Microsoft’s Surface Pro 9 raises the bar with new colors, new chips, and long overdue 5G option

What’s new, what’s not

Once again, it sounds like Microsoft might be overhyping its latest high-end laptop-replacing tablet just a smidge, especially considering its virtually non-existent design changes compared to last year’s Pro 8.

On the surface (pun intended), the Pro 9 looks identical to its predecessor, with the same exact “edge-to-edge” 13-inch PixelSense touchscreen surrounded by minimal bezels and essentially unchanged overall measurements.

Made (as always) from “high-grade” aluminum, the newest addition to Microsoft’s iPad Pro (and MacBook Air)-competing product roster does come with a more than welcomed splash of color. We’re talking four different paint jobs this time around, including a couple of decidedly eye-catching “Sapphire” and “Forest” flavors, up from the classic (read somewhat boring) two Platinum and Graphite versions of the Pro 8.

Ironically, if you’re addicted to speed, you might want to snub the always-connected 5G-enabled Pro 9 models and opt instead for a Wi-Fi-only configuration with a state-of-the-art Intel Evo 12th Gen chip on deck.

The non-5G-capable Surface Pro 9 also holds a graphics performance advantage over its sibling, and oddly enough, the Pro 9 with 5G sports two USB-C 3.2 ports as well instead of adopting the more advanced USB 4.0 technology with Thunderbolt 4 support present on Wi-Fi-only variants. 

Then again, the exceptional 19-hour battery endurance promise alone could make road warriors strongly consider splashing the cash on the Surface Pro 9 with 5G given that the non-5G tablet can “only” keep the lights on for up to 15.5 hours of “typical” usage between charges.

Quick Surface Pro 9 pricing breakdown

Up for pre-order right now, Microsoft’s Surface Pro 8 and Surface Pro X-replacing powerhouse is slated for an October 25 release in the following configurations:

That’s a lot of different possibilities designed to meet a lot of different needs, preferences, and requirements from different kinds of Windows fans, and to further add to this very diverse product lineup, Microsoft is also still selling the Surface Pro 8 and Pro 7+, not to mention the affordable Surface Go 3 that may have to wait another year or so for a sequel.