Microsoft Surface Pro 4 (8GB + 256GB) Review | 168 Data compared

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.

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 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.

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 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.