Are you unsure about which Surface Pro model you own? You’re not alone! With Microsoft’s consistent design language and incremental updates, it’s easy to get confused between the Surface Pro 4 and 5. As a proud owner of a Surface Pro, you want to ensure you’re getting the most out of your device, and knowing which model you have is crucial. In this article, we’ll dive into the key differences between the Surface Pro 4 and 5, helping you identify which one you have and what that means for your user experience.
A Brief History of the Surface Pro Line
Before we dive into the differences, let’s take a step back and look at the evolution of the Surface Pro line. The first Surface Pro was released in 2013, followed by the Surface Pro 2 in 2014, and the Surface Pro 3 in 2015. The Surface Pro 4, released in 2015, marked a significant upgrade with a larger 12.3-inch PixelSense touchscreen and improved performance. The Surface Pro 5, also known as the Surface Pro (2017), was released in 2017, bringing even more refinements and enhancements.
Design and Display
One of the most noticeable differences between the Surface Pro 4 and 5 is the design. While both models share the same overall design language, there are some subtle changes.
Surface Pro 4 Design
The Surface Pro 4 features a 12.3-inch PixelSense touchscreen with a resolution of 2736 x 1824 pixels. The device measures 11.5 x 7.9 x 0.3 inches and weighs 1.73 pounds. The Surface Pro 4 has a magnesium alloy body, which provides a sturdy and premium feel.
Surface Pro 5 Design
The Surface Pro 5 (2017) also features a 12.3-inch PixelSense touchscreen, but with a slightly higher resolution of 2736 x 1824 pixels. The device measures 11.5 x 7.9 x 0.3 inches, identical to the Surface Pro 4. However, the Surface Pro 5 weighs a slightly heavier 1.75 pounds due to the addition of a more powerful cooling system. The design remains largely unchanged, with the same magnesium alloy body and premium feel.
Key Takeaway: The Surface Pro 4 and 5 have identical displays, but the Surface Pro 5 has a slightly heavier and more robust design.
Performance and Specifications
Now, let’s dive into the performance and specifications of both models.
Surface Pro 4 Specifications
The Surface Pro 4 is available in several configurations, including:
- Intel Core m3, i5, or i7 processor options
- 4GB, 8GB, or 16GB RAM options
- 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB SSD storage options
- Intel HD Graphics 515 or Iris Graphics
Surface Pro 5 Specifications
The Surface Pro 5 (2017) is also available in several configurations, including:
- Intel Core m3, i5, or i7 processor options (7th Gen Kaby Lake)
- 4GB, 8GB, or 16GB RAM options
- 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB SSD storage options
- Intel HD Graphics 615 or Iris Plus Graphics 640
Key Takeaway: The Surface Pro 5 has slightly faster and more efficient processors, as well as improved graphics performance.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is an essential aspect of any portable device. Let’s see how the Surface Pro 4 and 5 compare.
Surface Pro 4 Battery Life
The Surface Pro 4 has a battery life of up to 9 hours, depending on the configuration and usage. The device charges via a proprietary Surface Connect port.
Surface Pro 5 Battery Life
The Surface Pro 5 boasts a significantly longer battery life, with up to 13.5 hours of use. The device also charges via a proprietary Surface Connect port, but with the added convenience of faster charging capabilities.
Key Takeaway: The Surface Pro 5 has a considerably longer battery life and faster charging capabilities.
Other Key Differences
In addition to the design, display, performance, and battery life, there are some other key differences between the Surface Pro 4 and 5.
Surface Pen and Type Cover
The Surface Pro 4 uses the Surface Pen with 1,024 levels of pressure sensitivity, while the Surface Pro 5 uses the new Surface Pen with 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity. The Surface Pro 5 also introduced the new Alcantara-covered Type Cover, which provides a more premium feel.
Windows Hello and Security
The Surface Pro 5 features Windows Hello, a biometric login system that uses facial recognition or fingerprint scanning for secure authentication. The Surface Pro 4 does not have Windows Hello.
Ports and Connectivity
Both devices have a USB 3.0 port, microSD card slot, and headphone jack. However, the Surface Pro 5 adds a newer USB-C port, which supports faster data transfer speeds and charging.
Key Takeaway: The Surface Pro 5 has improved stylus capabilities, advanced security features, and newer ports.
Conclusion
So, do you have a Surface Pro 4 or 5? By now, you should have a good idea. If you’re still unsure, try checking your device’s specifications, design, and features. Here’s a quick summary to help you identify which model you have:
- Surface Pro 4: 12.3-inch PixelSense touchscreen, Intel Core m3/i5/i7 processor, up to 16GB RAM, up to 1TB SSD storage, Intel HD Graphics 515 or Iris Graphics
- Surface Pro 5 (2017): 12.3-inch PixelSense touchscreen, Intel Core m3/i5/i7 processor (7th Gen Kaby Lake), up to 16GB RAM, up to 1TB SSD storage, Intel HD Graphics 615 or Iris Plus Graphics 640, Windows Hello, Alcantara-covered Type Cover
Remember, knowing which Surface Pro model you have is crucial for getting the most out of your device, from troubleshooting to upgrading and accessorizing. By understanding the differences between the Surface Pro 4 and 5, you can unlock your device’s full potential and enjoy an exceptional user experience.
What is the main difference between Surface Pro 4 and Surface Pro 5?
The main difference between Surface Pro 4 and Surface Pro 5 is the processor. Surface Pro 4 uses Intel Core M, i5, and i7 processors from the 6th generation, while Surface Pro 5 uses Intel Core M, i5, and i7 processors from the 7th generation. This means that Surface Pro 5 has better performance and improved battery life.
Additionally, Surface Pro 5 has a more modern design with a more rounded edge and a kickstand that can open up to 165 degrees, allowing for more comfortable typing and viewing experiences. Furthermore, Surface Pro 5 has improved graphics performance and supports newer technologies like USB-C and LTE connectivity.
How can I check my Surface Pro model?
To check your Surface Pro model, you can follow these steps: Go to Settings > System > About. Scroll down to the “Device specifications” section, and you’ll find the “Device name” and “OS build” information. If you see “Surface Pro 4” or “Surface Pro 1796” as the device name, you have a Surface Pro 4. If you see “Surface Pro 5” or “Surface Pro 1797”, you have a Surface Pro 5.
Alternatively, you can also check the underside of your Surface Pro for the model number. The model number is usually printed on the back of the device. For Surface Pro 4, the model number starts with 1724 or 1725, while for Surface Pro 5, it starts with 1796 or 1797.
What are the benefits of Surface Pro 5 over Surface Pro 4?
Surface Pro 5 has several benefits over Surface Pro 4, including improved performance, better battery life, and newer features like USB-C and LTE connectivity. With the 7th generation Intel Core processors, Surface Pro 5 provides faster performance and better multitasking capabilities. Additionally, Surface Pro 5 has improved graphics performance, making it suitable for more demanding tasks like gaming and video editing.
Furthermore, Surface Pro 5 has a more modern design and improved build quality, making it more durable and resistant to wear and tear. It also has a newer operating system, Windows 10, which provides more features and security updates compared to Windows 8.1 on Surface Pro 4.
Can I upgrade my Surface Pro 4 to Surface Pro 5?
Unfortunately, it’s not possible to upgrade your Surface Pro 4 to Surface Pro 5. The processor and other hardware components are not compatible, and upgrading would require a complete overhaul of the device’s internal components. Furthermore, Microsoft does not provide any upgrade options for Surface Pro 4 to Surface Pro 5.
If you want to take advantage of the features and improvements of Surface Pro 5, you’ll need to purchase a new device. However, you can consider selling or trading in your Surface Pro 4 to offset the cost of the new device.
Are Surface Pro 4 and 5 compatible with the same accessories?
Most Surface Pro 4 and 5 accessories are compatible with each other, including the Surface Pen, Type Cover, and Surface Dock. However, some newer accessories may only be compatible with Surface Pro 5, such as the Surface USB-C to HDMI Adapter.
It’s always a good idea to check the compatibility of accessories before making a purchase. You can check the Microsoft website or consult with a sales representative to ensure that the accessory you want is compatible with your device.
Which Surface Pro model is better for gaming?
Surface Pro 5 is generally better for gaming due to its improved graphics performance and newer processor. The 7th generation Intel Core processors provide faster performance and better multitasking capabilities, making them more suitable for demanding tasks like gaming. Additionally, Surface Pro 5 has improved graphics performance, making it capable of handling more graphics-intensive games.
However, it’s important to note that Surface Pro devices are not designed specifically for gaming and may not provide the same level of performance as dedicated gaming laptops. If gaming is a priority, you may want to consider a dedicated gaming laptop or console.
Can I still use Surface Pro 4 with Windows 11?
While Surface Pro 4 is capable of running Windows 11, it may not receive the full range of features and updates due to its older hardware. Microsoft has stated that Surface Pro 4 may not meet the system requirements for Windows 11, and some features may not be available or may not work as intended.
If you want to take advantage of the latest features and security updates, it’s recommended to upgrade to a newer device like Surface Pro 5 or 6, which are designed to work with Windows 11. However, if you still want to use Surface Pro 4, you can continue to use it with Windows 10, which will still receive security updates and support until October 2025.