Last updated on January 30th, 2024 at 08:29 am
In the world of high-performance tablets, two models stand out: the Surface Pro X and the Surface Pro 9. Microsoft released these devices. They have set new standards in portable computing.
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Discover the ultimate showdown: Surface Pro X vs. Surface Pro 9! Find out if it’s worth the wait or time to upgrade. This captivating blog post will keep you hooked till the very end.
Deciding between the Surface Pro 9 and Pro X can be tricky. We’re here to simplify your decision-making process.
Microsoft Surface Pro X
Microsoft Surface Pro 9
This little champ is the thinnest and lightest Surface Pro ever, perfect for backpack warriors and jetsetters. Its battery lasts all day, and you can even add super-fast internet for zipping through homework or streaming movies on the go. Think of it as a tiny tablet that transforms into a powerful laptop, but feels like it might float away! If you crave ultra-light power, the Surface Pro X might be your perfect match.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Thinner than Surface Pro 9
- Optional LTE available
- Models are now discounted
Cons
- Performance is mediocre
- Cheaper than Pro 9
- Only 60Hz display
The Surface Pro 9 is a super cool tablet-laptop combo that’s like a mix of the best parts of the Pro 8 and Pro X. It comes in two speeds (Wi-Fi or rocket-fast 5G!) and lets you choose a brainy chip inside. Plus, it has new colors to match your style!
Pros
- Dedicated Wi-Fi and 5G models
- Faster processors, Intel Evo certification
- More battery in the ARM version
- New Sapphire and Forest colors
- Same beautiful design
Cons
- Thicker than Surface Pro X
- Heavier than Surface Pro X
Specs
| Surface Pro 9 | Surface Pro 9 With 5G | Surface Pro X | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home |
| Processor | 12th Gen Intel, Intel Evo | Microsoft SQ3 | Microsoft SQ1 |
| Core i5-1235U, Core i7-1255U | Microsoft SQ2 | ||
| RAM | 8GB, 16GB, 32GB LPDDR5 | 8GB, 16GB LPDDR4x | 8GB, 16GB LPDDR4x |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Xe | Microsoft SQ3 Adreno 8CX (Gen 3) | Microsoft SQ1 Adreno 685 |
| Microsoft SQ2 Adreno 690 | |||
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Removable SSD | Removable SSD | Removable SSD | |
| Display | 13 inches, 2880×1920 (267 PPI), touch, 3:2 aspect ratio | 13 inches, 2880×1920 (267 PPI), touch, 3:2 aspect ratio | 13 inches, 2880×1920 (267 PPI), touch, 3:2 aspect ratio |
| Up to 120Hz (dynamic refresh rate), Dolby Vision | Up to 120Hz (dynamic refresh rate) | 60Hz | |
| Pen | Surface Slim Pen 2 (Sold separately) | Surface Slim Pen 2 (Sold separately) | Surface Slim Pen 2 |
| Ports | Two Thunderbolt 4, Surface Connect | Two USB-C 3.2, NanoSIM, Surface Connect | Two USB-C 3.2, NanoSIM, Surface Connect |
| Audio | Dual 2W speakers, Dolby Atmos, dual far-field mics, Voice Clarity | Dual 2W speakers, Voice Clarity, Windows Studio Effects, dual far-field mics | Dual 2W speakers, Dolby Audio, dual far-field mics |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.1 | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.1, NanoSIM, eSIM, 5G, mmWave, Sub-6 | Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Camera | Front-facing 1080p, IR camera, rear-facing 10MP (4K video) | Front-facing 1080p (Windows Studio Effects), IR camera, rear-facing 10MP (4K video) | Front-facing 5MP (1080p), rear-facing 10MP (4K video) |
| Security | TPM 2.0, Windows Hello IR camera, Windows 11 Secured-core PC | Microsoft Pluton, Windows Hello IR camera, Windows 11 Secured-core PC | TPM 2.0, Windows Hello IR camera |
| Battery | Up to 15.5 hours | Up to 19 hours | Up to 15 hours |
| Dimensions | 11.3 x 8.2 x 0.37 inches | 11.3 x 8.2 x 0.37 inches | 11.3 x 8.2 x 0.28 inches |
| (287mm x 208.3mm x 9.4mm) | (287mm x 208.3mm x 9.4mm) | (287 mm x 208 mm x 7.3 mm) | |
| Weight | 1.94 pounds (879g) | mmWave: 1.95 pounds (883g) | 1.70 pounds (774g) |
| Sub-6: 1.94 pounds (878g) | |||
| Color | Platinum, Graphite, Sapphire, Forest | Platinum | Platinum, Graphite |
Surface Pro 9
Surface Pro X
BechMark Score Of Microsoft Surface Pro 9
Credit: GeekBench
Microsoft Corporation Surface Pro 9
2002 Single-Core Score———————-7476 Multi-Core Score
Geekbench 6.0.1 for Windows AVX2————————Valid
Result Information
| Upload Date | March 06 2023 04:14 PM |
| Views | 1088 |
System Information
| System Information | |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Microsoft Windows 11 Pro (64-bit) |
| Model | Microsoft Corporation Surface Pro 9 |
| Motherboard | Microsoft Corporation Surface Pro 9 |
| Power Plan | Ausbalanciert |
| CPU Information | |
|---|---|
| Name | Intel Core i7-1265U |
| Topology | 1 Processor, 10 Cores, 12 Threads |
| Identifier | GenuineIntel Family 6 Model 154 Stepping 4 |
| Base Frequency | 2.70 GHz |
| Cluster 1 | 2 Cores |
| Cluster 2 | 8 Cores |
| Maximum Frequency | 2693 MHz |
| Package | Socket 1744 FCBGA |
| Codename | Alder Lake |
| L1 Instruction Cache | 32.0 KB x 6 |
| L1 Data Cache | 48.0 KB x 6 |
| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB x 1 |
| L3 Cache | 12.0 MB x 1 |
| Memory Information | |
|---|---|
| Size | 15.83 GB |
| Transfer Rate | 2394 MT/s |
| Type | DDR5 SDRAM |
| Channels | 4 |
Single-Core Performance
| Single-Core Score | 2002 |
|---|---|
| File Compression | 1915 275.0 MB/sec |
| Navigation | 1742 10.5 routes/sec |
| HTML5 Browser | 2054 42.1 pages/sec |
| PDF Renderer | 2105 48.6 Mpixels/sec |
| Photo Library | 2166 29.4 images/sec |
| Clang | 2106 10.4 Klines/sec |
| Text Processing | 2129 170.5 pages/sec |
| Asset Compression | 2205 68.3 MB/sec |
| Object Detection | 2067 61.9 images/sec |
| Background Blur | 2037 8.43 images/sec |
| Horizon Detection | 2022 62.9 Mpixels/sec |
| Object Remover | 1427 109.7 Mpixels/sec |
| HDR | 2017 59.2 Mpixels/sec |
| Photo Filter | 2022 20.1 images/sec |
| Ray Tracer | 2028 1.96 Mpixels/sec |
| Structure from Motion | 1942 61.5 Kpixels/sec |
Multi-Core Performance
| Multi-Core Score | 7476 |
|---|---|
| File Compression | 4859 697.8 MB/sec |
| Navigation | 9019 54.3 routes/sec |
| HTML5 Browser | 9099 186.3 pages/sec |
| PDF Renderer | 8505 196.1 Mpixels/sec |
| Photo Library | 8722 118.4 images/sec |
| Clang | 10444 51.4 Klines/sec |
| Text Processing | 2658 212.9 pages/sec |
| Asset Compression | 11147 345.4 MB/sec |
| Object Detection | 5053 151.2 images/sec |
| Background Blur | 5731 23.7 images/sec |
| Horizon Detection | 11059 344.1 Mpixels/sec |
| Object Remover | 6923 532.2 Mpixels/sec |
| HDR | 8109 238.0 Mpixels/sec |
| Photo Filter | 7252 72.0 images/sec |
| Ray Tracer | 11568 11.2 Mpixels/sec |
| Structure from Motion | 8453 267.6 Kpixels/sec |
BechMark Score Of Microsoft Surface Pro X
Credit: GeekBench
Microsoft Corporation Surface Pro X
Geekbench 5 Score
689——————–Single-Core Score
2812——————–Multi-Core Score
Geekbench 5.5.1 Tryout for Windows AArch64
Result Information
| Upload Date | December 8th, 2023, 9:43 pm |
| Views | 4 |
System Information
| System Information | |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Microsoft Windows 11 Home (64-bit) |
| Model | Microsoft Corporation Surface Pro X |
| Motherboard | Microsoft Corporation Surface Pro X |
| Power Plan | Ausbalanciert |
| CPU Information | |
|---|---|
| Name | Microsoft SQ1 |
| Topology | 1 Processor, 8 Cores |
| Base Frequency | 3.00 GHz |
| Cluster 1 | 4 Cores |
| Cluster 2 | 4 Cores |
| Memory Information | |
|---|---|
| Memory | 8.00 GB |
Single-Core Performance
| Single-Core Score | 689 |
|---|---|
| Crypto Score | 920 |
| Integer Score | 648 |
| Floating Point Score | 738 |
| AES-XTS | 920 1.57 GB/sec |
| Text Compression | 740 3.74 MB/sec |
| Image Compression | 714 33.8 Mpixels/sec |
| Navigation | 474 1.34 MTE/sec |
| HTML5 | 538 631.7 KElements/sec |
| SQLite | 651 204.0 Krows/sec |
| PDF Rendering | 736 39.9 Mpixels/sec |
| Text Rendering | 766 244.1 KB/sec |
| Clang | 669 5.21 Klines/sec |
| Camera | 611 7.08 images/sec |
| N-Body Physics | 677 847.4 Kpairs/sec |
| Rigid Body Physics | 815 5047.5 FPS |
| Gaussian Blur | 631 34.7 Mpixels/sec |
| Face Detection | 740 5.70 images/sec |
| Horizon Detection | 698 17.2 Mpixels/sec |
| Image Inpainting | 1175 57.6 Mpixels/sec |
| HDR | 808 11.0 Mpixels/sec |
| Ray Tracing | 1101 884.4 Kpixels/sec |
| Structure from Motion | 574 5.14 Kpixels/sec |
| Speech Recognition | 632 20.2 Words/sec |
| Machine Learning | 519 20.1 images/sec |
Multi-Core Performance
| Multi-Core Score | 2812 |
|---|---|
| Crypto Score | 4765 |
| Integer Score | 2634 |
| Floating Point Score | 2872 |
| AES-XTS | 4765 8.12 GB/sec |
| Text Compression | 2859 14.5 MB/sec |
| Image Compression | 3031 143.4 Mpixels/sec |
| Navigation | 2092 5.90 MTE/sec |
| HTML5 | 2309 2.71 MElements/sec |
| SQLite | 2787 873.2 Krows/sec |
| PDF Rendering | 2943 159.7 Mpixels/sec |
| Text Rendering | 3107 989.9 KB/sec |
| Clang | 2578 20.1 Klines/sec |
| Camera | 2223 25.8 images/sec |
| N-Body Physics | 2497 3.12 Mpairs/sec |
| Rigid Body Physics | 3395 21032.3 FPS |
| Gaussian Blur | 3022 166.1 Mpixels/sec |
| Face Detection | 3034 23.4 images/sec |
| Horizon Detection | 2882 71.0 Mpixels/sec |
| Image Inpainting | 3644 178.7 Mpixels/sec |
| HDR | 3581 48.8 Mpixels/sec |
| Ray Tracing | 5527 4.44 Mpixels/sec |
| Structure from Motion | 2404 21.5 Kpixels/sec |
| Speech Recognition | 1615 51.6 Words/sec |
| Machine Learning | 1747 67.5 images/sec |
Design and Build
Similarities:
- Premium Materials: Both devices use a magnesium alloy chassis that feels sturdy and lightweight.
- Build Quality: They’re well-built, with minimal flex or creaking even under pressure.
- Kickstand: The iconic Surface kickstand remains a standout feature. It offers smooth and stable change for any angle.
- Surface Pen Compatibility: Both support the Surface Pen for note-taking, drawing, and creative work.
Differences:
- Thickness: As mentioned before, the Surface Pro X is thinner (7.3mm) than the Surface Pro 9 (9.4mm). This might be a minor difference for most users. But, it could be noticeable for those who focus on extreme portability.
- Colors: The Surface Pro X has a wider range of color options, including Platinum, Graphite, and Matte Black. Surface Pro 9 currently comes in Platinum, Sapphire, and Forest.
- Ports: The Surface Pro X has fewer ports than the Surface Pro 9, lacking a USB-A port and having one USB-C port. This might need extra adapters for some users.
- Fan Noise: The Intel-powered Surface Pro 9 might have noticeable fan noise under heavy load. The ARM-based Surface Pro X generally operates quieter.
Overall:
Both devices are top-tier design and build quality. You can’t go wrong with either sturdiness, premium materials, and a luxurious feel. The choice could depend on your preference for:
- Thinness: Surface Pro X
- Color Variety: Surface Pro X
- More Ports: Surface Pro 9
- Quieter Operation: Surface Pro X
Also Read: Surface Pro 9 Review
Display
- Both have a 13-inch, 2880 x 1920-pixel touchscreen display. It has excellent clarity and color accuracy.
- The Surface Pro 9 offers a 120Hz refresh rate option. This makes scrolling smoother and more responsive. The Pro X lacks this feature.
The display is a crucial aspect of any tablet. Both the Surface Pro X and Surface Pro 9 offer high-resolution screens. But, they differ in size and other display features.
Performance
- Surface Pro X uses a custom Microsoft SQ2 ARM processor. It’s optimized for battery life and connectivity. But, it can be less powerful than traditional Intel or AMD processors.
- This can be a drawback for demanding tasks like video editing or gaming. The Surface Pro 9 uses 12th Gen Intel Core processors (i5 or i7). These processors offer better performance for demanding tasks. But, battery life might be lower compared to the Pro X.
- Looking at performance, both tablets have powerful processors. But, the clock speeds and performance vary between the Surface Pro X and Surface Pro 9.
Memory and Storage
Here’s a breakdown of the memory and storage differences between the Surface Pro X and Surface Pro 9:
Memory:
- Surface Pro X: LPDDR5 RAM, available in 8GB, 16GB, and 32GB options.
- Surface Pro 9: Configurations with 12th Gen Intel i5 processors have LPDDR5 RAM. 12th Gen Intel i7 and 5G models have LPDDR4x RAM. You can choose 8GB and 16GB for Intel i7 and 5G configurations. For Intel i5 configurations, you can choose 8GB, 16GB, or 32 GB.
Storage:
- Both: Use removable M.2 NVMe PCIe SSDs for storage.
- Surface Pro X: Offers 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage options.
- Surface Pro 9: Similar options come with 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB. But, some configurations might not be available depending on the processor. Also, the availability of 5G might affect it.
Key Differences:
- RAM: Surface Pro X uses the newer LPDDR5 RAM across all configurations. Surface Pro 9 uses LPDDR4x for some i7 and 5G models. LPDDR5 offers better performance and efficiency.
- RAM capacity: Surface Pro 9 offers a 32GB RAM option. This option is not available on the Surface Pro X. It might be good for heavy multitasking and demanding applications. Both start with 128GB. But, Surface Pro 9 might have certain configurations with i7 or 5G options that start at 256GB.
Memory and storage are key factors in device performance. Both devices offer several options for RAM and storage, catering to a range of user needs.
Operating System
The operating system situation for Surface Pro X and Surface Pro 9 is a bit different, so here’s a breakdown:
Surface Pro X:
- Windows 11 Home on ARM: This is the standard OS for Wi-Fi models. It’s designed for ARM-based processors. It allows most Windows applications to run through emulation. But, some older or complex programs might not work.
- Windows 11 Pro on ARM: Available for commercial customers. It offers extra management features compared to the Home edition.
Surface Pro 9:
- Windows 11 Home: Standard OS for most configurations.
- Windows 11 Pro: Optional upgrade for Pro users, offering security and management features.
Key Differences:
- Processor Architecture: Surface Pro X uses an ARM-based processor. Surface Pro 9 uses Intel or Qualcomm processors. This dictates the OS version.
- Software Compatibility: The ARM-based Windows on Surface Pro X requires emulation for non-native applications. This might introduce some limitations. Surface Pro 9 has no such limitations.
Both the Surface Pro X and Surface Pro 9 run on Windows. Windows is Microsoft’s proprietary operating system. Yet, the operating systems’ versions and features differ between the two models.
Battery Life
Battery life is a key factor to consider when choosing between the Surface Pro X and Surface Pro 9. Their performance in this area differs. Here’s a breakdown:
Surface Pro X: The battery boasts impressive life. On average, it generally lasts around 13-15 hours. This is thanks to its ARM processor and optimizations. Some users even report squeezing up to 8 hours of heavy use from it.
Surface Pro 9: The battery life is decent, but not as impressive as the Pro X. Expect around 8-10 hours depending on usage. Demanding tasks drain the battery faster.
Key Differences:
- Processor Architecture: The ARM-based Pro X is more energy-efficient than the Intel/Qualcomm processors in the Pro 9. As a result, it has a longer battery life.
- Display Refresh Rate: The Pro 9’s optional 120Hz refresh rate can drain the battery faster compared to the Pro X’s standard 60Hz.
- Usage: Both devices will have a shorter battery life with heavy workloads. For example, video editing or gaming. Lighter tasks like browsing or document editing will yield better results.
Battery life is a critical factor for users who need their devices to last through the day. Here, we’ll compare the battery life of the Surface Pro X and Surface Pro 9.
Connectivity
The connectivity options of the Surface Pro X and Surface Pro 9 differ in some key ways. Now, let’s dive into the details.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth:
- Both: Support Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1 for fast and reliable wireless connections.
Cellular Connectivity:
- Surface Pro X:
- Has built-in LTE connectivity in all configurations.
- Requires a separate data plan from a cellular carrier.
- No 5G option is available.
- Surface Pro 9:
- 5G connectivity is optional. It is only available in select configurations with Intel Core i7 processors.
- Requires a separate data plan from a cellular carrier.
- Wi-Fi 6E is also available in some configurations. It offers faster and more stable wireless connections.
Ports:
- Surface Pro X:
- It only has one USB-C port with Thunderbolt 4. You can use it for charging, data transfer, and connecting external displays.
- You need a Surface Dock or adapter to have extra ports like USB-A, HDMI, etc.
- Surface Pro 9:
- Has one USB-C port with Thunderbolt 4 and one USB-A port.
- Offers more flexibility for connecting peripherals without needing extra adapters.
Other Connectivity Options:
- Both: Include a microSD card slot for expandable storage.
- Surface Pro 9: Has a headphone jack, which the Surface Pro X lacks.
Both devices offer a range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular.
Accessories
- Shared: Surface Pro Signature Keyboard, Surface Slim Pen 2, Surface Mobile Mouse, Surface Dock, Microsoft Surface Headphones.
- Surface Pro X Specific: Surface Pro X LTE Adapter.
- Surface Pro 9 Specific: Surface Pro 9 5G Adapter.
All accessories are sold separately, with estimated prices ranging from $79.99 to $349.99.
Price
The price of both Surface Pro X and Surface Pro 9 varies depending on the configuration you choose. This includes the processor, RAM, storage, and connectivity options. Here’s a general range:
Surface Pro X:
- Starts at around $899 for the Wi-Fi model with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage.
- Prices can go up to $1699 or higher for configurations with 16GB RAM, 1TB storage, and LTE.
Surface Pro 9:
- Starts at around $1299 for the Wi-Fi model with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage.
- Prices can reach $2899 or even higher for configurations with 32GB RAM, 1TB storage, 5G, and the Intel Core i7 processor.
These are the starting prices. The actual price you pay may vary depending on retailer discounts and promotions. Please check the official website of Microsoft for the latest price.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Surface Pro X the same as 9?
The Surface Pro X and Surface Pro 9 have similar designs. They share the same shape and size, but the main distinction lies in their thickness. The Surface Pro X measures a sleek 7.3mm, while the Surface Pro 9 is thicker at 9.4mm.
Is Microsoft discontinuing the Surface Pro X?
Last year, Microsoft discontinued the Surface Pro X line. The Surface Pro 9 offered customers the choice of Intel and Qualcomm processors.
What is the newest Surface Pro 2023?
Surface Pro 9 with 5G. Get on-the-go flexibility, unlock 5G speed, and enjoy long battery life with the Microsoft SQ® 3. It’s the latest-generation Microsoft processor, built in partnership with Qualcomm.
Does Surface Pro 9 have a USB port?
If you’re looking to add peripherals to your Surface Pro 9, it’s equipped with two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports. It also has a Type Cover port for attaching a keyboard.
Can you install Windows 10 on Surface Pro 9?
Yes, you can install Windows 10 on the Surface Pro 9, but it depends on the processor:
Intel Processor: Surface Pro 9 with Intel processors supports Windows 10, version 21H2 and later.
5G Processor (SQ3): Surface Pro 9 with 5G uses an ARM processor and only supports Windows 11.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Surface Pro X and Surface Pro 9 are high-performance tablets. They cater to different user needs. You may find one of these devices a good fit. Consider display quality, performance, memory, and battery life.
