Surface Pro 9 vs Surface Pro 11 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

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

FeatureSurface Pro 11Surface Pro 9
Processor OptionsSnapdragon X Plus / Snapdragon X Elite / Intel Core Ultra 5 / Ultra 7Intel Core i5-1235U / i7-1255U / Microsoft SQ3
Chip ArchitectureARM (Snapdragon X) / Intel Meteor LakeIntel Alder Lake / ARM SQ3
NPU (AI)Yes, up to 45 TOPSOnly SQ3 has NPU, not Copilot+ PC capable
Display TypeIPS LCD or OLEDIPS LCD only
Display BrightnessUp to 600 nitsUp to 450 nits
GraphicsAdreno X1 (ARM) / Intel Arc Xe (Intel)Intel Iris Xe (Intel) / Adreno (SQ3)
RAM TypeLPDDR5xLPDDR5 (Intel) / LPDDR4x (SQ3)
RAM Options16GB, 32GB8GB, 16GB, 32GB
Storage TypeRemovable SSD Gen 4Removable SSD Gen 3
Storage Options256GB, 512GB, 1TB128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
Wi-FiWi-Fi 7Wi-Fi 6E
BluetoothBluetooth 5.4Bluetooth 5.1
Ports (Intel Models)2 × USB4 / Surface Connect2 × Thunderbolt 4 / Surface Connect
Ports (ARM Models)2 × USB-C / Surface Connect2 × USB-C (SQ3) / Surface Connect
5G SupportARM models onlySQ3 model only
Battery Life (Web Usage)Up to 14 hours (Intel) / 15+ hours (ARM)Up to 15.5 hours (Intel) / 19 hours (SQ3)
Front Camera1440p1080p
TPM SecurityMicrosoft Pluton TPMTPM 2.0
KeyboardSurface Pro Flex KeyboardSurface Pro Signature Keyboard
Weight~895 g~879–883 g
Repairability ImprovementsYesBasic
PriceCheck 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

FeatureSurface Pro 11Surface Pro 9
Device Type2-in-1 Detachable Tablet PC2-in-1 Detachable Tablet PC
Screen Size13-inch13-inch
Resolution2880 × 19202880 × 1920
Aspect Ratio3:23:2
Touch & Pen Support10-point multi-touch, Surface Slim Pen 2 support10-point multi-touch, Surface Slim Pen 2 support
Refresh RateUp to 120HzUp to 120Hz
Removable SSDYesYes
Front CameraSupports Windows Hello Face AuthenticationSupports Windows Hello Face Authentication
Rear Camera10 MP Auto-Focus Rear Camera10 MP Auto-Focus Rear Camera
Speakers2W Stereo Speakers with Dolby Atmos2W Stereo Speakers with Dolby Atmos
MicrophonesDual Far-field Studio MicsDual Far-field Studio Mics
Operating SystemWindows 11Windows 11
Surface Connect PortYesYes
KickstandIntegrated Kickstand with full-friction hingeIntegrated Kickstand with full-friction hinge
Chassis MaterialAluminumAluminum
Dimensions (W × D × H)~287 mm × 209 mm × 9.3 mm287 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?
The Surface Pro 11 features next-gen Snapdragon X Plus/Elite or Intel Core Ultra processors with powerful NPUs for AI tasks, while the Surface Pro 9 uses older 12th Gen Intel CPUs or the ARM-based Microsoft SQ3 chip.

Does the Surface Pro 11 support Copilot+ features?
Yes, the ARM-based versions of the Surface Pro 11 are classified as Copilot+ PCs, enabling features like Windows Recall and advanced AI processing, which the Surface Pro 9 does not support.

Is there an OLED display option in the Surface Pro 11?
Yes, the Surface Pro 11 is the first Surface Pro to offer an OLED display option, providing deeper blacks and better contrast compared to the LCD-only Surface Pro 9.

Do both Surface Pro 11 and 9 support the Surface Slim Pen 2?
Yes, both devices support the Surface Slim Pen 2 and provide tactile feedback for more natural writing and drawing experiences.

What is the display size and resolution of both models?
Both the Surface Pro 11 and Surface Pro 9 have a 13-inch screen with a resolution of 2880 x 1920 and a 3:2 aspect ratio.

Can the SSD be upgraded or replaced in both models?
Yes, both models come with a removable SSD design, allowing users or service centers to upgrade or replace the storage.

Which model has better AI capabilities?
The Surface Pro 11 has better AI capabilities due to its Neural Processing Units (NPUs) with up to 45 TOPS performance on the ARM models, while the Surface Pro 9 lacks full Copilot+ AI integration.

Is there a difference in battery life between the two?
Yes, while the Surface Pro 9 (SQ3) may offer slightly longer rated battery life, the ARM-based Surface Pro 11 provides competitive real-world endurance with more powerful and efficient AI processing.

Do both models have the same cameras?
No, the Surface Pro 11 has an upgraded 1440p front camera, while the Surface Pro 9 comes with a 1080p front-facing camera. Both have the same 10 MP rear camera.

Are the Surface keyboards compatible with both models?
Yes, both models are compatible with Surface keyboards, but the Surface Pro 11 introduces a new Surface Pro Flex Keyboard that works over Bluetooth with a haptic touchpad and Slim Pen storage.

What ports do the Surface Pro 11 and Pro 9 have?
The Surface Pro 11 has USB4/USB-C ports depending on the chipset, while the Surface Pro 9 features Thunderbolt 4 on Intel models and USB-C on ARM.

Do both devices run Windows 11?
Yes, both the Surface Pro 11 and Surface Pro 9 run Windows 11, though only the Pro 11 ARM models include enhanced Copilot+ features.

Are both devices lightweight and portable?
Yes, both are under 900 grams and extremely portable, though the Surface Pro 9 is slightly lighter by about 12 grams.

Is Wi-Fi 7 available on either model?
Wi-Fi 7 is available only on the Surface Pro 11, while the Surface Pro 9 supports up to Wi-Fi 6E.

Which Surface Pro is better for future-proofing?
The Surface Pro 11 is better for future-proofing due to its AI-enhanced Copilot+ capabilities, OLED screen option, Wi-Fi 7 support, and newer processor architecture.

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