Surface Pro 9 5G Is Here, Powered By Microsoft SQ 3 Processor

While some were not confident of its longevity when it was first introduced to consumers 10 years ago but nevertheless, the Surface family is still here. Today, Microsoft has unveiled several new additions to the family including the Surface Pro 9 which can be obtained in two versions including one with 5G connectivity.

Interestingly, the Surface Pro 9 5G is not powered by an Intel Core processor as per other Surface Pro models before it. Instead, the new Windows tablet is running on the equally new Microsoft SQ 3 processor which is essentially a custom variant of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 processor that is made for the Redmond giant.

Housed within an anodized aluminium that also features a kickstand with an adjustable angle of up to 165 degrees, the Surface Pro 9 5G is equipped with a 13-inch PixelSense Flow touch display. Protected by a layer of Corning Gorilla Glass 5, the display has a native resolution of 2880 x 1920 and dynamic refresh rate capability of up to 120Hz alongside 1200:1 contrast ratio.

The new model still supports the existing Surface Slim Pen 2 while the same also applies to the existing Keyboard and Signature Keyboard for both Surface Pro and Surface Pro X. As for its I/O selection, Surface Pro 9 5G comes with two USB-C 3.2 ports and one nano SIM card slot alongside the standard Surface Connect and Surface Keyboard ports.

Weighing at under 900grams, the Neural Processing Unit (NPU) inside the Surface Pro 9 5G has allowed users to take advantage of a video call-oriented effect suite called Windows Studio. Among the enhancement provided by it that users can utilize for the tablet’s 1080p full HD front-facing camera includes Automatic Framing, Eye Contact, Voice Focus, and Portrait Background Blur.

As you may expect from a first-party Windows device from Microsoft, the tablet is fully equipped with Windows Hello face authentication camera which is further protected by the company’s own Pluton security processor. There is also another 10MP autofocus camera on its back that is capable of capturing videos up to 4K resolution.

A pair of 2W stereo speakers and dual far-field Studios Mics with Voice Clarity complete the tablet’s audio section. When it comes to battery life, Microsoft claims that the new tablet can last up to 19 hours.

Available only in the Platinum colourway, Microsoft has yet to reveal the actual release date and pricing for Surface Pro 9 5G in Malaysia though. If you need a comparison though, the tablet with 8GB of RAM and 128GB solid state drive will be made available in the United States later this month for USD1,299.99 (~RM6,086) while the 256GB variant with the same amount of RAM is priced at USD1,399.99 (~RM6,544).

On the other hand, Surface Pro 9 5G with 16GB of RAM can be obtained for USD1,599.99 (~RM7,491) and USD1899.99 (~RM8.895) with 256GB and 512GB SSD options, respectively. As per usual, these price tags do not include any accessories such as Surface Keyboard or Surface Slim Pen 2 which have to be purchased separately.