These are the differences between the Surface Pro 7 and Surface Pro X
22.10.2019
Translation: machine translated
There are of course external differences between the Surface Pro 7 and Surface Pro X, but the non-identical internal values are at least as important when choosing the right Windows tablet.
Note in autumn 2020
This article refers to the first generation of the Pro X from 2019. While the basic differences have remained the same, there have been some technical changes. For example, the ARM chipset is now called "SQ2".
End
The choice between Intel processor and ARM chipset is not only interesting for technology nerds, but also has real effects on the use of the Surface. I explain what these are here.
Mobile chipset for a mobile device
The Surface Pro 7 offers you a choice of different processors from Intel. This was already the case with its predecessors and is nothing special. Whether you opt for a Core i3, i5 or i7 depends on how much power you want your Surface to have
The Surface Pro X, on the other hand, is equipped with an ARM chipset, which is based on a different architecture to the Intel chips. These can also be found in notebooks and PCs, while ARM chips are mainly found in smartphones. Unsurprisingly, the "Microsoft SQ1" ARM chip also comes from Qualcomm, whose Snapdragon chipsets are found in most Android devices.
I can't tell you in advance how much processing power the SQ1 has compared to the Core i chips, but given what I've seen when trying out the Surface Pro X and the power of the smartphone processors, it should be enough for many applications. Microsoft is also hoping for longer battery life from the ARM architecture. 13 hours instead of 10.5 hours with the Surface Pro 7.
You don't have to make any compromises when using the installed Windows, which is identical on both tablets. However, there may be important differences in the programmes. Due to the ARM architecture, some Windows applications cannot run on the Surface Pro X. This currently affects all 64-bit software. For example, the current version of Adobe Photoshop will not run. However, 32-bit programmes that were originally written for the X86 architecture should run without any problems. These are emulated with software in the background on the ARM architecture. So if you are dependent on Adobe CS, you currently have to use the Surface Pro 7.
Don't lose the pen
A stylus is available for both tablets. However, like the plug-in keyboard, it is not included as standard. On the Surface Pro 7, a magnet holds it in place on the left side of the casing. It is always within reach, but can also come loose and get lost - and not just in your bag. On the Surface Pro X, on the other hand, the Surface Pen has a fixed place in the plug-in keyboard. Not only is it held there by a magnet, it is also in a closed pocket when you close the keyboard.
Display, connections and more
Although the difference in weight between the Surface Pro 7 and Pro X is only a few grams, the Pro X feels significantly lighter. This is probably due to the slightly larger display - 13 inches compared to 12.3 inches - and the thinner casing - 7.3 millimetres compared to 8.5 millimetres. However, these are only minor differences overall. Similarly, the fact that the Surface Pro X has a maximum of 512 gigabytes of internal memory and the Surface Pro 7 has up to one terabyte should rarely be the deciding factor.
To enable the Surface Pro X to be so thin, Microsoft has dispensed with the classic USB-A port. Instead, there are two USB-C sockets. Conventional USB plugs still fit into the Surface Pro 7, which now also has a USB-C port and still has a headphone jack and a microSD card reader. It also supports WLAN 6, a faster standard for wireless networks. The Pro X, on the other hand, emphasises its claim to be a particularly mobile device with a slot for a nano SIM card and goes online directly via LTE.
The Pro X is also equipped with a microSD card reader.
Conclusion: How mobile should it be
With its longer battery life, better pen storage and the option to insert a SIM card, the Surface Pro X is clearly the more mobile of Microsoft's two new tablets. You may only have to compromise on software compatibility when the Pro X goes on sale in the second half of November.
The Surface Pro 7 offers a lower entry-level price, more power and connections and no software restrictions.
When I was but a young student, I'd sit in my friend's living room with all my classmates and play on his SuperNES. Since then I've had the opportunity to test out all the newest technology for you. I've done reviews at Curved, Computer Bild and Netzwelt, and have now arrived at Galaxus.de.
