Specifications

• CPU: 3.0GHz Intel Core i7-1185G7 
• Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
• RAM: 16GB LPDDR4x
• Screen: 13-inch QHD (2,880 x 1,920) touch
• Storage: 256GB SSD (PCIe, NVMe, M.2)
• Ports: 2 x Thunderbolt 4, combi audio jack, Surface Connect port
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6; Bluetooth 5.1
• Camera: 1080p IR Webcam
• Weight: 1.96 pounds (891g)
• Size: 11.3 x 8.2 x 0.37 in (287 x 208 x 9.3mm W x D x H)

Microsoft Surface Pro 8: Design

The Surface Pro 8 introduces significant design improvements, notably the new graphite color. Also, the chassis features have been refined with rounded edges for enhanced comfort during prolonged use.

The Surface Pro 8 features its smallest bezels ever, creating the impression of a completely redesigned device. This change enhances the screen size and premium look, which is advantageous given its higher price. The reduced bezels also result in an 11% larger display, now boasting a stunning 13-inch PixelSense screen with 2,880 x 1,920 resolution. Furthermore, the display offers a smoother experience with a 120Hz refresh rate, improving performance for everyday tasks.

The Surface Pro 8's display is initially set to a battery-saving 60Hz refresh rate but can be adjusted to a higher refresh rate in the settings. With 103% coverage of the sRGB spectrum and a peak brightness of 467 nits, the display is stunning. Whether watching shows or working, everything looks incredible on this device.

This is particularly important for a device like the Surface Pro 8, as this lineup is especially popular with artists, who require color accuracy for their work. It's also a bonus that consuming content looks great too.

Sound quality isn't quite as impressive as the visual aspects of the Surface Pro 8, but it's considered acceptable for a laptop. However, due to limited space for speakers, headphones are still recommended for the best experience.

The Surface Pro 8 now fully supports Thunderbolt 4, opening up a new world of accessories and peripherals for users, including external GPUs, which are particularly beneficial for creative professionals.

On the downside, Microsoft still sells the Type Cover and Surface Pen separately, despite the higher price tag of the device. Additionally, although the Type Cover is praised for its design and features, its touchpad performance is considered mediocre at best. 

Microsoft Surface Pro 8: Performance

Microsoft seems to have invested a lot of effort into redesigning the internal components of the Surface Pro 8. This allowed them to configure the processor with a higher Thermal Design Power (TDP) compared to previous versions of the tablet – boosting it to 23 watts instead of the 15 watts of the Surface Pro 7's processor.

While this change won't result in a drastic improvement, when combined with the significantly faster Tiger Lake architecture compared to the low-power Ice Lake chips in the previous model, Microsoft claims up to a twofold increase in performance. However, the Surface Pro 8 falls short of achieving that level of improvement.

That doesn't mean it's not faster. In fact, in tests like Cinebench R15 (which has been replaced by Cinebench R23), the Surface Pro 8 is almost 50% faster than the Surface Pro 7, showing a significant generational improvement. The difference in speed is not as noticeable in GeekBench 4, but it's still faster.

Even more impressive is how well the Surface Pro 8 compares to its larger counterpart, the Surface Laptop Studio. Despite being much thinner and lighter, the tablet is only 12% slower than the Surface Laptop Studio in Cinebench and just 5% slower in GeekBench.

When it comes to graphics, the Surface Pro 8 can't compete with the dedicated Nvidia RTX A2000 in the Surface Laptop Studio, as it uses integrated Xe graphics. However, if users primarily need CPU performance, there's hardly any reason to choose the Surface Laptop Studio over the Surface Pro 8.

Microsoft Surface Pro 8: Battery Life

One of the significant drawbacks of the Surface Pro 7 was its short battery life, lasting only 3 hours and 12 minutes in the PCMark 8 battery test. However, the Surface Pro 8 has vastly improved in this aspect, scoring an impressive 8 hours and 15 minutes in the PCMark 10 test. This makes it a device that users can comfortably use for work throughout the day without constantly needing to recharge.

This improvement in battery life is likely attributed to Microsoft's decision to adhere to the Intel Evo program and to set the default refresh rate of the display to 60Hz. This ensures that despite its portability, users can rely on the Surface Pro 8 to last for extended periods without needing to recharge frequently, thus reducing the need to carry around a charger.

Although the numbers are slightly less impressive in the video playback test, with the Surface Pro 8 lasting 6 hours and 32 minutes, it's still a decent duration for enjoying a Netflix binge or similar activities.

Microsoft Surface Pro 8: Webcam and Microphone

The Surface Pro 8 boasts one of the best webcams ever seen in a mobile computing device. Additionally, the front-facing camera supports Windows Hello, allowing for convenient login.

As expected from a tablet, the Surface Pro 8 also features a rear-facing camera. While it may not match the quality of smartphone cameras, it serves adequately for capturing quick snaps, such as of pets when a phone isn't readily available.

Furthermore, the microphone performs admirably, particularly considering the device's form factor. Voices come through clearly without distortion, and the tablet effectively filters out background noise, eliminating the need for headphones during calls.

Final Thoughts

The Surface Pro 8, when paired with the Surface Pen, remains an essential tool for artists on the move. With the release of Windows 11, many new devices will emerge, but none will offer as pure an experience as the Surface Pro 8. It represents the optimal way to experience Microsoft's operating system. As the best version of a Windows tablet that can transform into a laptop, especially when coupled with the Type Cover, it stands out among other 2-in-1 laptops.