The Microsoft Surface Pro 8 is the latest iteration of the Surface Pro lineup, and it’s clear that Microsoft has made significant improvements in various areas. As a 2-in-1 tablet, the Surface Pro 8 offers an impressive combination of performance, battery life, and features, making it an attractive option for users who need a versatile device for work or play.

Design and Display

The Surface Pro 8 retains its predecessor’s sleek and lightweight design, but with some notable changes. The new model is available in two sizes: 13 inches (Surface Pro 8) and 15 inches (Surface Pro 8 Plus). Both versions feature a durable aluminum body and a robust kickstand that allows for comfortable typing and viewing angles.

The display on the Surface Pro 8 is one of its strongest assets. The PixelSense touchscreen boasts a resolution of 2880 x 1920 pixels (Surface Pro 8) or 3240 x 2160 pixels (Surface Pro 8 Plus), which provides crisp and vibrant visuals. Colors are accurate, and the screen’s brightness is suitable for indoor use, although it may struggle in extremely bright environments. For added protection, the display features Gorilla Glass 6.

Performance

The Surface Pro 8 is powered by Intel’s latest Core i3-1115G4, Core i5-1130G7, or Core i7-1160G7 processors, depending on your configuration choice. The device also offers up to 32GB of RAM and a range of storage options, including 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB SSDs.

For demanding applications like video editing, gaming, or software development, the Surface Pro 8 performs admirably. Microsoft has also included a dedicated Trusted Platform Module (TPM) for added security features like Windows Hello facial recognition and BitLocker encryption.

Battery Life

One of the key selling points of the Surface Pro 8 is its impressive battery life. According to Microsoft, users can expect up to 10 hours and 30 minutes of web browsing or 9 hours and 30 minutes of video playback on a single charge. In our testing, we achieved around 9-10 hours of mixed usage, which is still quite respectable.

Connectivity and Ports

The Surface Pro 8 features a generous selection of ports, including two USB-A ports, a USB-C port with support for Power Delivery and DisplayPort, and a headphone jack. The device also supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.0 for seamless connectivity.

Camera and Audio

The Surface Pro 8 boasts an improved front-facing camera with 5-megapixel resolution and 1080p video recording capabilities. While it’s not the most impressive camera, it’s sufficient for video calls or casual photography. On the rear, you’ll find a single 8-megapixel camera that captures decent photos in good lighting conditions.

For audio enthusiasts, the Surface Pro 8 features dual speakers with Dolby Atmos support, providing an immersive listening experience.

Type Cover and Accessories

One of the key aspects of the Surface Pro 8 is its Type Cover keyboard. The new design features a more compact layout, improved typing feel, and a built-in fingerprint reader for added security. Microsoft also offers a range of accessories, including the Surface Pen, Surface Arc Mouse, and Surface Dock.

Comparison to Competitors

The Surface Pro 8 faces stiff competition from other 2-in-1 tablets like the Apple iPad Pro, Google Pixel Slate, and Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+. While each device has its strengths and weaknesses, the Surface Pro 8 stands out for its impressive performance, long battery life, and comprehensive feature set.

Conclusion

The Microsoft Surface Pro 8 is a formidable 2-in-1 tablet that checks most of the right boxes. Its compact design, impressive display, and robust performance make it an excellent option for users who need a versatile device for everyday tasks or demanding applications.

While it may not be the best choice for budget-conscious buyers, the Surface Pro 8 is definitely worth considering for those in search of a reliable and feature-packed portable device.

Technical Specifications:

• Processor: Intel Core i3-1115G4, Core i5-1130G7, or Core i7-1160G7
• RAM: Up to 32GB
• Storage: 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB SSD
• Display: 13-inch (Surface Pro 8) or 15-inch (Surface Pro 8 Plus), PixelSense touchscreen, 2880 x 1920 pixels (Surface Pro 8) or 3240 x 2160 pixels (Surface Pro 8 Plus)
• Battery Life: Up to 10 hours and 30 minutes web browsing or 9 hours and 30 minutes video playback
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-A, USB-C (with Power Delivery and DisplayPort support)
• Camera: Front-facing 5-megapixel camera with 1080p video recording, Rear-facing 8-megapixel camera