What To Know
- The Microsoft Surface Pro 4 and Surface Pro 8 represent the evolution of the Surface Pro series, offering a seamless blend of productivity and entertainment.
- While the Surface Pro 4 holds its own as a capable device, the Surface Pro 8 sets a new benchmark for versatility and performance.
- The Surface Pro 8 features a larger, higher-resolution display with a 120Hz refresh rate and Dolby Vision HDR support, offering a superior visual experience.
The Microsoft Surface Pro series has consistently pushed the boundaries of innovation and versatility, offering a seamless blend of laptop and tablet functionality. In this in-depth comparison, we pit the Surface Pro 4 against its successor, the Surface Pro 8, to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
Design and Build Quality
Surface Pro 4: The Surface Pro 4 features a sleek and minimalist design with a magnesium alloy chassis. Its compact size and weight make it highly portable, while the included kickstand provides stability for a wide range of viewing angles.
Surface Pro 8: The Surface Pro 8 boasts a more refined design with a thinner profile and rounded edges. Its chassis is crafted from aluminum, lending it a premium feel and increased durability. The kickstand has been redesigned to offer a more secure and versatile experience.
Display
Surface Pro 4: The Surface Pro 4 sports a 12.3-inch PixelSense display with a resolution of 2736 x 1824 pixels. It offers excellent color accuracy and sharp details, providing an immersive visual experience.
Surface Pro 8: The Surface Pro 8 features a larger 13-inch PixelSense Flow display with a higher resolution of 2880 x 1920 pixels. It incorporates a 120Hz refresh rate, resulting in smoother scrolling and animations. The display also supports Dolby Vision HDR, delivering a wider color gamut and enhanced contrast.
Performance
Surface Pro 4: The Surface Pro 4 is available with Intel Core i5 or i7 processors, paired with up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. While capable of handling everyday tasks, its performance can be limited for demanding applications.
Surface Pro 8: The Surface Pro 8 offers a significant performance boost with Intel Core i5, i7, or i9 processors, along with up to 32GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. It can effortlessly handle multitasking, video editing, and other resource-intensive tasks.
Battery Life
Surface Pro 4: The Surface Pro 4’s battery life varies depending on usage, but it generally lasts around 7-9 hours on a single charge.
Surface Pro 8: The Surface Pro 8 boasts improved battery life, providing up to 16 hours of use on a single charge. Its larger battery capacity and optimized power management allow for extended use without the need for constant charging.
Connectivity
Surface Pro 4: The Surface Pro 4 offers a range of connectivity options, including USB 3.0, Mini DisplayPort, and a microSD card slot.
Surface Pro 8: The Surface Pro 8 expands connectivity with the addition of two Thunderbolt 4 ports, which provide faster data transfer speeds and support external displays and peripherals.
Price
Surface Pro 4: The Surface Pro 4 is no longer available for purchase directly from Microsoft, but refurbished models can be found online.
Surface Pro 8: The Surface Pro 8 starts at $1,099 for the base model and can exceed $2,000 for higher-end configurations.
Which One is Right for You?
The best choice between the Surface Pro 4 and Surface Pro 8 depends on your specific needs and budget. If you prioritize portability, affordability, and a solid overall experience, the Surface Pro 4 remains a viable option. However, if you seek the latest performance, display technology, and connectivity options, the Surface Pro 8 is the superior choice.
Key Points: The Evolution of Versatility
The Microsoft Surface Pro 4 and Surface Pro 8 represent the evolution of the Surface Pro series, offering a seamless blend of productivity and entertainment. While the Surface Pro 4 holds its own as a capable device, the Surface Pro 8 sets a new benchmark for versatility and performance. Ultimately, the choice between these two devices lies in your individual requirements and budget.
Frequently Discussed Topics
Q: Which device has a better display?
A: The Surface Pro 8 features a larger, higher-resolution display with a 120Hz refresh rate and Dolby Vision HDR support, offering a superior visual experience.
Q: Can I use the Surface Pen with both devices?
A: Yes, both the Surface Pro 4 and Surface Pro 8 support the Surface Pen, allowing for natural and precise input.
Q: Which one has longer battery life?
A: The Surface Pro 8 boasts a significant improvement in battery life, providing up to 16 hours of use on a single charge.
