Microsoft Surface Pro 9 (SQ3) Review: Recommended for home and Office use

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Unlike the simpler Surface Pro 8, Microsoft’s Surface Pro 9 comes in two flavors. One is the standard Intel model, which has been upgraded with faster 12th Gen “Alder Lake” CPUs, while our review machine has the Microsoft-designed, Arm-based processor built with an unique Qualcomm SQ3 processor.

The Intel model costs $999, the SQ3 costs $1,299, and our SQ3 review device costs $1,599 for a memory upgrade to 16GB and a 256GB solid-state drive. Running Windows on an Arm device, like the (now-defunct) Arm-based Surface Pro X before it, implies performance limitations and compatibility concerns with a wide range of apps—drawbacks reflected in our less-than-stellar grade.

Differences extend beyond the CPU: only the SQ3 variant of the Pro 9 supports 5G capability and various video call features. These features, together with a 21-hour battery life, make the SQ3 Pro 9 the ideal choice for mobile users who value longevity and internet access. Unfortunately, neither model includes a 3.5mm audio jack.

Specifications

Screen	13in LCD 2880×1920 (267 PPI) 120Hz
Processor	Intel Core i5 or i7 (12th generation)
RAM	8, 16 or 32GB
Graphics	Intel Iris Xe

Microsoft Surface Pro 9 (SQ3) Review: Design

To be sure, the Surface Pro 9 looks great. The 3:2 anodized metal slate is 11.31 x 8.19 x.31 inches (WDH) and is huge but thin. It weighs 1.93 pounds, or 2.57 pounds with the keyboard and pen attached, making it portable. However, its size and proportions are ultimately optimized for tabletop use.

It’s perhaps too big to hold up close to your face like a tablet or phone. Not to add that, even with the touchscreen. We’re running Windows 11, which means that neither the operating system nor the apps are geared for “mobile” workflow in the same way that iOS and Android are.

This is, once again, nothing new for the Surface Pro line: It has always leaned more toward a productivity “laptop replacement” than a traditional mobile-style tablet. You may argue that given the $1000-$2,600 price range, it is implied, but flexibility is one of the primary benefits of a tablet. You can buy this laptop from its official website.

Microsoft Surface Pro 9 (SQ3) Review: Keyboard and Touch pad

Despite the fact that they are marketed separately, the Surface Signature Keyboard and Slim Pen 2 are practically required to utilize the Surface Pro 9. They both function well. Drawing, note-taking, and other touch-based activities remain among the Surface Pro’s strong qualities, as they have in the past.

The Surface Slim Pen 2 is easy to hold and gives tactile feedback, making the pen seem natural. The Surface Pro Signature Keyboard cover isn’t my favorite keyboard: it has just enough travel to keep your fingertips from crashing into the desk, but the keys are as tiny and flat as they appear.

Similarly, the trackpad is quite tiny and more difficult to operate properly than the bigger counterparts seen on most computers. That said, having a keyboard that attaches and disconnects instantaneously while also serving as a cover and stylus holster is quite useful.

Microsoft Surface Pro 9 (SQ3) Review: Display

Despite the fact that Microsoft has yet to improve its PixelSense screen technology to OLED or MicroLED, the screen is clearly one of the best mobile work and design displays available. This is due to the fact that, despite the lack of a fundamental technology upgrade, this panel provides dynamic 120Hz and a high resolution of 2880 x 1920 (267 ppi), among other things.

To put that in context, the Apple iPad Pro 12.9’s mini-LED-based Liquid Retina XDR display, which is also capable of 120Hz, has a resolution of 2732 x 2048 and a slightly lower 264 ppi.

Microsoft Surface Pro 9 (SQ3) Review: Audio

Microsoft outfitted the Surface Pro with a pair of 2W Dolby Atmos speakers. It really sounds very well for such a little tablet. “This is Why” by Paramore featured clear voices and guitars, and I could even pick out the bass, but it didn’t have much of a thud like other computers. If you sit in front of the Pro 9, music and films are adequately loud, though I’ve heard louder from other devices.

Microsoft Surface Pro 9 (SQ3) Review: Graphics

The most significant change for Intel-based devices, such as the one I’ve been using, is the customary shift to the 12th-Gen Intel Core U CPUs. The basic model includes a Core i5-1235U processor.

The i7-1255U processor in our review device is more powerful. Intel U-series CPUs, for example, are engineered to improve power economy – and hence battery life – frequently at the sacrifice of raw processing capability. On the graphics front, both models use on Intel’s Iris Xe integrated graphics, so most games won’t run well.

Microsoft Surface Pro 9 (SQ3) Review: Performance

The primary concern is undoubtedly the influence on performance, with some obvious slowness and less-than-smooth operation of various programs. It’s difficult to suggest with a port selection that’s poorer than the Pro 8 and a steep price tag. However, switching to ARM has many advantages.

The battery life is actually exceptional, and 5G support is greatly appreciated. Even without all of the additional enhancements, the video calling experience is among the finest on any Windows device. However, most individuals will be better off with the Intel version in the end. It’s less thrilling, but it’s a far safer option.

Battery Life and Heat

The Surface Pro 9 with SQ3 should last you an entire workday and then some. It lasted 11 hours and 50 minutes on our battery test, which included continual internet access, online surfing, video streaming, and OpenGL testing with the brightness set to 150 nits. The laptop also finished one battery life test in 10 hours and 10 minutes.

However, this was an aberration, with other readings remaining near to 11:50, so we discarded the lower result. We believe the 11:50 run represents the device’s usual unplugged runtime. The Intel model lasted ten hours in our tests, indicating that the Arm version may normally operate for a bit longer.

Microsoft Surface Pro 9 (SQ3) Review: Price

Unlike the simpler Surface Pro 8, Microsoft’s Surface Pro 9 comes in two flavors. One is the standard Intel model, which has been upgraded with faster 12th Gen “Alder Lake” CPUs, while our review machine has the Microsoft-designed, Arm-based processor built with an unique Qualcomm SQ3 processor. The Intel model costs $999, the SQ3 costs $1,299, and our SQ3 review device costs $1,599 for a memory upgrade to 16GB and a 256GB solid-state drive.

Running Windows on an Arm device, like the (now-defunct) Arm-based Surface Pro X before it, implies performance limitations and compatibility concerns with a wide range of apps—drawbacks reflected in our less-than-stellar grade. Differences extend beyond the CPU: only the SQ3 variant of the Pro 9 supports 5G capability and various video call features.

Conclusion

Regardless of CPU architecture, the Surface Pro 9 retains Microsoft’s heritage of quality technology (at a premium price). Microsoft appears to believe that by placing their Arm processor, the SQ3, in the same chassis (and under the same brand), it is Arm’s turn to shine on Windows.

By most standards, Windows on Arm is a big improvement over what it used to be. The bulk of programs that most people will use will at least run with x64 emulation, while Microsoft needs to encourage more developers to create Arm native software for Windows. Most consumers who want the newest Surface Pro will have to choose between this and the Intel version.

If mobile connectivity is critical to you, the SQ3 model is the one to choose. However, if you need greater horsepower and quicker ports, Intel is undoubtedly the way to go. Hopefully, the fact that the two models have the same name will not confuse too many clients who are looking for the best option for their needs.

FAQs

Is Surface Pro 9 any good?

The Surface Pro 9 could be an excellent choice for you if you prefer to jot down notes by hand, or if you’re looking for a really lightweight laptop alternative that’s nevertheless strong enough to run the software that the majority of us use on a daily basis extremely smoothly. For everyone else, it lacks the adaptability of other tablets and the power of gaming laptops in a comparable price range.

What is Microsoft SQ3 chip?

The Snapdragon SQ3 chipset is a laptop processor made by Microsoft that is based on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 family of notebook processors. Microsoft hasn’t told us much about the ARM-based chipset, but it has talked about the Neural Processing Unit (NPU).

Does Surface Pro 9 have cellular capability?

The Surface Pro 9 comes in two versions: one with an Intel processor that works like a typical laptop, and the other with Microsoft’s SQ3 chip, which sacrifices raw speed for cellular 5G capabilities that let you go online anywhere, even without Wi-Fi.