Surface Pro 7+ or 8? The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Microsoft Device

Microsoft’s Surface Pro series has consistently impressed with its versatility and productivity-enhancing features. The Surface Pro 7 Plus and the Surface Pro 8 are two of the latest iterations that offer compelling upgrades over their predecessors. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key differences between these two devices, helping you make an informed decision about which one is right for your needs.

Design and Build Quality

The Surface Pro 7 Plus retains the classic Surface Pro design, featuring a sleek magnesium alloy body and a 12.3-inch PixelSense display. The Surface Pro 8, however, introduces a more modern and refined design with a 13-inch PixelSense Flow display and rounded corners. Both devices offer excellent build quality and durability.

Display

The Surface Pro 8 boasts a larger 13-inch PixelSense Flow display with a 2880 x 1920 resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. This display provides a smoother and more responsive user experience, especially when scrolling, gaming, or using a digital pen. The Surface Pro 7 Plus, on the other hand, has a 12.3-inch PixelSense display with a 2736 x 1824 resolution and a 60Hz refresh rate.

Processor and Performance

The Surface Pro 7 Plus is powered by 11th-generation Intel Core processors, while the Surface Pro 8 offers a choice of 11th-generation Intel Core processors or 12th-generation Intel Core processors. The 12th-generation processors in the Surface Pro 8 provide a significant performance boost, especially in demanding tasks such as video editing, gaming, and multitasking.

Memory and Storage

Both the Surface Pro 7 Plus and the Surface Pro 8 offer various memory and storage configurations. The Surface Pro 7 Plus starts with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of SSD storage, while the Surface Pro 8 starts with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of SSD storage. Both devices support up to 32GB of RAM and 1TB of SSD storage.

Battery Life

The Surface Pro 7 Plus offers a rated battery life of up to 15 hours, while the Surface Pro 8 offers a rated battery life of up to 16 hours. Actual battery life may vary depending on usage patterns and settings.

Connectivity

Both the Surface Pro 7 Plus and the Surface Pro 8 feature a USB-C port with Thunderbolt 4 support, a USB-A port, a Surface Connect port, and a headphone/microphone jack. The Surface Pro 8 additionally includes a dedicated microSDXC card slot for expandable storage.

Operating System

Both the Surface Pro 7 Plus and the Surface Pro 8 run Windows 11 out of the box. Windows 11 offers a range of productivity-enhancing features such as Snap Layouts, Widgets, and the new Start menu.

Which Device is Right for You?

The choice between the Surface Pro 7 Plus and the Surface Pro 8 depends on your specific needs and budget. If you prioritize portability, a smaller display, and a lower price point, the Surface Pro 7 Plus is a solid option. However, if you demand a larger display, faster performance, and the latest features, the Surface Pro 8 is the better choice.

In a nutshell: The Ultimate Productivity Companion

Both the Microsoft Surface Pro 7 Plus and the Surface Pro 8 are exceptional devices that offer versatility, portability, and productivity-enhancing features. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or anyone in between, these devices can help you achieve your goals.

Frequently Discussed Topics

Q: Which device has a better display?
A: The Surface Pro 8 has a larger 13-inch PixelSense Flow display with a 120Hz refresh rate, providing a smoother and more responsive user experience.

Q: Which device is more powerful?
A: The Surface Pro 8 with 12th-generation Intel Core processors offers significantly better performance than the Surface Pro 7 Plus.

Q: Which device has a longer battery life?
A: Both devices offer similar battery life, with the Surface Pro 8 having a slight edge at 16 hours compared to the Surface Pro 7 Plus’s 15 hours.