Is the Surface Pro 6 relevant in the face of the refreshed Pro 7?

Microsoft’s Surface Pro 7 and Surface Pro 6 are certainly cut from the same cloth, and at first glance, you might mistake one for the other. However, the real changes (other than the USB-C port) come on the inside, with the Pro 7 sporting new 10th Gen Intel Core CPU options and LPDDR4x RAM for improved performance. Here’s a breakdown of the exact specs you’ll find in each model.

If you’re looking out for deals on either of these PCs for Black Friday, be aware that the older version is more likely to be heavily discounted at various retailers, with the best likely coming from Amazon, Best Buy, or Walmart. We fully expect to see discounts on previous generations of Surface Pro, including the Pro 6.

Microsoft Surface Pro 7 vs. Surface Pro 6 tech specs

	Surface Pro 7	Surface Pro 6
OS	Windows 10	Windows 10
Processor	10th Gen Intel Core i3-1005G1 Core i5-1035G4 Core i71065G7	Intel 8th Gen Core i5-8250U Core i7-8650U
RAM	4GB, 8GB, 16GB LPDDR4x	8GB, 16GB LPDDR3
Storage	128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB SSD	128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB SSD
Display size	12.3 inches Touch	12.3 inches Touch
Display resolution	2736×1824 267 PPI	2736×1824 267 PPI
Aspect ratio	3:2	3:2
Graphics	Intel UHD (i3) Intel Iris Plus (i5, i7)	Intel UHD Graphics 620
Ports	USB-C 3.1 USB-A 3.5mm audio Surface Connect microSD card reader	USB-A 3.0 Mini DisplayPort Surface Connect microSD card reader 3.5mm audio
LTE	No	No
Biometrics	IR camera	IR camera
Battery	Up to 10.5 hours	Up to 13.5 hours 45Wh
Dimensions	11.5 x 7.9 x 0.33 inches (292mm x 201mm x 8.5mm)	11.5 x 7.9 x 0.33 inches (292mm x 201mm x 8.5mm)
Weight	From 1.70 pounds (770g)	From 1.70 pounds (770g)

Design and features

The Surface Pro 7 is a minor refresh over the last-gen Surface Pro 6, with most of the changes coming from the internal hardware. Still, the Pro 7 has made the jump from Mini DisplayPort for the much more versatile USB-C port. This should make it much easier to connect your newer accessories, and it can still be used for external displays. Alongside USB-C, the Pro 7 holds onto USB-A, 3.5mm audio, Surface Connect, and a microSD card reader.

If you’re making the jump from an older Surface Pro model (from the Pro 3 and newer), it appears as though Type Covers should work with the Pro 7. The older Type Covers don’t yet have mention of the Pro 7 on the Microsoft Store listing, but the new Signature Type Cover released alongside the Pro 7 does say it’s compatible with the older Pro models. This should save you a good chunk of money if you’re upgrading.

One new feature that we’re excited about is Wi-Fi 6 connectivity in the Pro 6, which will offer wireless speeds far beyond what we’ve become accustomed to with Wi-Fi 5. Both the Pro 6 and Pro 7 are available in Platinum and Black colors.

Display and inking

Nothing has really changed when it comes to the display. With both the Pro 6 and Pro 7 you’re looking at a 12.3-inch touch display with boxy 3:2 aspect ratio, 2736×1824 resolution, and 267 PPI. Both Pro models are compatible with the Surface Dial for off-screen interactions, and both offer an exceptional inking experience with the Surface Pen. Expect 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity and tilt support.

Performance and price

The Surface Pro 6 is available with 8th Gen Intel Core i5 and i7 “Kaby Lake R” CPUs. These are not the later 8th Gen “Whiskey Lake” CPUs, but they’re nevertheless performers.

Geekbench 5 single-core scores for the Core i5-8250U hover around the 800 to 900 mark, while multi-core scores reach up to about 3,400. The Core i7-8550U again measures around the 900 single-core score, reaching up to about a 3,500 multi-core score. These CPUs can handle a relatively heavy workload, and they should be able to shred through any multitasking.

The Pro 7 has been refreshed with 10th Gen Intel Core “Ice Lake” CPUs with a 10nm architecture, and it’s available with Core i3, Core i5, and Core i7 versions. To compare with Geekbench 5 tests, the Core i7-1065G7 begins around the 1,200 to 1,300 mark for a single-core score, while multi-core scores reach, in many cases, well above 4,000.

The Pro 7 Core i5 model outperforms the Pro 6 Core i7 model, which is quite impressive. As for battery life, the Pro 7 will last about eight hours from a charge, whereas the Pro 6 hits closer to 10 hours. That’s the tradeoff for better performance.

As for gaming, 10th Gen Core i5 and Core i7 Intel CPUs feature Iris Plus Graphics, which will provide a better experience than what the 8th Gen CPUs have to offer. Neither device has a dedicated GPU option, so if you want to game on a Pro, spending the extra money is no doubt worth it.

As expected, you’re going to pay more for the newer Pro 7. Configurations with a Core i3 CPU, 4GB of RAM, and 128GB SSD start at $749, while an introductory Pro 6 with 8th Gen Core i5 CPU, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB SSD start at just $699. That’s quite a deal, especially considering you’re getting twice as much RAM and a Core i5 CPU in the Pro 6.

If you’re looking to max things out, a Pro 6 with 8th Gen Core i7 CPU, 16GB of RAM, and 1TB SSD runs about $1,999, while a Pro 7 with 10th Gen Core i7 CPU and otherwise similar specs hits the $2,299 mark.

Go with the Surface Pro 7 for better performance, connectivity

The Surface Pro 7 hasn’t seen a huge physical change since the last generation, but inside is where it counts. 10th Gen Intel Core “Ice Lake” CPUs outperform the 8th Gen “Kaby Lake R” CPUs in the Pro 6, and the newer 2-in-1 also sports faster LPDDR4x RAM. You will pay more for the Pro 7, but for better performance and a USB-C port, it’s the right choice.

The Surface Pro 6 is still a solid, more affordable buy

The release of a new generation always makes an older device pale, but the Surface Pro 6 is still a reliable option for anyone who wants to save some money and still get an awesome device. The touch display is the same resolution and offers the same brilliant picture, and the overall design is essentially the same. You won’t get a USB-C port or 10th Gen Intel CPU performance, but for many people, that’s OK.

How to find the best Black Friday deals on Surface Pros

Black Friday is an excellent time to try to land a new PC at the lowest-of-the-year price. We expect to see sales on many Surface PCs, including the Surface Pro 7 and maybe even some of the latest Surfaces, such as the Pro 7 or Laptop 3. When considering whether or not you should buy the latest and greatest model or save some money on a slightly older model, comparisons like this one of the Pro 6 and Pro 7 can be hugely valuable. Due to many similarities between the last generation and the latest one, the Pro 6 may be a better choice for many users anyway.

W expect leading retailers, including Microsoft, Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart, to offer Surface discounts on Black Friday and into Cyber Monday. So keep an eye out and make sure to check Windows Central often.

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