However, it does retain that premium build quality, with an excellent built-in kickstand. The fairly chunky bezels mean it’s starting to look dated, while battery life is underwhelming. The 10.5in LCD display is still a highlight, despite sticking at a 60Hz refresh rate. Despite being a 10th-gen chip, the new Intel Core i3 processor makes everyday use much smoother and more reliable.Īside from that, this is essentially the Go 2 from 2020. The Surface Go 3 was one of Microsoft’s more cautious 2021 updates, but it did get a useful performance boost. When it comes to the Surface Pro 9, that can only be said for Intel versions. When you’re paying so much for just the tablet (the keyboard cover and other accessories are sold separately), you want a device that can be relied on. As a result, everything just feels that bit less slick and smooth. There’s also the issue of app compatibility, with many apps still relying on emulation rather than running natively. Performance takes a big hit, to the extent that some everyday tasks cause stutters and hesitations. You also get some exciting new features for the already excellent webcam, but the compromises simply aren’t worth it for most people. Swapping out Intel for the SQ3 chip on ARM models takes battery life to the next level and adds 5G to the Surface Pro for the first time.

That includes an excellent 120Hz display, premium design, solid performance and impressive battery life. The Intel version is the best Surface device you can buy, combining 12th-gen Intel CPUs with everything that made 2021’s Pro 8 so great. Your experience with the Surface Pro 9 will vary hugely depending on the model you choose.

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