Surface Pro 4 vs. Surface Pro 5: A Comprehensive Comparison
Introduction
The Microsoft Surface Pro series continues to evolve, with the introduction of the Surface Pro 4 and later, the Surface Pro 5. While both are powerful tablets, they differ in several ways, including design, performance, display quality, and connectivity options. This article provides a detailed comparison to help you understand the key differences between the Surface Pro 4 and Surface Pro 5.
Design Differences
The Surface Pro 4 and Surface Pro 5 share some similarities in their overall design but also have notable differences. The Surface Pro 4 features a magnesium chassis, which is a durable and lightweight material, but it has a more bulky design. In contrast, the Surface Pro 5 retains the magnesium chassis but has been refined to be slightly lighter and thinner, making it more portable and easier to carry around.
Display Enhancements
Both the Surface Pro 4 and Surface Pro 5 come equipped with a 12.3-inch PixelSense display, supporting a resolution of 2736 x 1824. However, the Surface Pro 5 offers an improvement in terms of color accuracy and brightness, making it a better choice for visual tasks and photography.
Performance Improvements
Processor: The Surface Pro 4 offers a range of Intel 6th Gen Core m3, m5, and m7 processors, providing a solid performance baseline. In contrast, the Surface Pro 5 upgrades to Intel 7th Gen Core m3, m5, and m7 processors. These newer processors offer better performance and efficiency, allowing for more seamless multitasking and smoother application performance.
Graphics: The Surface Pro 4 uses integrated Intel HD Graphics 520 for the m5 and m7 models, which is more than adequate for general use. However, the Surface Pro 5 introduces Intel HD Graphics 615, which provides improved graphics performance and can handle more demanding multimedia tasks and creative applications.
Battery Life: The Surface Pro 4 has a battery life of up to 9 hours, which is quite impressive for a tablet with this level of performance. The Surface Pro 5, however, has a more efficient processor, leading to an even more robust battery life of up to 13.5 hours on a single charge. This extended battery life is a significant upgrade, making the Surface Pro 5 a better choice for those who rely on their tablet for extended periods without needing to recharge.
Storage and RAM
The Surface Pro 4 offers a variety of RAM and storage options, with choices of 4GB, 8GB, or 16GB of RAM and SSD storage options of 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB. On the other hand, the Surface Pro 5 keeps similar RAM configurations but introduces more flexible storage options. Starting at 128GB and going up to 1TB, this flexibility allows users to choose the right balance between cost and storage capacity.
Connectivity Enhancements
The Surface Pro 4 and Surface Pro 5 both include USB 3.0 ports, Mini DisplayPort, and a microSD card reader. However, the Surface Pro 5 may have improved wireless connectivity, supporting newer Wi-Fi standards and potentially providing a faster and more reliable internet connection.
Additional Features and Accessories
The Surface Pro 5 introduces additional accessories, including the Surface Pen with improved pressure sensitivity at 4096 levels, and the Surface Dial, which enhances usability for creative tasks. These accessories are not available on the Surface Pro 4, making the Surface Pro 5 a more versatile choice for creative professionals.
Conclusion
In summary, the Surface Pro 5 offers better performance, enhanced battery life, and improved display quality compared to the Surface Pro 4. If you are looking for a device with more power and efficiency, the Surface Pro 5 is the superior option. However, the Surface Pro 4 may still serve well for basic tasks and could be more budget-friendly if available.
Choosing between the Surface Pro 4 and Surface Pro 5 ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget. Both devices are excellent choices, but the Surface Pro 5 offers an upgrade in terms of performance and flexibility.