Microsoft just unveiled a brand-new addition to its Surface Pro line, named simply the "Surface Pro." It's not the hotly rumored Surface Pro 5, sure, but hey — it's better than nothing.
So how exactly does the new Surface Pro compare to the Surface Pro 4 before it? First, let's dive right into the specs:
New Surface Pro Specs
• Processor: The new Surface Pro runs on seventh-generation Intel Core m3, i5, or i7 processors. These are Kaby Lake chips, for good measure, while the Surface Pro 4 packs in Intel's older-gen Skylake processors. Microsoft says that the newer chips provide the new Surface Pro a 20 percent boost in performance, in addition to improved battery life.
• Display: The Surface Pro has a 12.3-inch screen with a resolution of 2,736 x 1,824, at a rate of 267 ppi. It's a touchscreen PixelSense display that supports up to 10 fingers all at once. The Surface Pro 4 has exactly the same screen.
• RAM and Storage: The new Surface Pro comes with 4 to 16 GB of RAM, same as the Surface Pro 4. Both offer a number of SSD storage options, including 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, or 1 TB.
• Graphics: The new Surface Pro comes with Intel HD Graphics 615 for the Core m3 variant, Intel HD Graphics 620 for the Core i5 variant, and Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640 for the Core i7 variant. The Surface Pro 4, meanwhile, packs in Intel HD Graphics 515 for the Core m3 variant, Intel HD Graphics 520 for the Core i5 variant, and Intel Iris Graphics for the Core i7 variant.
• Battery Life: Battery life is majorly different between the two, with Microsoft claiming that the new Surface Pro will pack in 4.5 hours more than its predecessor. Even more impressive is looking at that figure, the new Surface Pro is only an hour behind the Surface Laptop in terms of battery life.
In terms of aesthetics and design, their new Surface Pro isn't too different from the Surface Pro 4. In fact, it's no lighter or thinner than its predecessor, but instead features the same dimensions.
Other Differences Between The New Surface Pro And The Surface Pro 4
• Surface Pen: The new Surface Pro's pen has been improved, with the pressure sensitivity increased to 4,096 levels. There's also a new tilt sensitivity feature, a first for the Surface Pen.
• Kickstand Hinge: The new Surface Pro's kickstand hinge has also been redesigned, allowing the tablet to recline as far back as 165 degrees.
Still No USB-C Port
Unfortunately, the new Surface Pro still doesn't have a USB-C port, but there's a recourse. Microsoft is planning to release a dongle that'll plug into the new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop devices and provide USB-C support. It connects via the device's Surface connector port, and it'll work just like any dongle.
Preorders for the new Surface Pro start today, starting at $799. The Surface Pro 4, meanwhile, starts at $699. Prices go up as specs go up. The device hits shelves mid-June. Microsoft also says that a 4G/LTE variant is set to launch later this year.
