The Microsoft Surface Pro 8 (2021) is a tablet computer running Windows that comes with a built-in kickstand and a detachable keyboard. It is the successor to the Surface Pro 7, which was released in 2019, but Microsoft made some design changes for the Surface Pro 8. The new model features a larger 13-inch display, an upgrade from the previous 12.3-inch screen, and it also has thinner bezels and more rounded edges, giving it a design similar to the Surface Pro X, which is Microsoft’s ARM-based Surface Pro.
The display of the Surface Pro 8 supports Dynamic Refresh Rate, which means it can automatically adjust the refresh rate to enhance responsiveness or prolong battery life. It is equipped with Intel 11th Gen. CPUs, integrated graphics, up to 32GB of memory, and 1TB of storage. Additionally, it includes two USB-C/Thunderbolt 4 ports, a 1080p webcam, and an IR camera for Windows Hello facial recognition. Notably, it introduces a new type of cover keyboard that has a slot at the top to store and charge the Microsoft Surface Slim Pen 2. However, it’s important to note that the keyboard and pen need to be purchased separately.
The Microsoft Surface Pro 8 is an ideal laptop for school use. Its slim and lightweight design makes it effortless to carry, while its durable aluminum chassis ensures excellent build quality. The type cover keyboard provides a comfortable typing experience, allowing you to work on assignments without experiencing fatigue. It is particularly well-suited for online classes, as the webcam captures clear and detailed images, and the microphone effectively captures your voice with clarity. However, it is important to note that the battery life lasts just a little over 7 hours under light productivity, necessitating the need for charging during longer days.
PROS
- Thin and light chassis that's easy to carry around.
- Sturdy build.
- Keyboard feels great to type on.
- Excellent webcam video quality.
- Good CPU performance.
CONS
- Battery lasts only a little over seven hours of light productivity.
- Touchpad is on the small side.
- Need to use dongles if you're using multiple wired peripherals.
The gaming performance of the Microsoft Surface Pro 8 is decent. It features a high refresh rate screen with a maximum of 120Hz, resulting in smooth and fluid motion during gameplay. The laptop can be configured with an Intel Core i7-1185G7 processor, which can handle medium to heavy workloads. However, it is important to note that the device does not offer any dedicated graphics cards. Instead, it relies on integrated graphics that perform at a similar level to entry-level dedicated GPUs like the NVIDIA GeForce MX350. Unfortunately, this means that running modern triple-A games at satisfactory frame rates may not be possible. The Microsoft Surface Pro 8 is better suited for older games or less demanding titles.
PROS
- 120Hz screen displays clear image in fast-moving scenes.
- Upgradeable storage.
- Good CPU performance.
CONS
- Integrated GPU can't handle demanding tasks.
- RAM isn't upgradeable.
- Need to use dongles if you're using multiple wired peripherals.
The Microsoft Surface Pro 8 is highly suitable for multimedia playback. Its high-resolution screen delivers a vibrant and bright display, offering detailed and colorful visuals. However, it falls short of providing an exceptional HDR experience due to its lack of full DCI P3 coverage. The speakers on the device produce good overall sound quality, characterized by an upper mid-heavy profile. However, they do not reach high volume levels. The device’s lightweight design makes it easy to carry around, allowing you to enjoy videos while moving within your home. Unfortunately, the battery life does not quite reach six hours of continuous video playback, meaning you may need to connect the device to a power source when binge-watching your favorite shows.
PROS
- Thin and light chassis that's easy to carry around.
- Bright and sharp display.
- Can detach keyboard to save space when consuming media.
- Speakers sound clear.
CONS
- Battery can't quite last six hours of video playback.
- Blacks look gray in dim settings.
- Speakers don't get very loud.
The Microsoft Surface Pro 8 serves as a capable workstation. It offers options with quad-core Intel Core i5-1135G7 and i7-1185G7 CPUs, which can effectively handle moderately-heavy workloads and multitasking. Additionally, the integrated graphics perform similarly to entry-level dedicated GPUs, making it powerful enough for enthusiasts interested in tasks like 3D renders, video editing, or complex computations. However, it may not meet the requirements of industry professionals in need of a high-performance mobile rig since it does not offer a high-end dedicated GPU. The device is equipped with two USB-C ports, both of which support USB4 and Thunderbolt 4, providing versatile connectivity options for displays and external storage.
PROS
- Fast storage drive.
- Upgradeable storage.
- Two Thunderbolt 4 ports.
- Good CPU performance.
CONS
- Battery can't quite last six hours of video playback.
- Blacks look gray in dim settings.
- Speakers don't get very loud.
The Microsoft Surface Pro 8 is suitable for business use. It features a sleek aluminum chassis with excellent build quality, combining durability with a lightweight and thin design for easy portability. The type cover keyboard offers a comfortable typing experience, minimizing finger fatigue even during extended periods of use. The device efficiently handles medium-heavy multitasking, ensuring smooth workflow for business tasks. The clear webcam and microphone are particularly advantageous for video calls and online meetings. However, it is important to note that the device only offers two USB-C ports, necessitating the use of dongles or the Surface Connect port to connect multiple peripherals or utilize a dock. Additionally, the battery life may not last a full eight-hour workday, requiring users to keep the device plugged in or manage power accordingly.
PROS
- Thin and light chassis that's easy to carry around.
- Sturdy build.
- Keyboard feels great to type on.
- Excellent webcam video quality.
- Good CPU performance.
CONS
- Battery lasts only a little over seven hours of light productivity.
- Touchpad is on the small side.
- Need to use dongles if you're using multiple wired peripherals.
Types & Pricing (Color - Processor/RAM/Storage)
- 13″ IPS 2880 x 1920 120Hz, touchscreen
- Intel Core i5-1135G7 (4 cores/8 threads, up to 4.2GHz)
- Intel Core i7-1185G7 (4 cores/8 threads, up to 4.8GHz)
- Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 (integrated, i5-1135G7, 80EU)
- Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 (integrated, i7-1185G7, 96EU)
- 8GB LP-DDR4x 4267MHz (i5 only)
- 16GB LP-DDR4x 4267MHz
- 32GB LP-DDR4x 4267MHz (i7 with 1TB SSD only)
- 128GB M.2 2230 PCIe NVMe SSD (i5 only)
- 256GB M.2 2230 PCIe NVMe SSD
- 512GB M.2 2230 PCIe NVMe SSD
- 1TB M.2 2230 PCIe NVMe SSD (i7 only)
- Platinum
- Graphite (unavailable with an i5/128GB or i7/1TB)
Design & Build Quality
The Microsoft Surface Pro 8 is a tablet that comes with a kickstand and a detachable keyboard. It features a sleek and modern design suitable for professional settings, with a chrome Microsoft logo on the kickstand and exhaust vents positioned on the top and upper side edges of the tablet. The detachable Surface Pro Signature Keyboard, available in Black, Platinum, Ice Blue, and Poppy Red with a soft Alcantara finish, needs to be purchased separately. It is not compatible with older Surface Pro keyboards, except for the Surface Pro X Keyboard, which means you would need to buy a compatible keyboard if you own a different Surface Pro model. However, it’s important to note that 2-in-1 devices with a kickstand and keyboard attachment are generally not ideal for use on the lap. The keyboard can be unstable, the kickstand may cause discomfort, and the screen can easily tip over due to its weight distribution.
The build quality of the Surface Pro 8 is excellent. It features an anodized aluminum chassis that provides a sturdy and weighted feel, while also being resistant to fingerprints. The keyboard cover attaches securely to the bottom edge of the tablet, and the strong magnets hold the keyboard in place at an angle during typing. Like most type cover keyboards, the Surface Pro 8’s keyboard does exhibit some flexing when used at an angle, but it still feels solid and not flimsy.
The kickstand’s hinge is reliable. It has indentations on both sides, making it easier to open, and it can be opened with one hand even when the tablet is upside down. The hinge itself is sturdy, allows for smooth adjustments, and firmly holds the tablet at any desired angle. It’s important to note that the maximum angle of the tablet is 170 degrees, not the range of the hinge, as the tablet would close shut if positioned at 90 degrees or less.
The Microsoft Surface Pro is highly portable and lightweight, making it convenient to carry around. The Surface Connect charger it comes with is also lightweight and compact. The dimensions provided typically include the keyboard attachment. Without the keyboard, the device becomes slightly thinner and lighter.
Display
The display of the Microsoft Surface Pro 8 features an IPS panel with a high pixel density, resulting in sharp visuals and text. Its 3:2 aspect ratio offers more vertical space compared to the standard 16:9 display, which is advantageous for reading documents and websites without frequent scrolling. It’s important to note that the panel used is actually PLS, which is a type of IPS panel.
The display of the Microsoft Surface Pro 8 supports an adaptive refresh rate that balances performance and battery life. It lowers the refresh rate to 60Hz when the content is mostly static, such as when typing or reading, but increases it to 120Hz when scrolling or using a pen, resulting in smooth animations and fluid cursor movements. However, to access this Dynamic Refresh Rate feature, you need to manually download and install the latest graphics driver from Intel. While Microsoft may add support for this feature in a future Windows update, no specific date has been announced. The panel also offers a fast response time, making it suitable for viewing fast-paced content like sports and gaming.
The contrast ratio of the Microsoft Surface Pro 8 is decent. The PLS panel delivers slightly deeper blacks compared to most IPS panels, but it still falls short of the performance offered by VA or OLED panels. In low-light conditions, the blacks may appear more like gray.
The Microsoft Surface Pro 8’s display is bright enough to overcome glare in well-lit interiors, and it can be used outdoors to some extent. However, viewing dark-colored content may be challenging under bright sunlight. On the other hand, the display can be dimmed to a very low setting, which is beneficial for viewing in dark rooms and reduces eye strain.
In terms of color accuracy, the Microsoft Surface Pro 8 excels. It provides full sRGB coverage, ensuring accurate display of colors used in most web content. While it also offers excellent Adobe RGB and DCI P3 coverage, it may not be sufficient for professionals working in those specific color spaces.
Ports, Connectivity & Additional Features
- 2x USB-C® with USB 4.0/Thunderbolt™ 4
- 1x 3.5mm headphone jack
The port selection of the Microsoft Surface Pro is underwhelming. It offers only two USB ports, which may necessitate the use of a dock or hub if you intend to connect multiple peripherals or displays. However, there are some positive aspects to consider. The two USB-C ports on the device support data transfer speeds of up to 40Gbps and can accommodate two external 4K displays at 60Hz. You have the option to charge the laptop either through the proprietary Surface Connect port or the USB-C port. The Surface Connect port is compatible with Microsoft’s Surface Dock 2, which would need to be purchased separately.
- Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- Bluetooth 5.1
The audio quality of the speakers on the Microsoft Surface Pro is satisfactory. The sound produced is clear and natural, but similar to most laptop speakers, they lack bass. Even at maximum volume, the speakers still sound good, although they do not reach very high volume levels to begin with.
The webcam on the Microsoft Surface Pro 8 is of high quality. It captures clear, detailed, and well-exposed images in 1080p. The microphone effectively captures voices, delivering loud and clear audio with minimal background noise, which is beneficial for conference calls. Additionally, the device features a separate Windows Hello IR camera for quick and secure logins through facial recognition.
No.
However the Microsoft Surface Pro 8 is fully compatible with the Surface Slim Pen 2. This stylus offers haptic feedback, simulating the sensation of using various writing tools on different surfaces. Additionally, the Surface Slim Pen 2 conveniently slots into a hidden compartment in the keyboard for charging, eliminating the need for a replaceable battery. It’s worth noting that any pen that supports the Microsoft Pen Protocol will work effectively with the device.
Face Recognition.
The Microsoft Surface Pro features an IR camera that enables users to log into their accounts, authenticate sign-ins on browsers, and validate purchases on the Windows Store.
Performance (Geekbench 5, Cinebench R23, Blender, Basemark GPU, Storage Drive Performance, Battery)
The Microsoft Surface Pro 8, equipped with an Intel Core i7-1185G7, demonstrates strong performance in the Geekbench 5 benchmarks. It delivers a smooth experience for most general productivity tasks and can handle more demanding tasks like video editing, as long as the content isn’t overly complex. However, for highly demanding workloads such as 3D CAD, it is advisable to opt for a laptop with a more powerful H-series CPU like the MSI WS76 (2021) or an Apple MacBook Pro 16 (2021) for a smoother experience and faster rendering. The Intel Core i5-1135G7 performs slightly worse but still offers decent performance. As for GPU compute tasks, the integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics are better than most integrated graphics options but may not be ideal for highly demanding tasks.
In terms of Cinebench R23 benchmarks, the Microsoft Surface Pro 8 performs well and is suitable for rendering work. However, for professionals with strict deadlines, there are more powerful CPUs available, such as the H-series CPUs commonly found in mobile workstations and gaming laptops, as well as Apple’s in-house SoCs, that can complete the job much faster.
When it comes to Blender performance, the Microsoft Surface Pro 8’s Core i7-1185G7 takes some time to render even a simple scene like the bmw27, making it less suitable for content creators working under tight deadlines. The i5-1135G7 is slower and would take even longer to render the same scene. Blender doesn’t fully support the integrated Iris Xe Graphics, but regardless of the CPU chosen, the GPU is likely to take longer than the CPU to render the same scene.
The Microsoft Surface Pro 8 shows poor performance in the Basemark GPU benchmark. While the Core i7’s Iris Xe Graphics is one of the better integrated GPUs, it is still not ideal for graphically demanding games. It can handle lighter puzzle-like games and some older or highly optimized titles.
The storage drive performance of the Microsoft Surface Pro 8 is excellent. Its fast read and write speeds result in quick boot times, application launches, and small file transfers. Sequential write speed may be slightly slower, which means transferring large files could take a bit longer. Nonetheless, the laptop still feels snappy and responsive. The speed of the SSD may vary depending on its size, with larger SSDs typically offering better performance.
The battery life of the Microsoft Surface Pro 8 is average. Even with light tasks such as web browsing and text processing, you may need to recharge it at some point to get through a typical eight-hour workday. Models equipped with the Intel Core i5-1135G7 are likely to last a bit longer, although not significantly. Actual battery life can vary depending on individual usage patterns.
