Surface Pro 8
The Surface Pro 8 is a 2-in-1 detachable hybrid personal computer developed by Microsoft as part of its Surface series of Windows devices, announced on September 22, 2021, and released on October 5, 2021.[1][2] It integrates tablet portability with laptop functionality through a detachable keyboard, adjustable kickstand, and optional stylus support, making it suitable for productivity, creativity, and mobile computing.[3][1] Equipped with 11th-generation Intel Core i3-1115G4, i5-1135G7, or i7-1185G7 processors, the Surface Pro 8 offers configurations with 8 GB, 16 GB, or 32 GB of LPDDR4x RAM and 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, or 1 TB of removable SSD storage, marking the first user-upgradable storage in the Surface Pro lineup.[3] The device features a 13-inch PixelSense Flow touchscreen display with a 2880 × 1920 resolution, 3:2 aspect ratio, 120 Hz refresh rate, and support for Dolby Vision and Adaptive Color Technology for enhanced visuals.[1][3] Connectivity includes two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports with USB 4.0 support, a Surface Connect port for charging and docking, and a 3.5 mm headphone jack, while its 51.5 Wh battery provides up to 16 hours of video playback.[3] Measuring 11.3 × 8.2 × 0.37 inches (287 × 208 × 9.3 mm) and weighing 1.96 pounds (891 g) without keyboard or pen, it is available in Platinum and Graphite finishes with an anodized aluminum chassis designed for repairability.[3] The Surface Pro 8 launched with Windows 11 Home or Pro editions, optimized for the operating system's touch and pen interfaces, and includes compatibility with the Surface Slim Pen 2 stylus and Surface Pro Signature Keyboard for handwriting, sketching, and full keyboard use.[1][3] It also features a 5 MP front-facing camera with Windows Hello support, a 10 MP rear-facing autofocus camera capable of 4K video, dual Studio Mics, and Dolby Atmos audio from Omnisonic speakers, enhancing video calls and media consumption.[1] Starting at a price of $1,099 for the base model, the Surface Pro 8 was positioned as Microsoft's most powerful Surface Pro at launch, emphasizing performance on the Intel Evo platform for demanding tasks.[1][3]Development and announcement
Announcement and reveal
The Surface Pro 8 was announced on September 22, 2021, during Microsoft's annual Surface event, which coincided with the launch of Windows 11 and marked the largest update to the Surface portfolio in its history.[1][4] The virtual event, held online starting at 11 a.m. ET, also unveiled the Surface Laptop Studio, Surface Go 3, and Surface Duo 2, emphasizing Microsoft's focus on hybrid work and creativity in a post-pandemic world.[5][6] Positioned as the successor to the Surface Pro 7, the Pro 8 was described by Microsoft as the most significant evolution in the lineup since the Surface Pro 3, featuring a redesigned chassis that adopted the modern, squared-off aesthetic inspired by the Surface Pro X for improved ergonomics and versatility.[1][7] Key highlights included the introduction of a 13-inch PixelSense touchscreen with a 120 Hz refresh rate for smoother interactions, support for two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports to enable faster connectivity and charging, and integration with 11th-generation Intel Core processors to deliver more than twice the performance of its predecessor.[1][7] The reveal placed strong emphasis on the device's optimization for Windows 11, showcasing demos that highlighted its 2-in-1 form factor's adaptability for productivity tasks like multitasking with Snap Layouts and creative workflows enhanced by the new Surface Slim Pen 2, which magnetically attaches and charges on the device.[1] Microsoft teased pricing starting at $1,099 for the base configuration with an Intel Core i5, 8 GB RAM, and 128 GB SSD, positioning it as a premium versatile PC for professionals and creators.[1][7]Release and availability
The Surface Pro 8 became available for purchase on October 5, 2021, following its announcement at a Microsoft event earlier that month.[8][9] Pre-orders opened on September 22, 2021, through the Microsoft Store and select partners, with initial shipping targeted for the launch date.[9][10] Pricing for the consumer edition started at $1,099 for the base configuration featuring an Intel Core i5 processor, 8 GB RAM, and 128 GB SSD storage, while higher-end models reached up to $2,699 for an Intel Core i7, 32 GB RAM, and 1 TB SSD.[8] The LTE-enabled variant, which included cellular connectivity via a Snapdragon X20 modem, added approximately $200 to $250 to the base price, starting at around $1,300 for the i5/8 GB/128 GB model and available initially through business channels.[11][12] In Australia, the base model launched at A$1,649, with other regions seeing equivalent pricing adjustments in local currencies.[13] The device was distributed through the Microsoft Store, as well as retailers like Best Buy and Amazon, with business editions—preloaded with Windows 11 Pro—offered via enterprise resellers and volume licensing programs.[14][15] It was available in Graphite and Platinum finishes, though Graphite was limited to certain configurations.[9] Global semiconductor shortages in late 2021 led to reported shipping delays for some pre-orders, extending delivery times beyond initial estimates amid broader supply chain constraints affecting PC manufacturers.[16][17]Design and build
Form factor and dimensions
The Surface Pro 8 adopts a 2-in-1 detachable hybrid form factor, blending tablet portability with laptop functionality through its integrated kickstand and optional keyboard attachment. This design emphasizes versatility for professional and creative workflows, allowing users to seamlessly switch between modes without additional hardware. The device's ergonomics are enhanced by the kickstand's full-friction hinge, which supports stable positioning across a wide range of angles for comfortable viewing and typing.[3][18] Measuring 11.3 by 8.2 by 0.37 inches (287 by 208 by 9.3 mm), the Surface Pro 8 is slightly larger and thinner than its predecessors, accommodating a 13-inch display compared to the 12.3-inch screen of the Surface Pro 7. It weighs 1.96 pounds (891 grams) without the keyboard, maintaining a lightweight profile suitable for mobility despite the increased screen real estate. The chassis is constructed from anodized aluminum, available in Graphite or Platinum finishes, providing a premium feel and improved structural integrity over prior magnesium-based models. The kickstand, also aluminum, adjusts from nearly flat (0 degrees) to 165 degrees, offering enhanced flexibility for tenting, presentation, or lap use.[3][18] Key design updates include slimmer bezels that maximize the screen-to-body ratio, contributing to a more immersive and modern aesthetic while preserving the device's overall portability. Unlike earlier Surface Pro models, the Surface Pro 8 omits the microSD card slot, streamlining the side profile but requiring external adapters for expandable storage. The build prioritizes repairability, with modular components like the user-upgradable SSD, accessible by removing the kickstand, supported by Microsoft's self-repair program.[3][19] This design supports Microsoft's self-repair program, allowing users to replace the SSD with official parts available since 2023, though it lacks an official IP rating for water or dust resistance. These changes reflect a shift toward a sleeker, more integrated form while balancing durability and user accessibility.[3]Display and input
The Surface Pro 8 features a 13-inch PixelSense Flow touchscreen display with a native resolution of 2880 × 1920 pixels, achieving a pixel density of 267 PPI.[18] The panel supports a variable refresh rate of up to 120 Hz for smoother scrolling and interactions, with a default of 60 Hz, and offers a 3:2 aspect ratio optimized for productivity tasks.[18] It provides a typical brightness of 450 nits, enabling visibility in various lighting conditions, and includes support for Dolby Vision HDR for enhanced color and contrast in compatible content.[20][21] The display is individually color-calibrated and features 10-point multi-touch capabilities for intuitive gesture-based navigation.[18] For pen input, the Surface Pro 8 is compatible with the Surface Slim Pen 2 (sold separately), which offers 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity, zero-force inking for immediate responsiveness, and haptic feedback to simulate traditional writing sensations.[18] The pen magnetically attaches to compatible keyboards for storage and wireless charging, enhancing its utility in creative and note-taking applications.[18] The device includes a 5 MP front-facing camera with HDR support and 1080p HD video recording, integrated with Windows Hello for secure facial recognition authentication.[18] On the rear, a 10 MP autofocus camera captures 1080p HD photos and 4K video, suitable for scanning documents or casual photography.[18] Audio input is handled by dual far-field Studio Mics for clear voice capture during calls, while output comes from 2 W stereo speakers tuned with Omnisonic audio and Dolby Atmos for immersive sound.[18] Input options rely on detachable accessories, as the Surface Pro 8 lacks a built-in fingerprint reader and instead uses facial recognition for biometric login.[3] The optional Surface Pro Signature Keyboard includes a precision glass touchpad and an integrated fingerprint reader for one-touch authentication.[22] For enhanced tactile feedback, the Surface Pro 13-inch Flex Keyboard provides a haptic touchpad with adjustable click sensitivity and adaptive touch modes, supporting multi-finger gestures for precise control.[23]Specifications
Processor and graphics
The Surface Pro 8 is equipped with 11th-generation Intel Core processors, offering configurations tailored for varying performance needs. The entry-level option is the dual-core Intel Core i3-1115G4, which operates at a base frequency of 3.0 GHz and can turbo boost up to 4.1 GHz, with 6 MB of Intel Smart Cache and support for 4 threads via Hyper-Threading.[24] Mid-range models feature the quad-core Intel Core i5-1135G7 (consumer; 2.4 GHz base, up to 4.2 GHz turbo, 8 MB cache, 8 threads) or i5-1145G7 (business variant; 2.6 GHz base, up to 4.4 GHz turbo, 8 MB cache, 8 threads).[25][26] The top-tier Intel Core i7-1185G7 provides quad-core performance with a 3.0 GHz base, up to 4.8 GHz turbo, 12 MB cache, and 8 threads, enabling enhanced multitasking and demanding workloads.[27] All processors are built on Intel's Tiger Lake architecture using a 10 nm SuperFin process and are certified under the Intel Evo platform for i5 and i7 variants, emphasizing responsive performance and connectivity.[18] Graphics processing relies entirely on integrated solutions, with no discrete GPU option available. The i3-1115G4 pairs with Intel UHD Graphics featuring 48 execution units (EUs) clocked up to 1.25 GHz, suitable for basic display output and light visual tasks.[24] In contrast, the i5 models integrate Intel Iris Xe Graphics with 80 EUs at up to 1.30 GHz, while the i7 configuration upgrades to 96 EUs at up to 1.35 GHz, delivering improved rendering for creative applications and casual media consumption.[25][27] These GPUs support hardware-accelerated video encoding via Intel Quick Sync and can drive external displays up to 8K resolution through Thunderbolt 4 ports, though they are optimized for productivity rather than intensive graphics workloads.[3] In performance testing, the base i5-1135G7 configuration achieves approximately 5,000 points in the Cinebench R23 multi-core benchmark, reflecting solid efficiency for office applications, web browsing, and moderate content creation.[28] The i7-1185G7 variant scores around 5,600 points in the same test, providing over 40% higher sustained CPU performance compared to the prior Surface Pro 7, as measured in Microsoft's internal evaluations.[29][18] This positions the device well for productivity tasks like document editing and light photo or video manipulation in tools such as Adobe Photoshop or Premiere Rush, but it falls short for heavy gaming or professional 3D rendering, where frame rates in modern titles typically remain below 30 FPS at low settings.[29] Paired with up to 32 GB of LPDDR4x RAM, these processors handle multitasking effectively without significant bottlenecks.[3] The thermal design incorporates active cooling via a fan, allowing the processors to operate within a configurable thermal design power (TDP) envelope of 12-28 W, with sustained loads reaching up to 29 W in practice.[29] This enables short bursts of higher performance—up to 54 W briefly—before settling into efficient steady-state operation, minimizing throttling during prolonged use while keeping surface temperatures manageable for a 2-in-1 form factor.[29] The design prioritizes balance between power efficiency and output, contributing to battery life of up to 16 hours in typical scenarios.[3]Memory and storage
The Surface Pro 8 offers memory options of 8 GB, 16 GB, or 32 GB of LPDDR4x RAM running at 4266 MHz, which is integrated directly onto the motherboard and cannot be upgraded by users.[3][30] This soldered design ensures a compact form factor but limits flexibility for post-purchase enhancements, with higher RAM configurations paired exclusively with more powerful Intel Core i7 processors to support demanding multitasking and creative workflows.[3] For storage, the device features a removable M.2 2230 NVMe SSD based on PCIe Gen 3, available in capacities of 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, or 1 TB, delivering sequential read and write speeds up to approximately 3,000 MB/s depending on the specific drive.[3][31] These SSDs provide fast boot times and application loading, with the 1 TB option optimized for users handling large files in media editing or data-intensive applications.[30] Available configurations combine these memory and storage options with the device's Intel processors, as shown below. The i3 is available only in Wi-Fi configurations:| Processor | RAM Options | Storage Options |
|---|---|---|
| Intel Core i3-1115G4 | 8 GB | 128 GB |
| Intel Core i5 | 8 GB, 16 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB |
| Intel Core i7 | 16 GB, 32 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB |