What To Know
- The Surface Pro 9, on the other hand, offers a choice between the 12th Gen Intel Core i5 or i7 processors, delivering significantly more power for demanding tasks like video editing, gaming, and multitasking.
- Both the Surface Go 4 and Pro 9 support the Surface Pen and the Surface Type Cover keyboard (sold separately).
- The Surface Go 4 starts at a lower price point than the Surface Pro 9, making it a more budget-friendly option.
Choosing the right 2-in-1 device can be a daunting task, especially when faced with the seemingly endless options available. If you’re considering a Microsoft Surface, you’ve likely stumbled upon the Surface Go 4 and Surface Pro 9. Both offer a sleek design and versatile functionality, but which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into the key differences between the Microsoft Surface Go 4 vs Pro 9, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and budget.
Design and Build Quality
Both the Surface Go 4 and Surface Pro 9 boast a premium design that embodies the signature Microsoft Surface aesthetic. Both feature a sleek, minimalist look with a magnesium alloy chassis that feels sturdy and durable. The Surface Pro 9, however, offers a slightly more polished and refined design with thinner bezels and a more modern look.
Display
The Surface Go 4 comes equipped with a 10.5-inch PixelSense display with a resolution of 1920 x 1280 pixels. While the display is vibrant and sharp, it falls short compared to the Surface Pro 9’s 13-inch PixelSense display with a resolution of 2880 x 1920 pixels. The Pro 9’s larger, higher-resolution display delivers a more immersive and detailed viewing experience, making it ideal for creative work and multimedia consumption.
Performance
The Surface Go 4 is powered by the Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y processor, which is sufficient for basic tasks like browsing the web, checking emails, and light productivity. The Surface Pro 9, on the other hand, offers a choice between the 12th Gen Intel Core i5 or i7 processors, delivering significantly more power for demanding tasks like video editing, gaming, and multitasking. The Pro 9’s superior processing power makes it a more suitable option for professionals and power users.
Battery Life
Battery life is a crucial factor for any mobile device, and both the Surface Go 4 and Pro 9 deliver impressive results. The Surface Go 4 boasts an impressive battery life of up to 9 hours, making it suitable for a full day of light use. The Surface Pro 9, while offering slightly less battery life, still manages to provide up to 8 hours of mixed usage, which is more than enough for most users.
Keyboard and Stylus
Both the Surface Go 4 and Pro 9 support the Surface Pen and the Surface Type Cover keyboard (sold separately). The Surface Pen provides a natural and responsive writing experience, perfect for taking notes, sketching, or annotating documents. The Surface Type Cover keyboard offers a comfortable typing experience, making it ideal for productivity tasks. While both devices offer similar functionality, the Surface Pro 9’s larger screen size provides a more spacious and comfortable typing experience.
Storage and Memory
The Surface Go 4 offers a range of storage options, starting at 64GB and going up to 128GB. The Surface Pro 9, however, offers significantly more storage options, starting at 128GB and going up to 1TB. Both devices offer the option to upgrade to a higher storage capacity, but the Pro 9’s greater range provides more flexibility for users with demanding storage needs.
Connectivity
Both the Surface Go 4 and Pro 9 offer a range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, and USB-C ports. The Surface Pro 9, however, includes an additional Thunderbolt 4 port, offering faster data transfer speeds and support for external displays with higher resolutions. The Thunderbolt 4 port adds significant versatility and future-proofing to the Pro 9, making it a more attractive option for professionals and power users.
Price
The Surface Go 4 starts at a lower price point than the Surface Pro 9, making it a more budget-friendly option. However, the Pro 9’s superior performance, display, and connectivity features justify its higher price tag. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your budget and specific needs.
Who Should Buy the Surface Go 4?
The Surface Go 4 is an excellent choice for users who prioritize portability and affordability. It is ideal for students, casual users, and those who primarily use their device for basic tasks like web browsing, email, and light productivity. Its compact size and long battery life make it perfect for on-the-go use.
Who Should Buy the Surface Pro 9?
The Surface Pro 9 is a powerful and versatile 2-in-1 device that caters to professionals, creative individuals, and power users. Its superior performance, stunning display, and advanced connectivity features make it suitable for demanding tasks like video editing, graphic design, and gaming.
The Verdict: Choosing the Right Surface
Choosing between the Surface Go 4 and Pro 9 ultimately boils down to your individual needs and budget. If you’re looking for a portable and affordable device for basic tasks, the Surface Go 4 is a great option. However, if you need a powerful and versatile 2-in-1 for demanding tasks, the Surface Pro 9 is the clear winner.
What You Need to Learn
Q: What are the main differences between the Surface Go 4 and Surface Pro 9?
A: The main differences lie in performance, display size, and connectivity. The Surface Pro 9 offers a significantly more powerful processor, a larger and higher-resolution display, and a Thunderbolt 4 port, making it ideal for demanding tasks and professionals. The Surface Go 4, on the other hand, is more affordable and portable, making it suitable for basic tasks and casual users.
Q: Which Surface is better for students?
A: The Surface Go 4 is a great option for students who prioritize portability and affordability. Its long battery life and lightweight design make it perfect for taking notes and attending classes. However, if you’re a student who needs more power for demanding tasks like video editing or coding, the Surface Pro 9 might be a better choice.
Q: Can I use the Surface Pen with both devices?
A: Yes, both the Surface Go 4 and Pro 9 support the Surface Pen. The Surface Pen provides a natural and responsive writing experience, perfect for taking notes, sketching, or annotating documents.
Q: Are the keyboards compatible with both devices?
A: Yes, both the Surface Go 4 and Pro 9 support the Surface Type Cover keyboard. However, the keyboard is sold separately and is not included in the base price of either device.
Q: Which device is better for gaming?
A: The Surface Pro 9 offers significantly more powerful hardware, making it a better option for gaming. Its 12th Gen Intel Core i5 or i7 processors and dedicated graphics card provide a smoother and more immersive gaming experience. However, it’s important to note that neither device is specifically designed for high-end gaming.
