Surface Pro 8 vs 7: Which Microsoft Tablet Reigns?
Are you in the market for a new 2-in-1 tablet and torn between the Microsoft Surface Pro options? You’re not alone! The Surface Pro line has consistently been a top contender in the tablet space, offering a blend of portability and power that’s hard to beat. But with each new iteration, the question arises: is the upgrade worth it?
In this comparison, we’ll dive deep into the specifications and features of the Surface Pro 8 and its predecessor, the Surface Pro 7. We’ll explore the differences in performance, display, design, and overall user experience. This will help you make an informed decision and choose the device that best suits your needs.
Whether you’re a student, a professional, or simply someone who enjoys on-the-go productivity, understanding the nuances between these two models is crucial. We’ll break down the key aspects to help you determine which Surface Pro delivers the most value for your money. Let’s find out which tablet is the winner!
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Surface Pro 8 | Surface Pro 7 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 13-inch PixelSense Flow Display | 12.3-inch PixelSense Display |
| Resolution | 2880 x 1920 pixels | 2736 x 1824 pixels |
| Processor | 11th Gen Intel Core i5/i7 | 10th Gen Intel Core i3/i5/i7 |
| RAM | 8GB, 16GB, or 32GB | 4GB, 8GB, or 16GB |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB SSD | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB SSD |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Xe Graphics | Intel Iris Plus Graphics / Intel UHD Graphics |
| Ports | 2 x Thunderbolt 4, Surface Connect, 3.5mm headphone jack | USB-C, USB-A, Surface Connect, 3.5mm headphone jack |
| Rear Camera | 10MP | 8MP |
| Front Camera | 5MP with 1080p video | 5MP with 1080p video |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.0 |
| Weight | 1.96 lbs (without keyboard) | 1.70 lbs (without keyboard) |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- Surface Pro 8: 13-inch PixelSense Flow Display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering smoother visuals and improved responsiveness. It supports Dolby Vision for enhanced color and contrast. The thinner bezels provide a more immersive experience.
- 7: 12.3-inch PixelSense Display with a 60Hz refresh rate. It delivers a sharp image, but lacks the fluidity of the Pro 8’s higher refresh rate. The bezels are thicker compared to the Pro 8.
- Winner: Pro 8
Processor
- Surface Pro 8: Powered by 11th Gen Intel Core i5 or i7 processors, delivering significant performance improvements over the previous generation. This translates to faster application loading and smoother multitasking.
- 7: Equipped with 10th Gen Intel Core i3, i5, or i7 processors, offering solid performance but lagging behind the Pro 8’s newer generation chips in terms of speed and efficiency.
- Winner: Pro 8
Ports
- Surface Pro 8: Features two Thunderbolt 4 ports, offering versatile connectivity options for external displays, fast data transfer, and charging. It also retains the Surface Connect port for charging and docking.
- 7: Includes a USB-C port, a USB-A port, a Surface Connect port, and a headphone jack. While functional, the lack of Thunderbolt 4 limits its connectivity capabilities compared to the Pro 8.
- Winner: Pro 8
Battery Life
- Surface Pro 8: Offers up to 16 hours of typical device usage. Battery life can vary depending on usage patterns and settings.
- 7: Provides up to 10.5 hours of typical device usage. The battery life is noticeably shorter than the Pro 8, requiring more frequent charging.
- Winner: Pro 8
Design
- Surface Pro 8: Features a redesigned chassis with slightly rounded edges and thinner bezels, giving it a more modern and premium look. It also has a built-in kickstand.
- 7: Maintains the classic Surface Pro design with a built-in kickstand, but has thicker bezels compared to the Pro 8.
- Winner: Pro 8
RAM and Storage
- Surface Pro 8: Available with up to 32GB of LPDDR4x RAM and up to 1TB of removable SSD storage, providing ample memory and storage options for demanding tasks.
- 7: Available with up to 16GB of LPDDR4x RAM and up to 1TB of removable SSD storage. While still capable, the Pro 8 offers higher RAM configurations.
- Winner: Pro 8
Webcam and Audio
- Surface Pro 8: Features a 5MP front-facing camera with 1080p video recording and a 10MP rear-facing camera with 4K video recording. It also has dual far-field Studio Mics for improved audio capture.
- 7: Includes a 5MP front-facing camera with 1080p video recording and an 8MP rear-facing camera with 1080p video recording. It also has dual far-field Studio Mics.
- Winner: Pro 8
Keyboard and Pen Support
- Surface Pro 8: Supports the Surface Pro Signature Keyboard with built-in Slim Pen storage and charging. The Slim Pen 2 offers haptic feedback for a more realistic pen-on-paper feel.
- 7: Compatible with the Surface Pro Signature Type Cover and the Surface Pen, but lacks the built-in Slim Pen storage and charging found in the Pro 8’s keyboard.
- Winner: Pro 8
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display | Surface Pro 8 |
| Performance | Surface Pro 8 |
| Ports | Surface Pro 8 |
| Design | Tie |
| Value | Surface Pro 7 |
| Graphics | Surface Pro 8 |
What They Have in Common
- Design: Both the Surface Pro 8 and Surface Pro 7 share a similar design aesthetic, offering a sleek and portable tablet form factor. They both incorporate the iconic built-in kickstand for versatile usage.
- Surface Pen Support: Both devices are compatible with the Surface Pen, allowing for natural and precise writing and drawing experiences. The pen enhances productivity and creative endeavors.
- Keyboard Compatibility: Both models are designed to work with the Surface Type Cover, transforming them into a more traditional laptop experience. The keyboard provides a comfortable typing experience and protects the screen.
- Front-Facing Camera: Both devices feature a front-facing camera for video calls and online meetings. This ensures clear video quality for communication.
- 3.5mm Headphone Jack: Both Surface models include a 3.5mm headphone jack, allowing users to connect their favorite headphones or external speakers. This offers flexibility in audio playback.
Surface Pro 8 Vs 7 Buying Guide
Performance Showdown
The Surface Pro 8 boasts a significant performance upgrade over the Surface Pro 7. Equipped with 11th Gen Intel Core processors, the Pro 8 delivers faster processing speeds and improved graphics capabilities. This translates to snappier multitasking, smoother video editing, and a more responsive overall user experience. The Pro 7, with its 10th Gen Intel processors, still offers decent performance for everyday tasks, but it struggles to keep up with the demands of more intensive applications.
The Pro 8 also benefits from a redesigned thermal system, allowing it to maintain peak performance for longer periods. This is especially noticeable during demanding tasks like gaming or video editing. The Pro 7 is prone to thermal throttling, which can limit its performance over time. Consider your workload carefully when choosing between these two devices.
Display and Design Comparison
The Surface Pro 8 features a larger 13-inch PixelSense display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering a more fluid and visually immersive experience. Its thinner bezels and rounded edges give it a modern look. The Surface Pro 7 has a 12.3-inch display with a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which is still good, but doesn’t offer the same level of responsiveness. The Pro 8’s screen is also brighter and supports Dolby Vision for enhanced content viewing.
In terms of design, the Pro 8 feels more premium. The Pro 7’s design is more conservative, but still functional. Both devices share the same basic form factor, but the Pro 8’s updated design makes it feel more modern and sleek. The keyboard and pen are sold separately for both devices, so the experience is similar regarding those accessories.
Battery Life and Portability
While the Surface Pro 8 has a slightly larger battery, the performance improvements mean its battery life is similar to the Surface Pro 7 in real-world use. Expect around 8-10 hours of typical usage from both devices. Battery life can vary depending on usage, with more intensive tasks draining the battery faster. The Pro 8 supports fast charging, allowing you to quickly replenish its battery.
Both devices are highly portable, thanks to their lightweight design. They are easy to carry around and are well-suited for on-the-go productivity. The Pro 8 is slightly heavier than the Pro 7, but the difference is minimal and unlikely to impact portability. Consider your usage habits, as both offer good portability.
Connectivity and Features
The Surface Pro 8 offers improved connectivity with two Thunderbolt 4 ports, enabling faster data transfer speeds, support for external displays, and compatibility with a wider range of accessories. The Surface Pro 7 has a single USB-C port and a USB-A port, which limits its connectivity options. The Pro 8 also includes Wi-Fi 6 for faster wireless speeds.
Both devices support the Surface Pen and Surface Type Cover, which are sold separately. The Pro 8’s pen offers haptic feedback, mimicking the feel of writing on paper. Both devices are compatible with Windows Hello for secure facial recognition login. The Pro 8 has a better webcam and microphone array.
Price and Value
The Surface Pro 8 is generally more expensive than the Surface Pro 7. The price difference reflects the improved performance, display, and features of the newer model. However, the price of the Surface Pro 7 has decreased since its release, making it a more affordable option. Consider your budget and the features you need before making a decision.
The value proposition depends on your needs. If you require top-tier performance and the latest features, the Surface Pro 8 is worth the extra cost. If you are on a budget and only require basic functionality, the Surface Pro 7 remains a viable option. Sales and promotions can also impact the value of each device.
Accessories and Ecosystem
Both devices are compatible with the Surface Pen and Surface Type Cover. The Pro 8’s accessories are updated to match its design and offer improved functionality. The Pro 7 can use the older accessories. The Surface ecosystem offers a range of accessories, including docks, mice, and headphones, which enhance the overall user experience.
Microsoft continues to support both devices with software updates. The choice of which accessories depends on personal preference and budget. The ecosystem allows for customization and expanded functionality. Consider the accessories that meet your needs. Both devices integrate well with other Microsoft services and products.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Surface Pro 8 If…
- You want the latest performance with the newest Intel processors.
- You prioritize a larger display with a higher refresh rate for a smoother visual experience.
- You need Thunderbolt 4 ports for faster data transfer and connecting to external displays.
- You value a more modern design and improved overall performance.
Buy Surface Pro 7 If…
- You’re looking for a more affordable option.
- You don’t need the absolute latest in processing power and features.
- You prioritize the availability of USB-A ports.
- You already own accessories that are compatible with the Surface Pro 7.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences in performance?
The Surface Pro 8 features 11th Gen Intel Core processors, offering significantly faster processing speeds and improved graphics performance compared to the Surface Pro 7’s 10th Gen Intel processors. The Pro 8 also has a more efficient thermal design and is better for demanding tasks.
Which device has a better display?
The Surface Pro 8 has a larger 13-inch PixelSense display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering a more fluid and visually immersive experience. The Pro 7 has a 12.3-inch display with a 60Hz refresh rate. The Pro 8’s screen is also brighter and supports Dolby Vision.
How does battery life compare?
Battery life is similar for both devices, with around 8-10 hours of typical use. While the Surface Pro 8 has a slightly larger battery, the performance improvements mean its battery life is comparable. Usage habits will heavily affect the battery’s performance.
What about connectivity?
The Surface Pro 8 has two Thunderbolt 4 ports, offering faster data transfer speeds and broader accessory compatibility. The Surface Pro 7 has a single USB-C port and a USB-A port. The Pro 8 also includes Wi-Fi 6 for faster wireless speeds and more options.
Are accessories compatible?
Both devices are compatible with the Surface Pen and Surface Type Cover. However, the Surface Pro 8’s accessories are updated to match its design and offer improved functionality. The Pro 7 can use the older accessories but might not have all the new features.
Which device is more expensive?
The Surface Pro 8 is generally more expensive than the Surface Pro 7. The price difference reflects the improved performance, display, and features of the newer model. The Surface Pro 7 has become more affordable since its release, making it budget-friendly.
Which is the better choice overall?
The Surface Pro 8 is the better choice overall if you’re looking for the best performance and features. However, the Surface Pro 7 is still a capable device and a good value if you’re on a budget or don’t need the latest technologies. Your needs will define the best choice.
Final Verdict
The Surface Pro 8 represents a significant upgrade over the Surface Pro 7, offering superior performance, a more immersive display, and improved connectivity. While the Pro 7 remains a solid option, the Pro 8’s advancements make it the clear winner for users seeking the best possible experience. The Pro 8 is the more compelling choice.
Ultimately, the Surface Pro 8 is the better device.
Winner: Surface Pro 8