Microsoft Surface Pro 9 versus Surface Pro 9 5G

Understanding and comparing the new Surface Pro 9

You may have heard some buzz surrounding Microsoft’s latest Surface Pro announcement – and whether you’re excited or underwhelmed, there is no denying that the devices from this release are sparking divisive conversation within the tech industry.

Two seemingly very similar laptops

The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 and the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 5G. Though these two devices may be alike in name, there are actually many differences between them, and each have their own unique strengths and features.

What are the spec differences between Microsoft Surface Pro 9 and Microsoft Surface Pro 9 5G?

First, let us take a look at the Microsoft Surface Pro 9.

One might assume that this is the beta version of the two devices, but this is not at all the case. In fact, you might even argue that the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is perhaps slightly better than its 5G counterpart – or, at the bare minimum, of a higher spec. 

For example, the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 5G runs off of a 12^th Gen intel core processor (i5 / i7) whereas the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 5G runs off Microsoft’s own SQ3 processor.

While the Intel Core processors might be considered to be generally more powerful, the SQ3 processor/SQ9 graphics chip/NPU of the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 5G is considered to be better for supporting image processing during video calls – so really, which device is “better” in this respect is entirely dependent on what you intend to use it for.

Microsoft Surface Pro 9 also offers the advantage of a greater capacity for spec upgrades.

For example, Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is available with either 8gb, 16gb or 32gb LPDDR5 ram; in comparison, the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 5G is only available for purchase with either 8GB or 16GB RAM. The range of SSD options is similar – the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 offers SSD storage up to 1TB; the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 5G only offers up to 512GB.

Due to its higher capacity for spec upgrades, the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 may sound like the obviously better option, and this is reflected in its price; here at HardSoft Computers, the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 i7 is available for business lease at £12.12 per week with three years Support Plan.

What is the battery performance on Microsoft Surface Pro 9 versus Microsoft Surface Pro 9 5G?

So far, you’re probably thinking that the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is the better device of the two, and this is mostly true – however, this is not to say that the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 5G does not possess advantages of its own.

One key superior quality of the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 5G is its battery life – Microsoft state that it should last for up to 19 hours of typical device usage. The Microsoft Surface Pro 9, in comparison, is set to last for up to 15.5 hours of typical device usage; however, considering all of the optional spec upgrades and the higher-powered processor, this is very much understandable.

Another advantage to the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 5G is that it is only available in Platinum – this is particularly good for business consumers as it means that your fleet of devices is more uniform, and also easier to attain, as having one colour option means that this device is much easier to mass produce, and therefore source.

Additionally, Microsoft Surface Pro 9 5G is the slightly cheaper option of the two models – at HardSoft Computers, this device is available for lease at £10.36 per week.

So which is better, Surface Pro 9 or Surface Pro 9 5G?

While both the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 and the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 5G have their own individual strengths and weaknesses, one could argue that in terms of spec, the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is in fact the better option.

However, there is one key advantage to the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 5G that we have not yet mentioned – and that is the fact that it possesses the capacity to run off a 5G sim chip.

This makes this device ideal for on-the-go workers, and gives you the freedom to work anywhere you need – whether that be in a coffee shop, on the train or in the park!

You may recall that the Microsoft Surface Pro 8 also has the capacity to take a Sim chip, however, this device is only able to run 4G. 5G offers a much more stable and reliable connection than it’s 4G predecessor, which makes the on-the-go experience all the more efficient.

However, ultimately, which device is better for you entirely depends upon the intended use – either way, it is undeniable that both models are powerful and adaptable devices.