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Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) (Core m3, 128GB, 4GB) Convertible Review

Affordable Surface! Although it is already the second half of 2017, Microsoft presents the latest Surface based on a frugal Core m3 processor with connectivity that is still in need of reworking. Find out in this review whether the long battery life and the established brand name are enough to win buyers.

For the original German review, see here.

After testing the Core i7 and Core i5 devices, Microsoft's Surface Pro (2017) with Intel's Core m3 7Y30 has to pass our test course and show its aptitudes.

The Surface Pro (2017) in our test configuration is sold for 879 Euros (~$1039) on the Internet. However, only a matching power supply is included. There are no alternative configurations for the components. The accessories have to be bought (Surface Pen (79 Euros, ~$93), Signature Type Cover (150 Euros, ~$177), USB 3.0 dock (160 Euros, ~$189)) when required. This lets the device seem considerably less expensive than the comparison devices at first, but some retailers offer a complete package including stylus and backlit keyboard for 1145 Euros/$1269 (Lenovo IdeaPad Miix 720-12IKB).

We will uncover how our present Surface Pro (2017) scores against the competition in the course of this review. The identically built Microsoft Surface Pro 2017 convertibles with a Core i5 and Core i7 processor are the main comparison devices. However, we did not exclusively select Microsoft products for comparison. We compiled an overview of all devices in the following chart.

Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) Lenovo Ideapad Miix 720 HP Elite x2 1012 G1 Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro S Acer Aspire Switch 12 Alpha
CPU Intel Core i7-7660U Intel Core i5-7300U Intel Core i7-7500U Intel Core m5-6Y54 Intel Core i5-m7Y54 Intel Core m3-6Y30 Intel Core i5-6200U
GPU Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640 Intel HD Graphics 620 Intel HD Graphics 620 Intel HD Graphics 515 Intel HD Graphics 615 Intel HD Graphics 515 Intel HD Graphics 520
Panel 12.3-inch 2736 x 1824 12.3-inch 2736 x 1824 12-inch 2880 x 1920 12.1-inch 1920 x 1080 12-inch 2160 x 1440 12.1-inch 2160 x 1440 12-inch 2160 x 1440
RAM 16 GB 8 GB 16 GB 8 GB 8 GB 4 GB 4 GB
SSD 512 GB, NVMe 256 GB, NVMe 1 TB, NVMe 256 GB 256 GB, NVMe 128 GB 256 GB
Rating 90% 90% 85% 87% 86% 85% 86%
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) m3 (Surface Pro Series)
Processor
Intel Core m3-7Y30 2 x 1 - 2.6 GHz, Kaby Lake
Graphics adapter
Memory
4 GB 
, DDR3, dual-channel, onboard
Display
12.30 inch 3:2, 2736 x 1826 pixel 267 PPI, 10 finger multitouch, native pen support, LG Display LP123WQ112604, IPS, glossy: yes, detachable screen
Mainboard
Intel Kaby Lake-Y Premium PCH
Storage
Samsung PM971 KUS020203M, 128 GB 
, 80 GB free
Soundcard
Realtek High Definition Audio
Connections
1 USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen1, 1 DisplayPort, 1 Docking Station Port, Audio Connections: mic/headphone combo, Card Reader: micro SDXC, Brightness Sensor, Sensors: accelerometer, gyroscope, TPM 2.0
Networking
Marvell AVASTAR Wireless-AC Network Controller (a/b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/ac = Wi-Fi 5/), Bluetooth 4.1
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 8.5 x 292.1 x 201.4 ( = 0.33 x 11.5 x 7.93 in)
Battery
45 Wh Lithium-Ion, Battery runtime (according to manufacturer): 13.5 h
Operating System
Microsoft Windows 10 Pro 64 Bit
Camera
Primary Camera: 5 MPix front, Windows Hello
Secondary Camera: 8 MPix AF, rear
Additional features
Office 366 (trial), One Drive, Xing, Candy Crush, March of Empires, 12 Months Warranty, fanless
Weight
1.072 kg ( = 37.81 oz / 2.36 pounds), Power Supply: 154 g ( = 5.43 oz / 0.34 pounds)
Price
879 EUR
Note: The manufacturer may use components from different suppliers including display panels, drives or memory sticks with similar specifications.

 

Case

Our Microsoft Surface Pro 2017 review sample features the same build as the previously tested Microsoft Surface Pro 2017 (i5-7300U, 256 GB), and thus we refer to that review at this point.

Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) (Core m3, 128GB, 4GB)
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) (Core m3, 128GB, 4GB)
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) (Core m3, 128GB, 4GB)
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) (Core m3, 128GB, 4GB)
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) (Core m3, 128GB, 4GB)
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) (Core m3, 128GB, 4GB)
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) (Core m3, 128GB, 4GB)
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) (Core m3, 128GB, 4GB)
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) (Core m3, 128GB, 4GB)
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) (Core m3, 128GB, 4GB)
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) (Core m3, 128GB, 4GB)
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) (Core m3, 128GB, 4GB)
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) (Core m3, 128GB, 4GB)
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) (Core m3, 128GB, 4GB)
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) (Core m3, 128GB, 4GB)
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) (Core m3, 128GB, 4GB)
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) (Core m3, 128GB, 4GB)
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) (Core m3, 128GB, 4GB)
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) (Core m3, 128GB, 4GB)
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) (Core m3, 128GB, 4GB)
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) (Core m3, 128GB, 4GB)
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) (Core m3, 128GB, 4GB)

Size Comparison

300 mm / 11.8 inch 213.5 mm / 8.41 inch 8.05 mm / 0.3169 inch 1.2 kg2.66 lbs293 mm / 11.5 inch 210 mm / 8.27 inch 9 mm / 0.3543 inch 1.1 kg2.38 lbs291 mm / 11.5 inch 201 mm / 7.91 inch 11 mm / 0.4331 inch 1.3 kg2.84 lbs292 mm / 11.5 inch 210 mm / 8.27 inch 8.9 mm / 0.3504 inch 1.2 kg2.54 lbs292.1 mm / 11.5 inch 201.4 mm / 7.93 inch 8.5 mm / 0.3346 inch 1.1 kg2.36 lbs292.1 mm / 11.5 inch 201.4 mm / 7.93 inch 8.5 mm / 0.3346 inch 1.1 kg2.38 lbs292.1 mm / 11.5 inch 201.4 mm / 7.93 inch 8.5 mm / 0.3346 inch 1.1 kg2.38 lbs290.3 mm / 11.4 inch 198.8 mm / 7.83 inch 6.3 mm / 0.248 inch 693 g1.528 lbs297 mm / 11.7 inch 210 mm / 8.27 inch 1 mm / 0.03937 inch 5.7 g0.01257 lbs

Connectivity

Upper edge: volume, power button
Upper edge: volume, power button
Lower edge: SurfaceConnect docking port
Lower edge: SurfaceConnect docking port
Headset/microphone combo
Headset/microphone combo
Power-in, USB 3.0, mini DisplayPort
Power-in, USB 3.0, mini DisplayPort
SD Card Reader
average JPG Copy Test (av. of 3 runs)
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Tablet Gen 2
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)
72.6 MB/s +20%
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) m3
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro M401 64 GB)
60.5 MB/s
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) i7
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro M401 64 GB)
53.8 MB/s -11%
maximum AS SSD Seq Read Test (1GB)
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Tablet Gen 2
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)
93.8 MB/s +9%
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) i7
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro M401 64 GB)
86.5 MB/s +1%
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) m3
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro M401 64 GB)
85.9 MB/s
Networking
iperf3 transmit AX12
Lenovo Ideapad Miix 720-12IKB
Tri-Band Wireless-AC 18260
662 MBit/s +1%
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) m3
Marvell AVASTAR Wireless-AC Network Controller
655 MBit/s
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) i5
Marvell AVASTAR Wireless-AC Network Controller
618 MBit/s -6%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Tablet Gen 2
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265
440 MBit/s -33%
iperf3 receive AX12
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Tablet Gen 2
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265
586 MBit/s +7%
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) i5
Marvell AVASTAR Wireless-AC Network Controller
577 MBit/s +5%
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) m3
Marvell AVASTAR Wireless-AC Network Controller
550 MBit/s
Lenovo Ideapad Miix 720-12IKB
Tri-Band Wireless-AC 18260
513 MBit/s -7%

Display

Subpixel grid
Subpixel grid
Only minor clouding at the edges
Only minor clouding at the edges

The installed screen is the same panel that we know from both other 2017 models. We did not find the measured differences that we discovered in Microsoft's Surface Pro 2017 i7 model. Instead, the rates are much closer to those of Microsoft's Surface Pro 2017 i5 model. It is absolutely normal that the rates are not completely the same for production reasons. The 12.3-inch, 10-point multitouch screen has a resolution of 2736x1824 pixels (267 PPI).

With an average brightness of 444 cd/m², the screen in Microsoft's Surface Pro 2017 is among the brightest in the comparison field. The illumination of 93% is very good. Clouding is not a big issue, either and it is not distracting in dark scenes. We did not determine PWM-flickering for controlling the screen's brightness in our review sample.

430
cd/m²
441
cd/m²
447
cd/m²
455
cd/m²
461
cd/m²
452
cd/m²
430
cd/m²
449
cd/m²
432
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
LG Display LP123WQ112604 tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 461 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 444.1 cd/m² Minimum: 4.3 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 93 %
Center on Battery: 461 cd/m²
Contrast: 1356:1 (Black: 0.34 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 3.43 | 0.5-29.43 Ø5
ΔE Greyscale 3.08 | 0.57-98 Ø5.3
99% sRGB (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
64% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
70.1% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
99.2% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
68.5% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Gamma: 3.03
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) m3
LG Display LP123WQ112604, , 2736x1826, 12.30
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) i7
LG Display LP123WQ112604, , 2736x1824, 12.30
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) i5
LG Display LP123WQ112604, , 2736x1824, 12.30
Lenovo Ideapad Miix 720-12IKB
AUO B120YAN01 / AUO106F, , 2880x1920, 12.00
HP Elite x2 1012 G1
LG Philips, , 1920x1280, 12.10
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Tablet Gen 2
LSN120QL01L01, , 2160x1440, 12.00
Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro S W700N
Digital Flat Panel (NoName), , 2160x1440, 12.10
Acer Aspire Switch Alpha 12 SA5-271-56HM
Panasonic VVX12T041N00, , 2160x1440, 12.00
Screen
-16%
-0%
-28%
-43%
-31%
81%
-44%
Brightness middle
461
482
5%
417
-10%
406
-12%
322
-30%
388.1
-16%
363
-21%
345
-25%
Brightness
444
466
5%
401
-10%
396
-11%
319
-28%
344
-23%
378
-15%
328
-26%
Brightness Distribution
93
92
-1%
88
-5%
88
-5%
97
4%
78
-16%
90
-3%
91
-2%
Black Level *
0.34
0.395
-16%
0.29
15%
0.3
12%
0.42
-24%
0.39
-15%
0.03
91%
0.38
-12%
Contrast
1356
1220
-10%
1438
6%
1353
0%
767
-43%
995
-27%
12100
792%
908
-33%
Colorchecker dE 2000 *
3.43
4
-17%
3.63
-6%
5.28
-54%
6.02
-76%
4.6
-34%
4.8
-40%
8.4
-145%
Colorchecker dE 2000 max. *
5.55
7.2
-30%
6.74
-21%
9.83
-77%
10.06
-81%
9.1
-64%
6.91
-25%
11.9
-114%
Greyscale dE 2000 *
3.08
5.7
-85%
2.18
29%
6.71
-118%
6.29
-104%
6.1
-98%
5.04
-64%
4.3
-40%
Gamma
3.03 73%
2.28 96%
3.09 71%
2.29 96%
2.4 92%
2.07 106%
2.57 86%
2.63 84%
CCT
7014 93%
7950 82%
6767 96%
6532 100%
7712 84%
7104 91%
7255 90%
7368 88%
Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998)
64
62
-3%
63
-2%
59
-8%
47.8
-25%
59
-8%
73
14%
62
-3%
Color Space (Percent of sRGB)
99
96
-3%
99
0%
91
-8%
73.2
-26%
91
-8%

* ... smaller is better

Display Response Times

Display response times show how fast the screen is able to change from one color to the next. Slow response times can lead to afterimages and can cause moving objects to appear blurry (ghosting). Gamers of fast-paced 3D titles should pay special attention to fast response times.
       Response Time Black to White
28 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 18 ms rise
↘ 10 ms fall
The screen shows relatively slow response rates in our tests and may be too slow for gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.1 (minimum) to 240 (maximum) ms. » 67 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (21.6 ms).
       Response Time 50% Grey to 80% Grey
42 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 20 ms rise
↘ 22 ms fall
The screen shows slow response rates in our tests and will be unsatisfactory for gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.2 (minimum) to 636 (maximum) ms. » 63 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (33.9 ms).

Screen Flickering / PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation)

To dim the screen, some notebooks will simply cycle the backlight on and off in rapid succession - a method called Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) . This cycling frequency should ideally be undetectable to the human eye. If said frequency is too low, users with sensitive eyes may experience strain or headaches or even notice the flickering altogether.
Screen flickering / PWM not detected

In comparison: 53 % of all tested devices do not use PWM to dim the display. If PWM was detected, an average of 18110 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 3846000) Hz was measured.

sRGB coverage: 99%
sRGB coverage: 99%
AdobeRGB coverage: 64%
AdobeRGB coverage: 64%

As before, the color-space coverage rates are very good (99% sRGB and 64% AdobeRGB). Samsung's Galaxy Tab Pro S even tops this and achieves an outstanding 73% (AdobeRGB). These good rates alongside the screen's high resolution make Microsoft's Surface Pro 2017 suitable for semi-professional image-editing.

Microsoft delivers the Surface Pro 2017 with a predefined color profile that only presents minor color shifts. The color-space shifts increase slightly when the screen is calibrated and an individual color profile is created. Thus, the outcome becomes worse, so the user should preferably use the preset color profile.

Grayscales (sRGB): pre-calibration
Grayscales (sRGB): pre-calibration
ColorChecker (sRGB): pre-calibration
ColorChecker (sRGB): pre-calibration
Saturation Sweeps (sRGB): pre-calibration
Saturation Sweeps (sRGB): pre-calibration
Grayscales (sRGB): post-calibration
Grayscales (sRGB): post-calibration
ColorChecker (sRGB): post-calibration
ColorChecker (sRGB): post-calibration
Saturation Sweeps (sRGB): post-calibration
Saturation Sweeps (sRGB): post-calibration

The screen's high average brightness of 444 cd/m² reads as very good on paper and should speak for outdoor suitability. However, it looks different in reality since the highly reflective panel involves clear limitations. Thus, a place in the shade is a must when working outdoors. The review sample scores well in our viewing-angle test. All test photos are perfectly legible from all positions.

Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) in sunlight
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) in sunlight
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) in the shade
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) in the shade
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) viewing angles
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) viewing angles

Performance

Microsoft Surface Pro 2017 configuration overview
Microsoft Surface Pro 2017 configuration overview

Roughly speaking, Microsoft's Surface Pro 2017 is available in six different versions. The buyer can choose among three SoCs (m3, i5, i7) and four SSD capacities (128, 256, 512, 1024 GB). A RAM configuration of 4, 8, and 16 GB can be selected. Unfortunately, the manufacturer does not provide the option of configuring the device freely. The available configurations can be seen in the overview. The prices start at 950 Euros (~$1123) (our review sample) and stop at 3100 Euros ($3666) for the flagship model with Intel's Core i7 on Microsoft's website. An LTE version has been announced.

CPU-Z
CPU-Z
CPU-Z
CPU-Z
CPU-Z
CPU-Z
GPU-Z
GPU-Z
HWiNFO
DPC Latency
Intel Extreme Tuning Utility
Intel Extreme Tuning Utility (benchmark)

Processor

Intel's Core m3 7Y30 is a member of the Kaby Lake family, and it is an extremely efficient dual-core SoC (TDP: 4.5 watts). Thus, this processor is perfectly suitable for tablets and passively cooled laptops. Both processing cores have a base clock of 1.0 GHz that can be boosted to 2.6 GHz (Turbo). Intel's Core m3 7Y30 does not stand a chance against the much faster Intel Core i5 and Core i7 models. However, its multi-core performance is enough for a place in the midfield in Cinebench R15.

More benchmarks concerning Intel's Core m3 7Y30 can be found here.

The clock speed can be maintained quite well at the beginning of the Cinebench R15 loop. The temperature limit of 62 °C of Intel's Core m3 7Y30 is first reached in the sixth run and the scores drop more evidently. From the initial 250 points, the Microsoft Surface Pro 2017's score drops down to 160 points but stabilizes again to 200 points in the further runs.

0102030405060708090100110120130140150160170180190200210220230240250260Tooltip
Cinebench R15 CPU Multi 64 Bit
Cinebench R15
CPU Single 64Bit
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) i7
Intel Core i7-7660U
163 Points +51%
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) i5
Intel Core i5-7300U
141 Points +31%
Lenovo Ideapad Miix 720-12IKB
Intel Core i7-7500U
130 Points +20%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Tablet Gen 2
Intel Core i5-7Y54
115 Points +6%
Acer Aspire Switch Alpha 12 SA5-271-56HM
Intel Core i5-6200U
114 Points +6%
HP Elite x2 1012 G1
Intel Core m5-6Y54
111 Points +3%
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) m3
Intel Core m3-7Y30
108 Points
Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro S W700N
Intel Core m3-6Y30
86 Points -20%
CPU Multi 64Bit
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) i7
Intel Core i7-7660U
410 (335.35min - 409.45max) Points +59%
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) i5
Intel Core i5-7300U
334 Points +29%
Acer Aspire Switch Alpha 12 SA5-271-56HM
Intel Core i5-6200U
289 Points +12%
Lenovo Ideapad Miix 720-12IKB
Intel Core i7-7500U
265 Points +3%
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) m3
Intel Core m3-7Y30
258 Points
HP Elite x2 1012 G1
Intel Core m5-6Y54
255 Points -1%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Tablet Gen 2
Intel Core i5-7Y54
234 Points -9%
Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro S W700N
Intel Core m3-6Y30
204 Points -21%
JetStream 1.1 - Total Score
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) i7
Intel Core i7-7660U
253.3 Points +47%
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) i5
Intel Core i5-7300U
219 Points +27%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Tablet Gen 2
Intel Core i5-7Y54
207 Points +20%
HP Elite x2 1012 G1
Intel Core m5-6Y54
184.4 Points +7%
Lenovo Ideapad Miix 720-12IKB
Intel Core i7-7500U
178.8 Points +4%
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) m3
Intel Core m3-7Y30
172.4 Points
Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro S W700N
Intel Core m3-6Y30
138 Points -20%
Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro S W700N
Intel Core m3-6Y30
112.4 Points -35%
Acer Aspire Switch Alpha 12 SA5-271-56HM
Intel Core i5-6200U
133.3 Points -23%
Octane V2 - Total Score
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) i7
Intel Core i7-7660U
37106 Points +57%
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) i5
Intel Core i5-7300U
33186 Points +41%
Lenovo Ideapad Miix 720-12IKB
Intel Core i7-7500U
30994 Points +31%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Tablet Gen 2
Intel Core i5-7Y54
30411 Points +29%
HP Elite x2 1012 G1
Intel Core m5-6Y54
26727 Points +13%
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) m3
Intel Core m3-7Y30
23605 Points
Acer Aspire Switch Alpha 12 SA5-271-56HM
Intel Core i5-6200U
23339 Points -1%
Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro S W700N
Intel Core m3-6Y30
18576 Points -21%
Mozilla Kraken 1.1 - Total
Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro S W700N
Intel Core m3-6Y30
1873 ms * -31%
Acer Aspire Switch Alpha 12 SA5-271-56HM
Intel Core i5-6200U
1445 ms * -1%
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) m3
Intel Core m3-7Y30
1428 ms *
HP Elite x2 1012 G1
Intel Core m5-6Y54
1306 ms * +9%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Tablet Gen 2
Intel Core i5-7Y54
1132 ms * +21%
Lenovo Ideapad Miix 720-12IKB
Intel Core i7-7500U
1082 ms * +24%
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) i7
Intel Core i7-7660U
927 ms * +35%

* ... smaller is better

Cinebench R10
Cinebench R10
Cinebench R11.5
Cinebench R11.5
Cinebench R15
Cinebench R15
Jetstream 1.1
Jetstream 1.1
Octane V2
Octane V2
Mozilla Kraken 1.1
Mozilla Kraken 1.1
Cinebench R10 Rendering Single CPUs 64Bit
5253 Points
Cinebench R10 Shading 32Bit
5363
Cinebench R10 Rendering Multiple CPUs 32Bit
8846
Cinebench R10 Rendering Single 32Bit
4071
Cinebench R10 Shading 64Bit
6419 Points
Cinebench R10 Rendering Multiple CPUs 64Bit
11264 Points
Cinebench R11.5 CPU Multi 64Bit
2.85 Points
Cinebench R11.5 OpenGL 64Bit
32.21 fps
Cinebench R11.5 CPU Single 64Bit
1.24 Points
Cinebench R15 Ref. Match 64Bit
97.8 %
Cinebench R15 CPU Single 64Bit
108 Points
Cinebench R15 OpenGL 64Bit
36.15 fps
Cinebench R15 CPU Multi 64Bit
258 Points
Help

System Performance

Our review sample positions itself exclusively in the second last place in the PCMark 8 benchmarks, as was expected in view of the CPU's low performance. Nevertheless, Microsoft's frugal Surface Pro 2017 does a good job and the difference to the top places is often just a few percentage points.

Seen subjectively, the review sample runs quickly and smoothly. The installed components are very well-balanced, which speaks for high quality.

PCMark 8 Home
PCMark 8 Home
PCMark 8 Creative
PCMark 8 Creative
PCMark 8 Work
PCMark 8 Work
PCMark 8 Storage
PCMark 8 Storage
PCMark 10
PCMark 10
PCMark 8
Home Score Accelerated v2
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) i7
Iris Plus Graphics 640, i7-7660U, Samsung PM971 KUS040202M
4095 Points +41%
Acer Aspire Switch Alpha 12 SA5-271-56HM
HD Graphics 520, 6200U, Kingston RBU-SNS8152S3256GG2
3281 Points +13%
Lenovo Ideapad Miix 720-12IKB
HD Graphics 620, i7-7500U, Samsung SSD PM961 1TB M.2 PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe (MZVLW1T0)
3186 Points +10%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Tablet Gen 2
HD Graphics 615, i5-7Y54, Samsung PM961 MZVLW256HEHP
3092 Points +7%
HP Elite x2 1012 G1
HD Graphics 515, 6Y54, Liteon L8H-256V2G
2983 Points +3%
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) i5
HD Graphics 620, i5-7300U, Samsung PM971 KUS030202M
2936 Points +1%
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) m3
HD Graphics 615, m3-7Y30, Samsung PM971 KUS020203M
2896 Points
Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro S W700N
HD Graphics 515, 6Y30, Lite-On CV1-8B128
2217 Points -23%
Creative Score Accelerated v2
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) i7
Iris Plus Graphics 640, i7-7660U, Samsung PM971 KUS040202M
5540 Points +48%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Tablet Gen 2
HD Graphics 615, i5-7Y54, Samsung PM961 MZVLW256HEHP
3924 Points +5%
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) m3
HD Graphics 615, m3-7Y30, Samsung PM971 KUS020203M
3754 Points
HP Elite x2 1012 G1
HD Graphics 515, 6Y54, Liteon L8H-256V2G
3423 Points -9%
Work Score Accelerated v2
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) i7
Iris Plus Graphics 640, i7-7660U, Samsung PM971 KUS040202M
4431 Points +24%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Tablet Gen 2
HD Graphics 615, i5-7Y54, Samsung PM961 MZVLW256HEHP
4288 Points +20%
Lenovo Ideapad Miix 720-12IKB
HD Graphics 620, i7-7500U, Samsung SSD PM961 1TB M.2 PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe (MZVLW1T0)
4216 Points +18%
Acer Aspire Switch Alpha 12 SA5-271-56HM
HD Graphics 520, 6200U, Kingston RBU-SNS8152S3256GG2
3996 Points +11%
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) i5
HD Graphics 620, i5-7300U, Samsung PM971 KUS030202M
3983 Points +11%
HP Elite x2 1012 G1
HD Graphics 515, 6Y54, Liteon L8H-256V2G
3932 Points +10%
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) m3
HD Graphics 615, m3-7Y30, Samsung PM971 KUS020203M
3586 Points
Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro S W700N
HD Graphics 515, 6Y30, Lite-On CV1-8B128
3311 Points -8%
PCMark 10
Score
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) i7
Iris Plus Graphics 640, i7-7660U, Samsung PM971 KUS040202M
3909 Points +56%
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) i5
HD Graphics 620, i5-7300U, Samsung PM971 KUS030202M
2957 Points +18%
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) m3
HD Graphics 615, m3-7Y30, Samsung PM971 KUS020203M
2509 Points
Productivity
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) i7
Iris Plus Graphics 640, i7-7660U, Samsung PM971 KUS040202M
6665 Points +65%
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) i5
HD Graphics 620, i5-7300U, Samsung PM971 KUS030202M
5009 Points +24%
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) m3
HD Graphics 615, m3-7Y30, Samsung PM971 KUS020203M
4051 Points
PCMark 8 Home Score Accelerated v2
2896 points
PCMark 8 Creative Score Accelerated v2
3754 points
PCMark 8 Work Score Accelerated v2
3586 points
PCMark 10 Score
2509 points
Help

Storage Device

The storage device is a 128 GB SSD by Samsung. According to the spec sheet, the PM971 achieves a sequential read speed of up to 1400 MB/s and a sequential write speed of up to 500 MB/s. We check these specs with the AS SSD tool and almost reach Samsung's factory specs. In particular, the 4K read rate of 40 MB/s is very good and ensures very fast system booting among other things.

The storage device cannot be replaced, which is unfortunately user-unfriendly. As usual, the alternatives are the USB port or a micro-SD card.

AS SSD
AS SSD
CrystalDiskMark 3.0
CrystalDiskMark 3.0
ATTO
ATTO
CrystalDiskInfo
CrystalDiskInfo
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) m3
HD Graphics 615, m3-7Y30, Samsung PM971 KUS020203M
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) i7
Iris Plus Graphics 640, i7-7660U, Samsung PM971 KUS040202M
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) i5
HD Graphics 620, i5-7300U, Samsung PM971 KUS030202M
Lenovo Ideapad Miix 720-12IKB
HD Graphics 620, i7-7500U, Samsung SSD PM961 1TB M.2 PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe (MZVLW1T0)
HP Elite x2 1012 G1
HD Graphics 515, 6Y54, Liteon L8H-256V2G
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Tablet Gen 2
HD Graphics 615, i5-7Y54, Samsung PM961 MZVLW256HEHP
Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro S W700N
HD Graphics 515, 6Y30, Lite-On CV1-8B128
Acer Aspire Switch Alpha 12 SA5-271-56HM
HD Graphics 520, 6200U, Kingston RBU-SNS8152S3256GG2
CrystalDiskMark 3.0
78%
38%
193%
-2%
94%
-33%
-14%
Read Seq
691
1308
89%
723
5%
2408
248%
501
-27%
1739
152%
419.8
-39%
518
-25%
Write Seq
670
961
43%
853
27%
1702
154%
297.2
-56%
1259
88%
162.9
-76%
199.9
-70%
Read 512
261.1
227.5
-13%
225
-14%
1301
398%
351.7
35%
698
167%
298.7
14%
374.9
44%
Write 512
241
792
229%
445
85%
1288
434%
295.7
23%
869
261%
160.9
-33%
201
-17%
Read 4k
40.11
53.6
34%
46
15%
53.6
34%
28.31
-29%
52.3
30%
27.49
-31%
29.3
-27%
Write 4k
98.8
136.3
38%
125
27%
162.2
64%
90.3
-9%
120
21%
48.44
-51%
76.8
-22%
Read 4k QD32
301.8
485.6
61%
423
40%
504
67%
285
-6%
247.9
-18%
236.2
-22%
272
-10%
Write 4k QD32
172
421.5
145%
373
117%
420.8
145%
268.4
56%
259
51%
135
-22%
197.1
15%
Samsung PM971 KUS020203M
Sequential Read: 691 MB/s
Sequential Write: 670 MB/s
512K Read: 261.1 MB/s
512K Write: 241 MB/s
4K Read: 40.11 MB/s
4K Write: 98.8 MB/s
4K QD32 Read: 301.8 MB/s
4K QD32 Write: 172 MB/s

Graphics Card

3DMark
1280x720 Cloud Gate Standard Graphics
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) i7
Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640, Intel Core i7-7660U
11264 Points +85%
Acer Aspire Switch Alpha 12 SA5-271-56HM
Intel HD Graphics 520, Intel Core i5-6200U
7307 Points +20%
Lenovo Ideapad Miix 720-12IKB
Intel HD Graphics 620, Intel Core i7-7500U
7270 Points +19%
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) i5
Intel HD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-7300U
7265 Points +19%
HP Elite x2 1012 G1
Intel HD Graphics 515, Intel Core m5-6Y54
6308 Points +3%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Tablet Gen 2
Intel HD Graphics 615, Intel Core i5-7Y54
6164 Points +1%
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) m3
Intel HD Graphics 615, Intel Core m3-7Y30
6096 Points
Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro S W700N
Intel HD Graphics 515, Intel Core m3-6Y30
4760 Points -22%
1920x1080 Fire Strike Graphics
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) i7
Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640, Intel Core i7-7660U
1418 Points +90%
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) i5
Intel HD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-7300U
889 Points +19%
HP Elite x2 1012 G1
Intel HD Graphics 515, Intel Core m5-6Y54
797 Points +7%
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) m3
Intel HD Graphics 615, Intel Core m3-7Y30
748 Points
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Tablet Gen 2
Intel HD Graphics 615, Intel Core i5-7Y54
728 Points -3%
Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro S W700N
Intel HD Graphics 515, Intel Core m3-6Y30
589 Points -21%
3DMark 11 - 1280x720 Performance GPU
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) i7
Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640, Intel Core i7-7660U
2493 Points +99%
Acer Aspire Switch Alpha 12 SA5-271-56HM
Intel HD Graphics 520, Intel Core i5-6200U
1428 Points +14%
Lenovo Ideapad Miix 720-12IKB
Intel HD Graphics 620, Intel Core i7-7500U
1416 Points +13%
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) m3
Intel HD Graphics 615, Intel Core m3-7Y30
1251 Points
HP Elite x2 1012 G1
Intel HD Graphics 515, Intel Core m5-6Y54
1200 Points -4%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Tablet Gen 2
Intel HD Graphics 615, Intel Core i5-7Y54
1161 Points -7%
Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro S W700N
Intel HD Graphics 515, Intel Core m3-6Y30
980 Points -22%
3DMark Ice Storm
3DMark Ice Storm
3DMark Ice Storm Unlimited
3DMark Ice Storm Unlimited
3DMark Ice Storm Extreme
3DMark Ice Storm Extreme
3DMark Cloud Gate
3DMark Cloud Gate
3DMark Sky Diver
3DMark Sky Diver
3DMark Fire Strike
3DMark Fire Strike
3DMark Fire Strike Extreme
3DMark Fire Strike Extreme
3DMark Fire Strike Ultra
3DMark Fire Strike Ultra
3DMark 11
3DMark 11
 
3DMark 11 Performance
1385 points
3DMark Ice Storm Standard Score
45269 points
3DMark Cloud Gate Standard Score
4794 points
3DMark Fire Strike Score
699 points
3DMark Fire Strike Extreme Score
310 points
Help

Gaming Performance

The convertible is not made for gaming, and thus the frame rates are mostly within an unplayable range. Simpler games from the Windows Store or browser games can be enjoyed, though. The performance is simply not high enough for other PC games. Compared with the competition, our review sample still does a relatively good job here.

low med. high ultra
BioShock Infinite (2013) 42.6 25.2 20.8 4.6
Battlefield 4 (2013) 31.2 22.7 18.9
Rise of the Tomb Raider (2016) 14.2 9.4

Emissions & Energy Management

System Noise

The device does not have an active fan. Instead, it uses heat-pipes and its casing to discharge the heat. Thus, it does not produce noise and the device operates absolutely silently. We did not perceive any electronic noises or the like even when accessing data.

Temperature

3DMark 11 post stress test
3DMark 11 post stress test

The casing's temperatures are similar to those of Microsoft's Surface Pro 2017 i5 model. Both have a passive cooling system that discharges heat from the components. At a maximum of 40.6 °C, the casing does not heat up excessively. Acer's Aspire Switch Alpha 12 is the leader with 51 °C during load.

The small SoC reaches a temperature of 62 °C during load (Prime95) and clocks at an average of 1.4 GHz in the one-hour stress test. The heavy throttling discovered with Intel's Core i5 is not the main issue of our review sample with the considerably more frugal Intel Core m3. The cooling system of Microsoft's Surface Pro 2017 copes much better with its TDP of just 4.5 watts. However, the performance is still throttled at a CPU temperature of 62 °C to prevent damage due to overheating and too high surface temperatures.

The 3DMark 11 performed afterward presented a much lower score than compared with a cold start. Since stable gaming performance is not the prime issue here, this test should not be considered too heavily. Evident performance losses due to overheating will not occur during normal everyday use.

Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) m3
HD Graphics 615, m3-7Y30, Samsung PM971 KUS020203M
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) i5
HD Graphics 620, i5-7300U, Samsung PM971 KUS030202M
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) i7
Iris Plus Graphics 640, i7-7660U, Samsung PM971 KUS040202M
Lenovo Ideapad Miix 720-12IKB
HD Graphics 620, i7-7500U, Samsung SSD PM961 1TB M.2 PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe (MZVLW1T0)
HP Elite x2 1012 G1
HD Graphics 515, 6Y54, Liteon L8H-256V2G
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Tablet Gen 2
HD Graphics 615, i5-7Y54, Samsung PM961 MZVLW256HEHP
Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro S W700N
HD Graphics 515, 6Y30, Lite-On CV1-8B128
Acer Aspire Switch Alpha 12 SA5-271-56HM
HD Graphics 520, 6200U, Kingston RBU-SNS8152S3256GG2
Heat
1%
6%
-3%
8%
-3%
-8%
-2%
Maximum Upper Side *
40.5
39.2
3%
42
-4%
42
-4%
39
4%
47.2
-17%
42.5
-5%
46.7
-15%
Maximum Bottom *
40.6
40.3
1%
42
-3%
43.6
-7%
41.2
-1%
49.8
-23%
44.6
-10%
51
-26%
Idle Upper Side *
37.8
37
2%
31
18%
32.8
13%
29.5
22%
30.8
19%
36.6
3%
29.5
22%
Idle Bottom *
32
32.3
-1%
28
12%
36.4
-14%
29.8
7%
29.2
9%
38.6
-21%
28.6
11%

* ... smaller is better

Max. Load
 37.1 °C
99 F
39 °C
102 F
38.7 °C
102 F
 
 34.8 °C
95 F
37.4 °C
99 F
37.4 °C
99 F
 
 35 °C
95 F
40.5 °C
105 F
36.3 °C
97 F
 
Maximum: 40.5 °C = 105 F
Average: 37.4 °C = 99 F
39 °C
102 F
40.6 °C
105 F
38 °C
100 F
37 °C
99 F
39.8 °C
104 F
35 °C
95 F
35.8 °C
96 F
36.9 °C
98 F
35.3 °C
96 F
Maximum: 40.6 °C = 105 F
Average: 37.5 °C = 100 F
Power Supply (max.)  45 °C = 113 F | Room Temperature 24 °C = 75 F | FIRT 550-Pocket
(±) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 37.4 °C / 99 F, compared to the average of 30.2 °C / 86 F for the devices in the class Convertible.
(±) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 40.5 °C / 105 F, compared to the average of 35.3 °C / 96 F, ranging from 19.6 to 55.7 °C for the class Convertible.
(±) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 40.6 °C / 105 F, compared to the average of 36.7 °C / 98 F
(±) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 33 °C / 91 F, compared to the device average of 30.2 °C / 86 F.
(-) The palmrests and touchpad can get very hot to the touch with a maximum of 40.5 °C / 104.9 F.
(-) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 28.1 °C / 82.6 F (-12.4 °C / -22.3 F).
Temperature development front (load)
Temperature development front (load)
Temperature development rear (load)
Temperature development rear (load)
Temperature development front (idle)
Temperature development front (idle)
Temperature development rear (idle)
Temperature development rear (idle)

Speakers

Pink Noise characteristic
Pink Noise characteristic

The installed speakers are identical with those of the previously tested Microsoft Surface Pro 2017. Only marginal differences can be measured and are related to production. The sound of both speakers is decent for a convertible and can compete against good laptop speakers despite the compact size. However, the speakers have to admit defeat against external sound solutions.

Speech and music are loud and clear and the microphone records speech indoors very well. However, wind noise causes minor interference when recording outdoors.

dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs2033.533.133.52533.132.933.13137.432.637.44034.829.834.85040.937.940.96331.731.131.78029.628.229.610034.524.534.512544.624.944.616049.524.449.52005223.35225050.622.250.631548.421.448.44005920.45950059.619.259.663062.118.762.180068.818.268.8100065.317.765.3125061.617.561.6160063.517.363.5200065.517.465.5250068.817.568.8315066.317.566.3400060.717.760.7500065.517.865.5630061.31861.3800058.318.258.31000056.918.256.91250051.918.351.91600044.318.444.3SPL76.530.376.5N381.438median 59.6median 18.2median 59.6Delta7.51.57.536353637.428.237.435.825.435.83729.83737.928.537.940.728.940.740.429.140.440.928.940.943.528.443.545274548.723.848.75022.75056.721.956.758.320.958.358.120.558.162.219.562.264.918.464.960.818.260.860.917.860.961.21861.267.817.867.865.217.865.260.317.960.35817.95855.81855.856.71856.757.117.957.156.117.856.145.117.745.142.517.842.57430.77432.31.532.3median 57.1median 18median 57.16.22.26.2hearing rangehide median Pink NoiseMicrosoft Surface Pro (2017) m3Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) i5
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) m3 audio analysis

(-) | not very loud speakers (68.8 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(±) | reduced bass - on average 12.9% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (10.5% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 3.7% away from median
(±) | linearity of mids is average (9.6% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 4.1% away from median
(±) | linearity of highs is average (8.6% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (19.1% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 39% of all tested devices in this class were better, 7% similar, 53% worse
» The best had a delta of 6%, average was 21%, worst was 57%
Compared to all devices tested
» 40% of all tested devices were better, 7% similar, 53% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) i5 audio analysis

(-) | not very loud speakers (68 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(±) | reduced bass - on average 9.7% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (7% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 4.6% away from median
(+) | mids are linear (6.3% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 2.1% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (5.2% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (18.2% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 33% of all tested devices in this class were better, 8% similar, 59% worse
» The best had a delta of 6%, average was 21%, worst was 57%
Compared to all devices tested
» 33% of all tested devices were better, 8% similar, 59% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Frequency diagram comparison (checkboxes above can be turned on/off!)

Power Consumption

Our review sample can absolutely illustrate the virtues of the economic SoC in power consumption, although the advantage over the Core i5 Surface is only marginal. In return, the energy advantage over Microsoft's Surface Pro 2017 i7 flagship increases to 40%. A look at the comparison chart shows that only Lenovo's ThinkPad X1 and Samsung's Galaxy Tab Pro S are even more energy-efficient.

Our review sample does not consume much with 3.1 - 9.9 watts without load. The power supply only has to output 23.6 watts during load. The compact power supply has enough capacity with a maximum output of 24 watts. Although there is not much elbowroom in view of the maximum measured power consumption of 23.6 watts, it is only reached for a very short time if at all. Of course, the power supply is a bit smaller than that of the i5 model, but an additional USB port for recharging smartphones and co. is no longer present.

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0.33 / 0.7 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 3.1 / 8.8 / 9.8 Watt
Load midlight 22.7 / 23.6 Watt
 color bar
Key: min: dark, med: mid, max: light        Metrahit Energy
Currently we use the Metrahit Energy, a professional single phase power quality and energy measurement digital multimeter, for our measurements. Find out more about it here. All of our test methods can be found here.
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) m3
m3-7Y30, HD Graphics 615, Samsung PM971 KUS020203M, IPS, 2736x1826, 12.30
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) i5
i5-7300U, HD Graphics 620, Samsung PM971 KUS030202M, IPS, 2736x1824, 12.30
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) i7
i7-7660U, Iris Plus Graphics 640, Samsung PM971 KUS040202M, IPS, 2736x1824, 12.30
Lenovo Ideapad Miix 720-12IKB
i7-7500U, HD Graphics 620, Samsung SSD PM961 1TB M.2 PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe (MZVLW1T0), IPS, 2880x1920, 12.00
HP Elite x2 1012 G1
6Y54, HD Graphics 515, Liteon L8H-256V2G, IPS, 1920x1280, 12.10
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Tablet Gen 2
i5-7Y54, HD Graphics 615, Samsung PM961 MZVLW256HEHP, IPS, 2160x1440, 12.00
Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro S W700N
6Y30, HD Graphics 515, Lite-On CV1-8B128, sAMOLED, 2160x1440, 12.10
Acer Aspire Switch Alpha 12 SA5-271-56HM
6200U, HD Graphics 520, Kingston RBU-SNS8152S3256GG2, IPS, 2160x1440, 12.00
Power Consumption
-2%
-40%
-7%
-4%
4%
17%
-38%
Idle Minimum *
3.1
3.6
-16%
4.2
-35%
3.5
-13%
3.7
-19%
5
-61%
3.4
-10%
7.3
-135%
Idle Average *
8.8
8.1
8%
10.1
-15%
7.2
18%
6.8
23%
6.3
28%
8
9%
10
-14%
Idle Maximum *
9.8
8.7
11%
14
-43%
7.9
19%
7.6
22%
7.8
20%
9
8%
10.15
-4%
Load Average *
22.7
25.5
-12%
37.4
-65%
29.6
-30%
22.5
1%
19.5
14%
12
47%
25.2
-11%
Load Maximum *
23.6
23.5
-0%
34
-44%
30.8
-31%
34.5
-46%
19.6
17%
16.1
32%
29.3
-24%
Witcher 3 ultra *
38.1

* ... smaller is better

Battery Runtime

The 45-Wh lithium-ion battery is no stranger and is also used in both faster Microsoft Surface Pro 2017 models. Our review sample with a considerably more efficient processor can improve the already very good load runtimes. It first shut down after 198 minutes. Microsoft's Surface Pro 2017 also makes a very good impression in the Wi-Fi test. With a battery life of 11:22 hours, a fully charged battery easily lasts a full workday. None of the competitors can compete with Microsoft's Surface Pro 2017 in terms of battery life.

Maximum battery runtime
Maximum battery runtime
Minimum battery runtime
Minimum battery runtime
Wi-Fi battery runtime
Wi-Fi battery runtime
H.264 battery runtime
H.264 battery runtime
Charging time
Charging time
Battery Runtime
Idle (without WLAN, min brightness)
15h 33min
WiFi Websurfing (Edge 40.15063.0.0)
11h 22min
Big Buck Bunny H.264 1080p
11h 08min
Load (maximum brightness)
3h 18min
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) m3
m3-7Y30, HD Graphics 615, 45 Wh
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) i5
i5-7300U, HD Graphics 620, 45 Wh
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) i7
i7-7660U, Iris Plus Graphics 640, 45 Wh
Lenovo Ideapad Miix 720-12IKB
i7-7500U, HD Graphics 620, 41 Wh
HP Elite x2 1012 G1
6Y54, HD Graphics 515, 37 Wh
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Tablet Gen 2
i5-7Y54, HD Graphics 615, 37 Wh
Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro S W700N
6Y30, HD Graphics 515, 39.5 Wh
Acer Aspire Switch Alpha 12 SA5-271-56HM
6200U, HD Graphics 520, 37 Wh
Battery Runtime
2%
-26%
-39%
-32%
-32%
-9%
-39%
Reader / Idle
933
1054
13%
713
-24%
732
-22%
662
-29%
1110
19%
640
-31%
H.264
668
614
-8%
432
-35%
515
-23%
468
-30%
WiFi v1.3
682
744
9%
489
-28%
345
-49%
443
-35%
441
-35%
525
-23%
321
-53%
Load
198
168
-15%
112
-43%
111
-44%
130
-34%
134
-32%
112
-43%
Witcher 3 ultra
115

Verdict

Pros

+ elegant and high-quality materials
+ very good build
+ absolutely noiseless
+ low weight
+ long battery life
+ very good screen (viewing-angle stable, high color-space coverage)
+ attractive pricing
+ solid system performance for everyday tasks
+ good camera modules with Windows Hello

Cons

- very conservative thermal limits (62 °C)
- highly reflective screen
- no USB Type-C
- no upgrade options
- very expensive accessories
- no other hardware combinations possible
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017), courtesy of Notebooksbilliger.de
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017), courtesy of Notebooksbilliger.de

Microsoft's Surface Pro 2017 that is based on Intel's Core m3 Y7Y30 here does many things right and the installed hardware is very well-balanced. The efficient components could improve the already long battery life considerably. However, this is at the expense of computing power. Intel's Core m3 7Y30 provides enough for everyday work but cannot compete against the faster i5 and i7 Surface Pro 2017 convertibles. The system performance nevertheless has to be rated as good and the distance to the faster competition was often only a few percentage points.

Microsoft's Surface Pro 2017 entry-level configuration primarily attracts attention with its appealing price design. It is just too bad that the manufacturer does not offer other hardware configurations on this basis.

The very good screen particularly impressed us. Its high color-space coverage and high screen resolution are certainly suitable for the semi-professional sector. However, the panel has to accept criticism since its highly reflective surface clearly limits its outdoor suitability. The biggest point of criticism remains to be the limited configuration options. 128 GB of SSD storage is quickly filled and it is not possible to replace the storage device. Furthermore, it is inconceivable why the appearance is kept modern but the connectivity is not. At least a USB Type-C port with Thunderbolt support should be present in 2017.

Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) m3 - 08/07/2017 v6(old)
Sebastian Bade

Chassis
90 / 98 → 91%
Keyboard
89%
Pointing Device
89%
Connectivity
49 / 80 → 61%
Weight
74 / 35-78 → 91%
Battery
93%
Display
89%
Games Performance
54 / 68 → 79%
Application Performance
76 / 87 → 88%
Temperature
88%
Noise
100%
Audio
86 / 91 → 95%
Camera
71 / 85 → 83%
Average
81%
89%
Convertible - Weighted Average

Pricecompare

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > Reviews > Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) (Core m3, 128GB, 4GB) Convertible Review
Sebastian Bade, 2017-08- 9 (Update: 2020-05-19)