Surface Pro 6 Review: Is It Worth Your Investment?

Key Highlights

Thinking about getting the Microsoft Surface Pro 6? Here’s what you need to know about it. The surface pro brings much better speed than older ones. You will also see some nice updates in its look. The microsoft surface pro 6 is fast and works well for work or play. Many people want a device that is easy to take on the go, and the microsoft surface lets you do that. It’s a good option if you want both power and style in one.

  • The Surface Pro 6 gives you high performance because it uses the 8th generation quad-core Intel® Core™ processors.
  • You get great battery life with this device, as it can play videos for up to 13.5 hours on just one charge.
  • There is a new matte black color option. This black color option makes it look modern and stylish.
  • The Surface Pro 6 keeps its 2-in-1 design. You can switch between using it as a laptop or tablet at any time.
  • Accessories such as the Surface Pen and Type Cover are not included. You need to buy them by their own, but they are important if you want the best experience.

Introduction

Welcome to our easy-to-follow review of the Microsoft Surface Pro 6. If you want a device that works as both a laptop and a tablet, you are in the right spot. The surface pro has been one of the top choices for people looking for 2-in-1 devices, and this model keeps that going. Are you wondering if it suits what you need right now? We will talk about the design, how well it works, and what comes with it. This way, you get a better look at what the microsoft surface pro and its tablet mode offer. We also help you see if picking this microsoft surface device is good for you, both in tablet mode and for other uses.

Overview of the Microsoft Surface Pro 6

The Microsoft Surface Pro 6 is the sixth in the surface pro series. It came out in October 2018. This microsoft surface pro gives you faster speed and better performance than the earlier microsoft surface model. But it still keeps that slim and light shape people like.

As one of the top Surface devices, the Surface Pro 6 tried to make the 2-in-1 design better. There are now newer options out there. But people still ask if the Surface Pro 6 is a good choice. Let’s take a look at what it has to offer and see how it works in real life.

Key Features at a Glance

The Surface Pro 6 came out with the best hardware around at the time. The big change was the switch to an 8th generation Intel Core processor. For the first time in the Pro series, you get a quad-core Intel Core chip. This upgrade helps a lot when you work with several apps at once or need the device to do tough jobs. You will notice that tasks feel a lot quicker and smoother.

Here’s a quick look at its core specifications:

  • Processor: It has the 8th generation Intel Core i5 or i7. These help your laptop be fast, and work well.
  • Display: The device comes with a 12.3-inch PixelSense display. You get sharp pictures with a 2736 x 1824 resolution.
  • Aspect Ratio: The aspect ratio is 3:2. This is good when you work or do tasks.
  • Memory: You can get either 8GB or 16GB RAM. This means it can run several apps at one time without slowing down.
  • Security: You can unlock your device with Windows Hello using your face. So unlocking is very fast and safe.
  • Pen Support: This laptop works with the Surface Pen. The pen has 4,096 pressure levels so you feel like you are writing with a real pen.

This device has a clear display, fast Intel Core processors, and works well with the Surface Pen. The Surface Pro 6 is good for both working tasks and doing art. You get a bright 12.3-inch PixelSense display that really shows off your plans and ideas. It does well whether you are changing text files or drawing something new.

Price, Configurations, and Availability

When the Surface Pro 6 came out, it started at $899. This price was good for what the device could do. The basic version of the Surface Pro had a quad-core Intel Core i5 and 8GB RAM. It was fast and could handle most things you do every day. There were several versions of the Surface Pro, so you could pick the one that fit your needs and budget.

Today, there are many of these models that sell for a lower price, now more people get them on the resale market. They are a good choice for those who want to save some money. You can pick from several setups. This helps you find the best fit for how much storage and speed you want.

Here are the main setup choices you will see for the Surface Pro 6:

Processor       Memory (RAM)    Storage (SSD)

Intel Core i5    8GB                       128GB, 256GB

Intel Core i7    8GB                       256GB

Intel Core i7    16GB                     512GB, 1TB

Design and Build Quality

Microsoft did not change much in the look of the Surface Pro 6, but it did add a new matte black color option that many people were asking for. The new matte black color option makes the device look more sleek and modern, in addition to the classic platinum finish. The build of the Surface Pro is top notch, with its unibody magnesium casing. It feels strong and premium, giving you a good feel in your hands.

When you compare this to a regular Surface Laptop, you will see that its tablet-first design is very flexible. You feel how well it’s made and how strong it is as soon as you hold it. Let’s take a closer look at the style, the way it feels, and the stuff it’s made from.

Look, Feel, and Portability

The Surface Pro 6 is strong and looks great. The black color option gives it a clean and smart feel. The new matte black color is a highlight. It looks better because it does not show fingerprints as much as shiny surfaces. The matte black color option helps keep it looking nice. The Surface Pro weighs only 1.7 pounds if you get the i5 model. That means it is easy to take with you. You can put it into your bag and carry it all day without feeling it.

This device is made for people who are always on the move. The built-in kickstand helps you switch between different modes in no time. You can open it and put on the Type Cover to get into laptop mode. This way, you have a full laptop to type up your emails or documents.

When you close the kickstand, the Surface Pro turns into a strong tablet. In tablet mode, you can use it to browse the web, watch movies, or draw out ideas with the Surface Pen. This makes the Surface Pro great for travel. It is good for people who work or go to school.

Durability and Materials Used

The Microsoft Surface Pro 6 is built to last. Microsoft made sure to use top materials in the surface pro. The main part of this device is made from one piece of magnesium. Magnesium is light, but also strong. The microsoft surface pro has this single piece design to make it look neat and feel tough. This style helps the microsoft surface keep its shape, even with lots of use in a year.

This use of strong materials makes the Surface Pro feel high-quality. The kickstand hinge works well and moves smoothly. It stays in place and does not slip when you set it up.

Key elements of its durable construction include:

  • Casing: The device comes in a single piece. It uses strong magnesium to make it look and feel solid.
  • Venting: The vents go all around the edge. This design keeps things cool and still keeps the nice look.
  • Kickstand: A hinge lets you change the stand. It goes all the way to 165 degrees.
  • Display: The screen has tough Corning Gorilla Glass on it. This helps protect the display.

Display and Visual Experience

The Surface Pro 6 has a really good 12.3-inch PixelSense display. Its high pixel density helps text look very sharp. Images also look bright and clear on the screen. This screen is one of the best things about the device and makes the visual experience stand out.

The 3:2 aspect ratio is a big benefit. It gives you more room on the screen from top to bottom compared to most laptops with a 16:9 widescreen. This helps a lot when you read documents or look at websites. It makes doing work feel easier. Next, we will talk more about the screen and see how well it works for creative tasks.

Screen Quality, Resolution, and Touch Responsiveness

The screen on the Surface Pro 6 looks great. It uses a 12.3-inch PixelSense display with sharp colors and clear text. The resolution is 2736 x 1824, so you get 267 pixels in every inch. Because the display has this many pixels close together, text and photos look clear and detailed.

The touch on the screen is very good. The 10-point multi-touch screen reacts fast and is right every time you touch it. This makes moving around in Windows feel easy and smooth. The screen has an ambient light sensor. This sensor changes the screen brightness to match where you are. It helps your eyes feel better and saves the battery.

Here are the key display specifications:

  • Display Type: The display is a 12.3-inch PixelSense.
  • Resolution: It shows things at 2736 x 1824. You get 267 PPI.
  • Aspect Ratio: The aspect ratio is 3:2.
  • Touch: This screen lets you use 10 fingers at a time with its multi-touch feature.
  • Sensors: You get an ambient light sensor in the device.

Suitability for Creatives and Digital Artists

For people who create and make digital art, the Surface Pro 6 is a great pick. The high-quality display and advanced support for the Surface Pen give you a strong and portable way to work. If you add the Surface Pen stylus, it changes how things feel to use with its 4,096 levels of sensitivity. It also lets you tilt for shading. You can draw or write by hand and it feels natural. It works well if you sketch art or just want to take some handwritten notes. The Surface Pro with the Surface Pen is made for people who want to get good results everywhere they go.

The Surface Pen has low latency. This means the ink seems to flow right from the tip with almost no wait. It gives you the feel of using a real pen on paper. This is good for detailed art work. The device also works with the Surface Dial. The Surface Dial is an innovative tool that gives people a new way to use creative apps right on the screen. This helps people do their creative work better and feel more in control.

Here’s why it works for creatives:

  • Stylus Support: The Surface Pen works with up to 4,096 levels of sensitivity. You can tilt it as you draw.
  • Natural Inking: It feels like a real pen on paper because there is low delay.
  • Accessory Support: The Surface Pen works with the Surface Dial.
  • Versatile Modes: Studio Mode sets the screen to a good angle for you to draw easily.

Performance and Speed

One of the top changes in the Surface Pro 6 was that it now uses 8th generation Intel Core processors. For the first time, these Surface Pro devices had quad-core Intel Core CPUs. This gave users much better high performance for daily work. Microsoft said that this model was 67% faster than the last one. You can feel this speed boost when you start up the Surface Pro or use several apps at the same time.

This extra power means the device can be used as your main computer. At the same time, it gives you better performance for daily tasks. So, how well does it help you with multitasking? And how does it do when you look at a comparison of Surface Pro models we have seen over the years? The new surface pro can handle more than the older versions, making it a good choice for many people.

Everyday Tasks and Multitasking

For day-to-day work, the Surface Pro 6 gives you everything you need. The basic version has an Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB of RAM. You can open several tabs in your web browser, listen to music, and use Microsoft Office at the same time. It handles these tasks well, with no big slowdowns. This makes it a good and steady choice for both students and people at work.

You can feel the high performance of the Surface Pro when you use its quad-core processor for big tasks. Apps open fast, and it is easy to move from one to another. The Surface Pro 6 stays quick, even with a lot of programs open. This is very helpful if you want to get your work done well and on time.

Are you worried the starter model might not be good enough? For most tasks, like browsing the web, watching videos, and doing basic work, this model works well. But, if you plan to use it for video editing or want to change a lot of photos, you should think about getting the one with Core i7 and 16GB RAM. This setup will be better for tough jobs.

How It Compares to Newer Surface Models

When you think about getting a Surface Pro 6 now, you should look at how it compares to other Surface devices. In the comparison of Surface Pro models, newer models like the Surface Pro 7 and 8 have stronger processors. They also have better graphics. A USB-C port is added in these new models, while the Pro 6 does not have this. The Surface Pro X gives you ARM-based processing and lets you connect with LTE. This model is made for people who want their device to be easy to carry and move around.

The Surface Pro 6 is still a good pick, especially when you look at what you get for the money. The 8th-gen quad-core in this device is much better than what was in older versions. It gives you enough power for most things people need to do. This device balances how fast it can go with how much it costs. Many people may like this better than the Surface Go, which is cheaper but has less power. It can also feel like a better choice than a surface laptop for some users.

Here’s a simple comparison to help you get the idea:

Feature        Surface Pro 6                      Surface Pro 7              Surface Pro 8

Processor    8th Gen Intel Core              10th Gen Intel Core   11th Gen Intel Core

Ports            USB-A, Mini DisplayPort   USB-A, USB-C           2x USB-C (Thunderbolt 4)

Display        12.3-inch, 60Hz                   12.3-inch, 60Hz          13-inch, 120Hz

Pen              Surface Pen                        Surface Pen                Surface Slim Pen 2

Battery Life and Charging

Battery life is one of the most important things to when you use a portable device. The Surface Pro 6 does well here. Microsoft said you get up to 13.5 hours of video playback on it, which was one of the top numbers then. A longer battery life like this means you may not need to bring your charger if you go out for a day at work or in classes. The Surface Pro can get you through the day with ease.

Charging lets you use the Surface Connect port. This port connects with a magnet, so it fits tight and does not fall out. It’s made to be safe and simple to use. Let’s talk about the battery life you can get in a day and how to make the most out of every charge. Use the Surface Connect port to give your device a good, fast charge and have it ready for the day.

Real-World Battery Expectations

While the official battery test says that you can get up to 13.5 hours of video playback, most people will see different results when they use it each day. Your hours of battery life will change based on settings, screen brightness, and the apps you use. If you have a normal day using Microsoft Office, browsing the web, and streaming, you can expect to get between 8 and 9 hours of battery life from one charge.

This is usually enough battery life to last you the whole workday or a day at school. You will not need to look for a charger. It gives you all-day battery life like it promises. If you do smaller tasks, you might even get more out of it.

To help you understand better, here is what can change how well the battery works:

  • Screen Brightness: When you set screen brightness high, it uses more power. This can make battery life shorter.
  • Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: If you keep Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on, the battery will run down faster.
  • Background Apps: Some apps keep running, even when you are not using them. These can use up the battery life in your device.
  • CPU-Intensive Tasks: If you use your device to play games or edit videos, these tasks need more power. You may see battery life go down quickly when you do these things.

Charging Times and Tips for Longevity

The Surface Pro 6 uses a 44W power supply. You connect it with the magnetic Surface Connect port. This design works well, and it helps stop damage if you pull the cord by mistake. The battery charges fast. It usually goes from dead to full in two to three hours. The power adapter has a USB-A port too. You can use this to charge your phone or another device at the same time.

To get better battery life from your device, it’s good to follow some easy charging steps. Do not let your battery go all the way down to 0% often. It’s also better to avoid keeping your device charging at 100% for a long time. These tips help the battery to last longer and keep working well.

Here are a few things you can do to make your battery last longer:

  • Use Battery Saver Mode: Windows comes with built-in battery saver mode. This setting lowers the background work on your device.
  • Reduce Screen Brightness: Turning down the screen brightness is one easy way for you to save power.
  • Manage Background Apps: Do not keep apps you are not using open. Close them so you use less energy.
  • Enable Hibernation: Hibernation will use less power than sleep mode. If you take long breaks, it is good to pick hibernation.

Accessories and Expandability

To get the most out of the Surface Pro 6, you should think about using it with its extra add-ons. The surface pro is a strong tablet on its own. But, if you buy the type cover and surface pen, it turns into a device that helps you get more work done. The type cover and surface pen do not come with the surface pro. You have to buy them alone, so be sure to know this when you think about how much it will cost.

Expandability is easy because you get several useful ports. There is a full-size USB 3.0 port that lets you plug in devices like a mouse or a hard drive. The Mini DisplayPort helps you connect the device to an external monitor. A microSD card reader is built-in so you can add more storage. You also get the Surface Connect port that is great for docking and charging your device.

Let’s look at some must-have accessories. These can help you do your work better and make everything feel smoother. The right mini displayport cable, an SD card for the microsd card reader, and a Surface Connect dock are all good choices for this device.

Must-Have Surface Pro 6 Accessories

While the Surface Pro 6 works well when you take it from the box, you will need some accessories for it to be at its best. The main one is the Surface Pro Type Cover. This keyboard cover helps keep your screen safe. It also gives you a typing feel like a real laptop, with lights under the keys and a trackpad that is easy to use.

The Surface Pen is great for students and people who like to make art. You can use it to draw, sketch, and write notes right on the screen. It works with high accuracy. If you want to set up your Surface as a desktop, the Surface Dock helps a lot. It gives you several ports at once using just one magnetic connection.

Here are the key accessories to consider:

  • Type Cover: This is the keyboard cover you need to make your device feel like a laptop.
  • Surface Pen: You can write or draw in a natural way with this tool.
  • Surface Arc Mouse: Take this mouse anywhere. It snaps flat so it fits in your bag.
  • Surface Dock: You get a desktop feel by using this dock with your Pro 6.
  • Surface Dial: This tool is made to help you with creative work the easy way.

Options for Enhancing Productivity

Besides the basic stuff, there are a few accessories that make it easier to get things done on the Surface Pro 6. The Surface Type Cover is a must-have if you type a lot. It gives you a good keyboard that feels nice to use and helps you work on Microsoft Office files without trouble.

For users who want more ways to connect at their desk, the Surface Dock makes work easy. You use the Surface Connect port to plug in, and it gives you extra things like Ethernet, audio, several USB ports, and video ports. With Surface Dock, you can connect monitors, external drives, and other devices with one quick click. This lets you move from using your tablet on the go to working at a strong desktop in no time.

Here are some ways to enhance your workflow:

  • Surface Type Cover: You can type fast with it, and it also helps keep your screen safe.
  • Surface Dock: Make the Surface feel like a desktop with this.
  • microSD Card Reader: You get more room for your stuff, and it is easy to add.
  • Surface Pen: Write notes by hand or mark up your papers in no time.

User Experience: Productivity and Student Use

The Surface Pro 6 is great for work and school. This device is small and light, and it has enough power to help people do different tasks. You can use the Surface Pro in a classroom, at the office, or when you are at a coffee shop. One big plus is that you get to use full desktop apps like Microsoft Office. This gives it an edge over normal tablets.

With the Surface Pro Type Cover, the Surface Pro works like a good laptop. You can use it to write essays and reports. This is really helpful for students. You can also take handwritten notes right on the screen, which makes a big difference. Let’s see how it does when you use it for work or school.

Surface Pro 6 for Students

For students, the Surface Pro 6 is a great choice. It is light, so it is easy to take with you as you go to class or walk around campus. You will not feel weighed down at all. In the library, you can use the Surface Pro with the Surface Pro Type Cover. This works well when you want to type papers. When you need to read books or articles, you can take off the type cover and use tablet mode instead.

The Surface Pen makes it easy for students to take handwritten notes. You can write straight on the screen, add notes to your PDFs, and sketch out diagrams as you go. All your study materials stay together in one place that you can always reach on your device. Using the Surface Pen, you do not have to carry a lot of notebooks. This helps you stay more organized and travel lighter.

The built-in microSD card reader lets you add more storage at a low cost. This is good for students who want to save money. With the full Windows OS, pen support, and day battery life, you get a tool that is strong and easy to use. This can help you do better in school.

Productivity in Professional and Personal Settings

The Surface Pro 6 gives you a lot of ways to use it, both at work and at home. When you use it in laptop mode, it runs Microsoft Office well. You can read and send emails easily. It’s great for video calls too. The Type Cover has a full keyboard, and the screen is sharp and clear. This makes it feel good to use for work all day.

If you are on the go or in a meeting, you can use the Surface Pen to sign things or write notes fast. This is very handy. With many hours of battery life, you do not need to worry about looking for a power socket all the time. The battery life lets you go from meeting to meeting with no problem.

Here’s why the Surface Pro 6 is good for getting things done fast:

  • Full Desktop Apps: You can use all the Windows programs you need, including Microsoft Office.
  • Versatile Modes: This device lets you switch between laptop, studio, and tablet modes with no trouble.
  • Pen Integration: It works well for making quick notes, signing your name, or marking up documents.
  • All-Day Battery: The battery gives you enough power to last through a whole workday.

Pros and Cons of the Surface Pro 6

No device is perfect, and you have to look at both the good and bad points before getting the Surface Pro 6. The Surface Pro 6 has strong performance, looks nice, and the display stands out as a good thing. You also get hours of battery life, which is great. Its flexible design makes it useful for many people.

However, there are some things to watch out for. The accessories that help you get the full use are not included. You have to buy them apart from the main product, and this will make it cost more. Let’s look at some of the top benefits and the issues that you may face.

Standout Advantages in Daily Use

The best things about the Surface Pro 6 show up when you use it every day. The way it performs is much better than the original Surface Pro and the one that came right before it. This happens because the quad-core processor gives more speed and the computer works faster. The Surface Pro 6 is slim and light, so you feel good taking it with you to work or when you want to relax and have fun.

The long battery life is a big plus. You get the freedom to work from anywhere, any time. The typing feel on the optional Type Cover is great too. The keys feel good, and the backlight helps when you are in low light. For people who draw or sketch, the Surface Pen has 4,096 levels of sensitivity. So you get really good control and feel over what you make.

Here are some of its best features:

  • Quad-Core Performance: You will get much faster speed, which helps with easy multitasking.
  • Premium Build: The magnesium body of this device is solid and strong.
  • Beautiful Display: The PixelSense screen shows sharp images, is bright, and reacts fast.
  • Excellent Pen Support: It gives a smooth and true feel when you use the pen for writing or drawing.

Common Issues and Drawbacks

While the Surface Pro 6 is a good device, there are some things that may not be as good as people want. One thing that people talk about a lot is that it does not have a USB-C port. At a time when USB-C is used by most new devices, not having it means you miss out on quick data transfers and better charging options. The Surface Pro 6 comes with a USB-A port and a mini displayport instead.

Another common thing people talk about is how the Surface Type Cover and Surface Pen do not come with the device. You have to buy these to get the full laptop feel. This means you will have to pay more. A lot of people like the Type Cover, but some may feel the mm of key travel is not as much as you get with other laptop keyboards.

Here are some potential drawbacks:

  • No USB-C Port: This device still uses old port types. It doesn’t have a USB-C port.
  • Accessories Sold Separately: The Type Cover and Pen do not come with it. You have to buy them, so the total cost gets higher.
  • Thick Bezels: The screen has thick borders. It may look old next to new devices.
  • Limited Repairability: It is hard to fix or upgrade this device. Many other recent products have the same problem.

Conclusion

To sum up, the Microsoft Surface Pro 6 is a strong and flexible device. It works well for different tasks, like work and creative projects. The design looks good, and its performance is reliable, which helps it stay popular. The microsoft surface pro and the accessories add to what it can do, making it feel new, even with other new devices out now.

The Surface Pro does come with some pros and cons. One thing people talk about is battery life, which could be better for some. Still, many feel it gives the right mix of portability and what you need to get jobs done.

If you want to buy or upgrade to a new device, think about how the microsoft surface pro can help you do more or get creative. You can get in touch for a special consult to find out if the surface pro is good for you.

FAQs

Q1: Is the Surface Pro 6 still worth buying today?

A: Yes, the Surface Pro 6 is still a good pick. The sixth generation of Surface Pro gives high performance and steady battery life. If you want to save money, this model is a strong choice. Newer ones give more power, but the Surface Pro 6 works well for daily use.

Q2: Is the entry-level model powerful enough for basic needs?

A: The entry-level Surface Pro 6 has a quad-core Intel Core i5 and 8GB of RAM. It is good for web browsing, email, and using Microsoft Office. You get several hours of battery life, so this surface pro is a good choice for daily work. It will be reliable and get your jobs done.

Q3: What are the most common problems users face?

A: The main problems that people talk about with the Surface Pro 6 are missing a USB-C port and having to pay more for the Surface Pen and Type Cover. Some users say they also run into the odd software bug now and then. A lot of users feel that the battery life does not stay as good as new with time. This is normal for almost any device like it.