Surface Pro 9 review: a great 2-in-1, for a price

The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 impresses, just make sure you pick the best build.

Microsoft Surface Pro 9 review; a tablet with a web site shown on its screen
(Image: © Future)

Our Verdict

The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is a quality 2-in-1 laptop that feels great to use and features enough power to be used however you wish, just make sure you pick the right build for you. The Intel 12th-gen build is perfect for on-the-go work and play, but the less powerful SQ3 model could leave you wanting more.

For

  • Excellent design and quality
  • Runs full software
  • Works with old accessories
  • Beautiful screen and keyboard

Against

  • Small folders and tabs
  • SQ3 model is poor

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The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is the latest all-rounder that sets out to challenge the iPad Pro for the crown of the best high-end tablet. There's always been a bit of a marketing fudge around the Surface brand; for example, Apple clearly believes the iPad Pro is a tablet first while Surface Pro is a laptop and tablet and perhaps does both well and neither exceptionally well.

I've spent over week with the new Microsoft Surface Pro 9 for this review and I've previously spent time with all models at Microsoft's London offices. This 2-in-1 tablet comes in two specs. The Intel Core i5 and i7 and there's also a 5G model that uses the Arm Microsoft SQ3. The major difference between the Intel and Arm models is speed and power (Intel), and battery life (SQ3).

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The Verdict
8

out of 10

Microsoft Surface Pro 9

The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is a quality 2-in-1 laptop that feels great to use and features enough power to be used however you wish, just make sure you pick the right build for you. The Intel 12th-gen build is perfect for on-the-go work and play, but the less powerful SQ3 model could leave you wanting more.

Editor, Digital Arts & 3D

Ian Dean is Editor, Digital Arts & 3D at Creative Bloq, and the former editor of many leading magazines. These titles included ImagineFX, 3D World and video game titles Play and Official PlayStation Magazine. Ian launched Xbox magazine X360 and edited PlayStation World. For Creative Bloq, Ian combines his experiences to bring the latest news on digital art, VFX and video games and tech, and in his spare time he doodles in Procreate, ArtRage, and Rebelle while finding time to play Xbox and PS5.