Introduction
The Surface Pro 9 continues Microsoft’s legacy of creating premium 2-in-1 devices that seamlessly blend the portability of a tablet with the functionality of a laptop. Designed for general consumers, the Surface Pro 9 offers a sleek design, powerful performance, and a range of accessories that enhance productivity and entertainment. Whether you're a student, remote worker, or casual user looking for a flexible computing experience, this device aims to deliver.
In this review, we’ll dive into its design, performance, battery life, software experience, and accessories to help you determine if it’s the right fit for your needs.
Design & Build Quality
The Surface Pro 9 maintains Microsoft’s signature design—a sleek, lightweight, and premium aluminum chassis that feels durable and modern. It weighs around 1.94 pounds (879g) without the keyboard, making it easy to carry around whether you're commuting, traveling, or working from different locations.
Display
The 13-inch PixelSense Flow Display is one of the standout features of the Surface Pro 9. With a 2880 x 1920 resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and Dolby Vision support, it delivers sharp visuals, vibrant colors, and smooth scrolling. The touchscreen is highly responsive, making it great for note-taking, sketching, or general navigation.
Kickstand & Portability
Microsoft’s signature kickstand is still one of the best in the industry, offering a full range of motion for flexible viewing angles. Whether you’re typing on a desk, watching videos, or using it as a digital notebook, the kickstand enhances usability without adding bulk.
Performance
The Surface Pro 9 comes with two processor options:
Intel Core i5/i7 (12th Gen, Evo-certified) – Aimed at users who need a balance of performance and efficiency for everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, document editing, and light creative work.
Microsoft SQ3 (ARM-based) – Offers better battery efficiency and includes 5G connectivity, but has limited app compatibility due to Windows on ARM.
For most consumers, the Intel version is the best choice since it ensures full compatibility with all Windows apps and delivers better performance for multitasking, video calls, and productivity tasks.
Everyday Performance
With up to 32GB of RAM and 1TB SSD storage, the Surface Pro 9 handles daily tasks smoothly. Whether you’re running multiple browser tabs, using Microsoft Office, or streaming 4K videos, performance remains snappy.
For light creative work, such as photo editing in Photoshop or drawing in apps like OneNote or Clip Studio Paint, the Surface Pro 9 holds up well. However, for intensive tasks like video editing or gaming, it’s not as powerful as traditional laptops with dedicated GPUs.
Battery Life
Battery life depends on which model you choose:
Intel version: Lasts around 7-9 hours with moderate use (web browsing, office work, and video playback).
SQ3 version: Can reach 10-12 hours, thanks to ARM’s power efficiency.
Charging is done via Microsoft’s Surface Connect port or USB-C, with fast charging support that can get you back to 50% battery in under an hour. While the battery life is decent, it might not last an entire workday without needing a charge, especially on the Intel version.
Software & User Experience
Running Windows 11, the Surface Pro 9 is optimized for both touch and keyboard/mouse input. The OS features tablet-friendly gestures, snap layouts for multitasking, and pen support that makes it feel more natural for touchscreen users.
Laptop Replacement?
With the Surface Signature Keyboard, the Surface Pro 9 functions very similarly to a traditional laptop. However, since it lacks a built-in keyboard and hinge, it’s not as lap-friendly as a clamshell laptop. If you mostly work at a desk or table, this won’t be an issue.
For casual users, Windows 11 is great for browsing, streaming, and light productivity. However, for power users who rely on heavy software like Adobe Premiere Pro or AutoCAD, the Surface Pro 9 might not be the best primary device.
Accessories & Expandability
Surface Signature Keyboard & Slim Pen 2
Microsoft offers a detachable keyboard with a built-in Slim Pen 2 storage and charging slot. The keyboard delivers a laptop-like typing experience with comfortable key travel and a precision touchpad.
The Slim Pen 2 provides low-latency writing and haptic feedback, making it one of the best stylus experiences for Windows devices. Whether you’re an artist, student, or note-taker, it feels smooth and precise.
Connectivity & Ports
The Surface Pro 9 includes:
2x USB-C Thunderbolt 4 ports (Intel version) / USB-C + Surface Connect (SQ3 version)
No headphone jack (Bluetooth or USB-C headphones needed)
Optional 5G (SQ3 model only)
While the lack of a headphone jack is disappointing, the Thunderbolt 4 ports allow for fast data transfer, external displays, and docks for additional connectivity.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
The Surface Pro 9 is a versatile 2-in-1 device that excels in portability, display quality, and touchscreen functionality. It’s best suited for:
Students – Ideal for note-taking, research, and portability.
Remote workers – Great for video calls, document editing, and productivity on the go.
Casual users – Perfect for web browsing, streaming, and light creative tasks.
However, if you need a device for heavy gaming, intensive video editing, or workstation-level tasks, a more traditional laptop might be a better choice.
Should You Buy It?
If you value portability, a great display, and tablet versatility, the Surface Pro 9 is a solid investment.
If you need longer battery life or 5G, consider the SQ3 model, but be mindful of app compatibility limitations.
If you prefer a laptop-first experience, you may want to look at a Surface Laptop or another traditional ultrabook.
Overall, the Surface Pro 9 is a polished, premium device that delivers a fantastic Windows 11 experience in a compact form factor, making it a great choice for general consumers looking for a hybrid device.
