Microsoft’s touchscreen titans clash: surface studio 2 vs. 2+ compared

The Microsoft Surface Studio 2 and Surface Studio 2+ are high-end all-in-one PCs designed specifically for creative professionals. Both devices offer powerful hardware, a unique form factor, and a host of features tailored to artists, designers, and engineers. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key differences between the Surface Studio 2 and Surface Studio 2+ to help you make an informed decision about which device is right for your needs.

Display

Surface Studio 2: 28-inch PixelSense display with a resolution of 4500 x 3000 pixels (192 PPI) and a 3:2 aspect ratio.

Surface Studio 2+: 28-inch PixelSense display with a resolution of 4500 x 3000 pixels (192 PPI) and a 3:2 aspect ratio.

The display on both devices is identical, offering exceptional clarity, color accuracy, and viewing angles. Both models also feature touch and pen support, making them ideal for drawing, sketching, and interacting with creative software.

Processor

Surface Studio 2: Intel Core i7-7820HQ or Intel Core i5-7300HQ processor.

Surface Studio 2+: Intel Core i7-11370H or Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor.

The Surface Studio 2+ has a significant advantage in terms of processor power. The 11th-generation Intel Core processors offer improved performance for demanding tasks such as 3D modeling, video editing, and CAD design.

Graphics

Surface Studio 2: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 or NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 graphics card.

Surface Studio 2+: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 or NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 graphics card.

The Surface Studio 2+ also has a clear advantage in terms of graphics capabilities. The RTX 30 series graphics cards offer superior performance for tasks that require high-quality graphics, such as gaming, video rendering, and virtual reality.

Memory and Storage

Surface Studio 2: 16GB or 32GB of RAM, and 1TB or 2TB of SSD storage.

Surface Studio 2+: 32GB or 64GB of RAM, and 1TB or 2TB of SSD storage.

Both devices offer ample memory and storage for most creative tasks. However, the Surface Studio 2+ offers the option of 64GB of RAM, which can be beneficial for professionals working with large datasets or complex software.

Operating System

Surface Studio 2: Windows 10 Pro or Windows 11 Pro.

Surface Studio 2+: Windows 11 Pro.

The Surface Studio 2+ comes pre-installed with Windows 11 Pro, while the Surface Studio 2 can be upgraded to Windows 11 Pro. Windows 11 offers a number of new features and enhancements that can benefit creative professionals, such as improved pen support and a more intuitive user interface.

Design and Form Factor

Both the Surface Studio 2 and Surface Studio 2+ feature a unique form factor that allows the display to be tilted and adjusted to a variety of positions. This makes them ideal for both traditional desktop use and more specialized tasks, such as drawing or sculpting.

The Surface Studio 2+ has a slightly more refined design, with a thinner profile and a smaller footprint. It also features a new adjustable hinge that allows the display to be positioned even closer to the desk, making it more comfortable for extended use.

Connectivity

Surface Studio 2: 4x USB 3.0 ports, 2x USB Type-C ports, 1x Ethernet port, 1x Mini DisplayPort, 1x SD card reader, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Surface Studio 2+: 3x USB 3.1 Gen 2 ports, 2x USB Type-C ports with Thunderbolt 4, 1x Ethernet port, 1x HDMI port, 1x SD card reader, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

The Surface Studio 2+ has a more robust set of connectivity options, including Thunderbolt 4 support, which allows for faster data transfer speeds and the ability to connect to external displays and devices.

Price

The Surface Studio 2 starts at $3,499, while the Surface Studio 2+ starts at $4,499. The price difference is primarily due to the upgraded processor, graphics card, and connectivity options on the Surface Studio 2+.

Which One is Right for Me?

The choice between the Surface Studio 2 and Surface Studio 2+ ultimately depends on your individual needs and budget. If you are a creative professional who requires the latest and greatest hardware, then the Surface Studio 2+ is the clear choice. It offers superior performance, a more refined design, and a wider range of connectivity options.

However, if you are on a tighter budget or if you do not need the most cutting-edge hardware, then the Surface Studio 2 is still a great option. It offers excellent performance, a versatile form factor, and a wide range of features that are tailored to creative professionals.

Final Thoughts: Surface Studio 2 vs 2+

Both the Surface Studio 2 and Surface Studio 2+ are excellent all-in-one PCs for creative professionals. The Surface Studio 2+ offers superior performance, a more refined design, and a wider range of connectivity options, but it comes at a higher price. The Surface Studio 2 is a more affordable option that still offers excellent performance and a versatile form factor. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and budget.

What You Need to Know

Q: Which device has a higher resolution display?
A: Both devices have the same 4500 x 3000 pixel resolution display.

Q: Which device has more memory?
A: The Surface Studio 2+ offers the option of up to 64GB of RAM, while the Surface Studio 2 only offers up to 32GB of RAM.

Q: Which device has better graphics capabilities?
A: The Surface Studio 2+ features more powerful NVIDIA RTX 30 series graphics cards, which offer superior performance for demanding graphics tasks.

Q: Which device has a more versatile form factor?
A: Both devices have the same unique form factor that allows the display to be tilted and adjusted to a variety of positions.

Q: Which device is more affordable?
A: The Surface Studio 2 starts at a lower price point than the Surface Studio 2+.