Surface Pro 8 Review: Fast & Fresh with Windows 11

Surface Pro 8: A Comprehensive Update

The newest Surface Pro boasts significant enhancements. A redesigned display and chassis are key improvements. It now incorporates the latest Intel chipset and, importantly, supports Thunderbolt 4 connectivity.

The Surface Pro 8 also ships with Windows 11, introducing a range of innovative features. The well-known kickstand has been refined for improved functionality, and the optional keyboard cover has undergone enhancements.

Notably absent from this iteration is the MicroSDXC card slot, a feature that was not included in this design.

Major Design Refresh

The Surface Pro 8 represents a substantial upgrade over its predecessors, while retaining a familiar feel. Microsoft has finally modernized the exterior design of the Surface Pro, a change that was long overdue.

Introduced in 2013, the Surface Pro’s form factor remained largely unchanged across seven generations. For the Surface Pro 8, Microsoft adopted the excellent design language of the Surface Pro X, initially released in 2020.

The result is a device that feels more contemporary and refined than ever before.

It is my firm belief that the Surface Pro 8 is currently the leading 2-in-1 device available. Its usability is exceptional, making it an ideal choice for users seeking a versatile Windows machine.

In-Depth Review

The Surface Pro 8 delivers a compelling experience. Upon opening the kickstand, Windows 11 boots rapidly. Responsiveness is excellent, with minimal loading delays.

Performance is swift, whether using demanding applications like Lightroom or engaging in complex tasks such as Factorio, thanks to its eleventh-generation Intel Core processors.

Display and Software Considerations

The screen is visually stunning and ranks among the best displays found on portable devices. However, optimal screen performance isn’t immediately accessible, as the 120 Hz refresh rate option is buried within Windows settings.

Unfortunately, I was unable to verify HDR support during testing.

Windows 11 appears to be the limiting factor with the Surface Pro 8. Despite the update to Windows 11, the operating system continues to present some drawbacks for Surface Pro users.

Certain aspects of Windows 11 feel counterintuitive, and I’ve found it difficult to adjust to some of its quirks. The redesigned Start menu is not to my liking, and mobile-focused features like widgets feel somewhat disjointed.

Hardware

The Surface Pro 8 incorporates the newest Intel processors within a beautifully crafted, anodized aluminum enclosure, initially seen on the 2020 Surface Pro X. A notable improvement is the chassis’ resistance to fingerprints. The device features rounded edges, contributing to a more polished and refined hardware experience compared to previous iterations.

It exhibits a 2mm increase in thickness and a weight gain of 100 grams relative to its predecessor. Microsoft representatives have explained this adjustment, stating that the enhancements in cooling capabilities and battery capacity justify the slight increase in size.

The Surface Pro 8 boasts what is arguably the finest screen available on any portable device. Both the visual quality and touchscreen responsiveness of the display are exceptionally impressive. It delivers a bright, clear, and highly detailed image. The screen incorporates a 120 Hz refresh rate, which can be enabled through the Display settings’ advanced options.

While intended to support High Dynamic Range (HDR), this functionality was not fully operational during testing. Adaptive color adjustment is now a feature, allowing the screen to subtly modify its color temperature to align with the surrounding ambient lighting.

The 11.3-inch screen offers a resolution of 2880 x 1920, resulting in a pixel density of 267 pixels per inch (PPI). By comparison, the current iPad Pro model features an 11-inch screen with a resolution of 2388 x 1668 at 264 PPI.

The display is a significant factor in the appeal of this new Surface Pro. Its quality enhances the visual experience across a wide range of applications, from Slack to Photoshop.

Interaction with the touchscreen appears to be improved as well. The new screen, or potentially Windows 11, provides a smoother experience when using either a stylus or a finger. The tactile feedback from touching the screen is remarkably pleasant.

Microsoft has introduced a revised version of the Surface Slim Pen. This second-generation pen includes a redesigned tip, reduced latency, and the addition of haptic feedback. The Slim Pen 2 offers a unique experience, providing tactile sensations that mimic different brush types.

The sensation of using a brush differs from that of a smudging stump, and selecting a pencil delivers a scraping-like feel. However, this feature requires application support, which is currently available in a limited number of programs, resulting in a substantially different user experience than previous models.

The Surface Slim Pen 2 conveniently stores and charges within a dedicated compartment on the keyboard hinge, a feature initially introduced with the Surface Pro X in 2020.

An eleventh-generation Intel Chip powers the device internally, and an active cooling system maintains stable performance. Notably, the Surface Pro appears to manage performance scaling less aggressively than in past generations.

The test unit is equipped with a Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD, utilizing Intel’s Iris X Graphics. This configuration is priced at $1,599, excluding the cost of the keyboard, which can be purchased bundled with or without the Surface Slim Pen 2.

This represents the most affordable option featuring the Core i7 CPU. Higher-priced models offer increased storage and RAM, with the top-end configuration reaching $2,599, which includes 32GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD.

The older USB-A ports have been removed, and Microsoft has finally incorporated USB-C ports into the Surface Pro line, specifically the latest Thunderbolt 4 standard. This allows the Surface Pro 8 to drive multiple 4K displays, connect to an external GPU, or utilize a variety of other data-intensive accessories.

The USB-C ports can also be used to recharge the device, although Microsoft recommends using the proprietary Surface Connect port for charging. The MicroSDXC slot has been removed, but the SSD is now user-replaceable.

The elimination of the MicroSDXC slot is regrettable, as it was a key advantage over the iPad Pro. The SSD is located behind a panel beneath the kickstand, easily accessible and secured with a single screw, allowing for SSD swaps in under a minute.

Surface Pro 8 Battery Performance

The Surface Pro 8 is designed for all-day portability. During initial testing, even with consistent use, a single overnight charge proved sufficient.

Notably, this evaluation was conducted utilizing applications outside of the Microsoft ecosystem, specifically Chrome, Slack, and Xoom, rather than Edge and Teams.

This is a crucial point, as Microsoft has emphasized optimizations within its own applications to maximize battery longevity.

Battery Life Expectations vs. Real-World Usage

Microsoft advertises up to 18 hours of battery life for the Surface Pro 8. However, practical usage yielded different results.

Average battery performance, while utilizing Chrome, streaming YouTubeTV, and participating in video conferences, was approximately 10 hours.

Thermal Performance

Despite incorporating a new active cooling system, the Surface Pro 8 can become noticeably warm during operation.

This heat generation led to discomfort when using the device in tablet mode, particularly during media editing tasks.

While applications like Lightroom performed well, Photoshop caused the Surface Pro 8 to reach temperatures that were less than ideal for extended handling.

Surface Pro 8 Webcam: A Superior Implementation

The webcam integrated into the Surface Pro 8 is a notable feature, particularly due to its optimal positioning. Microsoft directly addressed Apple’s design choices regarding camera placement during its product announcement.

A Microsoft representative pointed out, with evident satisfaction, that their front-facing camera is centrally located – “right where it belongs.” This contrasts with Apple’s continued practice of positioning the iPad’s camera on its shorter edge.

This placement on the iPad creates an awkward experience when the device is used in laptop mode with an attached keyboard, as the webcam is then positioned off to the side.

Camera Specifications and Quality

The front-facing camera delivers excellent image quality. It captures video at 1080p resolution and still images at 5 megapixels.

Furthermore, it offers comprehensive manual controls, allowing adjustments to white balance, exposure, and other settings for optimized results.

Comparative Analysis

Below is a visual comparison between the Surface Pro 8 and the iPad Pro (2020) regarding their respective webcam setups.

Key Advantages

• Optimal Positioning: The centrally located camera ensures a natural and comfortable video conferencing experience.
• High Resolution: 1080p video and 5mp stills provide clear and detailed images.
• Manual Controls: Advanced settings allow for fine-tuning of image quality.

These features collectively contribute to a superior webcam experience on the Surface Pro 8.

A Brief Assessment of Windows 11

My personal computer usage is centered around gaming and media editing. This review is being composed on a Mac, as it is the standard operating system within my professional workflow. While I don’t regularly use Windows, and Windows 11 doesn’t currently inspire a switch from macOS.

The redesigned Start menu presents a frustrating user experience. It occupies a significant portion of the screen and its dimensions appear disproportionate to its functionality. A substantial area within the new Start menu is simply unused space.

Furthermore, the customization options available for the Start Menu are notably limited compared to earlier Windows iterations.

Beyond the Start menu, the remainder of the Windows 11 experience is generally adequate. For a user who primarily interacts with the surface-level features of Windows, the changes feel incremental rather than revolutionary.

Similar to my disinterest in widgets on macOS, I anticipate little use for them within Windows 11. Currently, the widgets on my test system lack customization options. While existing widgets can be modified, adding new ones is not possible.

Additionally, these widgets exhibit slow loading and refresh times.

A more comprehensive analysis of Windows 11, from the perspective of a consistent daily user, will be forthcoming.

Surface Pro 8 and iPad Pro: A Detailed Comparison

The Surface Pro 8 and the iPad Pro, despite catering to similar user groups, represent fundamentally distinct approaches to portable computing. While the Surface Pro 8 operates on a complete desktop operating system, the iPad Pro utilizes a mobile platform—albeit a highly capable one—also powering iPhones.

Both devices boast exceptional displays, and their touchscreen functionalities are remarkably similar. The accompanying styluses offer comparable experiences. However, the newest Apple Pencil, when paired with the iPad Pro, appears to deliver a slightly more refined and pleasurable user experience, exhibiting enhanced precision, even with the Surface Pen’s new haptic feedback feature.

The optimal choice between these two tablets hinges on individual user requirements. The Surface Pro 8 excels as a desktop replacement, but a mobile operating system may prove more suitable for certain workflows.

Here's a guide to help you decide.

Consider purchasing the Surface Pro 8 if…

• You require a device capable of fully replacing a desktop computer, including the ability to execute specialized software.
• A portable solution for running Microsoft’s enterprise-level applications is essential.
• Gaming is a priority, and Xbox game streaming meets your entertainment needs.
• A full-sized, detachable keyboard is a necessity.

Opt for the iPad Pro if…

• Your primary focus is media editing using industry-standard applications such as Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom.
• A high-performance portable device for utilizing Google’s G-Suite is needed.
• Your Microsoft Office 365 usage is centered around core functionalities and applications.
• You prefer mobile gaming experiences, similar to those available on smartphones.

Ultimately, the best device depends on how you intend to use it.

Choosing the right tablet requires careful consideration of your specific needs and preferences.

Is the Latest Surface Pro a Sound Investment?

The newest iteration of the Surface Pro presents its most refined appearance to date. While certain essential functionalities were not available upon initial release, the device demonstrates considerable promise.

This model is a well-crafted package, boasting a stunning display and exceptional construction. The inclusion of an updated stylus is a significant improvement, and the integration of Intel’s newest processors enhances both the dependability and speed of the computer.

Positioning in the Market

Historically, the Surface Pro series occupied a niche position; however, this version brings it closer to becoming a widely accessible choice. Previous models often suffered from marginally insufficient performance and hardware that was only just adequate.

With the Surface Pro 8, performance levels are now fully satisfactory, complemented by truly beautiful hardware design.

A Top-Tier 2-in-1

Currently, the Surface Pro 8 stands as the premier Windows 2-in-1 device on the market.

Its combination of portability, power, and build quality makes it a compelling option for users seeking a versatile computing experience.

• Display Quality: The screen is vibrant and sharp.
• Build Quality: The device feels premium and durable.
• Stylus: The updated stylus offers improved precision.
• Performance: Intel’s latest processors deliver reliable speed.