Review: Microsoft Surface Pro 4 Is Portable, Powerful but a Luxury
This is the first Microsoft Surface device officially available in the country.
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Microsoft has finally managed to bring the Surface Pro 4 Windows 2-in-1 to India in 2016. The company has been reluctant to sell its portable computing product in the country and had instead tied up with OEMs to offer affordable Windows 2-in-1 products in India.
The latest Surface Pro 4 is priced starting from Rs 89,990 and goes up to Rs 1,44,990, for the top model. Just like the Apple iPad Pro, you’ll have to buy the Smart keyboard separately.
Key Specifications: Microsoft Surface Pro 4
- Display: 12.3-inch PixelSense Full-HD 2736x1824 pixels
- Operating System: Windows 10
- Processor: 6th generation Intel i5/i7
- RAM: 4/8GB
- Storage: 128/256GB
- Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth, USB 3.0 x 1
- Battery: 38 Whr
- Price: Starting from Rs 89,990
What’s Good?
Microsoft has improved on the Surface Pro 3 display for the Pro 4. The PixelSense Full-HD with 1824 pixels resolution offers crisp content and bright and strong colours that add to the sheen of the device. The 12.3-inch form size is right up the alley for users looking for a powerful, portable machine, weighing 786 grams, that can hold fort in most conditions.
Microsoft has repeatedly claimed to have made the Surface Pro 4 with professionals in mind and we agree with that. We decided to run Photoshop on the 2-in-1 and unlike most of the portable PCs we’ve tested it on, the Surface Pro 4 comes out on top.
The graphics power of the Surface Pro 4 became fairly evident with our extensive usage. We were also impressed by the Surface Pro 4’s multi-tasking capabilities. We regularly ran up to 10 tabs on Chrome, couple of them on Microsoft Edge, accompanied by Photoshop. Barring a few hiccups, the Surface Pro 4 emerged competent in our tests.
The detachable smart keyboard is exactly what a 2-in-1 PC supporting accessory should be like. Microsoft’s Windows laptops generally have the best keyboard support on offer, physical and virtual.
The tactile feedback of the smart keyboard is great. You’ll never have to compromise on typing speed and with backlit support, you can work on the machine in any condition.
We also like that Microsoft has kept things simple and portable with its power adapter. It’s sleek and light enough to carry. Also, the magnetic cords connecting the adapter and the device are sturdily built.
What’s Bad?
The reason why Microsoft has deflected from selling its Surface series in India is because of its pricing. This time, Microsoft feels confident about its product, so much so that the company expects people to spend up to a lakh to own the complete set.
However, we’re not sure as to how many people would actually like to buy the portable Surface Pro 4. Especially, when the Indian market is predominantly a budget notebook space. For this price, you can get the MacBook 12-inch and most people would prefer that to a Windows machine.
The battery life of the Surface Pro 4 seems to have borne the brunt of Microsoft’s decision to go with a thinner chassis and brighter display. The battery life seems to have taken a major hit due to the ultraportable design.
Regular usage of the Surface Pro 4, as a primary device, gave us about 4-5 hours of battery life. This will never please the workaholics who’re looking for more than just an add-on device.
Coming to the Surface Pen, we tried making sense of it, but the bundled Pen doesn’t really add much value to the Surface Pro 4, except for those who will create content on the Pro 4.
Why Buy It?
Microsoft Surface Pro 4 is finally available in India but you will have to pay big money to own one. The device is pegged to be powerful and portable and definitely makes more sense than a tablet. You get a 12.3-inch screen with top-of-the-line hardware and high-quality display resolution that is a treat to use.
Surface Pro 4 is a solid workhorse that only falters in the battery department and is priced way off the mark for buyers in India. Instead, you might want to opt for a notebook with higher storage and memory on offer, at a lower price point than this.
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