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5 Cheaper Surface Pro 9 Alternative: Comparison & Reviews 2025

5 Cheaper Surface Pro 9 Alternative: Comparison & Reviews 2025

    The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is currently the best Windows tablet on the market thanks to powerful 12th-generation Intel processors and the excellent performance that comes with it. While there is plenty to like about this device, it’s also extremely high cost. That‘s why people are looking for the Surface Pro 9 alternatives. In my opinion, the best alternatives to a Surface Pro 9 should offer powerful components like digital pens, touchscreen, and a digital keyboard and the outstanding performance to work on every day and demanding tasks. Here are five cheaper alternatives to the Surface Pro that are worth taking a look at!

Cover Photo:microsoft.com

The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 Review

Google Users Rating: 4.7/5

The Surface Pro 9 is a great Windows 2-in-1 laptop sporting a great display, versatile design and a superb keyboard and stylus experience for working, streaming and sketching. It  comes with beautiful 13-inch PixelSense display with 2880 x 1920 resolution, as well as a pair of unchanged optional Surface Pen and Type Cover accessories.  Memory options will cap off at 32GB RAM and options ranging from 128GB to 1TB for the internal storage. Most of what’s new with the Surface Pro 9 comes down to the chip inside. Customers have two paths to pick from, the Intel-powered Pro 9 with 12th-gen i5 or i7 options, or the Pro 9 with 5G sporting the Microsoft-Qualcomm SQ3 chip.

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Source:microsoft.com

When paired with a matching Signature Keyboard cover, the 13-inch tablet feels more like a true laptop experience than an iPad or Android device with a similar form factor. And when paired with Microsoft’s Slim Pen 2, it offers a smooth drawing and note-taking experience.Though the Surface Pro 9 isn't much different from its predecessor in terms of design and overall functionality, the inclusion of more powerful current-gen processors and a 5G option could be enough to have it land a spot in our best laptops list. Depending on which model you choose, the Surface Pro 9 is either a highly capable laptop/tablet hybrid built for the home or office, or a long-lasting 5G machine designed to get work done just about anywhere.

Specs
Dimensions

11.3 x 8.2 x 0.37 inches

Weight

1.95 pounds

Processor

Microsoft SQ3 (SQ3)

Intel Core i5-1245U (Intel)

Intel Core i7-1255U (Intel)


Graphics

Adreno 8cx Gen 3 (SQ3)

Intel Xe Graphics (Intel)

RAM8GB or 16GB LPDDR4x
Display13-inch PixelSense 120Hz Flow Display (2880 x 1920)
Storage

128GB, 256GB, or 512GB PCIe SSD (SQ3)

128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB PCIe SSD (Intel)

TouchYes
Ports2 x USB-C4 with Thunderbolt 4
1 x Surface Connect port
1 x Surface Keyboard port
1 x nano SIM (only for SQ3)
Wireless5G (only for SQ3), Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.1
Webcam1080p front-facing camera with IR, 10MP rear-facing
Operating systemWindows 11
Battery

47.7 watt-hour

PROSCONS
Neat colors and top-notch hardwarePricey for the specs

Crisp 120Hz screen with dynamic refresh 

rate

Keyboard and stylus cost extra
1080p camera with new AI featuresNo more headphone jack
Very handy stylus garage5G only available with SQ3 processor
Impressive performance and battery life
Two Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports
User-upgradable storage

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Cheaper Alternatives to Surface Pro 9

| #1 The Microsoft Surface Pro 8

Google Users Rating: 4.6/5

Since the new Surface Pro 9 only brings a few more subtle changes, the predecessor is also worth a look due to the lower price. Except for the processor and a few new colors, the Intel models of the Surface Pro 8 and 9 are pretty much the same. Weighing in at just under 2 pounds and measuring just 0.37" thin, the Surface Pro 8 is still portable and easy to travel with. The anodized aluminum body features a kickstand with a full-friction multi-position hinge of up to 165 degrees. You can also magnetically attach a Surface Pro Signature Keyboard (sold separately).

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Source:microsoft.com

The Surface Pro 8 is equipped with an Intel Core i5 or i7 processor of the 11th generation and thus offers a very good performance that is still sufficient for most use cases. Both chipsets have Intel Iris X graphics. You can choose between 8GB, 16GB and 32GB RAM, as well as a variant with 128G, 256GB, 512GB or 1TB SSD. It supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.1 technology. There are also two Thunderbolt 4 ports, providing up to 40 Gb/s data-transfer rates. There is also a 5MP front camera that supports 1080p video and Windows Hello facial recognition. The 10MP rear camera supports 1080p and 4K video. It also features dual 2W speakers and Dolby Atmos support. Plus, it can provide up to 16 hours runtime on a single charge (may vary depending on usage) .In a word, the Surface Pro 8 provides performance and connectivity without sacrificing portability.

PROSCONS
Modern design with thin bezels and larger (13-inch) display

Slim Pen 2 and Signature keyboard sold 

separately

Gorgeous, 120Hz screenUSB-C ports only
Strong performance
Superior 1080p webcam
Has two powerful Thunderbolt 4 ports
User-accessible SSD
Tailor-made for Windows 11
Well-implemented kickstand
Specs

Dimensions

11.3 in x 8.2 in x 0.37 in (287mm x 208mm x 9.3mm)

Display

Screen: 13” PixelSense™ Flow Display
Resolution: 2880 x 1920 (267 PPI)
Up to 120Hz refresh rate (60Hz default)
Aspect ratio: 3:2
Adaptive Color
Touch: 10 point multi-touch
GPU Ink Acceleration
Dolby Vision® support
Memory8GB, 16GB, 32GB (LPDDR4x RAM)
ProcessorQuad-core 11th Gen Intel® Core™ i5-1135G7 Processor
Quad-core 11th Gen Intel® Core™ i7-1185G7 Processor
i5 and i7 options with storage 256GB and above built on the Intel® Evo™ platform
StorageRemovable solid-state drive (SSD) options: 128GB or 256GB
512GB or 1TB
GraphicsIntel® Iris® Xe Graphics (i5, i7)
Battery lifeUp to 16 hours of typical device usage

Cameras, video, 

and audio

Windows Hello face authentication camera (front-facing)
5.0MP front-facing camera with 1080p full HD video
10.0MP rear-facing autofocus camera with 1080p HD and 4k video
Dual far-field Studio Mics
2W stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos®

| #2 The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8

Google Users Rating: 4.7/5

The SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S8 is the best budget alternative to a Surface Pro 9. Similarly, if you fancy an Android experience more than the Windows one in the Surface Pro 9 tablet, this tablet is a splendid choice. The tablet that’s made for multitaskers on the go, Galaxy Tab S8 helps you do more with the 2-in-1 capabilities of a tablet and a PC. It is the smallest model in the lineup, but it still has plenty of power power, sports a beautiful 11-inch screen, Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip, 8GB RAM and 128GB storage, enabling it to perform smoothly.

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Source:microsoft.com

It runs on Android 12 with One UI 4.1, upgradeable to Android 13, offering users several setting options such as an extra brightness toggle, smart calendar, and redesigned palette picker, to mention a few. The most notable features of  the SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S8 are the inclusion of the S Pen without extra charge and the Samsung Dex. These two make the device a true productivity powerhouse ideal for word processing, presentation, business communication, graphics design, and photo and video editing. Overall, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 is the best Android tablets on the market and a great alternative to the Surface Pro 9 if you can do without Windows.

Specs
Dimension9.99" x 6.51" x 0.25"
Weight1.10 lb
Colors

Graphite, Silver, Pink Gold

ConnectivityWi-Fi 6, Bluetooth v5.0
RAM + Storage

8GB (RAM) + 128GB

8GB (RAM) + 256GB

Micro SD CardUp to 1TB
ProcessorQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
Display11.0" LTPS LCD
Battery8,000mAh
PROSCONS
Slim, lightweight designDisplay is LCD, not OLED

Included S Pen that is ideal for artists and 

architects   

The Android OS can be less suited for 

productivity tasks

Good software supportPerformance to be inferior to Surface Pro 9
Fast, smooth performance

Excellent sound and battery life, 25W 

charging


Budget-friendly as it retails for about $699   

Dex mode enables a multi-window UI

Useful integrations with other Samsung 

devices


| #3 The Surface Go 3

Google Users Rating: 4.5/5

If you still want a Surface, a Type Cover and a Surface Pen -- but you don't want to spend $900+, you can pick up the Surface Go 3. The Microsoft Surface Go 3 is the smallest and least expensive Surface you can buy.  It has a 10.5-inch screen and one fewer port than its larger Pro sibling, but otherwise looks very much the same. That means it offers the same excellent build quality and overall premium design as full-sized Surface tablets.

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Source:microsoft.com

Its durable 10.5" PixelSense 10-point touchscreen display supports a 1920 x 1280 resolution with a 3:2 aspect ratio that provides more vertical screen space for documents, photos, movies, games, and more while the built-in adjustable kickstand allows you to comfortably view content.  Powered by a 1.3 GHz Intel Core i3-10100Y dual-core processor with integrated graphics and 8GB of memory, you can quickly run a variety of applications, which can be installed onto the 128GB storage drive.You can also transfer files to the Surface Go 3 using the integrated microSDXC card slot. At the same time, the 5MP front-facing camera and 8MP rear camera allow you to capture every moment, including 1080p videos. Plus, you can slide this into a purse or a bag easier than the full-size Surface Pro 9.

Specs

Dimensions

9.65” x 6.9” x 0.33” (245 mm x 175 mm x 8.3 mm)

Display

Screen: 10.5” PixelSense™ Display

Resolution: 1920 x 1280 (220 PPI)

Aspect ratio: 3:2
Touch: 10-point multi-touch
Contrast ratio: 1500:1
Corning® Gorilla® Glass 3
Memory4GB or 8GB LPDDR3
ProcessorDual-core Intel® Pentium® Gold 6500Y processor
Dual-core 10th Gen Intel® Core™ i3-10100Y processor
StorageeMMC drive: 64 GB
SSD drive: 128 GB
GraphicsIntel® UHD Graphics 615
Battery lifeWi-Fi: Up to 11 hours of typical device usage
LTE Advanced: Up to 10.5 hours of typical device usage
Cameras, video, and audioWindows Hello face authentication camera (front-facing)
5.0MP front-facing camera with 1080p HD video
8.0MP rear-facing auto-focus camera with 1080p HD video
Enhanced dual far-field Studio Mics
2W stereo speakers with Dolby® Audio™
PROSCONS
Incredibly portable and lightweightOnly one USB-C port
Superior display for a budget machineAccessories sold separately
Decent Core i3 performanceNot the brightest display
Great Active Pen supportPerformance to be inferior to Surface Pro 9
Windows Hello webcam with 1080p video support
Great video calling experience
Running Windows 11
 Low starting price

| #4 The Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3

Google Users Rating: 4.5/5

The Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3 is an 11-inch tablet that gives you the option of magnetically attaching a keyboard or completely removing it.The Qualcomm Snapdragon™ 7c Gen 2 Compute Platform delivers fast, fanless, and smooth performance on the speedy, secure, and simple-to-use Chrome OS. And with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, you can store more files and enjoy higher access speeds than you’ll find on an average Chromebook.The Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3 supports a USI 2.0 stylus pen, so you can sketch or take notes directly on the screen. And as it’s a touchscreen, the Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3 (11”) lets you scroll, zoom, and create more naturally and intuitively.You also have plenty of connectivity options, including full-function USB-C ports, Bluetooth® 5.1, and WiFi 5.

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Source:microsoft.com

As a Chromebook, the Duet is less capable than a Windows device in some respects, but as modern Chromebooks can run almost any Android app, the use cases where this would make a real difference to you continue to narrow. And head-to-head, a sub-$500 computer running ChromeOS is usually going to feel speedier and more responsive than a similarly priced Windows PC, because of the lighter OS. Lenovo's Chromebook Duet 3 is a  cheaper Surface Pro 9 alternative if you want a light-use tablet that can double as a small laptop in a pinch.

Specs
Dimensions258.04mm x 164.55mm x 7.90mm / 10.16" x 6.48" x 0.31"
WeightStarting at 516.5g / 1.14lbs
Processor

Snapdragon® 7c Gen 2 compute platform (8x Kryo 468 CPU, up to 2.55 GHz)

Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 7c Gen 2 Processor (2.50 GHz )

Graphic CardIntegrated Qualcomm® Adreno™
Memory

4 GB LPDDR4X-2133MHz (Soldered)

8 GB LPDDR4X-2133MHz (Soldered)

Storage128 GB eMMC
Display10.95" 2K (2000 x 1200), IPS, Glare, Touch, 70.8%NTSC, 400 nits, 60Hz
Camera5MP Fixed-focus + 8MP Auto-focus
Connectivity

WiFi 5 802.11AC (2 x 2), Bluetooth® 5.1

PROSCONS
Works as a laptop or tabletDetachable keyboard's track pad isn't very good

Light as a feather weighing from 516g/

1.14lbs

Speakers are lackluster
Brilliant 11" 2K near-borderless touchscreenStylus not included
Perform well for basic tasksOnly two ports (and no headphone jack)
Superb connectivity, plus Bluetooth® 5.1 & USB-C portAverage performance

 Stylus pen support, ideal for notetaking & 

sketching on screen


10+ hours of battery life
 Includes a keyboard case at a fair price

| #5 The SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S7 FE

Google Users Rating: 4.5/5

If you want a large 12.4-inch display without spending too much, then the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE is the ideal tablet for you. It brings all the fan favorite features from the Galaxy Tab S7, including a large display for entertainment, creative work, and multitasking. The 12.4" TFT display features a 2560 x 1600 resolution and a 16:10 aspect ratio. The screen also has multi-touch capabilities. It's powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G chipset, which has an octa-core processor and Adreno 642L graphics.

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Source:samsung.com

The Galaxy Tab S7 FE has 64GB, 128G, 256G of storage space, to choose, you can also expand it via the microSD card slot. For cameras, the Galaxy Tab S7 FE features a rear 8MP camera with autofocus as well as a 5MP front camera for facial recognition and video chats. The included S-Pen provides a natural writing and drawing experience, thanks to its rounded form factor and elongated tip. You can stay connected with Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and sync wireless accessories via Bluetooth 5.0. However, the performance of Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S7 FE is not outstanding, but it is sufficient for everyday apps and Office work. For a moderate price, Samsung delivers a good tablet with a chic 12.4-inch screen.

Specs
Dimension7.28 x 11.21 x 0.25''
Weight1.34 lb
Display12.4'' LTPS TFT LCD, 60Hz
ProcessorQualcomm SDM778G
Micro SD CardUp to 1TB
RAM + Storage4GB+64GB | 6GB+128GB | 8GB+256GB
BatteryLi-Ion 10090mAh
ConnectivityWi-Fi 6, Bluetooth v5.0
PROSCONS
Great built qualityKeyboard cover is very basic
Solid integration with Microsoft 36560Hz LCD display
DeX and software improvements enhance productivityPerformance sluggish on 5G model
Works well with other Samsung productsNo hardware-based biometric security
Multi-device connectivity
S Pen included in box
Excellent battery life
Affordable price


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