Tuesday, May 04, 2021
Mid-Cycle Refresh
Microsoft Surface Pro 7 Plus
Pros
- SSD now removable/upgradeable
- 11th Gen Intel processors
- Better battery life
- Up to 32GB RAM
- Optional 4G LTE
Cons
- Still no 5G
- Available only at select retailers
The Surface Pro 7 Plus gets a mid-gen refresh for Enterprise and Education, though anyone can buy it from Microsoft or select resellers. 11th Gen Intel CPUs, removable and upgradeable SSD, optional 4G LTE, up to 32GB of RAM, and better battery life make this a great stop-gap between the Pro 7 and the forthcoming Pro 8.
Lacking A Few Features
Microsoft Surface Pro 7
Pros
- Same high-end design
- All-day battery life
- Instant On and Resume
- Excellent performance
- Costs less
Cons
- No LTE
- Maxes out at 16GB RAM
- 10th Gen Intel CPUs
- No removable SSD
The Surface Pro 7 is still a fantastic 2-in-1 PC available more readily at more retailers. It doesn't have the latest Intel CPUs, it caps out at 16GB of RAM, it has no LTE capabilities, and its SSD is stuck inside, but it remains a powerful device with a full eight hours of battery life and excellent performance.
The Surface Pro 7 Plus is a mid-generation refresh that adds Intel's 11th Gen Intel Core processors with Intel Iris Xe graphics, 4G LTE connectivity, removable or upgradeable SSD, configurations with up to 32GB of RAM, better battery life, and the same stellar design you love. This is a "business" laptop intended for the Enterprise and Education sectors, but anyone can buy one by shopping straight from Microsoft or other select resellers. Let's take a look at what sets these two devices apart and why you might want to buy one or the other.
Surface Pro 7 Plus vs. Surface Pro 7 tech specs
| Surface Pro 7 Plus | Surface Pro 7 | |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 10 Pro | Windows 10 Home |
| Processor | 11th Gen Intel Core i3-1115G4 Core i5-1135G7 Core i7-1165G7 |
10th Gen Intel Core i3-1005G1 Core i5-1035G4 Core i7-1065G7 |
| RAM | 8GB, 16GB, 32GB LPDDR4x |
4GB, 8GB, 16GB LPDDR4x |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB SSD | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB SSD |
| Display | 12.3 inches 2736x1824 3:2 aspect ratio Touch |
12.3 inches 2736x1824 3:2 aspect ratio Touch |
| Graphics | Integrated Intel UHD (i3) Intel Iris Xe (i5, i7) |
Integrated Intel UHD (i3) Intel Iris Plus (i5, i7) |
| Ports | USB-C 3.1 USB-A 3.5mm audio Surface Connect microSD card reader Nano-SIM |
USB-C 3.1 USB-A 3.5mm audio Surface Connect microSD card reader |
| LTE | Snapdragon X20 4G LTE | No |
| Biometrics | IR camera | IR camera |
| Battery | Up to 15 hours (Wi-Fi) Up to 13.5 hours (LTE) |
Up to 10.5 hours |
| Dimensions | 11.5 x 7.9 x 0.33 inches (292mm x 201mm x 8.5mm) |
11.5 x 7.9 x 0.33 inches (292mm x 201mm x 8.5mm) |
| Weight | From 1.70 pounds (770g) | From 1.70 pounds (770g) |
What's new with the Surface Pro 7 Plus?
A mid-generation laptop refresh isn't out of the ordinary, and instead of a full Surface Pro 8 release, Microsoft has gone with a Surface Pro 7 Plus for Enterprise and Education markets. Worry not, because even regular consumers can buy the new Pro 7 Plus. So what's new, and why did Microsoft go this way? Executive Editor Daniel Rubino points this out in his Surface Pro 7 Plus announcement:
Interestingly, Microsoft didn't see the need to bring Surface Pro 7+ to the consumer market, even though that seems like it would have been a logical strategy. But in doing so, some customers who buy Surface Pro 7+ may feel burned if Surface Pro 8 comes out late in the fall and with it an expected updated design. The positioning of Surface Pro 7+ for Business gets around that issue.
It seems Microsoft wanted to get the new Intel processors (CPU) into the Pro lineup, as well as add LTE for those who need it without going with a more in-depth redesign.
Compared to the Pro 7 with its 10th Gen Core i3, Core i5, and Core i7 CPUs, the Pro 7 Plus with 11th Gen chips should be considerably faster. Intel itself claims up to a 30% increase in processing power and an 80% increase in graphics power thanks to integrated Intel Iris Xe. Do note that the Core i3 models are still using Intel UHD graphics; if you'd like the extra graphics performance, you'll have to stick with 11th Gen Core i5 or Core i7 models. Up to 32GB of LPDDR4x is now configurable, up from 16GB in the Pro 7.
On top of a nice performance bump, the efficiency of the newer CPUs should extend battery life. Whereas Microsoft claims about 10.5 hours of life from the Pro 7 (realistically about eight hours as tested in our Surface Pro 7 review), the Pro 7 Plus is pegged at about 15 hours for Wi-Fi models. That number will differ, but it's still a large boost from the previous generation.
The Surface Pro 7 Plus recently received a giant firmware update with a focus on improving Intel Xe graphics performance, audio performance, Bluetooth stability, battery, and more.
Like the Surface Pro X and Surface Laptop 3, the Pro 7 Plus now has a small door on the back of its chassis for easy access to the solid-state drive (SSD). Whether you're looking to access it for security or for an easy upgrade, it's a welcome addition to a laptop that has traditionally been difficult (read: impossible) to upgrade after purchase.
For anyone who is always on the move, the addition of a Snapdragon X20 LTE modem is no doubt exciting. This allows for constant connectivity whether or not you're within Wi-Fi range, though expect the battery to take a slight hit when using a data connection. The 4G LTE feature is available on Core i5 models only.
Overall, this is mostly an internal redesign, and those waiting for things like slimmer bezels, new ports (like Thunderbolt 4), and 5G connectivity will have to wait for future models. And rest assured, your old Surface Pen and Type Cover will work with the Pro 7 Plus. You can always add one of the best keyboards for Microsoft Surface if you don't want the Type Cover experience.
Surface Pro 7 Plus pricing and where to buy
The Surface Pro 7 Plus is available for anyone to buy from the Business side of the Microsoft Store. There you can configure models as you see fit and check out as you would on the consumer side of the store. Prices start at about $900 and climb from there with plenty of configurations available.
Here is a quick breakdown of the models available.
Surface Pro 7+ Wi-Fi Commercial
| Category | Features |
|---|---|
| 11th Gen Intel Core i3, 8GB RAM, 128GB, Platinum | $899 |
| 11th Gen Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM, 128GB, Platinum | $999 |
| 11th Gen Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM, 256GB, Platinum/Black | $1,299 |
| 11th Gen Intel Core i7, 16GB RAM, 256GB, Platinum/Black | $1,599 |
| 11th Gen Intel Core i7, 16GB RAM, 512GB, Platinum | $1,999 |
| 11th Gen Intel Core i7, 16GB RAM, 1TB, Platinum | $2,399 |
| 11th Gen Intel Core i7, 32GB RAM, 1TB, Platinum | $2,799 |
Surface Pro 7+ LTE Commercial
| Category | Features |
|---|---|
| 11th Gen Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM, 128GB, LTE, Platinum | $1,149 |
| 11th Gen Intel Core i5, 16GB RAM, 256GB, LTE, Platinum | $1,649 |
Surface Pro 7+ Wi-Fi Education
| Category | Features |
|---|---|
| 11th Gen Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM, 128GB, Platinum | $899 |
| 11th Gen Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM, 256GB, Platinum | $1,199 |
If you're not keen on buying straight from Microsoft, you can also check out several local resellers who may or may not have stock and the configuration you're looking for. Our best place to buy the Surface Pro 7 Plus guide can help.
Surface Pro 7 Plus brings 11th Gen Intel CPUs, LTE connectivity, and more
The big differences between these two devices are on the inside, with new 11th Gen Intel Core CPUs, 4G LTE modem, up to 32GB RAM, and removable SSD coming to the Pro 7 Plus. Battery life gets better, you can stay connected everywhere, and you can upgrade storage after purchase. If neither of these are what you're looking for, be sure to check out our collection of best Windows laptop options for more great devices.
Mid-Cycle Refresh
Microsoft Surface Pro 7 Plus
A refresh to the Pro 7 brings more powerful CPUs, better battery life, removable SSD, and 4G LTE connectivity. It's classified as a "Business" laptop, but anyone can get their hands on one.
Old But Gold
Microsoft Surface Pro 7
The Pro 7 is still a great device, and you should be able to find one at a cheaper price compared to the Pro 7 Plus. As long as you don't need the new CPUs, removable SSD, or 4G LTE connectivity, it remains one of the best 2-in-1 laptops you can buy.
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