Surface Pro 7 vs 7+: Which Microsoft Tablet Reigns?
Choosing the right 2-in-1 device can be a challenge, especially with so many impressive options on the market. If you’re considering a Microsoft Surface Pro, you’ve likely encountered the Surface Pro 7 and its upgraded sibling, the Surface Pro 7+.
Both devices offer a premium experience, but subtle yet significant differences set them apart. This comparison will delve deep into the specifications, performance, and features of the Surface Pro 7 and the Surface Pro 7+ to help you make an informed decision.
We’ll examine the key upgrades and improvements, helping you determine which model best suits your needs and budget. Get ready to discover which Surface Pro reigns supreme in this detailed head-to-head showdown!
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | surface pro 7 | 7+ |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i3/i5/i7 (10th Gen) | Intel Core i3/i5/i7/i5E/i7E (11th Gen) |
| Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics / Iris Plus Graphics | Intel Iris Xe Graphics |
| RAM | 4GB, 8GB, 16GB | 8GB, 16GB, 32GB |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB SSD | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB SSD |
| Display | 12.3″ PixelSense Display | 12.3″ PixelSense Display |
| Resolution | 2736 x 1824 | 2736 x 1824 |
| Ports | USB-C, USB-A, Surface Connect, Headphone Jack | USB-C, USB-A, Surface Connect, Headphone Jack |
| Battery Life | Up to 10.5 hours | Up to 15 hours |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 |
| Operating System | Windows 10 Home | Windows 11 Home/Pro |
| Weight | 1.70 lbs (770 g) | 1.73 lbs (784 g) |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Processor
- Surface Pro 7: Equipped with 10th Gen Intel Core processors, offering decent performance for everyday tasks and some light multitasking. However, the performance can be limited when handling demanding applications.
- 7+: Upgraded to 11th Gen Intel Core processors, providing a significant performance boost over the Surface Pro 7, especially in CPU-intensive tasks. This leads to faster processing and improved responsiveness.
- Winner: 7+
RAM Options
- Surface Pro 7: Offered with up to 16GB of LPDDR4x RAM. This is sufficient for many users, but can be a bottleneck for heavy multitasking or demanding applications with larger datasets.
- 7+: Offers up to 32GB of LPDDR4x RAM, providing significantly more headroom for demanding workloads, allowing for smoother multitasking and better performance in memory-intensive applications.
- Winner: 7+
Storage Options
- Surface Pro 7: Available with up to 1TB SSD storage. This provides ample space for files and applications, but the speeds may be slightly slower compared to the 7+.
- 7+: Available with up to 1TB SSD storage, with potentially faster SSD speeds. The faster storage contributes to quicker boot times, application loading, and overall system responsiveness.
- Winner: 7+
Battery Life
- Surface Pro 7: Offers decent battery life, typically lasting around 7-9 hours depending on usage. However, it can drain quickly with heavy workloads or intensive tasks.
- 7+: Boasts improved battery life, potentially offering up to 10-11 hours of typical use. This extended battery life makes it more suitable for on-the-go productivity.
- Winner: 7+
Graphics
- Surface Pro 7: Utilizes Intel Iris Plus Graphics or Intel UHD Graphics, which are adequate for basic tasks like video playback and light gaming, but struggle with more demanding graphical applications.
- 7+: Features Intel Iris Xe Graphics, a significant upgrade over the Surface Pro 7, providing noticeably improved graphics performance, allowing for smoother gaming and better handling of creative applications.
- Winner: 7+
Wi-Fi & Connectivity
- Surface Pro 7: Supports Wi-Fi 6, which offers faster wireless speeds and improved performance in congested environments.
- 7+: Supports Wi-Fi 6, which offers faster wireless speeds and improved performance in congested environments. The 7+ offers the option of LTE connectivity.
- Winner: 7+
Design and Display
- Surface Pro 7: Maintains the familiar Surface Pro design with a 12.3-inch PixelSense display, offering a vibrant and sharp visual experience. The design is sleek and portable.
- 7+: Retains the same design as the Pro 7 with the same 12.3-inch PixelSense display.
- Winner: Tie
Price and Availability
- Surface Pro 7: Generally available at lower prices, making it a more budget-friendly option. Availability may be limited as it’s an older model.
- 7+: Typically more expensive due to the upgraded features and components. Availability is generally better as a newer model.
- Winner: 7+
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Performance | 7+ |
| Battery Life | 7+ |
| Portability | Tie |
| Display | Tie |
| Value | surface pro 7 |
What They Have in Common
- Display: Both devices share the same 12.3-inch PixelSense display with a resolution of 2736 x 1824, offering a sharp and vibrant visual experience.
- Design: The Surface Pro 7 and 7+ maintain the same iconic design with a built-in kickstand, providing versatility for various usage scenarios.
- Ports: Both models feature a similar selection of ports, including USB-C, USB-A, a Surface Connect port, and a headphone jack.
- Surface Pen and Type Cover Compatibility: Both devices are compatible with the Surface Pen and Type Cover, enhancing productivity and creative possibilities.
- Wi-Fi 6: Both models support Wi-Fi 6, ensuring fast and reliable wireless connectivity.
Surface Pro 7 Vs 7+ Buying Guide
Performance
The Surface Pro 7 relies on older 10th Gen Intel processors, offering solid performance for everyday tasks like web browsing, document editing, and light content creation. It’s generally sufficient for most users but may struggle with more demanding applications. The Surface Pro 7+, on the other hand, boasts 11th Gen Intel processors, providing a noticeable performance boost. This translates to faster speeds, smoother multitasking, and improved handling of resource-intensive applications. You’ll see improvements in video editing, gaming, and running multiple programs concurrently. The 7+ also supports faster RAM options.
Battery Life
Battery life is a crucial consideration for any portable device. The Surface Pro 7 offers decent battery life, typically lasting around 7-8 hours depending on usage. While adequate for a workday, it might require charging before the end of the day for heavy users. The Surface Pro 7+ significantly improves battery performance. With more efficient processors and optimized power management, the 7+ can often last up to 10-11 hours on a single charge. This enhanced battery life makes it a more reliable companion for on-the-go productivity.
Design and Display
Both devices share a similar design aesthetic, featuring the iconic Surface Pro form factor with a built-in kickstand and a vibrant PixelSense display. The Surface Pro 7 has a 12.3-inch display with a resolution of 2736 x 1824, which is sharp and offers good color accuracy. The Surface Pro 7+ retains the same display specifications. Both devices offer the same excellent display quality. The design is nearly identical, so the choice here depends more on internal hardware preferences. Both also support Surface Pen and Surface Type Cover accessories.
Ports and Connectivity
The Surface Pro 7 includes a USB-C port, a USB-A port, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a Surface Connect port for charging and docking. It also features Wi-Fi 6 for faster wireless connectivity. The Surface Pro 7+ maintains the same port selection, however, it offers an optional LTE Advanced configuration for cellular connectivity, which the Pro 7 lacks. This is a significant advantage for users who require internet access when a Wi-Fi connection is unavailable. The 7+ offers more flexibility in terms of connectivity options.
Price and Value
The Surface Pro 7 is generally available at a lower price point compared to the 7+, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. However, the price difference might be worth it, considering the performance and battery life improvements of the 7+. The Surface Pro 7+ is a better long-term investment due to its more modern components and extended lifespan. Consider your budget and usage needs to determine which device offers the best value for your money. Factor in the cost of accessories such as the Type Cover and Pen.
Features and Upgrades
The Surface Pro 7+ has some notable upgrades. The 7+ includes a removable SSD, which makes it easier to upgrade the storage or replace a failed drive. This is a significant advantage for users who want to extend the lifespan of their device. The 7+ also includes improved thermal management, which helps to keep the device running cooler and quieter under heavy loads. The 7+ offers a more robust and future-proof design, making it a better choice for those who want a device that will last for several years.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy surface pro 7 If…
- You are on a tight budget and want a Surface Pro experience.
- You primarily need a device for basic tasks like web browsing, email, and document editing.
- You don’t need the latest processor or extended battery life.
Buy 7+ If…
- You need significantly improved performance, especially for demanding tasks.
- You value longer battery life for all-day productivity.
- You want the latest Intel processors and potentially greater RAM options.
- You need the option for a removable SSD for data security.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between the Surface Pro 7 and 7+?
The Surface Pro 7+ features 11th Gen Intel processors, offering improved performance and battery life compared to the 10th Gen processors in the Surface Pro 7. The 7+ also has an optional LTE configuration and a removable SSD. Both share a similar design and display.
Does the Surface Pro 7+ have a better battery life?
Yes, the Surface Pro 7+ generally has better battery life. Due to its more efficient processors and optimized power management, the 7+ typically lasts several hours longer on a single charge than the Surface Pro 7. The exact difference varies based on usage patterns.
Can I upgrade the storage on the Surface Pro 7+?
Yes, a significant advantage of the Surface Pro 7+ is its removable SSD. This allows users to upgrade the storage capacity or replace the drive if it fails. The Surface Pro 7’s storage is not user-upgradeable, limiting its long-term flexibility.
Does the Surface Pro 7+ support cellular connectivity?
Yes, the Surface Pro 7+ offers an optional LTE Advanced configuration, allowing users to connect to the internet using a cellular data plan. The Surface Pro 7 does not have this capability, making the 7+ a better choice for on-the-go connectivity.
Are the displays the same on both devices?
Yes, both the Surface Pro 7 and 7+ have the same 12.3-inch PixelSense display with a resolution of 2736 x 1824. The display quality, color accuracy, and overall viewing experience are virtually identical on both models.
Which device is better for performance-intensive tasks?
The Surface Pro 7+ is better for performance-intensive tasks. The 11th Gen Intel processors in the 7+ offer a significant performance boost over the 10th Gen processors in the Surface Pro 7. This results in smoother multitasking, faster application loading, and improved handling of demanding workloads.
Which Surface Pro is the better value?
While the Surface Pro 7 may be more affordable upfront, the Surface Pro 7+ offers better long-term value. The performance, battery life improvements, and removable SSD make it a more future-proof investment. The best value depends on your budget and needs, but the 7+ provides more overall benefits.
Final Verdict
The Surface Pro 7+ emerges as the superior device due to its notable performance enhancements, extended battery life, and the added flexibility of a removable SSD and optional LTE connectivity. While the Surface Pro 7 remains a viable option for basic tasks and budget-conscious users, the 7+ provides a more robust and future-proof experience, making it the better choice for most users seeking a premium 2-in-1 device. The 7+ offers a comprehensive upgrade over its predecessor.
Winner: Surface Pro 7+