Quick summary
- The Surface Pro 8 offers a larger 13-inch display with a higher 2880 x 1920 resolution compared to the Surface X’s 13-inch display with a resolution of 2880 x 1920.
- It features two USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 4 support, while the Surface Pro 8 offers two USB-C ports, a Thunderbolt 4 port, a Surface Connect port, and a headphone jack.
- The Surface X excels in portability, battery life, and price, while the Surface Pro 8 offers superior performance, a larger display, and more ports.
In the realm of premium 2-in-1 devices, Microsoft’s Surface X and Surface Pro 8 stand as formidable contenders. Both offer exceptional versatility, but which one emerges as the superior choice? This comprehensive comparison will delve into their key features, performance, design, and more to help you make an informed decision.
Performance: Intel vs ARM
The Surface X employs a custom ARM-based Microsoft SQ2 processor, while the Surface Pro 8 features Intel’s 11th-generation Core i5 or i7 processors. ARM processors typically excel in power efficiency, while Intel processors provide higher performance for demanding tasks. For everyday productivity and browsing, the Surface X is sufficient, but for heavy multitasking and content creation, the Surface Pro 8 has the edge.
Design and Display
Both devices boast sleek, ultraportable designs with kickstands for versatile use. The Surface X weighs slightly less than the Surface Pro 8, making it more comfortable for extended use. The Surface Pro 8 offers a larger 13-inch display with a higher 2880 x 1920 resolution compared to the Surface X’s 13-inch display with a resolution of 2880 x 1920. Both displays deliver vibrant colors and sharp images.
Connectivity and Ports
The Surface X has fewer ports than the Surface Pro 8. It features two USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 4 support, while the Surface Pro 8 offers two USB-C ports, a Thunderbolt 4 port, a Surface Connect port, and a headphone jack. The Surface Pro 8’s wider range of ports provides greater flexibility for connecting peripherals.
Battery Life
The Surface X excels in battery life, with Microsoft claiming up to 15 hours of usage on a single charge. The Surface Pro 8 offers a respectable battery life of up to 10 hours, but it falls short of the Surface X’s impressive endurance.
Operating System
The Surface X runs on Windows 11 on ARM, which is optimized for ARM-based devices. It offers a similar user experience to Windows 11 on Intel devices, but there are some limitations. The Surface Pro 8 runs on Windows 11 Pro, which provides full compatibility with all Windows applications.
Price and Availability
The Surface X starts at $999 for the base model with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. The Surface Pro 8 starts at $1,099 for the base model with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. Both devices are available for purchase from Microsoft and authorized retailers.
Which One to Choose?
The Surface X is an ideal choice for those seeking a highly portable and power-efficient device for everyday tasks. Its slim design, long battery life, and ARM-based processor make it a great option for students, travelers, and professionals who prioritize mobility.
The Surface Pro 8 is better suited for users who require higher performance for demanding tasks such as content creation, video editing, and heavy multitasking. Its Intel processor, larger display, and wider range of ports provide a more versatile and powerful experience.
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
Both the Microsoft Surface X and Surface Pro 8 are exceptional 2-in-1 devices with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. The Surface X excels in portability, battery life, and price, while the Surface Pro 8 offers superior performance, a larger display, and more ports. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and preferences.
Information You Need to Know
Q: Which device has a better camera?
A: The Surface Pro 8 has a slightly better front-facing camera with 5MP resolution compared to the Surface X’s 2MP camera.
Q: Can I play games on the Surface X?
A: Yes, but some games may not be optimized for ARM-based processors and may run with reduced performance.
Q: Which device is more durable?
A: Both devices feature a magnesium alloy body, but the Surface Pro 8’s larger size may make it slightly more prone to damage from accidental drops.
Q: Can I use the Surface Pen with both devices?
A: Yes, both the Surface X and Surface Pro 8 support the Surface Pen for writing, sketching, and navigation.
Q: Which device has a better keyboard?
A: The Surface Pro 8’s keyboard is generally regarded as better, with a more comfortable typing experience and a larger trackpad.