Surface Pro 5 vs 6: An Upgrade Worth Considering?

Has your love for Microsoft got you stuck between the Surface Pro 5 and 6? Don’t worry, this Surface Pro 5 vs 6 comparison article will be of help.

Surface Pro 5 vs 6: At First Glance

As far as 2-in-1 laptops are concerned, Microsoft’s Surface Pro family remains some of the most sought-after convertibles. Going by the love the laptop community has for this brand you can tell just how much excitement fills the air with the arrival of any new version.

All-clad in black armor, the Surface Pro 6 fully embodies what Microsoft has always believed to be the future of personal computers. No doubt that it is another addition to Microsoft’s list of devices with which they hope to sell their “tablets replacing laptops” idea.

Like its predecessor – the Surface Pro 5 -, the Surface Pro 6 comes in a hybrid form that makes it fit to be used as a regular laptop or tablet. As such, the very first thing I noticed with the Surface Pro 6 was how incredibly light it was.

However, asides from the dark paint splashed all over the Surface Pro 6’s chassis, it is hard to notice any new improvements made on the laptop just by looking at it. Fortunately, the laptop’s specs tell a slightly different story.

The big question is this: does the Surface Pro 6 have enough tangible differences to make it worth spending the extra cash?

Let’s proceed to find out.

Surface Pro 5 vs 6: Design, Dimension & Weight

With the Surface Pro 6; “black is the new black”. The laptop’s new black coating doesn’t only add to its aesthetics, it also revitalizes its vibe. 

Unlike the Surface Pro 5 that’s like a white knight in its aluminum light grey finish, the Surface Pro 6 comes in matte black shining armor with a bold and daring appearance.

Placing your hands on its wonderfully constructed chassis will make you feel as though you are in possession of a rare gem. The lining that begins from its smoothly curved edges to what makes up its sides has that same inward slope that depicts the typical Surface laptop design styling.

In my opinion, this is one of the ways Microsoft has achieved the slim form factor on both the Surface Pro 5 and 6.

As such, the Surface Pro 6 looks even more professional with its form and new black color. I’m not saying that the Surface Pro 5’s aluminum light grey looks “wild”. 

All I’m saying is that the black color on the Surface Pro 6 makes it look and feel more like a perfect fit for professionals. It’s a bit funny saying that because it just made me piece together how well the laptop’s professional look perfectly befits its “Pro” name.

Still, if you aren’t a fan of black at all, you can buy the Surface Pro 6 in its regular aluminum light grey color. However, you may be interested in the fact that this new black look doesn’t only satisfy in terms of beauty.

There’s also this slimming effect that the matte black option makes on the Surface Pro 6. It somehow makes the Surface Pro 6 look thinner than its predecessors – including the Surface Pro 5 it is being compared to here.

Despite its thinner looks, the Surface Pro 6 is still exactly the same in terms of dimensions. Both the Surface Pro 5 and 6 measure 292 x 201 x 8.5 mm. 

In fact, it doesn’t take much observation to notice that no design feature has changed in Surface Pro 6 compared to 5.

Other than the new black color scheme, the Surface Pro 6 is just a replica of the Surface Pro 5 in terms of physical attributes alone.

Whichever way you choose to look at it, it is clear that Microsoft has unapologetically reused the Surface Pro 5’s design formula for the Surface Pro 6. The irony of it is that Microsoft chose to advertise the Surface Pro 6 using the line “stand out from the ordinary” somewhere in their advertising campaign.

If we were to consider that line in the context of this comparison – the Surface Pro 5 vs 6, I don’t think there’s much that stands out differently in terms of design.

Asides from the color, an observer will barely notice any other thing that makes the Surface Pro 6 stand out from its predecessors – including the Pro 5. Perhaps, Microsoft’s advertising team felt the color difference was enough to satisfy that advertising line.

Well, I don’t think the color difference is enough. If you ask me, I think Microsoft may have taken the “If it’s not broken, don’t fix it” quote too seriously.

Talking about similarities between the two Surface laptops, the Surface Pro 6’s beautiful display remains unchanged from the one that was fitted onto the Surface Pro 5. Like the Surface Pro 5, the Surface Pro 6 has a 12.3-inch PixelSense Display with a 3:2 aspect ratio. 

Of course, the Surface Pro 5 and 6’s displays are touch screens. It is only right since they can be used as tablets.

With the same display resolution of 2736 x 1824 that the Surface Pro 5’ display has, the Surface Pro 6’s display also offers remarkable color accuracy. Even their 267 PPI pixel density ensures that their display brightness and viewing angles are excellent.

However, the Surface Pro 6’s display has a higher contrast ratio. While the Surface Pro 6 has a contrast ratio of 1,500:1, the Surface Pro 5 has a contrast ratio of 1,300:1.

This means the Surface Pro 6′ display can possibly get more vibrant than the Surface Pro 5’s. That is the only difference between both laptop’s displays.

A glance at the Surface Pro 5 and 6′ display bezels is enough to tell you they are of the same thickness.

In relation to the current bezel standards, the bezels on the Surface Pro 5 and 6 are slightly chunky. Still, they aren’t too bad for laptops that are meant to serve tablet purposes as well.

Speaking of serving different purposes, the Surface Pro 5’s trademark convertibility feature returns in the Surface Pro 6. Like the Surface Pro 5, you can also use the Surface Pro 6 in three primary modes – tablet mode, laptop mode, and studio mode.

Whom the major credit of the Surface Pros’ flexibility is due to, is the Kickstand that has been well engineered to their backs. Even though this rear Kickstand has been a subject of numerous deliberations, it also makes a return on the Surface Pro 6.

Thanks to the Kickstand’s 165 degrees articulation, it is possible to maneuver the Surface Pros to assume any of the aforementioned modes. If you are an artist, you will appreciate the Surface Pros’ studio mode even more.

Moreover, the Kickstand feels very strong and durable despite the excessive movements it allows.

Another component of the Surface Pro 5 and 6 that makes the convertibility magic happen is the Surface Type Cover. The Surface Type Cover is a keyboard feature unique to Microsoft.

As it was with the Surface Pro 5, the Surface Type Cover is a keyboard that can easily be attached to the bottom of the Surface Pro magnetically. Ideally, it is one of those features that makes transformation on the Surface Pro 5 and 6 seem effortless.

Simply detach this Type Cover to use your laptop as a tablet.

If you are going to be buying either of the Surface Pros for the first time, you may as well take note that the Type Covers and Stylus Pens aren’t always included in the box.

Considering the Surface Pro is expensive already, getting the Type cover along with a Stylus Pen may feel like a big price to pay for functionality. Nonetheless, I will advise you to get the Surface Type Cover especially.

The Type Cover is an integral part of the Microsoft Surface experience. Besides, both Surface Pros are just expensive good-looking tablets without the Type Covers.

In use, both laptops’ keyboards were awesome considering how unconventional they are. Despite how flat they look, my typing experience on them was incredibly comfortable.

Even their 1.3 mm key travel is equally commendable.

When I took the 10Fastfingers test on the Surface Pro 5, I was able to type 64 to 68 words per minute. On the Surface Pro 6, I typed 66 to 69 words per minute.

Just so you know, Microsoft offers a standard black Type Cover for the two Surface Pros. However, you can opt for the Alcantara Type Cover in Platinum, Cobalt Blue, or Burgundy if you want to get a blend of different colors.

On the Surface Type Covers, you also get a glass touchpad that’s as responsive as you could ever imagine. I was able to scroll smoothly while I performed two and three-finger gestures.

The only issue I had with both laptops’ touchpads was that they sounded a bit noisy when I clicked down on them.

As I mentioned earlier, the Surface Stylus Pen is one of those things you will need to buy separately if want to be using a pen on the touchscreen. In case you are wondering, I can assure you this accessory is worth the money.

Some of the functionalities it offers include 4,096 levels of sensitivity and a rubber eraser on its back. You can also tilt it in order to use it for shading.

When I tested the Pen in Sketchpad and Paint 3D apps, I was impressed by how smoothly it inked on the screen. I also didn’t notice any lag when drawing and sketching.

Microsoft has provided housing for the pen on the left side of the display in case you purchase it with the laptop. I like the idea of housing the pen on the display because it makes the pen easily accessible to the user when using the laptop in tablet mode.

Asides from the Pen compartment, the sides of the Surface Pro 5 and 6 display are smooth. The same smooth design pattern persists along its lid.

The only pattern you will observe on the lid of the Surface Pro 5 and 6 is the shiny silver Microsoft logo on the Kickstand.

Considering how thin both laptops are, I had anticipated that their port arrangement was going to be limited, and I was right. The right side of the Surface Pro 5 and 6 houses the Surface Connect port, a USB 3.0 port, and a mini DisplayPort. 

Meanwhile, their left sides feature the headphone jack.

In terms of the weight of the Surface Pro 5 and 6, both laptops weigh roughly the same depending on their processor configuration.

An Intel Core i5 equipped Surface Pro 5 weighs 770 g and an Intel Core i7 equipped Surface Pro 5 weighs 784 g. Similarly, the Surface Pro 6 weighs the same based on those Core i5 and i7 configurations.

Overall, both laptops have an excellent form factor that has been designed in one of the most incredible ways. Besides, both laptops are quite sturdy and durable despite how cheap they look.

However, I feel the design of the Surface Pro 6 looks more elegant because of its black color. Hence, I will give the Surface Pro 6 a rating of nine in this Surface Pro 5 vs 6 design comparison.

Meanwhile, the Surface Pro 5 scores a rating of eight.

Surface Pro 5 vs 6: Processor (CPU) Performance

If one thing is clear before we go into this section, it is the fact that Microsoft offers both the Surface Pro 5 and 6 with a good number of configurations. However, these processor configuration options are very different.

In the case of the Surface Pro 5, Microsoft offers three dual-core processors. The processor configuration options that are available for the Pro 5 include the Intel Core m3-7Y30, the Intel Core i5-7300U processor, and the Intel Core i7-7660U processor.

Meanwhile, the Surface Pro 6 could either come equipped with an Intel Core i5-8250U processor or an Intel Core i7-8650U5 processor. Both of these processors are quad-core processors.

To get how powerful these processors are, I will quickly share more details about each of them. Starting with the Surface Pro 5’s Intel Core m3-7Y30 processor, this processor offers a base frequency of 1.00 GHz and a maximum frequency of 2.60 GHz.

Moving on to the Intel Core i5-7300U processor, you get a base frequency of 2.60 GHz and a maximum frequency of 3.50 GHz. Lastly, the Intel Core i7-7660U processor offers a base frequency of 2.50 GHz and a maximum frequency of 4.0 GHz.

Like we did for the Surface Pro 5, we will also quickly take a look at the details of the Surface Pro 6’s processor configuration options.  Here, we have the Intel Core i5-8250U processor which offers a base frequency of 1.60 GHz and a maximum frequency of 3.40 GHz.

Coming in next is the Intel Core i7-8650U5 processor with a base frequency of 1.90 GHz and a maximum frequency of 4.20 GHz.

Now that we are done with the processor details, let’s move on to the part we have all been waiting for; the actual performance review!

For the record, our Surface Pro 5 unit came equipped with the Intel Core i7-7660U processor. Our Surface Pro 6 unit, on the other hand, features the Intel Core i7-8650U5 processor.

I will be testing these laptops’ processor performance using two approaches. First, I will carry out a real-world processor performance test before proceeding to test them using a synthetic benchmark.

In my real-world performance test, both laptops performed frighteningly fast. The Surface Pro 5 surfed the web with ease and also performed some word processing tasks smoothly.

Similarly, the Surface Pro 6 didn’t face any difficulty whatsoever while surfing the web, sending emails, or preparing word documents.

In fact, these laptops showed why they are targeted towards the creative professional market. They both swiftly downloaded and uploaded media files. 

In addition to that, they also performed adequately well when I tried carrying out some light video and picture editing tasks. As I expected, the Surface Pro 6 was able to handle more intensive video and picture editing tasks compared to the Surface Pro 5.

For the benchmark test, I tested both laptops’ processor performance using the Cinebench R15. The Cinebench R15 is a synthetic benchmark that tests a laptop’s processor performance capabilities.

Cinebench R15 provides scores for single and multi-core performances of a processor.

At first, the Surface Pro 5 looked like it was good enough to compete with the Surface Pro 6 on all fronts. In the single-core aspect of the Cinebench R15 test, the Surface Pro 5 was able to equal the Surface Pro 6’s score.

Both laptops scored 163 points. However, in the multi-core test, the Surface Pro 5 began to trail behind the Surface Pro 6 by a long-range.

In the multi-core aspect, while the Surface Pro 6 scored 639 points, the Surface Pro 5 scored 410 points.  

Even though both laptops are equally capable, it is clear that the Surface Pro 6 can handle more intensive tasks. Moreover, the Surface Pro 6 outperformed the Surface Pro 5 in this processor review section based on the benchmark results.

As a result, the Surface Pro 6 scores an eight in this Surface Pro 5 vs 6 processor performance comparison. Meanwhile, the Surface Pro 5 scores a seven.

Surface Pro 5 vs 6: Memory (RAM) Performance

Like they did for the processor, Microsoft also offers a range of memory configuration options for both the Surface Pro 5 and 6. You can buy the Surface Pro 5 with either 16 GB, 4 GB, or 8 GB LPDDR3 RAM.

The Surface Pro 5 has only one non-removable RAM slot. Also, the maximum RAM size Microsoft allows for this laptop is 16 GB. 

On the other hand, the Surface Pro 6 either comes with 16 GB or 8 GB LPDDR3 RAM. Also, like the Surface Pro 5, the maximum size Microsoft allows for this laptop’s RAM is also 16 GB.

Like the Surface Pro 5, the Surface Pro 6 has only one RAM slot that is non-removable. Now that we’re done with the RAM specs, it is time to test the performance of both laptops.

As usual, this test will comprise both real-world and benchmark testing. On my real-world multitasking test, both laptops impressed me just as I hoped they would.

I opened 30 Google Chrome tabs on both laptops as I streamed Essence by Wizkid on Spotify. During these operations, I was also downloading SEE season 2.

Both Surface Pro 5 and 6 worked smoothly without lagging or skipping while they were under my multitasking workload. They both handled the multitasking activities like pros.

On the PCMark 10 benchmark test, the Surface Pro 5 slightly outperformed the Surface Pro 6. In case you are wondering, this PCMark 10 benchmark helps to access the overall system performance of computers when placed under office-related workload.

To give precise details of both laptops’ benchmark performance, the Surface Pro 5 scored 3909 points. Meanwhile, the Surface Pro 6 scored a lower 3448 points.

If we were to consider the Surface Pro 6’s slight superiority over the Surface Pro 5 in terms of multitasking capabilities, this benchmark result helps the Pro 5 close down the gap.

Going by the benchmark test result, we could say it’s possible for the Surface Pro 5 to outperform the Surface Pro 6 once in a while. 

As a result, this round will be concluded as a tie. Both the Surface Pro 5 and 6 score an eight in this Surface Pro 5 vs 6 RAM performance comparison.

Surface Pro 5 vs 6: Storage Options & Performance

This is another aspect where Microsoft made absolutely no changes. Both the Surface Pro 5 and 6 come equipped with the exact same storage features.

On the Surface Pro 5 and 6, you get a 1 TB SSD storage drive each. In addition to that, Microsoft also adds a MicroSDXC Card Reader for external storage.

From the looks of it, the storage option on these laptops is excellent. Asides from their sufficient 1 TB capacity, the SSD drive type is a plus for speedy performance.

Even if you don’t find the 1 TB capacity to be sufficient because of the nature of files you may need to store, the SD card option will be of great help.

With every detail being considered, I’m curious to see how these laptops’ storage performance differs. Mind you, the two laptops having the same storage specification does not necessarily guarantee similarity in performance.

Other specifications like the processor and memory configurations could also have an effect on the storage speed.

With that being said, let’s proceed to compare the Surface Pro 5 and 6 ‘s storage performance. I will still maintain the use of the real-world and benchmark testing approaches.

I carried out the storage performance test using the CrystalDiskMark synthetic benchmark. The CrystalDiskMark is a benchmark tool that measures and tests the performance of a laptop’s storage disk.

It is ideal to use this tool because it can be used to test SSDs, flash memory, HDDs, and even many other drive types. Besides, I love using this benchmark because of how clearly it reports the speed of a laptop’s storage drive.

The CrystalDiskMark benchmark usually displays a graphical illustration of both the read and write speeds of a laptop’s drive. Before we get carried away, let’s head back into the subject of the matter here – the Surface Pro 5 and 6’s storage performance comparison.

On the CrystalDiskMark test, the Surface Pro 5 hit slightly higher figures compared to the Surface Pro 6. The Surface Pro 5’s read and write speeds were both faster than that of the Surface Pro 6.

Let’s take a look at the figures.

The Surface Pro 5 offered sequential read and write speeds of 984.58 MBps and 905.24 MBps. Meanwhile, the Surface Pro 6 recorded slower sequential read and write speeds of 899.7 MBps and 636.4 MBps.

However, the Surface Pro 5 couldn’t outperform the Surface Pro 6 in our real-world file transfer test. The Surface Pro 6 was able to turn over the situation to its favor in the file transfer test.

It needed just 21 seconds to copy a 4.97 GB multimedia file. That duration translates to a copy rate of 232 MBps.

In comparison, the Surface Pro 5 was just 3 seconds behind. The Surface Pro 5 took 23 seconds to copy the same 4.97 GB multimedia file.

It copied the file at a rate of 217 MBps.

If we look at the results of the tests that were carried out on both laptops in this review, you will notice how close the performance gap was. While the Surface Pro 5 had the better benchmark test performance, we can’t deny the fact that the Surface Pro 6’ results were very close.

Similarly, in the file transfer test, the Surface Pro 6 was just 3 seconds faster than the Surface Pro 5. From all of this, I’ve decided to conclude this storage performance comparison with a tie.

Hence, both the Surface Pro 5 and 6 score an eight in this Surface Pro 5 vs 6 storage performance comparison.

Surface Pro 5 vs 6: Graphics Card Performance

Unlike in the just-completed section, both laptops do not have anything in common in this aspect. While Microsoft offers different configuration options for the Surface Pro 5, the Surface Pro 6 features just one graphic configuration.

The Surface Pro 6 comes with an integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620 GPU. This graphics card has a base frequency of 300 MHz and a boost frequency of 1150 MHz.

Sadly, this GPU does not feature a dedicated VRAM. Likewise, none of the configuration options that Microsoft offers for the Surface Pro 5 comes with a dedicated VRAM.

In case you are interested in knowing about the VRAM, it is a special type of RAM that aids the working process of your laptop’s graphical processing unit. This VRAM stores information that the GPU needs – information like lighting effects and game textures.

Hence, with the VRAM, your GPU will be able to quickly access info and pass the info to your monitor. The VRAM usually helps the GPU meet up with high-intensity graphical operations.

I hope that helped.

Moving on, allow me to highlight the configuration options Microsoft has listed out for the Surface Pro 5’s graphics card. The laptop can be shipped with an integrated Intel HD Graphics 615 GPU or an integrated Intel HD Graphics 620 GPU. 

There’s also an option to equip the Surface Pro 5 with an integrated Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640 GPU.

If you buy the Surface Pro 5 with the Intel HD Graphics 615 graphics card, you will get a base frequency of 300 MHz and a boost frequency of 900 MHz. The Intel HD Graphics 620, on the other hand, offers a base frequency of 300 MHz and a boost frequency of 1100 MHz.

You will get a base GPU frequency of 730 MHz and a boost GPU frequency of 1100 MHz if you buy your Surface Pro 5 with the Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640 GPU.

For clarity, our Surface Pro 5 unit features the Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640 graphics card.

Now let’s move on to the more interesting aspect of this section – the actual performance review. We will start with the benchmark performance results of both laptops.

I made use of the 3DMark 11 synthetic benchmark to carry out the benchmark test. The 3DMark 11 is a DirectX 11 video card benchmark test tool that measures the gaming performance capabilities of a laptop.

By giving an absolute score, it makes it easy to compare the results of two laptops.

On this benchmark test, the Surface Pro 5 outscored the Surface Pro 6. The Surface Pro 5 scored an impressive 2664 points.

Meanwhile, the Surface Pro 6 scored 2202 points.

In terms of actual gaming performance, both laptops have their strengths and weaknesses. In most cases, the Surface Pro 5 can handle undemanding games at medium gaming settings.

Unfortunately, you may not be able to play some graphically demanding games in high settings with Full HD.

The Surface Pro 6 also handles games comparably well. It can play undemanding games smoothly, but you may need to reduce game settings and your display resolution once in a while.

To give you a more definite grasp of how gaming on the two laptops is, I will tell you about my gaming experience on both laptops. Just so you know, I played the games I tested on the two laptops in low graphics settings.

When I played Rise of the Tomb Raider on the Surface Pro 5, the laptop offered frame rates of 23.5 frames per second. On the Surface Pro 6, the frame rate was even lower.

The Surface Pro 6 played the game at frame rates of 21.7 frames per second.

Both laptops offered much better frame rates when I ran the Farming Simulator 17 on them. On the Surface Pro 5, I got frame rates of 121 frames per second.

Meanwhile, the Surface Pro 6 played the game at 80.5 frames per second.

When I tried playing Dirt 4 on the Surface Pro 5, the laptop ran into a graphical problem. It wasn’t able to run the game.

On the other hand, the Surface Pro 6 comfortably played the game at 50 frames per second.

Like in the previous section, the performance gap between the Surface Pro 5 and 6 is not significantly wide here too. Although the Surface Pro 5 clearly performed better in the benchmark test, the real-world gaming tests results were very close.

Nonetheless, the Surface Pro 5 scores higher than the Surface Pro 6 for its better benchmark performance. The Surface Pro 5 scores an eight in this Surface Pro 5 vs 6 graphics card performance comparison.

On the other hand, the Surface Pro 6 scores a seven.

Surface Pro 5 vs 6: Battery Life & Performance

Microsoft equipped both the Surface Pro 5 and 6 with a 45 Wh Lithium-ion battery.

To test the battery performance of both laptops, I first carried out a video playback test. On this test, the Surface Pro 5 lasted for 10 hours and 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, the Surface Pro 6 ran for 14 hours and 4 minutes before it ran out of power.

After I completed that test, I proceeded to also carry out our regular continuous web surfing test. On this test, the Surface Pro 5 lasted for 8 hours and 10 minutes, while the Surface Pro 6 lasted 19 minutes longer.

It recorded a runtime of 8 hours and 29 minutes.

Just to test both laptop’s limits more, I carried out another test that I called the “full load” test. In this test, I placed both laptops under intensive workloads with their display brightness at the maximum.

In 1 hour 53 minutes, the Surface Pro 5 ran out of battery. It took the Surface Pro 6, 2 hours and 13 minutes before it ran out of power.

Judging from the result of these tests, it is clear that the Surface Pro 6 has a slightly longer battery life than the Surface Pro 5. Hence, it wins this round without debate.

Therefore, the Surface Pro 6 scores an eight in this Surface Pro 5 vs 6 battery performance comparison. Meanwhile, the Surface Pro 5 scores a seven.

Our Rating Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

To be honest, there are very few changes in the new Surface Pro 6 vs 5. Although the Pro 6 is a slight improvement over the Pro 5 in some areas, we still have to admit that the improvements could have been more considering the Pro 6’s price.

Looking at the design, the only difference you will notice is the new matte black finish on the Surface Pro 6. In terms of configurations, there is a slight difference in their Processor, and GPU.

Although Surface Pro 6 is pricier, it is a better choice if you have the money. It is faster, has a better multitasking performance capability, has longer battery life, and offers a sleeker matte black appearance.

Based on the aforementioned, if you already have a working Surface Pro 5, you may not need to buy Surface Pro 6. However, if you do not own version 5, you should get the 6th edition.

Hence, based on our comprehensive comparison of the Surface Pro 5 vs 6, we recommend:

However, if you do not want to spend too much you can consider the Surface Pro 5.

I hope you found this Surface Pro 5 vs 6 comparison review helpful.  If you found the review helpful, kindly click Yes to “Was this page Helpful?” below.

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