The new Surface Pro (2017) tablet is here with updated specs, but it’s not called the “Surface Pro 5”. Instead, Microsoft is dropping the numbering scheme from the name, and it’s just calling the Surface Pro 4 successor “Surface Pro.”
What’s new on the Surface Pro? Although at first glance, the device looks identically to its predecessor, Microsoft says that there more than 800 new custom parts.
These new parts introduce a lot of refinements that makes the Surface Pro lighter (1.69 pounds), thinner (8.5mm) with rounded edges, and more powerful than before. As for the tech specs in the 2017 model of the tablet, Microsoft is adding Intel’s 7th-generation Kaby Lake (U-series) processor, and while some of the models, including those featuring a Core m3 and Core i5 have completely fan-less design, the Core i7 model will have fan, but very quiet ones according to Microsoft.
In comparison, the new Surface Pro is 1.7 times faster than the iPad Pro and 2.5 times faster than Surface Pro 3.
There is also an improved kickstand that folds down a little further (165 degrees) than before allowing the device to go into “Studio Mode”, which makes it easier to use the Surface Pen and Surface Dial. The company also claims that this device will get 13.5 hours of battery life (unlike the current 9 hours with the Surface Pro 4) thanks to new power features in Windows 10, the Kaby Lake processor, and to a technique to integrate the SSD storage into the motherboard.
Surface Pro (2017) tech specs
Here’s a closer to look at the tech specs for the Surface Pro (2017) model.
| Surface Pro tech specs | |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 10 Pro |
| Dimensions | 11.50 x 7.93 x 0.33 in (292.10 x 201.42 x 8.5 mm) |
| Weight | Core m3: 1.69 lbs (766 g) Core i5: 1.73 lbs (786 g) Core i7: 1.73 lbs (786 g) |
| Storage | 128GB 256GB 512GB 1TB |
| Display | Screen: 12.3" PixelSense Display Resolution: 2736 x 1824 (267 PPI) Aspect Ratio: 3:2 Touch: 10 point multi-touch |
| Battery life | Up to 13.5 hours video playback |
| Processor | Intel 7th Gen Core m3 Intel 7th Gen Core i5 Intel 7th Gen Core i7 |
| Graphics | Core m3: Intel HD Graphics 615 Core i5: Intel HD Graphics 620 Core i7: Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640 |
| Security | TPM chip for enterprise security Enterprise-grade protection with Windows Hello face sign-in |
| Memory | 4GB RAM 8GB RAM 16GB RAM |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi: 802.11ac Wi-Fi wireless networking IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n compatible Bluetooth Wireless 4.0 technology |
| Ports | Full-size USB 3.0 microSD card reader Surface Connect Headset jack Mini DisplayPort Cover port |
| Cameras, video, and audio | Windows Hello face sign-in camera (front-facing) 5.0MP front-facing camera with 1080p HD video 8.0MP rear-facing autofocus camera with 1080p HD video Stereo microphones Stereo speakers with Dolby Audio Premium |
| Exterior | Volume key and power key Surface Pen (sold separately) Surface Keyboard (sold separately) Surface Mouse (sold separately) |
| Sensors | Ambient light sensor Accelerometer Gyroscope |
| What's in the box | Surface Pro Power supply Quick Start Guide Safety and warranty documents |
The 12.3-inch display is the same found in its predecessor, but it’s now powered by Intel’s HD Graphics 615 for the Core m3 model, HD Graphics 620 for the Core i5 model, and Iris Plus 640 for the Core i7 model.
The new Surface also includes all the same ports as before, including the same proprietary power plug, USB Type-A, and Mini DisplayPort. In addition, while there isn’t a USB Type-C port, Microsoft will be making available a dongle that plugs into the power port that provide USB Type-C to Surface Pro, and it’ll work for transferring data and charging.
Type Cover
If you’ve seen the Surface Laptop keyboard covered with Alcantara fabric, there is a similar option for the Surface Pro as well. It comes in basic black, but also fabric covered colored options, which are sold separately, and the colored versions will cost even more.
The black Type Cover will cost $129, while the colored Type Cover with the Alcantara fabric will be available for $159.
Surface Pen
Surface Pro also has a new Surface Pen that adds a support for 4096 points of pressure sensitivity. The force needed to activate the pen in the screen has been reduced, and now using digital inking in the screen feels more responsive and less laggy. The pen even feels different now that no longer includes pocket-protector clip.
The Surface Pen is now optional peripheral, and it’ll be sold separately for $99.
Surface Pro with LTE
Microsoft will also be offering a Surface Pro model with LTE connectivity. This model includes support micro SIM and eSIM, and it’ll cost a little more than the regular models, but the company hasn’t revealed the price or release date.
Pricing and release date
While this is a modest set of updates, the Surface Pro is still the best Windows 10 2-in-1 device, even though the company still doesn’t include the must-have keyboard in the box at no extra cost.
Surface Pro is available starting on June 15 with a starting price of $799 for the Intel’s Core m3 model. However, adding the Type Cover and Surface Pen will cost you $1027.
The Core i5 model with 8GB of memory and 256GB of storage starts at $1299, while the Core i7 model with 16GB of memory and 1TB of storage will go for $2699 — without the pen and keyboard, of course.
- Surface Pro | See at Microsoft
- Type Cover | See at Microsoft
- Surface Pen | See at Microsoft
Originally published on May, updated on June 2017.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].