What To Know
- The Surface Pro 8 also features a premium design with a magnesium alloy exterior, but it’s slightly larger than the Surface X with a 13-inch PixelSense Flow display.
- The Surface Pro 8 has a wider range of ports, including two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a USB-C port, a Surface Connect port, and a 3.
- The Surface Pro 8 supports a wider range of accessories, including the Surface Pen, Surface Keyboard, and Surface Dock.
The Microsoft Surface line has long been a popular choice for professionals and creatives alike, offering a range of devices to meet different needs. Two of the most recent additions to the Surface family are the Surface X and Surface Pro 8, both of which offer unique advantages and drawbacks. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the key differences between the Microsoft Surface X and Pro 8 to help you determine which device is right for you.
Design and Build
Surface X: The Surface X boasts a sleek and ultra-portable design with a magnesium alloy body and a 13-inch PixelSense display. It’s incredibly thin and lightweight, weighing just 1.65 pounds, making it highly portable.
Surface Pro 8: The Surface Pro 8 also features a premium design with a magnesium alloy exterior, but it’s slightly larger than the Surface X with a 13-inch PixelSense Flow display. It’s a bit heavier than the Surface X at 1.96 pounds, but it still maintains a slim profile.
Display
Surface X: The Surface X’s 13-inch PixelSense display offers a resolution of 2880 x 1920 pixels, resulting in a sharp and vibrant image. It supports 10-point multi-touch and Surface Pen input.
Surface Pro 8: The Surface Pro 8’s 13-inch PixelSense Flow display boasts a higher resolution of 2880 x 1920 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate. This provides a smoother and more responsive experience, especially when scrolling through documents or web pages.
Performance and Operating System
Surface X: The Surface X is powered by a custom-designed Microsoft SQ2 processor, which is based on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx platform. It runs on Windows 11 SE, a streamlined version of Windows 11 optimized for ARM-based devices. This limits the Surface X’s compatibility with certain software and applications.
Surface Pro 8: The Surface Pro 8 offers a range of processor options, including 11th-generation Intel Core i5 and i7 processors. It runs on Windows 11 Pro, providing full compatibility with all Windows applications.
Storage and Memory
Surface X: The Surface X comes with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of SSD storage, with an option to upgrade to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage.
Surface Pro 8: The Surface Pro 8 offers more storage and memory options, including 8GB, 16GB, or 32GB of RAM and 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB of SSD storage.
Battery Life
Surface X: The Surface X has a claimed battery life of up to 15 hours of typical usage. However, real-world battery life may vary depending on factors such as usage patterns and screen brightness.
Surface Pro 8: The Surface Pro 8’s battery life is rated at up to 16 hours of typical usage. It also supports fast charging, allowing you to quickly power up your device when needed.
Connectivity and Ports
Surface X: The Surface X features two USB-C ports and a Surface Connect port. It supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless connectivity.
Surface Pro 8: The Surface Pro 8 has a wider range of ports, including two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a USB-C port, a Surface Connect port, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. It also supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1.
Accessories and Compatibility
Surface X: The Surface X is compatible with a limited range of accessories, including the Surface Slim Pen and Surface Keyboard.
Surface Pro 8: The Surface Pro 8 supports a wider range of accessories, including the Surface Pen, Surface Keyboard, and Surface Dock.
Price
Surface X: The Surface X starts at $999 for the base model with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage.
Surface Pro 8: The Surface Pro 8 starts at $1,099 for the base model with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage.
In a nutshell: Choosing the Right Device
The Microsoft Surface X and Pro 8 are both excellent devices, but they cater to different needs and preferences. The Surface X is ideal for those who prioritize portability and a sleek design, while the Surface Pro 8 offers more power, versatility, and compatibility. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your specific requirements and budget.
Frequently Discussed Topics
1. Which device has a better display?
The Surface Pro 8 has a higher resolution display with a 120Hz refresh rate, providing a smoother and more responsive experience.
2. Which device is more powerful?
The Surface Pro 8 offers more powerful processor options, including Intel Core i5 and i7 processors, while the Surface X has a custom-designed Microsoft SQ2 processor.
3. Which device has a longer battery life?
Both devices have similar battery life ratings, but real-world battery life may vary depending on usage patterns.
4. Which device has more ports?
The Surface Pro 8 has a wider range of ports, including Thunderbolt 4 ports and a 3.5mm headphone jack.
5. Which device is more compatible with accessories?
The Surface Pro 8 supports a wider range of accessories, including the Surface Pen, Surface Keyboard, and Surface Dock.
