At a Glance
- Both the Surface Pro 6 and Surface Pro 8 offer a wide range of connectivity options, including USB-C, USB-A, and a 3.
- Both the Surface Pro 6 and Surface Pro 8 support the Surface Pen, but the Surface Pro 8’s Slim Pen 2 offers improved latency and magnetic charging.
- The Surface Pro 8 also comes with a redesigned Type Cover, which provides a more comfortable typing experience and includes a dedicated charging port for the Surface Pen.
The Microsoft Surface Pro line has consistently pushed the boundaries of 2-in-1 devices, offering a blend of portability, performance, and versatility. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the key differences between the Microsoft Surface Pro 6 and Surface Pro 8 to help you make an informed decision about which device best suits your needs.
Design and Display
The Surface Pro 8 boasts a slightly larger 13-inch PixelSense Flow display compared to the 12.3-inch PixelSense display on the Surface Pro 6. Both devices offer a stunning visual experience with bright, vibrant colors and excellent contrast ratios. However, the Surface Pro 8’s 120Hz refresh rate provides smoother scrolling and gaming.
In terms of design, the Surface Pro 8 features a more modern and refined aesthetic with rounded corners and a slimmer profile. It also comes in a wider range of color options, including Platinum, Graphite, and Forest.
Performance
The Surface Pro 6 is powered by Intel’s 8th-generation Core processors, while the Surface Pro 8 is equipped with the latest 11th-generation Core processors. This significant upgrade results in a substantial performance boost, especially in demanding tasks such as video editing and multitasking.
The Surface Pro 8 also offers up to 32GB of RAM and 1TB of SSD storage, providing ample resources for heavy workloads.
Battery Life
Battery life is a crucial factor for any portable device. The Surface Pro 6 offers up to 13.5 hours of battery life, while the Surface Pro 8 extends this to 16 hours. This improvement is due to the more efficient 11th-generation processors and a larger battery capacity.
Connectivity
Both the Surface Pro 6 and Surface Pro 8 offer a wide range of connectivity options, including USB-C, USB-A, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. However, the Surface Pro 8 introduces additional features such as Thunderbolt 4 support and Wi-Fi 6E, providing faster data transfer speeds and improved wireless connectivity.
Stylus and Keyboard
The Surface Pen is an essential accessory for the Surface Pro series, offering precise and natural writing and drawing experiences. Both the Surface Pro 6 and Surface Pro 8 support the Surface Pen, but the Surface Pro 8’s Slim Pen 2 offers improved latency and magnetic charging.
The Surface Pro 8 also comes with a redesigned Type Cover, which provides a more comfortable typing experience and includes a dedicated charging port for the Surface Pen.
Price and Availability
The Microsoft Surface Pro 6 is available at a more affordable price point compared to the Surface Pro 8. However, the Surface Pro 8 offers significant upgrades in performance, display, and connectivity, which may justify the higher cost for users who value these features.
Which One Should You Choose?
The choice between the Microsoft Surface Pro 6 and Surface Pro 8 depends on your specific needs and budget. If you prioritize affordability and are willing to compromise on performance and features, the Surface Pro 6 is a solid option. However, if you demand the latest technology, exceptional performance, and a premium experience, the Surface Pro 8 is the clear choice.
The Bottom Line: The Best Choice for Your Needs
The Microsoft Surface Pro 6 and Surface Pro 8 are both excellent 2-in-1 devices that offer a unique blend of portability, versatility, and power. Whether you’re a student, professional, or creative enthusiast, there’s a Surface Pro model that can meet your needs. By carefully considering the key differences highlighted in this comparison, you can make an informed decision and choose the device that best aligns with your requirements.
What You Need to Know
Q: Which device has a better camera?
A: The Surface Pro 8 has a slightly improved camera system with a 10MP rear-facing camera and a 5MP front-facing camera.
Q: Does the Surface Pro 6 support facial recognition?
A: Yes, both the Surface Pro 6 and Surface Pro 8 support facial recognition through Windows Hello.
Q: Can I use the Surface Pen with both devices?
A: Yes, both the Surface Pro 6 and Surface Pro 8 support the Surface Pen. However, the Surface Pro 8’s Slim Pen 2 offers enhanced features.
Q: Which device is better for gaming?
A: The Surface Pro 8 offers better gaming performance due to its more powerful 11th-generation Core processors.
Q: How much storage is available on the Surface Pro 6 and Surface Pro 8?
A: The Surface Pro 6 offers up to 1TB of SSD storage, while the Surface Pro 8 offers up to 1TB of removable SSD storage.