The best surface pro for gaming can be found easily with the help of this guide. We have gathered all the essential information that you need to make the best decision. Once you understand the requirements then you can choose the most well-equipped PC or gaming option hence enhancing your skills.
The best surface pro for gaming does not have to be the most expensive one. It will not be the latest one either. Rather the best one will be the kind that is long-lasting, durable, and high powered. When it comes to gaming most laptops fail.
This is because games demand a lot of heavy input and processing. So it is best that you choose from the best of the best.
This includes the top pick of the range that is the Microsoft Surface Pro 5. This comes with a 12.3” Touch-Screen that is ultra-high definition. It is a convertible Tablet and PC like all surface pro options. The laptop uses an Intel Core M3 and comes with a 4GB Memory, paired with a 28GB SSD storage.
However, when choosing the best surface pro for gaming, other factors such as price and model do come into play. This is why we have placed their features down in a comparison chart below.
Contents
Best Surface Pro for Gaming
 |
| ||
 |
| ||
 |
| ||
|
| ||
|
| ||
|
| ||
|
|
Let’s dive into the detailed review section of these products!
1.) Microsoft Surface Pro 5 12.3″
Microsoft Surface Pro 5 is one of the best options because it is not crazy expensive nor lacking in terms of features.
You can easily customize your Microsoft Surface Pro 5. It comes with a High-resolution 12.3″ (2736 x 1824) PixelSense touchscreen LCD to give you the best look and feel. There is an Intel HD Graphics 615 processor inside the Microsoft Surface Pro 5.
This 7th Generation Intel Core M3 dual-core processor allows it to be fast and smooth when processing games. There is a 4 GB RAM paired with a 128GB SSD storage capacity on the device. Another convenient thing about the system is that it will come with a preinstalled Windows 10.
Features:
- 3” Touch-Screen
- Screen resolution of 2736 X 1824
- Intel Core M3
- 4 GB Memory
- 128GB SSD
- Customize your optional Type Cover (without Type Cover or with Microsoft Surface Pro signature Type...
- High-resolution 12.3" (2736 x 1824) PixelSense touchscreen LCD display, Intel HD Graphics 615
- 7th Generation Intel Core M3 dual-core processor, 4 GB RAM, 128GB SSD storage, card reader...
- 1 x USB 3.0, 1 x Mini DisplayPort, 1 x headphone jack, 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.1, built for...
- Can be used as a Tablet and a PC
- Comes with all standard connectivity such as Card Reader, USB 3.0, Bluetooth, etc
- Comes with a ready to use pre installed Windows 10
- This is not a renewed option, renewed options are much cheaper
2.) Microsoft Surface Pro 7
The Microsoft Surface Pro 7 is a later version of the notebook hence slightly expensive. It is on the higher spectrum when it comes to prices and features in a gaming notebook.
The Microsoft Surface Pro 7 is equipped with a 12.3″ Touch-Screen and an Intel Core i7. The notebook will carry a large reservoir of 16GB Memory and a 256GB SSD. One of the best things about this one is that it carries a next-gen configuration of a studio and tablet.
The laptop will come with a10th Gen Intel Core Processor making it sharp and precise.
The Microsoft Surface Pro 7 has all standard connectivity options such as USB-C and USB-A ports. It comes in a very lightweight body that weighs around 1.70 pounds, however, if you choose to add accessories to it, the number will increase.
The Microsoft Surface Pro 7 also offers incredible all-day battery life of up to 10.5 hours. To fully charge this, you only need a few minutes as it is a fast-charging smart notebook.
Features:
- 3″ Touch-Screen
- Core processor of Intel Core i7
- 16GB RAM Memory
- Storage capacity of 256GB SSD
- Next-gen, best-in-class laptop with the versatility of a studio and tablet, so you can type, touch,...
- Faster than Surface Pro 6, with a 10th Gen Intel Core Processor – redefining what’s possible in...
- More ways to connect, with both USB-C and USB-A ports for connecting to displays, docking stations...
- Standout design that won’t weigh you down — ultra-slim and light Surface Pro 7 starts at just...
- This is a brand new version
- Has a large storage and memory space
- The notebook is very light in weight
- Since it is a new version it may be expensive for some people
Verdict:
3.) Microsoft Surface Pro 6
Microsoft Surface Pro 6 is another high-quality recommended choice. It is a top-notch choice as a laptop, a studio, and a tablet. If you do not want to spend so much then it can be perfect for you.
The Microsoft Surface Pro 6 allows you to use the new 8th Generation Intel Core processor to the edge of its abilities. It is a portable, classic-looking but modern and chic item to carry. You will be amazed by how thin and light it feels when you carry it along with you. The device weighs around 1.7 pounds.
The notebook comes with several light and environment sensors such as an Ambient light sensor, Accelerometer, Gyroscope. This will let you use a lot of games and other apps with added flexibility and precision for your needs. The Microsoft Surface Pro 6 is also an all-day battery life option. When you charge it to the max you
will be able to get up to 13.5 hours of video playback. If you like to use a keyboard then that can be added on to it as well.
Features:
- A best in class laptop with the versatility of a studio and tablet
- More power now with the new 8th Generation Intel Core Processor
- Ultra slim and light, starting at just 1.7 pounds
- All day battery life, with upto 13.5 hours of video playback
- Flexible can be used in multiple configurations
- Best in class option
- Light in Weight
- Does not come in many colors
Verdict:
4.) Microsoft Surface Pro 4
The Microsoft Surface Pro 4 is an oldie but a good one. It comes with an Intel Core i5-6300U 2. 4 GHz processor. The laptop is going to be perfect for gaming as it carries an Intel HD Graphics 520 card. The processing of images and videos will be very smooth with this one. You will get storage of 256GB SSD Drive.
The Microsoft Surface Pro 4 is a hot choice from the brand and it comes with 8GB RAM and standard connectivity. Another cool thing for video gaming and live chat sessions is that it contains a 5MP front-facing and an 8MP rear-facing camera with 1080p HD video recording.
The Microsoft Surface Pro 4 does not compromise the screen display. It comes with an ultra-high definition display of 2736 x 1824 resolution. To add to your experience, it also carries in-built stereo speakers paired with Dolby Audio-enhanced sound.
Features:
- Intel Core i5-6300U 2. 4 GHz processor with Intel HD Graphics 520, 256GB SSD Drive
- 8GB RAM, Wireless: 802. 11a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4. 0
- Ports: Full-size USB 3. 0; microSD card reader; Headphone jack; Mini DisplayPort; Cover port;...
- Display: 12. 3-inch PixelSense touchscreen display; 2736 x 1824 resolution, Stereo speakers with...
- Very cheap as compared to the new ones
- Flexible and can be used in multiple ways and configurations
- Affordable but high quality
- This is a Renewed PC not a new one
Verdict:
5.) Microsoft Surface Pro 5
Microsoft Surface Pro 5 is also a suitable choice. Again if you need something reliable then you can get a mid-range version that is not too old and not too new. This will give you a good combination of price, features, speed, and technology.
The Microsoft Surface Pro 5 can be used with any Type Cover or with Microsoft Surface Pro signature covers. You will, however, have to buy it separately. The Microsoft Surface Pro 5 offers a full high-resolution screen of a standard size of 12.3″.
This screen is going to offer you a display quality of 2736 x 1824. It is a brand-specific PixelSense touchscreen LCD.
It will come with 4 GB RAM and 128GB SSD storage. The device already carries a window 10 Home or professional and will weigh around 1.69 lbs.
Features:
- Customize your optional Type Cover (without Type Cover or with Microsoft Surface Pro signature Type...
- High-resolution 12.3" (2736 x 1824) PixelSense touchscreen LCD display, Intel HD Graphics 615
- 7th Generation Intel Core M3 dual-core processor, 4 GB RAM, 128GB SSD storage, card reader...
- 1 x USB 3.0, 1 x Mini DisplayPort, 1 x headphone jack, 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.1, built for...
- This is a new notebook
- Compact and light in weight
- Flexible and can be used in multiple ways and configurations
- Some people like a larger screen size
Verdict:
6.) Microsoft Surface Go
The Microsoft Surface Go is also a high-resolution option with a 10-inch screen and a PixelSense display. One of the best things about the Microsoft Surface Go is that it is the lightest surface yet. You will get this starting at 1.15 pounds.
The notebook comes with a standard all-day battery life, that gives you 9 hours of unplugged power. It contains ambient light sensors and will come with a Windows 10 Home in S Mode. You will be able to use it in Laptop, Tablet, or Studio Mode as per your needs.
Features:
- High res 10 inch PixelSense: Display designed to be viewed, touched, and written on
- Lightest surface yet, starting at 1.15 pounds. Touch: 10 point multi touch
- All day battery life, with upto 9 hours of unplugged power. Ambient light sensor
- Runs Windows 10 Home in S Mode, streamlined for security and superior performance
- This is a brand new option
- Lightest option
- Comes in several covers
- Some people find renewed options more affordable and worth the price
Verdict:
7.) Microsoft Surface Pro 3
Finally, the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 is also a good choice. It carries an Intel Core i5-4300U Dual-Core. The device also has an Intel HD Graphics 5000 and a set of cameras. The cameras are 5MP and 1080p HD cameras.
You will get an immersive sound experience with the stereo speakers with Dolby Audio-enhanced sound. There is a 128GB Hard Drive on the device with all standard connectivity ports such as a full-size USB 3.0, microSD card reader, and Mini DisplayPort, etc.
This again is an older version so it will be very affordable and price-effective. If you want something high end then you can go for the Surface 6 or 7 although you will get the same specs in those two as well.
Features:
- Intel Core i5-4300U Dual-Core CPU 1.70 GHz (with Turbo Boost Technology up to 3.3 GHZ) with Intel HD...
- 5MP and 1080p HD front- and rear-facing cameras - Built-in front- and rear-facing microphones -...
- 128GB Hard Drive
- A full-size USB 3.0, microSD card reader, and Mini Display Port
- Affordable as compared to the new one
- immersive sound experience
- Set of cameras
- This is a renewed PC not brand new
Verdict:
Xbox Games on Surface Pro
You can be a successful professional but also a gaming addict. To cater to such individuals, Microsoft launched Xbox Live and the Windows Store, which allow gamers to purchase and play games online from anywhere.
In this, you need a single code that unlocks both the PC and Xbox versions of a game. As a result, if you own an Xbox console, you can play all your favorite Xbox games on your best Microsoft Surface Pro for gaming.
No Extra Charges or Subscription required
The best thing is that you do not have to pay extra to play games accessible on your Xbox console on your Microsoft Surface Pro. Imagine playing Xbox games during office lunch break to release stress or doing gaming competitions with colleagues in your free time.
Nor even have to buy multiple copies of the same game to play it on different devices to convert your workplace gaming zone.
Buying Guide of Best Surface Pro for gaming
Surface Pro was mainly introduced to provide productivity with portability. But now, Microsoft has blurred the line between productivity and entertainment by presenting powerful surface books that are also capable of gaming along with office work and productivity.
But those gaming specs do not come on base model, and you have to select the desired model, so it is good to do some thorough research before getting the best surface for gaming. So let’s dive deep to find out what model you should get to do surface pro gaming.
Graphics card
Any device’s graphics card or GPU is responsible for display quality; it ensures vibrant colors and smooth motion while gaming. In addition, a powerful graphics unit produces lifelike images and better image quality.
Most Surface books are equipped with integrated graphics cards; Intel UHD and Intel Iris X. But now there are few surface pro gaming models that also have dedicated Graphics cards; which little expensive than integrated surface book models
Dedicated GPU is always better in gaming than integrated GPU units, so I’ll suggest you go for them. But if you are a little tight in the budget, Intel Iris X is also a good option; never go for integrated UHD models best Microsoft surface for gaming.
RAM and Storage
After GPU, RAM is deemed to be the most crucial factor while gaming. RAM (Random Access Memory) is the temporary storage device that holds data while any application or game is running. Heavy Games require a large RAM size, so it is advisable to get at least an 8GB RAM model but if you have a budget, then go for 16GB RAM; it is considered the ideal memory size for surface pro gaming.
For storage, never use HDD for gaming; instead, have a laptop or tablet with SSD storage, and luckily almost Surface books are equipped with SSD storage.
Moreover, get surface pro that has 256GB of SSD storage, and if you can manage to get 512GB of storage, this would be great but never go for 128GB; although it is good for productivity, games have high demand.
Screen Resolution and Display Quality
The resolution of a game is vital since it determines how good it looks. Gaming is all about quick graphics movement without any lag at the crisp video quality. Although a reduced resolution isn’t noticeable on tablets in most cases, it does matter a lot.
We measure resolution in pixels, and fortunately, most best Surface Pro for gaming screens have the 2736x1824p resolution, which prevents images from appearing grey or white on screen and provides crisp images with vibrant colors at good brightness levels.
Some Surface Pro screens have 1800 x 1200p resolution, which also works well, so if you are tight on the budget can also with this screen resolution. Whether you choose to go for 2K resolution or 1080p, you’ll never feel the need for an update.
Screen Size and Portability
Surface Pro is made to target the audience that is always on the go; that’s why you see a lightweight and sleek design with a detachable keyboard and stylus pen. And to cater to different customers, surface Pro comes with multiple screen size options; 12.3″, 13.5″, and 15″
The best Microsoft surface for gaming has a large screen size. A gaming player requires a large screen to get a larger view of the gaming field. This helps a lot in battle games; it enables the gamer to see every corner of his screen, from where his enemy is firing, where he must hide, and where he may attack effectively on his opponent.
Above mentioned all screen sizes are good for gaming compared to tablets available in the market that have a max screen size of 10″ or 11″, you can play a few games small screen that useless protocols, but heavier games will not run on it.
The larger screen of 12.3 inches may provide you with an excellent display and greater resolution for the best gaming experience. But you don’t travel much and have a budget, then go for a 13- or 15-inch screen.
Battery Life
Gaming on a surface pro requires long battery life is important for interruption-free gaming. Therefore, it is advisable to get a gaming surface pro with an average of 10 hours battery.
Moreover, in some tablets, you’ll notice a drastic drop in battery span while gaming; for this, make you buy a Surface Pro that has 9-10 hours of battery life while gaming.
Different Surface Pro offers different battery time demanding upon their internal hardware; high-end and heavy hardware consumes more battery. You’ll also encounter some best surface for gaming also offer 13-14 hours of battery, but on average, you can easily get 10 hours in almost every surface Pro.
Quick Tip to Improve Battery Life
Don’t charge your laptop or tablet while gaming; it causes the device to overheat that badly affects the battery life. Instead, always charge your Surface Pro first and then do gaming.
Connectivity
Connectivity is crucial for gamers who love to add additional keyboards, game controllers, or speakers to improve their gaming experience.
Because of the sleek design, most surface Pro does not have many ports to connect peripheral devices. Still, they certainly offer all the necessary ports, like USB type-A and type-C with SSD card slot and powerful Bluetooth connectivity.
When you buy any peripheral device, check Bluetooth connectivity or get the dongle.
Audio Quality:
Only gamers understand the importance of good quality audio; people play games as if they are on a real battlefield or running on a soccer ground, and sound plays a huge role in providing this experience. It has been observed that many lose games if audio is not up to the mark.
It would be best if you use high-end headphones with them to get the best audio quality. Many tablets include the most up-to-date technology; for example, Dolby Atmos, 5.1 Sound Quality, offers sophisticated features including fidelity increase, decreasing input lag, and screen glitch.
Sim Card Slot
Usually, gamers do not show much concern regarding Sim Cards. But if you are a business professional and travel a lot but do not want to give up on gaming. Then get the surface Pro model that supports the sim card.
It helps you to stay connected from around the world through cellular data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Surface Pro be used for gaming?
Yes!!, you can use Microsoft Surface Pro for gaming. Of course, Microsoft Surface Pro was not always be used for gaming, but the powerful updates in system hardware and the release of Xbox Live and the Windows Store have let gamers play top-notch games.
You cannot take Xbox consoles on business trips but don’t want to skip gaming, so you should buy surface Pro for gaming. You can turn Microsoft Surface Pro into a portable gaming machine if you’re heading somewhere without a strong internet connection. Of course, you have to download it on the Xbox gaming console before leaving home.
Can you play PC games on Surface Pro?
Yes, you can play PC games on surface Pro but with few limitations. The diversity of Windows content transforms surface pro into a decent gaming computer for highly optimized games and arcade-style 2D side-scrollers.
But do not expect to be playing the latest hardware-intensive games on ultra-high graphics.
Can you play Steam games on a Windows tablet?
Yes, you can play Steam games on a Windows tablet, especially on Surface Pros. Steam is an online gaming platform, and its new app allows you to play games and watch videos on your phones, tablets, and televisions.
Does Surface Pro have Xbox Wireless built-in?
Not all best surface for gaming have Xbox wireless built-in. Still, Microsoft has begun to integrate an Xbox Wireless controller with some of its more powerful Surface models, such as the 15-inch Surface Book and Surface Studio.
Can you play Call of Duty on Surface Pro?
Yes, the best surface Pro for gaming allows you to play Call of Duty; it is unbelievable how a productivity-designed tablet can run such a powerful game.
Related Articles
- Which laptop lasts the longest
- Best Laptop For Zoom Conferencing
- Best Laptop For Animation and Drawing
- Best Samsung Tablet for Drawing
- Best Laptop for Solid Works
- Best Laptop for Video Editing and Motion Graphics
- Best Laptop for Video Conference
Last update on 2023-01-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API