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The ultimate laptop vs tablet showdown: surface pro x vs 8 – which reigns supreme?

Highlights

  • The Surface Pro X is powered by a custom-designed Microsoft SQ1 or SQ2 processor, while the Surface Pro 8 is powered by an Intel Core i5 or i7 processor.
  • The Surface Pro X only has two USB-C ports and a Surface Connect port, while the Surface Pro 8 has two USB-C ports, a Thunderbolt 4 port, and a Surface Connect port.
  • The Surface Pro X is a more portable and power-efficient device, while the Surface Pro 8 is a more powerful and versatile device.

The Microsoft Surface Pro X and Surface Pro 8 are two of the most popular 2-in-1 devices on the market. They offer a unique combination of portability, power, and versatility, making them ideal for students, professionals, and anyone who wants a device that can do it all.

But which one is right for you? In this in-depth comparison, we’ll take a closer look at the Surface Pro X and Surface Pro 8 to help you make an informed decision.

Design

Both the Surface Pro X and Surface Pro 8 have a sleek and premium design. They’re both made of magnesium alloy, which is lightweight and durable. The Surface Pro X is slightly thinner and lighter than the Surface Pro 8, but both devices are easy to carry around.

The Surface Pro X has a 13-inch display, while the Surface Pro 8 has a 12.3-inch display. Both displays are beautiful and vibrant, with excellent color accuracy and sharpness. The Surface Pro 8’s display has a slightly higher resolution than the Surface Pro X’s display, but the difference is negligible.

Performance

The Surface Pro X is powered by a custom-designed Microsoft SQ1 or SQ2 processor, while the Surface Pro 8 is powered by an Intel Core i5 or i7 processor. The Surface Pro X’s processor is based on ARM architecture, while the Surface Pro 8’s processor is based on x86 architecture.

ARM processors are typically more power-efficient than x86 processors, but they can also be less powerful. In general, the Surface Pro X is not as powerful as the Surface Pro 8, especially when it comes to demanding tasks like video editing or gaming.

However, the Surface Pro X is still a very capable device for most users. It can handle everyday tasks like web browsing, email, and office productivity with ease. It can also handle some light gaming and video editing.

Battery Life

The Surface Pro X has a longer battery life than the Surface Pro 8. Microsoft claims that the Surface Pro X can last up to 13 hours on a single charge, while the Surface Pro 8 can only last up to 10 hours.

In our tests, we found that the Surface Pro X’s battery life is actually closer to 10 hours. However, it’s still longer than the Surface Pro 8’s battery life.

Connectivity

The Surface Pro X has a limited number of ports compared to the Surface Pro 8. The Surface Pro X only has two USB-C ports and a Surface Connect port, while the Surface Pro 8 has two USB-C ports, a Thunderbolt 4 port, and a Surface Connect port.

The Thunderbolt 4 port on the Surface Pro 8 allows you to connect to external monitors, storage devices, and other peripherals at high speeds. The Surface Pro X does not have a Thunderbolt 4 port, so you’ll need to use a USB-C to Thunderbolt 4 adapter if you want to connect to Thunderbolt 4 devices.

Software

The Surface Pro X comes with Windows 11 Home, while the Surface Pro 8 comes with Windows 11 Pro. Windows 11 Pro includes some additional features that are not available in Windows 11 Home, such as BitLocker encryption and the ability to join a domain.

However, most users will not need these additional features. Windows 11 Home is a perfectly capable operating system for most users.

Price

The Surface Pro X is more expensive than the Surface Pro 8. The Surface Pro X starts at $999, while the Surface Pro 8 starts at $1,099.

The Surface Pro X’s higher price is due to its custom-designed processor. The Surface Pro 8’s Intel Core processor is less expensive than the Surface Pro X’s SQ1 or SQ2 processor.

Which One Should You Buy?

The Surface Pro X and Surface Pro 8 are both excellent 2-in-1 devices. The Surface Pro X is a more portable and power-efficient device, while the Surface Pro 8 is a more powerful and versatile device.

If you’re looking for a lightweight and portable device that can handle everyday tasks with ease, the Surface Pro X is a great option. If you’re looking for a more powerful device that can handle demanding tasks like video editing or gaming, the Surface Pro 8 is a better choice.

Quick Answers to Your FAQs

Q: Which device has a better display?
A: The Surface Pro 8 has a slightly higher resolution display than the Surface Pro X, but the difference is negligible. Both displays are beautiful and vibrant, with excellent color accuracy and sharpness.

Q: Which device has a longer battery life?
A: The Surface Pro X has a longer battery life than the Surface Pro 8. Microsoft claims that the Surface Pro X can last up to 13 hours on a single charge, while the Surface Pro 8 can only last up to 10 hours.

Q: Which device has more ports?
A: The Surface Pro 8 has more ports than the Surface Pro X. The Surface Pro 8 has two USB-C ports, a Thunderbolt 4 port, and a Surface Connect port, while the Surface Pro X only has two USB-C ports and a Surface Connect port.

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