Monday 20 July 2020

Is Microsoft Surface Pro Core-i7 the best Windows tablet?

Microsoft Surface Pro Core i7 is one of the best Windows tablets in the market, but some people still have the gall to ask, is it the best? Our answer to this seemingly simple question is: yes, its is without a doubt the best Windows tablet around. Read our review to find out why.  

Microsoft Surface Pro 12.3" Tablet Core i7-7660U, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, Win10 Pro
What Microsft has done here is simple but difficult to pull, it has built upon the key features that ultimately made the Surface Pro4 and other Windows tablets a huge success. So much so that if you’re planning to buy a Microsoft Surface tablet, we recommend this one.  

The Microsoft Surface Pro Core i7 also brings its own unique features to the table. It comes with creative design updates that have already proven to be long-lasting. It has also managed to showcase the full capabilities of Windows 10. 

While the Surface Pro 6 and Surface Pro 7 haven’t been able to provide the generational leap they claimed to be offering, the Microsft Surface Pro is still going strong. Even after almost three years of its release and under the shadows of its heirs. Its supply may be decreasing around the globe, but it’s still worth searching for across the internet.   

Specs 

Processor 
 Intel Core i7 (8thth Gen) / 2.5 GHz 
Display 
12.3-inch Touchscreen Display (2736 x 1824) Resolution 
RAM 
16 GB 
Storage 
512 GB SSD 
Graphics 
Integrated Intel Iris Plus 640 Graphics 
Operating System 
Windows 10 Pro 

Design 
You might mistake this device for some other Surface Pro series at first glance because they also have a 12.3-inch PixalSense touchscreen and a 2736 x 1824 resolution. But upon closer inspection, you’ll find that there are some key differences. For example, its frame is very round at the edges. Surface Pro 4 users can even feel the difference by just touching it with their fingers.  

Also, there’s the hinge that has been improved considerably by taking inspiration from the Surface Studio. You can now bend the hinge back even further than before, making for a narrower 165-degree angle that’ll prove perfect for both professional and aspiring artists. This obviously gives the hinge an all-new look but it will still operate the exact same way so no need to worry about that part.  

Another notable change here is the thermal design that has been improved by Microsoft, effectively making this tablet into a fanless device.   

There’s a new Alcantara Type Cover here that’s improved the overall comfort level, at least when compared to previous generations. In our opinion, the slight increase in cash is worth it over the microfiber cloth tablet. It’ keys feel as if they’re deeper set and bouncier when receiving feedback after a press. The quality of the material is also better, guaranteeing long-term use. If you don’t like neutral colours then you can choose the burgundy or cobalt blue colours.    

Its measurement (0.33 inches of thickness) and weight (786g) is the same as its predecessors. The remarkable point is that Microsoft was able to increase battery life by up to 20% while still maintaining the same size. That’s brilliant engineering folks.    

Display  
It has a stunning 12.3-inch PixalSense touchscreen and a 2736 x 1824 resolution. Our testing showed that at around 420 nits, its IPS screen proved to be more than bright enough for most tasks. The colours and grayscale were also fairly accurate. Its reflective outdoor display might annoy some users but worry not as the backlight is bright enough overcome the reflections, making it useable in darker environments as well.  

Performance 
As expected, the Surface Pro’s performance while handling tasks like content creation is powerful. You can browse the internet with multiple tabs open at the same time and download or upload numerous media files with ease. Plus, you can even do some light photo editing through apps like Lightroom.  

With regard to gaming, we wouldn’t recommend running anything other than some indie titles or tablet-friendly games. And that’s to be expected because this beauty wasn’t made with gaming in mind. However, playing touch-friendly games is very enjoyable on the crisp and vivid 12.3-inch display.  

Connectivity 
The Microsoft Surface Pro has connectivity for days. It comes with a USB 3.0, 3.5 mm Headphone jack, microSDXC card reader, Mini DisplayPort, Cover port, and Surface Connect port. No USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 as of yet.  

Battery 
Microsoft has the edge over Apple in improving most its products battery life. Now with the 7th Generation (KabyLake) processor design’s power optimizations, the company is guaranteeing up to 13 hours and 30 minutes of video playback on this machine.  

That’s a very big claim which unfortunately doesn’t hold true, at least in our tests. However, this was not surprising because we have seen with its earlier products. Plus, its competitors’ claims don’t hold up either.  

The main point is that our tests revealed a noticeable increase in battery life when compared with previous models.   

These tests may show lower than expected numbers, but again we should keep in mind that this is the norm. The bigger picture here is that we’re witnessing good improvements. This is more than enough for us to give a nod of approval to Microsoft’s engineers and designers. The end goal is to not have to carry a charger with you while on the go. And from the looks of it, they’re getting closer to their target.  

Verdict 
This Surface Pro considerably improves upon previous models and has the edge over other convertible laptops or tablets. Its additional accessories and long battery life have even addressed some of our concerns.  

Don’t hesitate to spend some additional cash on its accessories as you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better convertible laptop or productivity tablet.  


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