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Microsoft launches new Surface Pro 9’s in three distinct flavours *updated*

By Ken Wong - on 13 Oct 2022, 5:50pm

Microsoft launches new Surface Pro 9’s in three distinct flavours

Note: Updated on 13th October 2022 17:40 pm with local pricing and availability and better clarity of Microsoft processor used.

All the colours in the family. Image source: Microsoft.

Another year, another update to the Microsoft Surface Pro lineup. The main difference in the new Surface Pro 9 series is that there are now variants targeting professionals, and consumers, and one that is 5G enabled.

Both the professional and consumer models come with 12th Gen Intel Core i5 or i7 U-series processors. Professional targeted models come with either the 12th Gen Intel Core i5-1245U or the Core i7-1265U, while those for consumers have the option of the 12th Gen Intel Core i5-1235U or the Core i7-1255U. For these two options, models with 256GB of storage and higher will be certified for the Intel Evo platform.

The main difference between the different processors being used is that the processors used in the consumer models offer lower base clock speeds and only "Essentials" vPro management features. That aside, all of the processors are specced to operate at 15W TDP for their base power draw, which makes them very power efficient.

5G connectivity is now an option. Image source: Microsoft.

The Surface Pro 9 with 5G is where things get interesting as it's Microsoft's first Surface Pro to offer 5G connectivity, courtesy of a brand new processor powering this notebook, the Microsoft SQ 3 Processor Neural Processing Unit (NPU). Capable of more than 15 trillion calculations per second, the Microsoft SQ 3 is based on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 processor (which is capable of 29 trillion operations per second in its full configuration), provides 5G connectivity, and up to 19 hours of battery life for the Surface Pro 9. Additionally, it unlocks new AI features made possible through a far more capable NPU  on the processor that Microsoft says will transform how you connect with the people in your life.

Formerly, Microsoft has only featured the Snapdragon-based processor on its Surface Pro X model which has been more experimental and forward-looking in design. Considering the Surface Pro 8 from early this year has already adopted all of the positive design traits of the Surface Pro X, the Surface Pro 9 has gone one step further to take the Snapdragon-powered variant fully into its fold. This signals us that Microsoft is no longer treating it as a side offering, but as part of its holistic lineup.

It is compatible, but doesn't ship with, the Surface Slim Pen 2. Be sure to factor its cost in if you would like the pen functionality. (Image source: Microsoft.)

Both the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 variants are crafted with high-grade aluminium, with the now iconic built-in kickstand, and on a 13-inch PixelSense display. This retains the specs from last year meaning a 3:2 aspect ratio, a dynamic refresh rate up to 120Hz, 10-point multi-touch support, and a resolution of 2,880 x 1,920 pixels. The professional and consumer models using Intel processors come with Intel Iris Xe graphics while the Surface Pro 9 with 5G uses Adreno 8CX Gen 3 graphics that is part of the Microsoft SQ 3 processor (which is no surprise since the SQ 3 is based on a Snapdragon platform).

As promised before, the Surface Pro 9 now comes with access to the Microsoft store, now with access to the Amazon apps store, and gaming access with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.

 

Pricing and availability

Microsoft worked with a London based design house for this model. Image source: Microsoft.

Available in four colours, including two new ones, Sapphire and Forest, you have multiple options to personalise it. Additionally, Microsoft has partnered with London-based design house “Liberty” to create a special-edition Surface Pro keyboard and laser-etched Surface Pro 9 with an exclusive pattern in a vibrant blue floral inspired by the Windows 11 Bloom. It is only available in select markets, at Liberty and Microsoft Stores while supplies last.

We will update this article with its local pricing and availability when we receive more information.

*Update*

The new Surface Pro 9 is available for pre-orders starting 13 October via commercial authorised resellers AsiaPac Distribution, Insight Technology Solutions, JK Technology and UIC Asian Computer Services. Authorised retailers include Best Denki, Challenger, Courts, Gain City, Harvey Norman, Microsoft's authorised stores on Lazada and Shopee and Microsoft Store. General availability for it will be on 17 November. 

Surface Pro 9 Models

Models

Surface for Business (Windows 10

Pro)

Surface for Business

(Windows 11

Pro)

Surface for Consumer

(Windows 11

Home)

Surface for Consumer

(Windows 11

Home)

Intel 12th Gen Core i5, 8GB, 128GB SSD

S$1,778

S$1,728

S$1,588

S$1,429

Intel 12th Gen Evo Core i5, 8GB, 256GB SSD

S$1,928

S$1,878

S$1,738

S$1,564

Intel 12th Gen Evo Core i5, 8GB, 512GB SSD

S$2,378

S$2,328

-

-

Intel 12th Gen Evo Core i5, 16GB, 256GB SSD

S$2,378

S$2,328

S$2,188

S$1,969

Intel 12th Gen Evo Core i7, 16GB, 256GB SSD

S$2,678

S$2,628

S$2,488

S$2,239

Intel 12th Gen Evo Core i7, 16GB, 512GB SSD

S$3,128

S$3,078

S$2,938

S$2,644

Intel 12th Gen Evo Core i7, 16GB, 1TB SSD

S$3,578

S$3,528

-

-

Intel 12th Gen Evo Core i7, 32GB, 1TB SSD

S$4,178

S$4128

S$3,988

S$3,589

Microsoft SQ 3 powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon, 8GB,

128GB SSD, 5G

S$2,278

S$2,228

S$2,088

S$1,879

Microsoft SQ 3 powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon, 8GB,

256GB SSD, 5G

S$2,418

S$2,368

-

-

Microsoft SQ 3 powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon, 16GB,

256GB SSD, 5G

S$2,698

S$2,648

-

-

Microsoft SQ 3 powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon, 16GB,

512GB SSD, 5G

S$3,148

S$3,098

-

-

 

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