Surface Pro 11 & Surface Pro 9 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Surface Pro 11 rather than the Surface Pro 9.
Why Do I Recommend The Surface Pro 11?
- The Surface Pro 11 features a Snapdragon X Elite processor with a built-in 45 TOPS NPU that accelerates AI tasks, enhances multitasking speed, and unlocks Copilot+ features like Windows Recall, compared to the Surface Pro 9’s older SQ3 or 12th Gen Intel chips.
- Surface Pro 11 includes an OLED display that delivers deeper blacks, higher contrast, and more vibrant colors for immersive media viewing and creative work, unlike the LCD-only screen on the Surface Pro 9.
- It supports Wi-Fi 7 connectivity that enables faster wireless speeds, lower latency, and improved performance in congested networks, compared to the Surface Pro 9’s Wi-Fi 6E.
- The Surface Pro 11 comes with a 1440p front-facing camera that improves video call clarity and facial recognition accuracy, whereas the Surface Pro 9 uses a lower-resolution 1080p front camera.
- Surface Pro 11 features LPDDR5x RAM that delivers higher memory bandwidth and improved power efficiency than the LPDDR4x RAM of the Surface Pro 9.
- It has an upgraded Flex Keyboard with Bluetooth connectivity and a haptic touchpad that enables a more comfortable and modern typing experience, while the Surface Pro 9 relies on the older Signature Keyboard.
- The Surface Pro 11 includes Microsoft Pluton TPM security across all configurations that enhances hardware-based data protection and device integrity, compared to Surface Pro 9’s SQ3 TPM.
- Surface Pro 11 supports USB4 for faster data transfer, broader display support, and enhanced future compatibility, unlike Thunderbolt 4 ports of the Surface Pro 9.
Maybe the Surface Pro 9 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Surface Pro 11. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.
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Side By Side Comparison
| Feature | Surface Pro 11 | Surface Pro 9 |
| Processor Options | Snapdragon X Plus / Snapdragon X Elite / Intel Core Ultra 5 / Ultra 7 | Intel Core i5-1235U / i7-1255U / Microsoft SQ3 |
| Chip Architecture | ARM (Snapdragon X) / Intel Meteor Lake | Intel Alder Lake / ARM SQ3 |
| NPU (AI) | Yes, up to 45 TOPS | Only SQ3 has NPU, not Copilot+ PC capable |
| Display Type | IPS LCD or OLED | IPS LCD only |
| Display Brightness | Up to 600 nits | Up to 450 nits |
| Graphics | Adreno X1 (ARM) / Intel Arc Xe (Intel) | Intel Iris Xe (Intel) / Adreno (SQ3) |
| RAM Type | LPDDR5x | LPDDR5 (Intel) / LPDDR4x (SQ3) |
| RAM Options | 16GB, 32GB | 8GB, 16GB, 32GB |
| Storage Type | Removable SSD Gen 4 | Removable SSD Gen 3 |
| Storage Options | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.4 | Bluetooth 5.1 |
| Ports (Intel Models) | 2 × USB4 / Surface Connect | 2 × Thunderbolt 4 / Surface Connect |
| Ports (ARM Models) | 2 × USB-C / Surface Connect | 2 × USB-C (SQ3) / Surface Connect |
| 5G Support | ARM models only | SQ3 model only |
| Battery Life (Web Usage) | Up to 14 hours (Intel) / 15+ hours (ARM) | Up to 15.5 hours (Intel) / 19 hours (SQ3) |
| Front Camera | 1440p | 1080p |
| TPM Security | Microsoft Pluton TPM | TPM 2.0 |
| Keyboard | Surface Pro Flex Keyboard | Surface Pro Signature Keyboard |
| Weight | ~895 g | ~879–883 g |
| Repairability Improvements | Yes | Basic |
| Price | Check Pro 11 Price | Check Pro 9 Price |
What Common Both Can Do?
- 2-in-1 Design: Both the Surface Pro 11 and Surface Pro 9 follow the iconic detachable tablet design with a built-in kickstand, allowing seamless transitions between tablet, laptop, and studio modes.
- Display Size & Resolution: Each features a 13-inch PixelSense Flow display with a high resolution of 2880 × 1920 and a sharp 267 PPI for clear visuals and crisp text, making both ideal for creative, productivity, or entertainment use.
- 3:2 Aspect Ratio: Both models use a productivity-focused 3:2 aspect ratio, giving users more vertical screen space, which is especially useful for reading, editing documents, or coding.
- Touchscreen & Pen Input: Both devices support 10-point multitouch and are fully compatible with the Surface Slim Pen 2, delivering precise stylus input and tactile feedback for digital inking, drawing, or note-taking.
- 120Hz Refresh Rate: Dynamic refresh rates up to 120Hz are available on both, allowing for smoother scrolling, faster pen response, and better overall UI fluidity.
- Removable SSD Storage: Surface Pro 11 and Surface Pro 9 both feature user-removable SSDs, making upgrades or repairs easier and improving long-term serviceability.
- Cameras: Both include a 10 MP rear-facing auto-focus camera capable of 1080p or 4K video, and a front-facing IR camera that supports Windows Hello facial authentication.
- Speakers & Microphones: Each includes dual 2W stereo speakers enhanced with Dolby Atmos, and dual far-field studio microphones for clear video calls, voice recording, or conferencing.
- Windows 11 Experience: Both run Windows 11 and are optimized for tablet-PC hybrid workflows, multitasking, and digital pen usage.
- Surface Connect Port & Accessories: The proprietary Surface Connect port remains unchanged, allowing backward compatibility with chargers, docks, and accessories from earlier models.
- Kickstand & Build: The devices use a similar full-friction kickstand that supports multiple angles and are housed in premium aluminum chassis for a durable yet lightweight experience.
Common Features
| Feature | Surface Pro 11 | Surface Pro 9 |
| Device Type | 2-in-1 Detachable Tablet PC | 2-in-1 Detachable Tablet PC |
| Screen Size | 13-inch | 13-inch |
| Resolution | 2880 × 1920 | 2880 × 1920 |
| Aspect Ratio | 3:2 | 3:2 |
| Touch & Pen Support | 10-point multi-touch, Surface Slim Pen 2 support | 10-point multi-touch, Surface Slim Pen 2 support |
| Refresh Rate | Up to 120Hz | Up to 120Hz |
| Removable SSD | Yes | Yes |
| Front Camera | Supports Windows Hello Face Authentication | Supports Windows Hello Face Authentication |
| Rear Camera | 10 MP Auto-Focus Rear Camera | 10 MP Auto-Focus Rear Camera |
| Speakers | 2W Stereo Speakers with Dolby Atmos | 2W Stereo Speakers with Dolby Atmos |
| Microphones | Dual Far-field Studio Mics | Dual Far-field Studio Mics |
| Operating System | Windows 11 | Windows 11 |
| Surface Connect Port | Yes | Yes |
| Kickstand | Integrated Kickstand with full-friction hinge | Integrated Kickstand with full-friction hinge |
| Chassis Material | Aluminum | Aluminum |
| Dimensions (W × D × H) | ~287 mm × 209 mm × 9.3 mm | 287 mm × 209 mm × 9.3 mm |
| Price | Check Pro 11 Price | Check Pro 9 Price |
FAQ
What is the difference between the Surface Pro 11 and Surface Pro 9 in terms of processor? Does the Surface Pro 11 support Copilot+ features? Is there an OLED display option in the Surface Pro 11? Do both Surface Pro 11 and 9 support the Surface Slim Pen 2? What is the display size and resolution of both models? Can the SSD be upgraded or replaced in both models? Which model has better AI capabilities? Is there a difference in battery life between the two? Do both models have the same cameras? Are the Surface keyboards compatible with both models? What ports do the Surface Pro 11 and Pro 9 have? Do both devices run Windows 11? Are both devices lightweight and portable? Is Wi-Fi 7 available on either model? Which Surface Pro is better for future-proofing? |
