The Microsoft Surface Pro 8 launched in 2021 is a familiar face for many a tablet that’s evolved from the much-loved Surface Pro series.
This iteration brought some significant changes a larger 13-inch display with slimmer bezels a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother visuals and a new design that felt a little closer to its ARM-based sibling the Surface Pro X.
You’ve got the classic kickstand and detachable keyboard a sleek aluminum chassis and all the usual Surface charm.
But is it the right fit for you? Let’s take a into the world of the Surface Pro 8 and see what it’s all about.
The Surface Pro 8’s Design: A Familiar Friend with a Few New Tricks
This is where things get interesting.
The Surface Pro 8 is a chameleon effortlessly morphing between tablet and laptop mode thanks to its ingenious kickstand and detachable keyboard.
Let’s start with the tablet itself.
It’s a sleek modern design built with anodized aluminum for that premium feel.
It’s a bit thicker than its predecessors likely due to the larger display and updated internals but it remains surprisingly lightweight for its size.
The kickstand is a clever addition providing a sturdy platform for viewing or typing with a wide range of angles for optimal comfort.
It’s a bit of a dance getting used to the combined weight and the kickstand’s stability.
It’s not the best for lap use unless you’re a pro at balancing.
I’ve had my share of near-disaster moments with the screen tilting precariously.
But hey who needs a lap desk when you’ve got a built-in kickstand?
The keyboard though is a separate purchase.
The Surface Pro Signature Keyboard is available in a range of colors to suit your mood.
It’s a solid keyboard with well-spaced keys and a good amount of travel which is essential for those long typing sessions.
I particularly like the soft Alcantara finish for a bit of comfort on those late-night writing sprees.
But it’s not without its quirks.
It’s a bit flexible especially when it’s at an angle so you may need to adjust your typing style to avoid accidental keystrokes.
The Surface Pro 8’s Display: A Visual Treat
The Surface Pro 8’s display is a real standout feature.
That 13-inch screen with its high pixel density is a joy to behold delivering crisp images and sharp text that are easy on the eyes.
You’ll appreciate the 3:2 aspect ratio which gives you more vertical space especially for document editing or reading articles online.
And the 120Hz refresh rate is a must creating buttery-smooth scrolling and pen interaction for a seamless experience.
Now let’s talk color accuracy.
It’s good but not perfect.
It’s not a professional-level display so if you’re a designer or photographer you might want to look elsewhere.
While it boasts full sRGB coverage for a good range of web colors it doesn’t quite hit the mark for Adobe RGB or DCI P3 so you might notice some color shifts in those color spaces.
The Surface Pro 8’s Performance: Powering Through Productivity
The Surface Pro 8 comes with Intel’s 11th Gen Core i5 or i7 processors which are low-power chips designed for general productivity tasks.
It’s not a powerhouse built for intense gaming or video editing but it’s a solid performer for day-to-day tasks like web browsing word processing and video calls.
You won’t be crunching numbers for scientific research but it’s a great option for students and those who need a reliable device for basic tasks.
The integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics while not a gaming beast handles casual gaming and light graphics work fairly well.
You can play older games or less demanding titles on medium settings without too much trouble.
The Surface Pro 8’s Battery Life: Staying Powered Through the Day
The Surface Pro 8’s battery life is a bit of a mixed bag.
You’ll get around seven hours of light use which is good for a day of browsing emails and basic tasks.
But if you’re a heavy user you might need to keep a charger handy.
It’s not ideal for long flights or those marathon Netflix binges.
The Surface Pro 8’s Connectivity and Audio: A Mixed Bag
The Surface Pro 8 has a decent selection of ports for a device of its size.
You get two USB-C ports that support Thunderbolt 4 which is great for fast data transfer speeds and connecting external displays.
The Surface Connect port is also present for charging and connecting to Microsoft’s Surface Dock 2. But the lack of a traditional HDMI port could be a drawback for some.
The speakers are a pleasant surprise delivering clear and natural sound that’s good for casual listening.
They lack some bass but they’re decent for a tablet and will suffice for most users.
The Surface Pro 8’s Webcam and Microphone: Video Chatting Made Easy
The Surface Pro 8 boasts an impressive webcam delivering a sharp and detailed image.
It’s a real upgrade over the Surface Pro 7 making video calls a much more pleasant experience.
The microphone also performs well capturing clear audio with minimal background noise.
The Surface Pro 8’s Weight and Portability: Easy to Carry Easy to Use
The Surface Pro 8 is designed for portability making it a great option for students travelers and anyone who needs a device they can easily carry around.
It’s slim and lightweight slipping effortlessly into a bag or backpack.
Is the Surface Pro 8 Right for You?
The Surface Pro 8 is a versatile device that ticks many boxes.
It’s a great choice for students professionals and anyone who wants a tablet that can double as a laptop.
It’s got a beautiful display solid performance for most tasks and a sleek and portable design.
But it’s not perfect.
The battery life could be better and the lack of a dedicated GPU might limit its appeal for gamers and creatives.
Ultimately the decision comes down to your needs and priorities.
If you’re looking for a premium tablet with a blend of productivity and portability the Surface Pro 8 is a strong contender.
But if you need a device with exceptional battery life a powerful GPU or a full-sized keyboard you might want to explore other options.