Microsoft Surface Pro 7 vs Plus: Which is the Best Value for Your Money?
What To Know
- The Surface Pro 7 and Surface Pro 7 Plus share a similar design aesthetic, with sleek magnesium bodies and a signature kickstand.
- The Surface Pro 7 comes with a choice of 10th-generation Intel Core i3, i5, or i7 processors, while the Surface Pro 7 Plus offers 11th-generation Intel Core i3, i5, or i7 processors.
- The Surface Pro 7 and Surface Pro 7 Plus share a similar selection of ports, including a USB-A port, a USB-C port, a microSD card slot, and a Surface Connect port.
When it comes to 2-in-1 devices, the Microsoft Surface Pro series has long been a top contender. With the release of the Surface Pro 7 and Surface Pro 7 Plus, the competition has become even fiercer. Both devices offer a blend of laptop and tablet functionality, but they also have their unique strengths and weaknesses. In this comprehensive comparison, we will dive into the key differences between the Microsoft Surface Pro 7 and Surface Pro 7 Plus, helping you make an informed decision about which one is right for you.
Design and Build Quality
The Surface Pro 7 and Surface Pro 7 Plus share a similar design aesthetic, with sleek magnesium bodies and a signature kickstand. However, there are some subtle differences. The Surface Pro 7 Plus is slightly thinner and lighter than its predecessor, making it more portable. Both devices feature a 12.3-inch PixelSense display with a 3:2 aspect ratio, but the Surface Pro 7 Plus boasts a slightly higher resolution of 2736 x 1824 compared to the Surface Pro 7’s 2736 x 1824 resolution.
Performance and Hardware
The Surface Pro 7 comes with a choice of 10th-generation Intel Core i3, i5, or i7 processors, while the Surface Pro 7 Plus offers 11th-generation Intel Core i3, i5, or i7 processors. The 11th-generation processors provide a noticeable performance boost, especially in multi-threaded applications. Both devices can be configured with up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of SSD storage.
Battery Life
Battery life is a crucial factor when choosing a portable device. The Surface Pro 7 offers up to 10.5 hours of battery life on a single charge, while the Surface Pro 7 Plus claims to provide up to 15 hours of battery life. In real-world usage, the battery life of both devices will vary depending on factors such as screen brightness, usage patterns, and background processes.
Connectivity and Ports
The Surface Pro 7 and Surface Pro 7 Plus share a similar selection of ports, including a USB-A port, a USB-C port, a microSD card slot, and a Surface Connect port. However, the Surface Pro 7 Plus features an additional Thunderbolt 4 port, which provides faster data transfer speeds and support for external displays.
Stylus and Keyboard
Both the Surface Pro 7 and Surface Pro 7 Plus are compatible with the Surface Pen, which allows for precise note-taking and drawing. The Surface Pen is included with the Surface Pro 7 Plus, while it is sold separately for the Surface Pro 7. Both devices also support the Surface Type Cover keyboard, which provides a comfortable typing experience and protects the screen when closed.
Price and Availability
The Surface Pro 7 starts at $749, while the Surface Pro 7 Plus starts at $899. Both devices are available for purchase from Microsoft and authorized retailers.
Which Device is Right for You?
The Microsoft Surface Pro 7 and Surface Pro 7 Plus are both excellent 2-in-1 devices, but they cater to slightly different needs. The Surface Pro 7 is a more budget-friendly option that still offers solid performance and versatility. The Surface Pro 7 Plus, on the other hand, offers better performance, longer battery life, and additional connectivity options, making it a more premium choice for demanding users.
Pros and Cons of Each Device
Surface Pro 7
Pros:
- More affordable
- Solid performance
- Lightweight and portable
- Compatible with Surface Pen and Type Cover
Cons:
- Shorter battery life
- No Thunderbolt 4 port
Surface Pro 7 Plus
Pros:
- Better performance
- Longer battery life
- Thunderbolt 4 port
- Surface Pen included
Cons:
- More expensive
- Slightly heavier
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
Q1: Which device has a better display?
A1: The Surface Pro 7 Plus has a slightly higher resolution display than the Surface Pro 7.
Q2: Which device is better for gaming?
A2: Neither device is particularly well-suited for gaming due to their integrated graphics.
Q3: Can I use the Surface Pen with both devices?
A3: Yes, both the Surface Pro 7 and Surface Pro 7 Plus are compatible with the Surface Pen.
Q4: Which device has better battery life?
A4: The Surface Pro 7 Plus claims to have longer battery life than the Surface Pro 7.
Q5: Which device is more portable?
A5: The Surface Pro 7 Plus is slightly thinner and lighter than the Surface Pro 7, making it more portable.
