Microsoft Surface Pro 4
Verified162 reviews
5 1/2 Years later and still going strong – I have had my Surface Pro 4 since 2016 and I have had very few problems with it. When it does come time for a new computer, I will purchase another Surface Pro.
Such a smooth device! – Received one of these as a replacement for my Pro 3 when I dropped it (paid an excess and got a free upgrade!). Such an amazing device with only 2 cons I've noticed over the years. Sometimes, the power button lags/ is not as responsive. Secondly, if I put the device on sleep mode, the speakers will make odd sounds sometimes? I'm not sure what the issue is but it doesn't seem to affect use. The matching keyboard absolutely sucks though!
Horrible- buyers beware – So I have a Surface Pro 4, a while back it started flickering, I did some investigation and it turns out to be a well known and documented manufacturing problem, it’s so severe actually that they have a global replacement program. So I went through their support and they confirmed that my device is indeed defective but because I bought it more… Read more
than a year ago they won’t replace it! Instead, they “offered” me another Surface Pro 4 for $851 and the support girl in China is surprised that I’m not “satisfied” with her resolution…
In-depth reviews
I "invested" in what I thought was a quality product. I have only had problems – I invested in this laptop because I would be traveling all over the world and working a lot from this device, so I did not want a laptop that would cause me issues. The device had major screen issues within a few months to the point where you could not work with it. I had to return to the United States from Colombia in order to have it analyzed… Read more
to see if it was covered under the warranty. They ended up replacing this device.
I then moved to New Zealand where within a few months the touchscreen started failing and the battery no longer holds a charge. Not only that, but the computer freezes frequently. Microsoft Support was very difficult to work with and would not honor the warranty even though this device failed within one year, it has now been past 1 year of the purchase of the original device. They said that I can have a replacement for $600.
You would do yourself a favor and purchase a much cheaper computer and should expect to have less problems.
Good device, MS broke it outside warranty – Bought this device along with the MS Type Cover for mobile software development and online training during commute times. The SP4, running Windows 10 has been pretty faultless for two years, and while not running the latest and greatest CPU, it performed well under Visual Studio work, movie & MP3 playback. You wouldn't necessarily use it for… Read more
video encoding just like you wouldn't with any tablet PC - although you could do it (slowly).
The device has a decent array of connectivity ports and a memory card slot, which is pretty handy for storing and separating movies from your main storage.
I don't play games on it of any kind on it, but for productivity - MS Office, Browsing, Media Playback etc. I found it a profoundly useful, a good solid device with a sharp screen and very easy to use Type Cover. Because it has a touch screen, combining Keyboard, Track Pad and Touch operation works so fluidly for navigation.
Having owned one and used it in anger for a couple of years, I'm really not sure how I'm going to replace it. I have laptops but find them far less convenient - that's how 'right' the Surface Pro 4 feels, but given what follows - and as a Professional Software Developer, I won't be buying another Microsoft Device as I expect more from a company who charges $1700 for a 'tablet' PC.
Regrettably, during September 2018, I accepted a Windows 10 Update which installed new Device Firmware. This series of updates killed the device's ability to operate with the MS Type Cover. My understanding is that Microsoft have thus far refused to acknowledge the issue, offering people the option to 'buy' a refurbished replacement unit for several hundred dollars. This 'fault' appears to be affecting thousands of devices around the world following updates - and as a result, I can no longer use it the way I need to. You simply can't develop software using the pop-up graphical keyboard.
IMPORTANT UPDATE: Microsoft replaced the unit even though it was outside the warranty period with a brand new Surface Pro 5. Very happy!
Brilliant for work or home, super fast and easy to use – I have a Surface Pro 4 for work so decided to upgrade my HP Laptop at home to a Surface Pro 4 so I could seamlessly go between work and home on similar devices. I was hesitant to get the Surface Pro 4 but the screen resolution and battery life were second to none. I use Corel Premium Pro video editing for a 360° video camera plus a couple of… Read more
FHD adventure cameras and a Mirrorless Canon EOS so I loved the Pro 4 screen resolution. I did read a review about light reflections but I've experienced none of these when editing. The Surface Pro is just superb for the high quality but still amateur video editing I do.
The battery life is simply excellent and I can go for a full day on a single charge, however, if I'm editing I'll always use 240v power.
I don't use the case keyboard but purchased the Microsoft Wireless Fingerprint aluminium keyboard.
I also use Microsoft's Wireless Display adaptor and it is excellent to cast the Pro 4 to a flat screen TV
All in all, I'm more than happy with my Surface Pro 4.
The only con I have is related to the Microsoft Store for App, as there are not many, NOT many at all.
Positive reviews
The best tablet for 4K – On Sunday afternoon 26th November 2017 I purchased a Microsoft Surface Pro 4 with accessories for $200 from The Good Guys in Bayswater so I can watch 4K Movies. The staff were amazing and the service was excellent. Show details
Still Good in 2018 and Very Fast – I use my Surface Pro 4 for all of my computing. I am a database developer by trade and I use this machine in a dock and run two monitors off of it. I run Visual Studio and SSMS. Use Office 365, OneNote, Word, Excel and other third party applications. This device is about three years old but has an i7 processor and 16GB of RAM. I have not had any… Read more
issues at all with it. I am waiting for MS to make available an LTE version with the higher specs. When they do I will upgrade this device to that model. There is no reason to upgrade for performance reasons because this one is just fine.
Surface pro – I use this for work when I’m not at my desk. Handy to convert to a tablet when needed. Love the pen functionality for when I’m marking up docs. A bit expensive but was what I was after. I’ve only had for 3 months & will test out shortly with a few weeks away from my work desk. Show details
Negative reviews
On my 3rd and out of warranty – Ist one hard drive died, second one screen flickering, 3rd one treat with kit gloves. None had a hard life. Remove power to unit after shut down always. Get blue screen of death on 3rd one twice a week. 2 windows updates ago it turned bit locker on. That was fun. Payed $3k in 2016, should have bought an Asus. Show details
Rubbish Computer and Rubbish Service – Purchased the Surface Pro 4 a couple of years ago and the first machine died on us and we took it back to JB Hi-Fi for a replacement. The second computer has now started ghosting which is a common fault for the Surface Pro 4. Contacted Microsoft as they provided an additional three (3) year replacement due to the known fault and I was outside the… Read more
warranty period by a couple of months. They then tried to upsell a replacement at a cost of $900+ or $300 off a new one, why would I buy a replacement for a rubbish computer that has already been replaced previously. Off to buy a new computer.....
Poor Battery life – Great little device but incredibly poor battery life. I have run it for 1-2 hr maximum before recharging required. The charger that came with it is faulty, and the Microsoft version is $120 for a new one. Luckily I bought it 2nd hand, so I'm not out of pocket too much. The touch screen works well, keyboard works well. The tablet mode is a bit… Read more
gimmicky, not as intuitive an interface as the iPads. My main complaint is the battery life. For such an expensive product, i would have thought more than 2hr would be better, and this is on low settings (low brightness, background apps). I still don't understand why manufacturers can't just make it so you can swap batteries like you can with power tools. And have separate rechargers. In addition, it overheats if the back is resting against anything (your legs, cushion, etc.). Then the trackpad begins to malfunction. Overall an incredibly disappointing product.
Recent reviews
Designed to be faulty – I originally got the first Surface when it came out, and upgraded to a Surface Pro 4 after a few years. Unfortunately, these devices are not designed to last. When I first bought my Surface Pro 4, various issues began to “surface” within only a few months. Hardware issues, overheating, touchscreen failure, battery problems, the list goes on. I… Read more
eventually got it replaced by the retailer I purchased it from. It’s only been a year with the new device, and now the Surface is unusable. The screen flickers incessantly, and after a few minutes begins to ghost/freeze. Looking it up, this appears to be a common issue with the Surface Pro 4. Microsoft and the retailer want nothing to do with me as the device is just out of warranty. Would never buy a Surface device again.
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Have to replace for a second time – My first device within a year began to have a hardware issue which they call "ghost touch". Now this replacement has another irreparable hardware issue - screen flickering. Waste of money. Show details
Class action waiting to happen! – I purchased my Surface Pro in March 2018. Very suddenly in October the screen popped out and cannot stay in. It gets very hot and I am concerned it may catch fire. I have contacted Microsoft who have offered me a replacement (not new) for $599 USD. Why would I pay for another Surface Pro that doesn't work? I have had other problems with this unit… Read more
so over all not at all impressed. Microsoft is a dud and wont be using them again. I suggest a class action as if vehicles, toys etc had this kind of a problem there would be a recall due to safety concerns (fire etc) BR WJS
Was good until it broke after 2.5 years – I purchased my Microsoft Surface Pro in November 2016. I was really happy with it for about 2.5 years, but then in February 2019 it suddenly stopped working and was displaying the Blue Screen of Death. I took it to a repair centre, where they reinstalled all the software, but after working for a day, the same problem started again. The repair… Read more
centre told me that this is likely a hardware issue and it will cost more than AU$700 to fix. This is extremely disappointing given that I paid a lot of money for the device and was hoping to be able to use it for at least 5 years.
Worst Laptop – I purchased my surface pro a year ago and has been plagued with problems. The charging port didn't work on certain chargers for no reason, it constantly deletes my word documents for no reason. The facial recognition has never worked and the entire laptop is slow and rubbish. Better off buying a macbook or something reliable Show details
Expensive Paperweight – At 23 months of age my Surface Pro 4 started to have problems. The cursor would lock up and the only way to get it to move was to turn the Surface Pro off and restart. My son contacted Microsoft and they tested the Surface Pro remotely and said there wasn't anything wrong with it, however I am still having problems. We tried different keyboards… Read more
etc nothing worked. Now I have difficulty turning it on, sometimes it takes a while before it will come on. I asked Microsoft it I could get it repaired and they offered me a refurbished unit for $650, no thanks. As it turns out it cost me $700 a year for nearly 2 years of use of my Surface Pro. I won't be purchasing another one that's for sure. My Surface Pro was just for my own personal use.
Great machine...suffered the same failure as so many others...do not buy – The surface was great...served me well in my business and very professional and wieldy. The last week I went to turn it on...no go...googled...looks like im not the only one. Contacted MS...tough buddy its a 3...despite the fact I looked after it...spotless in a heavy duty case. DO NOT PURCHASE A SURFACE PRO...they are a time bomb waiting to happen. Now I have to lodge a case with fair trading because its a common fault. Show details
Dangerous and defective battery – I liked the Microsoft pro 4 until after 2 years the battery started swelling, lifted the screen off the case and I was told to stop using it because it was DANGEROUS. Mine is not an unusual experience. Microsoft only replaced the unit with a refurbished model and a cost of $650. Show details
Flcikering Screen - Acknowledged Hardware Fault but won't replace – At its face value, it appeared to be a high end product and I bought it, expecting that it would have a similar shelf life to comparable products, but a little over my warrant period, the screen started flickering and later I discovered they have extended the warranty but I'm 20 days over, so I have a very expensive brick. I wouldn't recommend the product to anyone who is after a reliable product that you want to last more than a year. Show details
not to my expectations – well, let's say the surface pro looks good and says its all good but I have one and I say it's not worth it gets very laggy and its had so many errors before that I actually had to replace a new one when watching videos it cant load HD quality without waiting for 5 minutes. it certainly didn't reach my expectations I have to say that my hp computer was better than this. it's just not worth $1800. Show details
Find out how Microsoft Surface Pro 4 compares to other Laptops
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Sent back 3 times for same issue – Worst computer I have ever owned. This is my secondary computer for when I travel for work. It has been replaced 3 times for the same issue in a 3 month period (wont turn on). Now having the same issue again, yes that's 4 times now. Warranty has expired and I am expected to pay $600 for a replacement. This price may sound ok for a replacement but… Read more
I have been through 4 of these, each only lasting 4-6hrs of usage.
Support pretty poor, sent through to the US call centre after waiting 30 min on hold.
I have honestly spend more time setting up each computer and then talking to Microsoft Support then I have had usage.
Would score 0 -5 if I could.
bugs a million - over priced pile of Microsoft crap – If you want a tablet where not even the simplest of functions works properly then you have bought the right product. OMG. Cant really use as a laptop unless you buy docks and a gazillion adapters to carry around with you. Did I mention that nothing works? Save your money on a pen and pad. Far less frustrating. Show details
Beast – This thing is a beast. Easy to transport and exceptionally fast. Have used so many different laptops and tablets over the years in my line of work and nothing compares to the power of the surface book. Great to travel with. I would highly recommend purchasing the dock with this unit. Show details
Absolute Garbage – Omg, to put it simply its a waste of money. For $1600 AU I was expecting a great laptop but instead i was met with this pice of crap that offers a 4k screen but cant run a 1080p video without crashing. Gaming lol waste of time, Cant run Warframe lowest settings 800x900 resolution above 30 FPS. Glitches, A whole universe of glitches - Black… Read more
screening, frozen, crashing, disconnecting keyboard, mouse disapeering Just to list a few.
overall my gaming pc that cost the same as my surface pro absolutly destroys it in terms of everything.
Warframe Benchmark
surface pro lowest settings 1920x1080p = 30 fps
Gaming pc same price - Max settings 1920x1080 200 fps
Easy to use anywhere and everywhere!!! – The Microsoft surface pro 4 is easy to use with lots of storage space. The pen, along with the detachable keyboard makes this multi-purpose software exclusively modern and practical for use anywhere. Sometimes the charger connections wear out but are easily replaced or fixed. I can take my surface pro anywhere and it is light and effortless to transport. I can't imagine living without it! Show details
Flexible for any environment – The best thing about the Surface Pro 4 is that it is so versatile and I practically bring it anytime I carry my bag. It is lightweight and fits perfectly into my Uni life routine going to lectures but also a great tablet/computer to use at home. Must buy the keyboard too to maximise the tablets multi-faceted features as an easy to carry tablet and… Read more
also as a work computer as the i7 processor is more than enough to run programs that aren't intensive games that drain the core processor. My favourite purchase of this year so far.
Great if you use it for work purposes – I recently purchased a Surface for work and can’t live without it now! It is great for note-taking and presentations, love the detachable keyboard and being able to transform the Surface between a laptop and a tablet. Unfortunately not the best for movies or photo-editing (screen reflects too much light). Show details
Amazing Compatibility – I needed a device which is compatible and I can use it on the move with great battery life. Bought for work as I have to see lot of client presentations great value for money. I would recommend it to every one. only downside is to be little bit pricey. Show details
Good video viewer but awful battery life – My experience with surface pro is a love hate, I love the quality of the video screen and the flexibility. But Windows 10 I detest the forced updates without any review by the owner. The loss of the date and time continuously so I have to reset date and time repeatedly and the awful capacity of the battery I took it back within a week, but Harvey… Read more
Norman said they felt it was working ok, I really get fed up having to recharge every evening when I have been browsing or You-tubing not full length films just Youtube and browsing yet battery flattens within 2 hours. I read others have worse experiences, I am so doubtful that I retain my Dell laptop for anything important as I do not trust that the Surface Pro can be trusted not to die on me or lose my data.
Slim and light, very portable – Great screen displays and good for working with microsoft office. Slim and light with stylish design. Used with surface keyboard it's perfect for it's price, but unstable and frequently dropped screenside down without resistance. Face authentication feature very helpful and distinctive. Thankful for the SD card reader that is a great inclusion. Show details
Very light and slim – I like the slimness of this. Good clear screen. Good picture quality..Easy to use. I love the very slim keypad as well that easily clips on when I want to use it. Worked really well in the beginning. I had it for over 2 years and then had problems updating. The whole screen doubled in size and even Microsoft could not figure out how to fix it. Sometimes it would freeze for no reason. So had to get a new one. Show details
Screen Fluctuation on using it continuously for 5-6 hours for 3 to 4 months – My first Surface Pro 4 with above mentioned config worked fine for 4 - 5 months and then the screen in the middle started fluctuating and touch screen will not work anymore. Since these faults are not rectified by Microsoft, hence I got it replaced (handsome amount paid to Microsoft for replacement). The new surface pro 4 with same config… Read more
displayed similar behavior of screen fluctuation and ghost picture retention on the screen.
I believe Microsoft is aware of heating issue (non-dissipation of heat), which result into internal parts rupture resulting into screen fluctuation and all associated trouble.
The service quality of Microsoft (at least in context of Surface Pro 4) is BAD if not PATHETIC.
THIS TABLET CAN'T BE REPLACEMENT OF ANY CONVENTIONAL LAPTOP.
this very light, and l like it very much – Use it very well, i like it and the picture quality of this laptop is what you would expect from an $1800 dollar laptop. Clearity is good. Using it as a second laptop in my bed room. We are moving from a really old lcd laptop to this beauty so its a very big upgrade for us. Show details
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