Microsoft Surface Pro 4 (4GB + 128GB) Review | 168 Data compared

The Microsoft Surface Pro 4 is a highly refined hybrid, featuring a 12.3-inch "PixelSense" display with 2736 x 1824 resolution and a lighter, thinner design than its predecessor. Performance is driven by 6th-generation Intel Skylake processors, and the device benefits from an improved Type Cover and Surface Pen, with the former boasting a larger, glass-backed trackpad. These enhancements strengthen its position as a legitimate laptop replacement. Key advantages include the vibrant display, faster processing speeds, and the redesigned, more functional Surface Pen. However, a significant drawback is that the essential Type Cover is still sold separately, increasing the total cost of ownership. Furthermore, while performance is strong, the device struggles with "lapability" due to the kickstand design. Battery life proved to be a notable downside, delivering approximately 7 hours in real-world testing, failing to meet Microsoft's 9-hour estimate. Additionally, the high price point for higher-end configurations makes it a premium, often expensive, choice compared to traditional laptops.

The Microsoft Surface Pro 4 is a refined, premium hybrid featuring an improved 12.3-inch PixelSense display, better performance, and a slimmer, lighter all-magnesium chassis. Key pros include the upgraded Type Cover with better key travel, a larger touchpad, and the more precise Surface Pen, which help position the device as a true laptop replacement. However, significant cons include poor battery life—failing to meet manufacturer claims—and the necessity of purchasing the Type Cover separately. Additionally, early units suffered from software and driver issues, such as display crashes and wake-up glitches, which impacted the overall experience.

This Gizmodo review finds the Microsoft Surface Pro 4 to be a beautifully engineered, highly portable hybrid that functions as a superior secondary device for creative work. While praised for its refined design, versatile kickstand, and responsive, "grippy" stylus experience, the device falls short as a primary workstation due to performance limits during intensive photo and video editing. Ultimately, the review concludes that despite its high-end potential, its "split personality" and high price point make it best suited for, rather than professional, heavy-duty "real work".

The Microsoft Surface Pro 4 is hailed as a refined tablet-laptop hybrid featuring a superior 12.3-inch PixelSense display, 6th-gen Intel Core processors, and impressive 10-hour-plus battery life. Key pros include improved performance, a magnetic 1,024-level pressure-sensitive Pen, and a vastly upgraded Type Cover, though the essential Type Cover is sold separately, acting as a notable con. While the device offers a versatile, full-friction kickstand for improved usability, limited port selection and a high price point for mid-range configurations remain significant drawbacks.

The Microsoft Surface Pro 4 is described by WIRED as a refined, highly capable device that successfully addresses the engineering, display, and accessory shortcomings of its predecessors. Key pros include the vibrant "PixelSense" display, a significantly improved, comfortable Type Cover with a superior touchpad, and a more intuitive, pressure-sensitive Surface Pen. However, the review notes drawbacks, specifically sub-six-hour battery life, limited USB connectivity, and persistent software stability issues, such as app crashes and keyboard disconnection bugs.

The CNET review hails the Microsoft Surface Pro 4 as the "king of the tablet PC hill," featuring a refined 12.3-inch "PixelSense" display with a 2,736x1,824 resolution and 6th-generation Intel Skylake processors, making it faster than its predecessor. Key improvements include a superior Type Cover with island-style keys and a larger, more responsive glass trackpad, alongside a redesigned Surface Pen with 1,024 levels of pressure sensitivity. However, the device suffers from shorter battery life than the Surface Pro 3, expensive required accessories, and poor lapability. For more details, visit CNET.

In a detailed review, the author chronicles a decade-long, frustrating experience with the Microsoft Surface Pro line, highlighting a cycle of high expectations followed by disappointment. While the Surface Pro 3 and 4 were praised for their premium design, thin form factor, and excellent screen aspect ratio, these pros were consistently overshadowed by significant cons, including frequent Type Keyboard disconnects, poor battery life, and lack of LTE connectivity. The review emphasizes that persistent technical failures, such as unreliability waking from sleep and forced firmware updates, made the device impractical for professional use. The author concludes that the Surface Pro, despite its innovation, remained a "par-baked" product, leading them to abandon the form factor for a standard laptop that simply "works every time".

The ITPro review hails the Microsoft Surface Pro 4 as a refined hybrid, featuring a brilliant 12.3-inch PixelSense display and a robust, highly adjustable magnesium alloy chassis. Key pros include the improved Type Cover with a larger trackpad and the responsive, redesigned Surface Pen, making it a strong tool for professionals. IT ProUnder the hood, the Intel Skylake processor delivers solid performance, although integrated graphics struggle with intense, high-end gaming or 4K video editing. A standout, convenient feature is the Windows Hello-compatible camera, providing fast and secure login capabilities. Conversely, the device suffers from lackluster battery life, lasting roughly 7 hours and 40 minutes, which makes full-day, charger-free use difficult. Other cons include high, added costs for accessories and occasional, annoying driver glitches that can cause display issues.

The Microsoft Surface Pro 4, as reviewed by Expert Reviews, is a refined Windows 10 hybrid featuring a 12.3-inch PixelSense display with high resolution and excellent color accuracy. Notable design improvements include a slim 8.4mm, 766g–800g magnesium chassis with a flexible, durable kickstand. Functional enhancements include a significantly improved Type Cover with 1.3mm key travel and a larger, more responsive trackpad, alongside a magnetic Surface Pen with improved sensitivity. User experience is further bolstered by Windows Hello facial recognition for secure login. However, the device faces criticism for its lackluster battery life, typically lasting only 7 to 8.5 hours in real-world testing, falling short of competitors and advertised times. Furthermore, the essential Type Cover is sold separately, creating high overall costs, and users are limited to a single USB 3.0 port.

Engadget's hands-on review describes the Microsoft Surface Pro 4 as a refined hybrid, featuring a thinner 8.4mm design and a larger, sharper 12.3-inch PixelSense display within the same footprint as its predecessor. Key improvements include the redesigned Surface Pen, offering 1,024 levels of pressure sensitivity and a functional "eraser" button. However, a significant drawback is that the vastly improved Type Cover is still sold separately for an additional cost, increasing the overall price of the device. Performance is driven by 6th-generation Intel Core (Skylake) chips, though the review notes a lack of major battery life improvements. Ultimately, it is considered a solid, iterative update that reinforces Microsoft's tablet-laptop hybrid vision, according to Engadget. For more details, visit Engadget.

The WIRED review highlights the Microsoft Surface Pro 4 as a refined 2-in-1, featuring a standout 12.3-inch PixelSense display with 2,736 x 1,824 resolution and a sleek, durable magnesium alloy chassis. Significant upgrades include a much-improved Type Cover with a larger glass trackpad and a more sensitive Surface Pen, enhancing its capability as a laptop replacement. However, the review notes drawbacks, including subpar battery life under six hours, limited connectivity with only one USB 3.0 port, occasional software glitches, and a high cost, particularly with the required, separately sold Type Cover. Copy

The Microsoft Surface Pro 4 is identified as the "gold standard" for Windows tablets, effectively operating as a genuine laptop replacement thanks to Windows 10 and a stunning, high-resolution 12.3-inch PixelSense display. Its premium magnesium chassis is lighter and thinner than its predecessor, while the improved friction hinge and bundled, high-accuracy Surface Pen enhance usability. The redesigned Type Cover also provides a superior, more traditional typing experience with a larger trackpad. Performance is a key strength, with options ranging from fanless Core m3 to powerful Core i7 processors capable of handling demanding tasks. However, "buggy" Windows 10 Continuum features can lead to stability issues, and the device is limited by only a single USB 3.0 port. Battery life is inconsistent, ranging from nearly nine hours to just over four-and-a-half under heavy loads, and the essential Type Cover remains an extra purchase. Copy

The Ars Technica review characterizes the Microsoft Surface Pro 4 as a refined, well-built iteration of its predecessor that significantly improves input methods, specifically the redesigned Type Cover, glass trackpad, and stylus. Featuring a superior 12.3-inch display and faster Skylake processors, the device excels in display quality and GPU performance, though software stability and inconsistent battery life hinder its ability to fully replace a laptop. While the hardware is lauded, the review notes persistent issues with driver crashes and the added cost of essential accessories, ultimately marking it as a strong hybrid that falls short of being a perfect laptop alternative. Copy

The Verge describes the Surface Pro 4 as a refined, mature iteration of Microsoft's hybrid vision, featuring a superior 12.3-inch PixelSense display within the same footprint as its predecessor. Key upgrades include an improved Type Cover with a better trackpad and a more accurate Surface Pen. While Intel Skylake processors boost performance, the device still suffers from disappointing battery life and requires a separate purchase for the essential keyboard, making it an expensive option. Copy