, making it a budget-friendly option compared to the new model.
Surface Pro 11 vs. Surface Pro 9: Design and Display
Design
Surface Pro 11 maintains the iconic design of the Surface series but with subtle enhancements. The kickstand now offers more flexible angles, and you can use the Surface Pro Flex keyboard detached from the device. This keyboard boasts extra layers of carbon fiber for stability and a larger haptic touchpad.
Surface Pro 9, while slightly older, still features the sleek and functional design synonymous with the Surface brand. It includes the standard Surface Type Cover and a reliable kickstand, though without the newer enhancements found in the Pro 11.
Display
The Surface Pro 11 breaks new ground with an OLED display option, promising near-infinite contrast ratios and peak brightness that significantly outshine the LCD of its predecessor. The base model continues with the same high-quality LCD display as the Surface Pro 9, featuring a 13-inch screen, 2880×1920 resolution, and 120Hz refresh rate.
The Surface Pro 9 has a solid LCD display, which is still impressive with the same resolution and refresh rate as the base model of the Pro 11. However, the lack of an OLED option means it doesn’t quite match the visual brilliance of the Pro 11.
Surface Pro 11 vs. Surface Pro 9: Performance and AI Features
Performance
The Surface Pro 11 is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X series, with the X Elite processor being the highlight. This chip promises up to 90% faster performance than the Surface Pro 9, thanks to its advanced architecture and AI capabilities.
The Surface Pro 9 uses 12th Gen Intel Core processors, which are still robust but do not match the sheer power and efficiency of the Snapdragon X Elite. The Pro 9 offers good performance for everyday tasks, but the Pro 11’s new processors make it a powerhouse for more demanding applications.
AI Features
The Snapdragon X Elite in the Surface Pro 11 includes an NPU (Neural Processing Unit) capable of 45 trillion operations per second, enabling advanced AI tasks like running large language models and generative AI locally on the device. This opens up new possibilities for on-device AI applications, which could be a game-changer as more apps incorporate AI features.
Surface Pro 11 vs. Surface Pro 9: Battery Life
Surface Pro 11
- Battery Life: Promises up to 14 hours of video playback.
- Efficiency: Snapdragon processors are known for their energy efficiency, potentially making the Pro 11 a long-lasting companion for on-the-go usage.
Surface Pro 9
- Battery Life: Offers up to 15.5 hours with Intel i5 and up to 19 hours with the SQ3 chipset.
- Practical Use: Despite the impressive figures, real-world usage varies. The Pro 9’s battery life remains commendable, especially with the SQ3 chipset.
Surface Pro 11 vs. Surface Pro 9: Functional Design
Surface Pro 11
The Surface Pro 11 introduces a new Surface Pro Flex Keyboard, featuring wireless Bluetooth connectivity, a dedicated Copilot button, and a haptic trackpad. For customers who depend extensively on their keyboards in particular, these improvements make it more ergonomic and adaptable.
Surface Pro 9
While the Surface Pro 9 is compatible with the new Flex Keyboard, it doesn’t come bundled with it. The standard Surface Type Cover remains functional and reliable but lacks the advanced features of the newer Flex Keyboard.
Surface Pro 11 vs. Surface Pro 9: Connectivity and Ports
Surface Pro 11
- Ports: Includes 2x USB-C/USB 4 ports.
- Wireless: Upgraded to Wi-Fi 7, offering faster and more reliable connectivity.
Surface Pro 9
- Ports: Features 2x Thunderbolt 4/USB-C ports, 1 Surface Connect port, and 1 Surface Keyboard port.
- Wireless: Equipped with Wi-Fi 6E, which is still quite fast but not as advanced as Wi-Fi 7.
Surface Pro 11 vs. Surface Pro 9: Webcam and Audio
Webcam
The Surface Pro 11 has a superior 5MP front-facing camera with IR and 1440p resolution, alongside a 10MP rear camera, making it ideal for video calls and photography.
The Surface Pro 9 comes with a 1080p Full HD webcam, which is adequate but not as impressive as the Pro 11’s camera system.
Audio
Both models feature dual 2W stereo speakers, ensuring clear and loud audio for media consumption and video calls. However, the Pro 11’s newer hardware might offer slight improvements in sound quality.
Surface Pro 11 vs. Surface Pro 9: Colors and Build
Surface Pro 11
- Colors: Available in Platinum, Black, Sapphire, and Dune.
- Build Quality: Maintains the high-quality anodized aluminum chassis, now with additional enhancements for durability and aesthetic appeal.
Surface Pro 9
- Colors: Comes in Sapphire, Forest, Platinum, and Graphite.
- Build Quality: Also features an anodized aluminum chassis, providing a robust and premium feel.
Surface Pro 11 vs. Surface Pro 9: Accessories
Surface Pro 11
The standout accessory for the Surface Pro 11 is the Surface Pro Flex Keyboard. This keyboard not only offers a better typing experience with its improved stability and haptic feedback but also introduces a dedicated Copilot button, enhancing productivity for users who utilize Microsoft’s AI features.
Surface Pro 9
The Surface Pro 9 supports the standard Surface Type Cover, which, while reliable and functional, lacks the advanced features of the newer Flex Keyboard.
Surface Pro 11 vs. Surface Pro 9: Conclusion
Which One Should You Choose?
Surface Pro 11 is undoubtedly a significant upgrade over the Surface Pro 9. With its
superior OLED display option, advanced Snapdragon X Elite processor, enhanced AI capabilities, and versatile Surface Pro Flex Keyboard, it’s designed for users who demand the latest technology and highest performance from their devices.
Surface Pro 9, on the other hand, remains a strong contender, especially with its reduced price. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option that still offers solid performance and features, the Pro 9 is a viable choice.
In conclusion, the Surface Pro 11 is the better choice for those who want cutting-edge technology and are willing to invest in the latest features. However, the Surface Pro 9 still holds its ground as a reliable and more affordable alternative.
Read Also: