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Microsoft Surface Pro 5
Microsoft Surface Pro 5
Microsoft Surface Pro 5
Microsoft Surface Pro 5
...


8.4/10
Informr score
The Microsoft Surface Pro 5 currently has an Informr score of 8.4 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 37 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

What's good

  • Beautiful display
  • Lightweight design
  • Excellent accessories
  • Plenty of storage
  • Solid performance

What's bad

  • Price
  • So-so cameras
  • Extra cost for pen and keyboard cover
  • No USB Type-C

Offering both laptop-like performance and an ultra-portable, lightweight package, Microsoft’s Surface redefined the hybrid experience. Their latest release features fewer major upgrades and more refinement compared to the differences between earlier models.

Does the Surface still have what it takes to keep the competition at bay? Reviewers are chiming in with their thoughts on their power new piece of kit.

Let’s see what they’re saying!

Looking at the Surface, most reviewers were quick to point out how similar it is to the older Surface Pro 4. They found minor differences—mostly in the hinge and corners of the device. However, the difference in the hand pleased most reviewers. Most had no issue with using the device in their lap or holding it for extended periods.

The front of the tablet features a 12.3-inch PixelSense display running at 1824-by-2736 pixels. Reviewers loved the display for its crispness, brightness and color accuracy. Benchmarks show it can handle professional photo editing and other color-sensitive tasks with ease. The resolution also makes the Surface ideal for working with multiple apps, documents or images at once.

Expert Reviews UK put the monitor through their testing routine and declared, “at full whack it’s utterly gorgeous.”

Depending on the model you choose, the new tablet comes with either an Intel Core m3, i5 or i7 processor and between 4 and 16GB of RAM. Most reviewers agreed that the i5 is the most versatile choice. However, for professional work, the i7 comes highly recommended.

Reviewers had zero issues with the tablet getting warm to the touch despite the new fanless design on m3 and i5 models. For the i7 models, reviewers found the fans barely noticeable.

Alphr summed up performance reviews well, saying, “If you are thinking of doing CAD/CAM work on it, you’ll need to go for the top spec, but a Core i5 version will be fine for most users.”

The Surface Pro 5 runs the same version of Windows 10 as a desktop or laptop computer. Depending on the model you choose, you’ll find between 128GB and 1TB of internal SSD storage. There’s also a microSD slot and USB 3.0 port for added storage options.

Microsoft doesn’t disclose the new hybrid’s battery capacity. While most reviews found that it falls short of the estimated 13.5 hours provided by the manufacturer, most had no trouble getting 6 to 8 hours of the tablet. With lighter usage, reviewers such as IT Pro UK squeezed 11 hours out of a single charge. Keep in mind, however, that the faster processors will use more power.

The Surface Pro 5 features a variety of ports to connect your accessories. While reviewers questioned the lack of USB Type-C support, most were happy with the options. Choices include a USB 3.0 port, a mini DisplayPort and a 3.5mm headphone jack. You’ll also find Wireless AC and Bluetooth 4.1 support.

Many reviewers overlooked the 8MP rear camera and 5MP front-facing lens. Those that didn’t found the rear camera only so-so. However, no one had problems using the front-facing camera for Microsoft Hello unlocking or Skyping.

Reviewers agreed the Surface works best when paired with the Type Cover keyboard and Microsoft Pen. Neither are included with the tablet itself, so be sure to consider the added price of the two accessories. For artists, the Microsoft Pen now features 4000+ levels of pressure sensitivity and tilt support.

The keyboard cover also received rave reviews. IT Pro UK said, “Not only was it by far the best detachable laptop keyboard we'd ever seen, it was one of the best laptop keyboards around, full stop.”

Overall, reviews for Microsoft’s latest release are positive—though some question whether an upgrade from the 4-series is worthwhile. The Verge summed up opinions well, saying, “The Surface Pro is the best execution on this style of computer: it has the power of a full-fledged laptop and the full support of Windows 10 Pro, while still maintaining a very light and portable package.”

As long as you don’t mind the price, it appears there is a lot to love about this tablet.


Windows
Operating system
Operating system
Windows
2.6 GHz
Processor
Processor
2.6 GHz
12.3"
Screen Size
Screen Size
12.3"
8+ MP
Camera
Camera
8+ MP
45 WHr
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


Gadgets 360
Gadgets 360

We really like the Microsoft Surface Pro for its portability and convenience. We were even able to use it on our laps for short stretches - it wasn't very comfortable, but it was certainly possible. Its design and components are however a little dated, and the companies that Microsoft wanted to comp...

- Jamshed Avari, Gadgets 360
Firstpost
Firstpost

The Surface Pro will appeal to someone who wants to make the most out of Microsoft software. With tools such as the Surface Pen, the tablet can also let you get creative and provides a formidable competition to the artistic proposition sold by the Apple Pencil. In terms of productivity, I would cert...

- Nimish Sawant, Firstpost
BGR
BGR

On the face of it, the Microsoft Surface Pro seems to have everything you need from an ultraportable laptop. It’s light enough to carry anywhere. It’s a tablet when you need one. It’s also mobile enough without the need to plug in a charger throughout a typical workday.

- Sambit Satpathy, BGR
The Indian Express
The Indian Express

For Windows fans and those who are comfortable switching operating systems, this is a great device to own given its performance and versatility.

- Nandagopal Rajan, The Indian Express
The Verge
The Verge

A more seamless and pleasant working experience when away from my home or office. Instead of having to worry about whether or not I’ll have a connection or mapping out where I’ll be able to get connected ahead of time, I’m just able to turn the Surface Pro on and get to work, saving both time and ha...

- Dan Seifert, The Verge


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Quick view

Screen Size
12.3"

The Microsoft Surface Pro 5's screen size is 12.3 inches with 1824 x 2736 pixels resolution.

Processor
2.6 GHz

There is a Intel Core m3 2.6 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The tablet runs on the Windows 10 Pro operating system (OS).

Camera
8+ MP
You can take photos with the phone's onboard 8+ MP camera. There is also a secondary front facing camera with 5+ megapixels resolution.
Storage
128 GB

Internal memory is 128 GB. An external, MicroSD, MicroSDHC, microSDXC expansion slot is available for increased storage capacity.

Battery
45WHr
Microsoft's performance ratings are 10 hours Wi-Fi surfing.

Surface Pro 5 Specs

Overview
Release Date June 15, 2017
Regions Available USA, Canada, United Kingdom
Operating System Windows 10 Pro

Compare Windows Smartphones

Processor Intel Core m3 2.6 GHz
Internal Storage 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 No
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) No
SIM card size
No
Dual SIM No
Connectivity
USB Yes
USB OTG Support Yes
Infrared No
Bluetooth 4.0
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, AVRCP, OPP/FTP, HFP, HSP
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Memory Expansion Slot Yes
Expansion Slot Info MicroSD, MicroSDHC, microSDXC
NFC No
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
8+ Megapixels
Zoom
Yes
Flash
No
Additional Main Camera Info
Auto focus
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4, WMV, FLV
Video Recording Parameters
Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels)
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
5+ Megapixels
Additional Front Camera Info
No
Video Recording Parameters
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology LCD
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution 1824 x 2736 pixels
Pixel density 267 pixels
Size 12.3 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
Battery Capacity 45 WHr
Removable Battery No
Wireless Charging No
Fast Charging No
Battery Charge Time 3 hours
Video Playback Time Up to 14 hours
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Up to 10 hours
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Standby Time Unknown
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Material Magnesium alloy
Colors Platinum, Burgundy, Cobalt Blue
Dimensions [H x W x D] 29.2 x 20.1 x 0.8 cm (11.5 x 7.9 x 0.3 in)
Weight 766 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof No
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Headset Jack 3.5mm
External Speakers Stereo
Input / Navigation
Touchscreen Yes
Sleep / Wake Key Yes
Home Key No
Physical keyboard No
Text-to-Speech Yes
Screen Reader No
Keypad/Screen Lock Yes
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
More
Additional Information Other Names (AKA): Microsoft Surface Pro (2017), Surface Pro (5th Gen)

Variations:

128GB SSD storage model
Processor: Intel Core i5
RAM: 4 GB
Weight: 786 grams

256GB SSD storage model
Processor: Intel Core i5 or i7
RAM: 8 GB
Weight: 786 grams
LTE: Optional


512GB SSD storage model
Processor: Intel Core i7
RAM: 16 GB
Weight: 786 grams

1TB SSD storage model
Processor: Intel Core i7
RAM: 16 GB
Weight: 786 grams

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