Note: We may earn commissions (at no cost to you) if you buy through links on our site. Learn more.
NOTE: This model is discontinued and may no longer be available to purchase new. See the latest cell phones or compare used prices.

Microsoft Surface Pro review

7.5/10 AVG.
RATING
Compare Compare  
Compare Compare  

Microsoft Surface Pro
Microsoft Surface Pro
Microsoft Surface Pro
Microsoft Surface Pro
...


7.5/10
Informr score
The Microsoft Surface Pro currently has an Informr score of 7.5 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 26 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

Microsoft Windows-based tablets have been tried dozens of times before. Tried and failed, as a matter of fact. Now, with Windows 8, Microsoft is trying to “reimagine” the whole concept of the desktop operating system, and in doing so has come up with a new generation of tablets that can do more in ultra-thin, and ultra-light form factors. The clearest representation of this effort: the Microsoft Surface 8 Pro. It’s the future. Or is it?

Unlike today’s most popular tablet computer models, this one doesn’t run on a low-power mobile computing chip to try and reduce heat or prolong battery life. Instead, it comes with an Intel Core i5 Ivy Bridge processor with Intel HD Graphics 4000 for maximum performance. It’s essentially a full-blown mobile computer that uses the tablet form factor. It looks every bit as good as the first-generation Windows 8 RT tablets but offers far more power and functionality.

Speaking of functionality, the Surface 8 Pro will let users run all of their favorite legacy apps a.k.a. Windows desktop programs natively. This makes it functionally better than all of its ARM-based counterparts, though whether or not users will actually care for such a feature still remains to be seen.

Windows 8 is shaping up to be either Microsoft’s latest fault or its saving grace. Either way, the Surface 8 Pro tablet is a sight to behold. It has all the right hardware features, including a built-in kickstand and support for an external keyboard dock. Plus, the software allows running both modern and classic Windows programs. It’s a great way to experience the future of the desktop, but only if you’re willing to pay the price.

Need to Know: Microsoft Surface 8 Pro

1. Boasts a 1920x1080 Full HD 10.6-inch touchscreen display with pen input. (The Good)

2. Default software allows the use of “legacy apps” or native Windows 7 programs. (The Good)

3. Costs over double the price of the Microsoft Surface RT tablet. (The Bad)

4. Some features require the use of an external keyboard dock. (The Bad)


Windows
Operating system
Operating system
Windows
1.7 GHz
Processor
Processor
1.7 GHz
10.6"
Screen Size
Screen Size
10.6"
1+ MP
Camera
Camera
1+ MP
42 WHr
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


TechRadar
TechRadar

Expectations are the real issue with the Microsoft Surface Pro. If you were hoping for something with the power of a Core i5 laptop but the weight and battery life of Surface RT then you need to take another look at the laws of physics and the current capabilities of Intel processors. It's a li...

- Mary Branscombe and Dan Grabham, TechRadar
ShortList
ShortList

The Surface Pro won’t make sense for everyone. Starting at £719 without a keyboard, it’s a powerful little mover, offering a lightning fast tablet experience and super portable laptop option. If you’re looking for a hybrid device, the Surface Pro could be just your thing.

- ShortList, ShortList
Expert Reviews
Expert Reviews

The Microsoft Surface Pro is the best Windows 8 tablet, but its battery life is slightly disappointing and it's annoying that there's no cover included for this price, which will set you back at least another £100. If you want the convenience of a tablet and the power of Windows, this is the m...

- Katharine Byrne, Expert Reviews
TrustedReviews
TrustedReviews

The Surface Pro hints at genius but implodes under the weight of its own ambition. But the potential is plain to see. It’s a welcome and compelling alternative to an Apple and Google dominated future. Make it lighter and last longer, however, and Microsoft could have a winner on its hands in f...

- Andy Vandervell, TrustedReviews
The Inquirer
The Inquirer

As a tablet, Microsoft's Surface Pro exceeded our expections, as its full Windows 8 OS will not only install any Windows PC application but is powerful enough to run everything you'd find on an ultrabook. However, its high price tag means that it's not only much more expensive compared to Apple's iP...

- Lee Bell, The Inquirer


Prices (Where to Buy)




Ask the Community



Resources


Manuals / User Guides Helpful Links Share / Embed

Maybe one of your friends will find this review helpful? Please help us spread the word.


Quick view

Screen Size
10.6"

The Microsoft Surface Pro's screen size is 10.6 inches with 1080 x 1920 pixels resolution.

Processor
1.7 GHz

There is a Core i5 1.7 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The tablet runs on the Windows 8 Pro operating system (OS).

Camera
1+ MP
You can take photos with the phone's onboard 1+ MP camera. There is also a secondary front facing camera with 1+ megapixels resolution.
Storage
64/128 GB

Internal memory is 64/128 GB. An external, MicroSD, MicroSDHC (up to 64 GB) expansion slot is available for increased storage capacity.

Battery
42WHr

The tablet is powered by a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), 42 WHr battery. Microsoft's performance ratings are 6 hours Wi-Fi surfing.

Surface Pro Specs

Overview
Release Date February 9, 2013
Regions Available USA, Canada
Operating System Windows 8 Pro

Compare Windows Smartphones

Processor Core i5 1.7 GHz
Internal Storage 64/128 GB
RAM 4 GB
Hearing Aid Compatible No
TTY/TDD No
SAR Unknown
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included AC Charger, Manual
Cellular
Networks
Mobile / Cellular Data
No (Option available)
Wi-Fi Calling Unknown
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) Unknown
SIM card size
No
Dual SIM No
Connectivity
USB Yes
USB OTG Support No
Infrared No
Bluetooth 4.0
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, AVRCP, OPP/FTP, HFP, HSP
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n
Memory Expansion Slot Yes
Expansion Slot Info MicroSD, MicroSDHC (up to 64 GB)
NFC No
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
1+ Megapixels
Zoom
No
Flash
No
Additional Main Camera Info
No
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4
Video Recording Parameters
HD (1280 x 720 pixels)
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
1+ Megapixels
Additional Front Camera Info
No
Video Recording Parameters
HD (1280 x 720 pixels)
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology LCD
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution 1080 x 1920 pixels
Pixel density 208 pixels
Size 10.6 inches
Sensors Ambient Light, Motion / Accelerometer, Gyroscope
Backlit Illumination Yes
Zoom / Magnification Yes
Screen Orientation Lock Yes
Multi-Touch Yes
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features Capacitive touch screen
Power & Battery
Type Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Capacity 42 WHr
Removable Battery No
Wireless Charging No
Fast Charging No
Battery Charge Time 4 hours
Video Playback Time Up to 5 hours
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Up to 6 hours
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Standby Time Up to 2.4 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Material Magnesium alloy
Colors Dark Titanium
Dimensions [H x W x D] 27.5 x 17.3 x 1.3 cm (10.8 x 6.8 x 0.5 in)
Weight 907 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Unknown
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Headset Jack Yes
External Speakers Stereo
Input / Navigation
Touchscreen Yes
Sleep / Wake Key No
Home Key Yes
Physical keyboard No
Text-to-Speech No
Screen Reader No
Keypad/Screen Lock Yes
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
More
Additional Information Graphics: Yes
Themes: Yes
Backlit Illumination: Yes
Zoom / Magnification: Yes
Screen Orientation Lock: Yes
Predictive Text Entry: No
Keypad/Screen Lock: Yes
Web Browser: Yes
Email Client: Yes
Email Protocols: POP3, IMAP, SMTP, Microsoft Exchange
PC Synchronization: Yes
Audio Formats: AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, MIDI, MP3, MP4, WAV
Video Playback Formats: 3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4
Streaming Video: Yes
Custom Ringtones: No
Vibration Alert: Yes
Viewable document types: XLS, PPT, PPTX, DOC, DOCX
Games: Downloadable
Apps: Downloadable
Included Software / Apps: -
Calendar, World Clock, Calculator, NotePad, Voice Memos / Recorder

Other Names (AKA): Microsoft Surface 8 Pro
Related Links Quick Start Guide (PDF)
Manual (PDF)
Microsoft Surface Pro Reviews
Where to buy Microsoft Surface Pro
Suggest a correction