The Microsoft Surface Pro 6 is an exceptional upgrade of Surface Pro series. It has quad-core processing that is powered by the latest Intel’s 8th-generation Kaby Lake Refresh processors. So now, we see the boost in the performance and a bit of improvement in the graphical system.
At First Glance
The significant upgrade that Microsoft has built for Surface Pro 6 is the battery life, as well as the multi-core performance. In this way, it can support an all-day activity, faster video encoding and intensive task for CPU. Also, the display improves from 1:300 to 1:500 display ratio, which gives a stronger contrast ratio. It also provides a more impressive and more extensive space for media editing and content creators. It is the best deal for entertainment purposes.
Surface Pro 6 is unveiled to satisfy the needs of the students and professionals who need a powerful computer for creative purpose. It is not like a Windows tablet that can process complex media and complicated excels spreadsheets with lots of data. It cannot be compared to iPad Pro built with Apple A10X Fusion chip. Even the Geekbench 4 speed test cannot give the same verdict of comparison between iPad and Surface Pro 6. In the first place, they have an entirely different operating system. Therefore, we don’t need any more arguments on that.
Specifications of Microsoft Surface Pro 6
Before giving any conclusion on the Microsoft Surface Pro 6, you need to grasp the full specifications of it. From CPU down to its accessories, you need all the cards on the deck.
CPU: 1.6GHz Intel Core i5-8250U (quad-core, 6MB cache, up to 3.4GHz boost)
Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 620
RAM: 8GB DDR3
Screen: 12.3-inch, 2,736 x 1,824 PixelSense display (Contrast ratio: 1,500:1, 100% sRGB color, 10-point multi-touch, 3:2 aspect ratio)
Storage: 256GB SSD
Ports: 1 x USB 3.0, mini DisplayPort, microSDXC card reader (UHS-I), headphone/mic jack
Connectivity: 802.11ac Wi-Fi (2 x 2 MIMO), Bluetooth 4.1 (Low Energy)
Cameras: 8MP rear-facing, auto-focus camera (1080p HD); 5MP front-facing, 1080p HD camera
Weight: 1.7 pounds (771g)
Size: 11.5 x 7.9 x 0.33 inches (292 x 201 x 8.5mm; W x D x H)
There you have it folks, the full Microsoft Surface Pro 6. Isn’t it intense? In just like that, you can have all the power to manage all your tasks in no time.
But how can we afford it?
Market Value
The price of Surface Pro 6 starts about $899 (£879, AU$1,349), which is available to purchase right now in the US, UK, and Australia. Like other tablets, Microsoft offers upgrades of storage in Surface Pro 6 but will cost you about $1,199 (£1,149, AU$1,670) for 256GB.
The high-end Surface Pro 6 that Microsoft can offer has the specifications of Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD. This will cost you about $2,299 (£1,799, AU$3,200).
For additional accessories to your Microsoft tablet, you still need to buy the Surface Pen that costs about $99 (£99, AU$139). For the type cover, you need to prepare at least $159 (£149, AU$249). We are just wondering why these accessories are not included in Surface Pro 6 since this has been an issue previously.
The 12.9-inch iPad Pro, which was released last 2017, cost a bit less at $799 (£769, AU$1,199). This is an off comparison with the Surface Pro. However, to give you another option, the specs of iPad Pro has a 2,732 x 2,048-pixel display powered by Apple’s A10X SOC and with 64GB of flash storage. It doesn’t include a stylus, which cost you another $99 (£99, AU$145) or a keyboard $169 (about £170, AU$245) if you buy them from Apple.
The new rival tablet in the market is the Google Pixel Slate that cost about $599 (£549, AU$850). However, the keyboard is much more expensive. An additional of $199 (£189, AU$280) is what you need to spend for that one.
The Google Pixel State and iPad Pro cost lesser than the Microsoft Surface Pro 6. But the real catch for the latter is you get the best deal for only adding about $100 on a computer-like tablet.
Microsoft Surface Pro 6 Look and Feel
The Surface Pro 6 has all the same ports and wireless options like its previous models with the same Type Cover. The latter is still perfect for the Surface Pro series. It has the impression of elegance and simplicity in one accessory.
A missing piece in the tablet is the USB-C that could have benefitted the entire platform. Microsoft has been gating faster data transfer, and more extensive docking capabilities behind the Surface Connect port for quite some time. In this case, to work everything smoothly, we need the Surface Dock Accessory, which cost about $199 (about £150, AU$280).
The USB 3.1 has not included in the Surface Pro 6, which is twice faster at transferring data than 3.0. This is a setback from Microsoft tablets. Lack of USB-C and 3.1 is not an excellent idea for Surface Pro 6. Buyers have given no choice but to but accessories compatible with the Microsoft tablets.
Now let us get to the point on how long we can use the Surface Pro 6 in one day.
Battery Life
According to Microsoft, the lasting power of Surface Pro 6 has a considerable margin, particularly when it comes to video playback. An additional of almost 2 hours, it can last for about 11 hours, longer than the previous model.
Surface Pro 6 comes with the standard Surface charger. It connects with a magnetic connector on Surface Connect port. A 44-Watt adapter can be used, which also offers a USB port for charging another device, which is very handy.
The Surface Pro 6 has a Windows Hello Facial recognition, which uses the tablet’s infrared camera next to its webcam and is plenty fast and accurate. It is one of the security measures.
All the software installed in the Surface Pro 6 is coming from Microsoft. Therefore, no bloatware has been found in the device.
What is exciting in owning a tablet rather than a laptop?
Our Insights
The first thing people need is the convenience of carrying a device with them.
They consider the size, weight, and performance as well as battery life of the gadget. Professionals and students prefer to have a more accessible device, more significant than smartphones, but smaller compare to laptops. In this case, they will think about owning a tablet.
The limitations that buyers try to avoid are the higher cost than owning a laptop. Considering the price of a smartphone compared to a tablet is close enough, they will still choose the tablet. Why? Tablet performs better than a smartphone with a bigger screen.
Surface Pro 6 has minimal upgrades compared to the previous 5 models. Everyone got excited hearing that Microsoft has unveiled their new tablet of the prior model. However, there are no promising upgrades.
Expectations before the launch are improvements on its appearance, sharper screen, hardwired connections, and pricing movement that compensate the essential accessory in the box. That is the problem with the Microsoft Surface Pro 5. You will need to buy accessories to enjoy the real potential of the tablet. Separately Buying them will result in a drastic cost adding to the tablet.
Overall, the Surface Pro 6 is faster, longer lasting and now comes in a new black shell. The battery life upgrade is fantastic. The screen resolution with high contrast is exceptional for the movie watching as well as editing. It is the best Windows Tablet.
