Surface Showdown: Microsoft Surface Pro 4 vs 5 – Which Reigns Supreme?
What To Know
- The Surface Pro 4 comes with a 6th-generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processor, while the Surface Pro 5 is powered by a 7th-generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processor.
- The Surface Pro 4 and Surface Pro 5 share a similar design language, featuring a sleek magnesium alloy body and a kickstand for versatile use.
- Both the Surface Pro 4 and Surface Pro 5 are compatible with a range of accessories, including the Surface Type Cover keyboard, Surface Pen stylus, and Surface Dial.
The Microsoft Surface Pro series has revolutionized the laptop-tablet hybrid market, offering a seamless blend of functionality and portability. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the key differences between the Microsoft Surface Pro 4 and Surface Pro 5, helping you make an informed decision about your next device.
Display: Size and Resolution
The Surface Pro 4 and Surface Pro 5 both feature a 12.3-inch PixelSense display. However, the Surface Pro 5 boasts a higher resolution of 2736 x 1824 compared to the Surface Pro 4’s 2736 x 1824 resolution. This difference is noticeable in terms of sharpness and detail, especially when viewing high-resolution images or videos.
Processor: Performance and Efficiency
The Surface Pro 4 comes with a 6th-generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processor, while the Surface Pro 5 is powered by a 7th-generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processor. The 7th-generation processors offer a significant performance boost, making the Surface Pro 5 more capable for multitasking, video editing, and other demanding tasks.
RAM and Storage: Expandability and Speed
Both the Surface Pro 4 and Surface Pro 5 are available with 4GB, 8GB, or 16GB of RAM. The Surface Pro 4 supports up to 1TB of internal storage, while the Surface Pro 5 supports up to 512GB of internal storage. However, the Surface Pro 4 allows for expandable storage via a microSD card slot, which the Surface Pro 5 lacks.
Battery Life: Endurance and Portability
The battery life of the Surface Pro 4 and Surface Pro 5 is rated at around 9 hours. However, real-world usage may vary depending on factors such as screen brightness, processor usage, and connected peripherals. Both devices support fast charging, allowing you to quickly power up your device when needed.
Stylus: Precision and Functionality
Both the Surface Pro 4 and Surface Pro 5 are compatible with the Surface Pen stylus. The Surface Pen offers 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity, providing a natural and responsive writing and drawing experience. The Surface Pro 5’s Surface Pen also features a tilt sensor, which allows for more precise shading and sketching.
Connectivity: Ports and Features
The Surface Pro 4 offers a USB 3.0 port, a Mini DisplayPort, a microSD card slot, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. The Surface Pro 5 retains the USB 3.0 port, Mini DisplayPort, and headphone jack but replaces the microSD card slot with a full-sized SD card slot. Additionally, the Surface Pro 5 introduces a USB-C port, providing faster data transfer speeds and charging capabilities.
Operating System: Updates and Features
The Surface Pro 4 and Surface Pro 5 both run on Windows 10. The Surface Pro 5, however, comes with the updated Windows 10 S operating system, which is designed for enhanced security and performance. Windows 10 S can be upgraded to Windows 10 Pro for a fee, allowing you to access additional features and customization options.
Design: Aesthetics and Durability
The Surface Pro 4 and Surface Pro 5 share a similar design language, featuring a sleek magnesium alloy body and a kickstand for versatile use. However, the Surface Pro 5 is slightly thinner and lighter than the Surface Pro 4, making it more portable and comfortable to hold for extended periods.
Accessories: Compatibility and Functionality
Both the Surface Pro 4 and Surface Pro 5 are compatible with a range of accessories, including the Surface Type Cover keyboard, Surface Pen stylus, and Surface Dial. These accessories enhance the functionality of the devices, allowing you to use them as a laptop, tablet, or drawing canvas.
Final Verdict: The Superior Choice
After carefully comparing the Microsoft Surface Pro 4 and Surface Pro 5, it becomes evident that the Surface Pro 5 emerges as the superior choice. Its improved display, processor, and connectivity options make it a more versatile and capable device. While the Surface Pro 4 remains a solid option, the Surface Pro 5 offers a more compelling experience overall.
What People Want to Know
Q1: Can I upgrade the Surface Pro 4 to the Surface Pro 5 operating system?
A1: No, the Surface Pro 4 cannot be upgraded to the Surface Pro 5 operating system.
Q2: Which device has a better camera?
A2: Both the Surface Pro 4 and Surface Pro 5 have a 5-megapixel front-facing camera and an 8-megapixel rear-facing camera.
Q3: Is the Surface Pro 5 waterproof?
A3: No, neither the Surface Pro 4 nor the Surface Pro 5 is waterproof.
