OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Tablets Methodology v1.0
Tablets Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Tablets Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Tablets Methodology v1.0

Microsoft Surface Pro 8 I5 4G (8GB + 512GB) Review | 168 Data compared

Avg. price:~£1,030RAM capacity:8 GBInternal storage:512 GBScreen size:13 inchesChipset:Intel Core i5-1135G7

Microsoft Surface Pro 8 I5 4G (8GB + 512GB) Review: Compare 168 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Tablets category and whether it is worth buying.

8.2/10

Overall score

Score
8.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the smartphone's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best Tablets on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 85% of models
Score components

90%

8.2

Technical score

10%

?

User score

â–²Better than 85% of tablets
7.2

Value for money

Value for money
7.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartphone's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartphone with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 52% of models
Score components

70%

8.2

Overall score

30%

5.1

Price

â–²Better than 52%
8.2

Technical score

Technical score
8.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartphone's technical performance, covering eight key areas: performance & hardware, software, camera, connectivity, display, battery, audio, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare Tablets based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 86% of models
Score components

22%

9.2

Performance

20%

7.9

Display

16%

8.1

Camera

14%

7.9

Battery

12%

8.2

Connectivity

8%

8.7

Software & Features

5%

5.7

Design

3%

7.2

Audio & Multimedia

â–²Better than 86%
?

User score

User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
When it matters
When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

  • No image
No image
Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of tablet Microsoft Surface Pro 8 I5 4G (8GB + 512GB)

Technical score
Technical score
8.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartphone's technical performance, covering eight key areas: performance & hardware, software, camera, connectivity, display, battery, audio, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare Tablets based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 86% of models
Score components:

22%

9.2

Performance

20%

7.9

Display

16%

8.1

Camera

14%

7.9

Battery

12%

8.2

Connectivity

8%

8.7

Software & Features

5%

5.7

Design

3%

7.2

Audio & Multimedia

8.2
User score
User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
When it matters
When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

?
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the smartphone.
When it matters
When you prefer to purchase a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Popularity:
Microsoft Surface Pro 8 I5 4G (8GB + 512GB) has a popularity of 1 point, which is higher than 65.8% of Tablets.
1.0
Value for money
Value for money
7.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartphone's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartphone with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 52% of models
Score components:

70%

8.2

Overall score

30%

5.1

Price

7.2
RAM capacity
8 GB
Market range: <2 GB – >12 GB
This tablet has a RAM capacity of 8 GB which is larger than the RAM capacity of 72.3% of tablets and equal to that of 17.8% of tablets.
Process node
10 nm
Market range: <4 nm – >40 nm
This tablet is built on a 10 nm process node, which is smaller than the node size used in 68% of tablets and equal to the node used in 1.4% of tablets.
Internal storage
512 GB
Market range: <0 GB – >250 GB
This tablet has an internal storage capacity of 512 GB which is larger than the storage of 92.4% of tablets and equal to that of 5.3% of tablets.
Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score
1,592 points
Market range: <233 points – >2.3k points
This tablet scored 1,592 points in Geekbench 6 (single-core) which is higher than the score of 77.9% of tablets and equal to the score of 0.1% of tablets.
Chipset
Intel Core i5-1135G7
This tablet uses the Intel Core i5-1135G7 chipset, which is more advanced than the chipsets in 73.1% of tablets and equal to those in 0.1% of tablets.
Show more
Screen resolution
2880×1920
This tablet has a screen resolution of 2880×1920 which is higher than that of 93.8% of tablets and equal to that of 0.6% of tablets.
Refresh rate
120 Hz
Market range: <60 Hz – >120 Hz
This tablet supports a refresh rate of 120 Hz which is higher than in 80.4% of tablets and equal to that in 10.8% of tablets.
Display type
LCD
This tablet uses a LCD display type. 83% of tablets use this display technology.
Pixel density
267 ppi
Market range: <149 ppi – >291 ppi
This tablet has a pixel density of 267 ppi which is higher than that of 77.5% of tablets and equal to that of 1.5% of tablets.
Display glass type
Corning Gorilla Glass 5
This tablet uses Corning Gorilla Glass 5 display glass which is stronger than that on 93.8% of tablets and equal to that on 5.8% of tablets.
Show more
Optical image stabilization
no
This tablet does not support optical image stabilization. 0.4% of tablets include OIS.
Main camera megapixels
?
Front camera megapixels
5 MP
Market range: <1.2 MP – >9 MP
This tablet has a front camera resolution of 5 MP which is higher than in 48.8% of tablets and equal to that in 19.6% of tablets.
Main camera aperture
f/2.0
This tablet has a main camera aperture of f/2.0 which is wider than that of 57.5% of tablets and equal to that of 24.5% of tablets.
Optical zoom
1xxx
This tablet supports 1xx optical zoom which is higher than in 18.4% of tablets and equal to that in 80.7% of tablets.
Show more
Battery capacity
4,414 mAh
Market range: <4k mAh – >10.1k mAh
This tablet has a battery capacity of 4,414 mAh which is smaller than the batteries in 79.8% of tablets and equal to those in 0.1% of tablets.
Charging speed
60 W
Market range: <10 W – >60 W
This tablet supports charging speeds of 60 W which is faster than in 90.7% of tablets and equal to speeds in 0.7% of tablets.
Battery life
16 hours
Market range: <6 hours – >16 hours
This tablet has a battery life of 16 hours, which is longer than that of 90% of tablets and equal to that of 2.2% of tablets.
Wireless charging
no
This tablet does not support wireless charging. 1.5% of tablets support wireless charging.
Fast charging
yes
This tablet supports fast charging. 50.4% of tablets support fast charging.
Show more
LTE support
?
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This tablet supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 0.2% of tablets offer Wi-Fi support.
GPS
no
This tablet does not support GPS. 82.7% of tablets include GPS functionality.
5G connectivity
no
This tablet does not support 5G connectivity. 11.1% of tablets support 5G.
NFC
no
This tablet does not support NFC. 10.9% of tablets support NFC.
Show more
Operating system
Windows
This tablet uses the Windows operating system, which is less advanced than the one used by 84.1%.
Update support duration
long
This tablet offers long update support, which is longer than the support period of 80% of tablets and equal to that of 20% of tablets.
Direct OS updates
yes
This tablet receives direct OS updates. 20.3% of tablets receive direct updates.
On-device AI
no
This tablet does not support on-device AI. 28.3% of tablets support this capability.
App tracking protection
no
This tablet does not include app tracking protection. 28.3% of tablets include app tracking protection.
Show more
IP rating
not rated
This tablet has an IP rating of not rated which is lower than that of 16.3% of tablets and equal to that of 83.7% of tablets.
Weight
891 g
Market range: <315 g – >730 g
This tablet weighs 891 g which is heavier than 96.8% of tablets and equal to the weight of 0.1% of tablets.
Backlit keyboard
yes
This tablet supports a backlit keyboard. 90.3% of tablets support backlit keyboards.
Keyboard accessory
yes
This tablet supports a keyboard accessory. 15.8% of tablets support this option.
Pen latency
?
Show more
Number of microphones
2
Market range: <0 – >5
This tablet includes 2 microphones, which is more than in 55.1% of tablets and equal to the number in 32.7% of tablets.
aptX Adaptive
no
This tablet does not support aptX Adaptive. 6.9% of tablets offer this codec.
Dolby Atmos support
yes
This tablet supports Dolby Atmos. 68.6% of tablets support Dolby Atmos.
N. of speakers
2
Market range: <1 – >6
This tablet includes 2 speakers, which is more than in 9.8% of tablets and equal to the number in 60.9% of tablets.
FM radio
no
This tablet does not include an FM radio. 19% of tablets offer FM radio functionality.
Show more

Microsoft Surface Pro 8 I5 4G (8GB + 512GB) vs the average tablet

246810TotalPerformanceDisplayCameraBatteryConnectivitySoftware & FeaturesDesignAudio & Multimedia
  • 2x higher refresh rate
    This tablet has a higher refresh rate than the average tablet (120 Hz vs 60 Hz). The average tablet has refresh rate of 60 Hz.
    120 Hz vs 60 Hz
  • Faster storage type
    This tablet uses NVMe storage, while the average tablet uses eMMC. Storage technology still varies widely across tablets.
    NVMe vs eMMC
  • 8x more storage
    This tablet has more internal storage than the average tablet (512 GB vs 64 GB). The average tablet provides 64 GB of internal storage.
    512 GB vs 64 GB
  • 6 hours longer battery life
    This tablet offers longer battery life than the average tablet (16 hours vs 10 hours). The average tablet offers 10 hours of battery life.
    16 hours vs 10 hours
  • 2.1x higher CPU speed
    This tablet has a higher CPU speed than the average tablet (4.2 GHz vs 2 GHz). The average tablet has CPU speed of 2 GHz.
    4.2 GHz vs 2 GHz
  • More capable chipset
    This tablet uses the Intel Core i5-1135G7 chipset, while the average tablet uses MediaTek MT8169A.
    Intel Core i5-1135G7 vs MediaTek MT8169A
  • Higher screen resolution
    This tablet has a higher screen resolution than the average tablet (2880×1920 vs 1920×1200). The average tablet resolution is 1920×1200.
    2880×1920 vs 1920×1200
  • 3.33x faster charging speed
    This tablet supports faster charging than the average tablet (60 W vs 18 W). The average tablet supports charging speed of 18 W.
    60 W vs 18 W
  • Faster storage type
    This tablet uses NVMe storage, while the average tablet uses eMMC. Storage technology still varies widely across tablets.
    NVMe vs eMMC
  • 8x more storage
    This tablet has more internal storage than the average tablet (512 GB vs 64 GB). The average tablet provides 64 GB of internal storage.
    512 GB vs 64 GB
  • 2.1x higher CPU speed
    This tablet has a higher CPU speed than the average tablet (4.2 GHz vs 2 GHz). The average tablet has CPU speed of 2 GHz.
    4.2 GHz vs 2 GHz
  • More capable chipset
    This tablet uses the Intel Core i5-1135G7 chipset, while the average tablet uses MediaTek MT8169A.
    Intel Core i5-1135G7 vs MediaTek MT8169A
  • 2.84x higher Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score
    This tablet achieves a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score than the average tablet (5,373 points vs 1,891 points). The average tablet scores 1,891 points in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    5,373 points vs 1,891 points
  • 4 GB more RAM
    This tablet has more RAM capacity than the average tablet (8 GB vs 4 GB). The average tablet has 4 GB of RAM.
    8 GB vs 4 GB
  • 4.58x higher memory bandwidth
    This tablet has a higher memory bandwidth than the average tablet (68.3 GB/s vs 14.9 GB/s). The average tablet has memory bandwidth of 14.9 GB/s.
    68.3 GB/s vs 14.9 GB/s
  • 2,401 MHz faster RAM speed
    This tablet has a higher RAM speed than the average tablet (4,267 MHz vs 1,866 MHz). The average tablet has RAM speed of 1,866 MHz.
    4,267 MHz vs 1,866 MHz
  • 2.18x higher Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score
    This tablet achieves a higher Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score than the average tablet (1,592 points vs 729 points). The average tablet scores 729 points in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    1,592 points vs 729 points
  • Better GPU
    This tablet uses the Intel Iris Xe Graphics GPU, while the average tablet uses Mali-G51. GPU choice is one of the main performance differences between tablets.
    Intel Iris Xe Graphics vs Mali-G51
  • Newer DDR memory version
    This tablet supports a newer DDR version than the average tablet (LPDDR4X vs LPDDR3). The average DDR version is LPDDR3.
    LPDDR4X vs LPDDR3
  • 76 more GPU execution units
    This tablet has more GPU execution units than the average tablet (80 vs 4). The average tablet has 4 GPU execution units.
    80 vs 4
  • Supports multithreading
    This tablet supports multithreading, the average tablet does not. 0.00% of tablets support multithreading.
  • 2 more CPU threads
    This tablet has more CPU threads than the average tablet (8 vs 6). The average tablet has 6 CPU threads.
    8 vs 6
  • 28.6% smaller process node
    This tablet uses a smaller process node than the average tablet (10 nm vs 14 nm). The average tablet uses a process node of 14 nm.
    10 nm vs 14 nm
  • 2x higher refresh rate
    This tablet has a higher refresh rate than the average tablet (120 Hz vs 60 Hz). The average tablet has refresh rate of 60 Hz.
    120 Hz vs 60 Hz
  • Higher screen resolution
    This tablet has a higher screen resolution than the average tablet (2880×1920 vs 1920×1200). The average tablet resolution is 1920×1200.
    2880×1920 vs 1920×1200
  • 2.9 inches larger screen size
    This tablet has a higher screen size than the average tablet (13 inches vs 10.1 inches). The average tablet has screen size of 10.1 inches.
    13 inches vs 10.1 inches
  • Supports adaptive refresh rate
    This tablet has adaptive refresh rate, the average tablet does not. 17.6% of tablets support adaptive refresh rate.
  • 30,000 Hz higher PWM dimming frequency
    This tablet has a higher PWM dimming frequency than the average tablet (30,000 Hz vs 0 Hz). The average tablet has PWM dimming frequency of 0 Hz.
    120 nits and above has no PWM.
    30,000 Hz vs 0 Hz
  • 19.2% higher pixel density
    This tablet has a higher pixel density than the average tablet (267 ppi vs 224 ppi). The average tablet has pixel density of 224 ppi.
    267 ppi vs 224 ppi
  • More durable display glass
    This tablet uses better display glass than the average tablet (Corning Gorilla Glass 5 vs Corning Gorilla Glass). Display glass choice still varies across tablets.
    Corning Gorilla Glass 5 vs Corning Gorilla Glass
  • 50 nits higher typical brightness
    This tablet has a higher typical brightness than the average tablet (450 nits vs 400 nits). The average tablet reaches 400 nits typical brightness.
    450 nits vs 400 nits
  • Higher contrast ratio
    This tablet has a higher contrast ratio than the average tablet (1370:1 vs 1015:1). The average tablet contrast ratio is 1015:1.
    1,370:1 vs 1,015:1
  • 46 ppi higher screen sharpness
    This tablet has a higher screen sharpness than the average tablet (267 ppi vs 221 ppi). The average tablet has screen sharpness of 221 ppi.
    267 ppi vs 221 ppi
  • 49 nits higher peak brightness
    This tablet has a higher peak brightness than the average tablet (450 nits vs 401 nits). The average tablet reaches 401 nits peak brightness.
    450 nits vs 401 nits
  • Better main-camera video
    This tablet supports better main-camera video recording than the average tablet (2160x30 fps vs 1080x30 fps). The average tablet supports 1080x30 fps main-camera video recording.
    2160x30 fps vs 1080x30 fps
  • Supports PDAF
    This tablet supports PDAF, the average tablet does not. 28.1% of tablets support PDAF.
  • Allows manual focus
    This tablet allows manual focus control, the average tablet does not. 37.2% of tablets include manual focus.
  • Wider front camera aperture
    This tablet has a better front camera aperture than the average tablet (f/2 vs f/2.2). The average tablet uses f/2.2 front camera aperture.
    f/2.0 vs f/2.2
  • Allows manual ISO
    This tablet allows manual ISO adjustment, the average tablet does not. 46% of tablets feature manual ISO.
  • Wider main camera aperture
    This tablet has a better main camera aperture than the average tablet (f/2 vs f/2.2). The average tablet uses f/2.2 main camera aperture.
    f/2.0 vs f/2.2
  • 6 hours longer battery life
    This tablet offers longer battery life than the average tablet (16 hours vs 10 hours). The average tablet offers 10 hours of battery life.
    16 hours vs 10 hours
  • 3.33x faster charging speed
    This tablet supports faster charging than the average tablet (60 W vs 18 W). The average tablet supports charging speed of 18 W.
    60 W vs 18 W
  • Supports fast charging
    This tablet supports fast charging, the average tablet does not. 49.7% of tablets feature fast charging.
  • Includes battery health monitoring
    This tablet features battery health monitoring, the average tablet does not. 37% of tablets include battery health tools.
  • Newer USB version
    This tablet supports a newer USB version than the average tablet (USB 4 vs USB 2). The average tablet uses USB USB 2.0.
    USB 4 vs USB 2.0
  • Supports Thunderbolt
    This tablet supports Thunderbolt, the average tablet does not. 2.3% of tablets support Thunderbolt.
  • Supports DisplayPort over USB-C
    This tablet supports DisplayPort over USB-C, the average tablet does not. 21.5% of tablets support DisplayPort over USB-C.
  • Supports eSIM
    This tablet supports eSIM, the average tablet does not. 11.5% of tablets support eSIM.
  • Newer Wi-Fi version
    This tablet supports a newer Wi-Fi version than the average tablet (Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)). The average tablet uses Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac).
    Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • Newer Bluetooth version
    This tablet supports a newer Bluetooth version than the average tablet (5.1 vs 5). The average tablet uses Bluetooth 5.0.
    5.1 vs 5.0
  • Longer update support
    This tablet offers longer update support than the average tablet (long vs medium). The average tablet gets medium of update support.
    long vs medium
  • Supports live text recognition
    This tablet supports live text recognition, the average tablet does not. 34.9% of tablets can recognize text from images.
  • Includes clipboard warnings
    This tablet has clipboard warnings, the average tablet does not. 39.9% of tablets include clipboard warnings.
  • Suitable for drawing
    This tablet is suitable for drawing, the average tablet is not. 41% of tablets are suitable for drawing.
  • Includes backlit keyboard
    This tablet has a backlit keyboard, the average tablet does not. 9.8% of tablets offer a backlit keyboard.
  • Supports stylus tilt
    This tablet supports stylus tilt, the average tablet does not. 33.6% of tablets support stylus tilt.
  • Supports Dolby Atmos
    This tablet supports Dolby Atmos, the average tablet does not. 31.5% of tablets support Dolby Atmos.
  • 1 more microphone/s
    This tablet has more microphones than the average tablet (2 vs 1). The average tablet has 1 microphones.
    2 vs 1
  • Supports Bluetooth LE Audio
    This tablet supports Bluetooth LE Audio, the average tablet does not. 11.5% of tablets support Bluetooth LE Audio.
  • Less advanced operating system
    This tablet runs on a less advanced operating system than the average tablet (Windows vs Android). Operating system choice shapes app support, updates, and ecosystem features.
    Windows vs Android
  • Inferior display type
    This tablet has an inferior display type compared to the average tablet (LCD vs IPS LCD). 0.00% of tablets use the superior display type.
    LCD vs IPS LCD
  • 81.8% heavier
    This tablet is heavier than the average tablet (891 g vs 490 g). The average tablet weighs 490 g.
    891 g vs 490 g
  • 32.9% smaller battery capacity
    This tablet has a lower battery capacity than the average tablet (4,414 mAh vs 6,580 mAh). The average tablet battery has capacity of 6,580 mAh.
    4,414 mAh vs 6,580 mAh
  • No GPS
    This tablet does not have GPS, the average tablet does. 82.7% of tablets feature GPS.
  • No big.LITTLE architecture
    This tablet does not use a big.LITTLE architecture, the average tablet does. 51.3% of tablets use a big.LITTLE architecture.
  • No timelapse video
    This tablet does not support timelapse video, the average tablet does. 57.5% of tablets include timelapse modes.
  • No full-page screenshots
    This tablet does not support full-page screenshots, the average tablet does. 52.5% of tablets support full-page screenshots.
  • 3.96x more expensive
    Microsoft Surface Pro 8 I5 4G (8GB + 512GB) is more expensive than the average tablet (£1,030 vs £260).
    £1,030 vs £260
  • 4.81x less popular
    Microsoft Surface Pro 8 I5 4G (8GB + 512GB) is less popular than the average tablet (1 vs 4.8).
    1 vs 4.81
  • No big.LITTLE architecture
    This tablet does not use a big.LITTLE architecture, the average tablet does. 51.3% of tablets use a big.LITTLE architecture.
  • Inferior display type
    This tablet has an inferior display type compared to the average tablet (LCD vs IPS LCD). 0.00% of tablets use the superior display type.
    LCD vs IPS LCD
  • No timelapse video
    This tablet does not support timelapse video, the average tablet does. 57.5% of tablets include timelapse modes.
  • 32.9% smaller battery capacity
    This tablet has a lower battery capacity than the average tablet (4,414 mAh vs 6,580 mAh). The average tablet battery has capacity of 6,580 mAh.
    4,414 mAh vs 6,580 mAh
  • No GPS
    This tablet does not have GPS, the average tablet does. 82.7% of tablets feature GPS.
  • No HDMI output
    This tablet does not have an HDMI output, the average tablet does. 50.1% of tablets support HDMI output.
  • Less advanced operating system
    This tablet runs on a less advanced operating system than the average tablet (Windows vs Android). Operating system choice shapes app support, updates, and ecosystem features.
    Windows vs Android
  • No full-page screenshots
    This tablet does not support full-page screenshots, the average tablet does. 52.5% of tablets support full-page screenshots.
  • 81.8% heavier
    This tablet is heavier than the average tablet (891 g vs 490 g). The average tablet weighs 490 g.
    891 g vs 490 g
  • 111.7 mm wider
    This tablet is wider than the average tablet (287 mm vs 175.3 mm). The average tablet is 175.3 mm wide.
    287.0 mm vs 175.3 mm
  • 1.3 mm thicker
    This tablet is thicker than the average tablet (9.3 mm vs 8 mm). The average tablet is 8.0 mm thick.
    9.3 mm vs 8.0 mm

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

8.0
Hardware Canucks
≈ estimated
30/12/2021
Hands-on review · battery, performance and price
Verdict
Microsoft Surface Pro 8 i5 4G offers excellent battery and performance in a thin design, but the price and required accessories hold it back.
9.0
My Next Tablet
≈ estimated
07/12/2021
Hands-on review · battery test, keyboard and pen tests
Verdict
Microsoft Surface Pro 8 i5 4G is the best Windows tablet you can buy right now, though its starting price is high.
9.0
MobileTechReview
≈ estimated
12/10/2021
Hands-on review · battery, display and pen tests
Verdict
Microsoft Surface Pro 8 i5 4G is a strong pick for note-taking and art, portable and powerful, though the high price is a real drawback.
8.0
Mike O'Brien
≈ estimated
09/10/2021
Hands-on review · speakers, camera, keyboard and pen tests
Verdict
Microsoft Surface Pro 8 i5 4G is a clear choice for light, portable travel, but the price is high.
7.0
Engadget
≈ estimated
07/10/2021
Hands-on review · display, battery and price comparison
Verdict
Microsoft Surface Pro 8 i5 4G is incrementally better, but pricier than ever, so it is a niche choice.
Shop video
Not graded yet

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

L
laptopmedia.com
21/04/2022
Summary of the review
Microsoft Surface Pro 8 review - one of the most powerful and useful tablets out there - LaptopMedia.com
C
choice.com.au
07/06/2022
Summary of the review
Microsoft Surface Pro 8 review - CHOICE
T
theguardian.com
17/12/2021
Summary of the review
Surface Pro 8 review: Microsoft's best Windows tablet gets big upgrade
T
techadvisor.com
24/03/2022
Summary of the review
Microsoft Surface Pro 8 Review: The Best Windows Tablet
T
trustedreviews.com
31/03/2023
Summary of the review
Microsoft Surface Pro 8 Review
E
expertreviews.co.uk
06/12/2022
Summary of the review
Microsoft Surface Pro 8 review: The king of Windows tablets
C
creativebloq.com
15/03/2022
Summary of the review
Surface Pro 8 review - Creative Bloq
T
t3.com
28/01/2022
Summary of the review
Microsoft Surface Pro 8 review: still leading the way in 2-in-1 laptops
S
stuff.tv
26/04/2024
Summary of the review
Microsoft Surface Pro 8 review: more of the (super) same - Stuff
L
laptopmedia.com
21/04/2022
Summary of the review
Microsoft Surface Pro 8 review - one of the most powerful and useful ...
I
itpro.com
17/03/2022
Summary of the review
Microsoft Surface Pro 8 for Business review: Surprisingly snappy
L
leclaireur.fnac.com
26/04/2022
Summary of the review
Test Labo de la Microsoft Surface Pro 8: autonomie indigente et surcoût d’un clavier indispensable
(Translated)Show original
C
cnetfrance.fr
02/11/2021
Summary of the review
Test Microsoft Surface Pro 8: un écran plus grand pour une meilleure expérience
(Translated)Show original
F
frandroid.com
01/09/2021
Summary of the review
Microsoft Surface Pro 8 - Tablettes tactiles - Frandroid
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N
notebookcheck.biz
27/11/2021
Summary of the review
Test de la Microsoft Surface Pro 8 : convertible puissant, 120 Hz et enfin Thunderbolt
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zdnet.fr
04/02/2025
Summary of the review
Microsoft Surface Pro 8 pour les entreprises : une véritable lettre d'amour
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lapresse.ca
26/12/2021
Summary of the review
Testé : Surface Pro 8 | Le meilleur des deux mondes | La Presse
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laptopmedia.com
21/04/2022
Summary of the review
Examen de la Microsoft Surface Pro 8 : l'une des tablettes les plus performantes
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01net.com
No date provided
Summary of the review
Fiche technique Microsoft Surface Pro 8 - 01net.com
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smartworld.it
18/02/2022
Summary of the review
Recensione Surface Pro 8: la svolta!
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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Microsoft Surface Pro 8 I5 4G (8GB + 512GB)

  • Vibrant 13-inch PixelSense display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate
  • Modern, high-quality build with thinner bezels and comfortable rounded edges
  • Excellent 1080p front-facing webcam suitable for professional video calls
  • Highly portable and lightweight design, weighing under 2 pounds without the keyboard
  • Support for Thunderbolt 4, allowing for fast data transfer and external GPU connection
  • User-accessible and replaceable SSD for easier storage upgrades
  • Versatile and sturdy built-in kickstand that supports nearly any viewing angle

What customers don't like about Microsoft Surface Pro 8 I5 4G (8GB + 512GB)

  • Battery life typically ranges from 6 to 9 hours, significantly lower than the advertised 16 hours
  • High total cost as essential accessories like the Type Cover and Slim Pen 2 are sold separately
  • Lack of legacy ports, specifically the removal of USB-A and the microSD card slot
  • Performance of the base i5 model may struggle with intensive creative tasks like 3D animation
  • Limited 'lapability' as the kickstand design can be unstable when used on the lap rather than a desk
  • Occasional overheating or fan noise during heavy multitasking or intensive workloads

Verdict

The Microsoft Surface Pro 8 is a versatile 2-in-1 tablet powered by an 11th Gen Intel Core i5-1135G7 quad-core processor on the Intel Evo platform, paired with 8GB of LPDDR4x RAM and a fast 512GB removable SSD. It features a high-resolution 13-inch PixelSense Flow touchscreen with a 2880 x 1920 resolution, a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, and a 3:2 aspect ratio for enhanced productivity. Key advantages include its premium anodized aluminium build, lightweight 891g portability, and modern connectivity with dual USB-C Thunderbolt 4 ports and a sharp 1080p webcam for professional video calls. However, some users have noted that the device can run hot under heavy workloads, and the essential Type Cover keyboard and Surface Slim Pen 2 are typically sold separately, significantly increasing the total investment.

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