Microsoft Surface Pro 6 Pro

Basic Information

• Model: Surface Pro 6 (also known as Surface Pro 1796)
• Version: Sixth generation of the Microsoft Surface Pro line.
• Release Date: Announced October 2, 2018; Released October 16, 2018.
• Minimum Requirements: The base configuration features an Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 128GB SSD.
• Supported Operating Systems: Ships with Windows 10 Home for consumer models and Windows 10 Pro for business models. It is compatible with and can be upgraded to Windows 11.
• Latest Stable Version (OS): Supports Windows 11.
• End of Support Date (Firmware & Drivers): June 30, 2023.
• End of Life Date: While the device itself continues to function, firmware and driver updates ceased on June 30, 2023. Windows 10 support ends on October 14, 2025.
• Auto-update Expiration Date: Tied to the Windows operating system version; Windows 10 support ends October 14, 2025.
• License Type: Windows 10 Home (consumer) or Windows 10 Pro (business).
• Deployment Model: 2-in-1 detachable tablet computer.

The Surface Pro 6 is a versatile 2-in-1 device, offering both tablet portability and laptop functionality. Its release in late 2018 brought significant internal upgrades, particularly to its processing power, making it a capable machine for its time. While firmware and driver support has concluded, it remains compatible with the latest Windows operating system, extending its usability. The distinction between consumer and business models lies primarily in the pre-installed Windows edition.

Technical Specifications

• Processor: 8th Generation Intel Core i5-8250U, i5-8350U (commercial models), or i7-8650U quad-core CPUs.
• RAM: 8GB or 16GB LPDDR3.
• Storage: Solid-state drive (SSD) options include 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB. The SSD is not user-upgradable.
• Display: 12.3-inch PixelSense Display with a resolution of 2736 x 1824 (267 PPI), 3:2 aspect ratio, and 10-point multi-touch.
• Graphics: Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620.
• Ports: 1 x full-size USB 3.0 Type-A, 3.5 mm headphone jack, Mini DisplayPort, 1 x Surface Connect port (for charging and docking), Surface Type Cover port, and a MicroSDXC card reader (UHS-I). It does not include a USB-C port.
• Operating System: Windows 10 Home or Windows 10 Pro.
• Dimensions: 11.5 inches x 7.9 inches x 0.33 inches (292 mm x 201 mm x 8.5 mm).
• Weight: Approximately 1.70 lbs (770 g) for i5 models and 1.73 lbs (784 g) for i7 models (without Type Cover).

The technical specifications highlight the Surface Pro 6's focus on portability and performance for its generation. The adoption of 8th-generation quad-core Intel processors marked a significant performance improvement over its predecessor. The PixelSense display offers high resolution and touch capabilities, suitable for both productivity and creative tasks. A notable omission is the lack of a USB-C port, which was a common criticism at its release, relying instead on a full-size USB-A and proprietary Surface Connect port. Expandable storage is limited to microSDXC cards, as the internal SSD is not user-replaceable.

Support & Compatibility

• Latest Version (OS): The Surface Pro 6 is compatible with and can be upgraded to Windows 11.
• OS Support: It supports Windows 10, which will receive updates until October 14, 2025. It also supports Windows 11.
• End of Support Date (Firmware & Drivers): June 30, 2023. After this date, the device no longer receives firmware or driver updates from Microsoft.
• Localization: As a Microsoft product, it supports a wide range of Windows operating system localizations.
• Available Drivers: Firmware and driver updates ceased on June 30, 2023. However, Windows operating system updates, including security patches, continue to be delivered as long as the installed Windows version is supported.

The Surface Pro 6's support and compatibility status reflects its age. While firmware and driver updates have concluded, its compatibility with Windows 11 ensures continued access to the latest operating system features and security updates. This extends the device's functional lifespan beyond its hardware-specific support period. The reliance on proprietary ports and accessories means users may need adapters for modern peripherals, but the microSDXC slot offers a convenient way to expand storage. The device benefits from the broad localization support inherent in the Windows ecosystem.

Security Status

• Security Features: Includes a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 chip for enterprise-grade security and supports Windows Hello facial recognition for secure sign-in.
• Known Vulnerabilities: Microsoft has released firmware updates to mitigate silicon-based microarchitectural and speculative execution side-channel vulnerabilities (e.g., L1 Terminal Fault, Microarchitectural Data Sampling).
• Blacklist Status: No specific blacklist status is publicly known for the device.
• Certifications: The device meets ENERGY STAR® 8.0 certification.
• Encryption Support: The TPM 2.0 chip enables hardware-backed encryption features, such as BitLocker, for data protection.
• Authentication Methods: Primarily uses Windows Hello facial authentication for biometric login.
• General Recommendations: For ongoing security, it is recommended to keep the operating system updated, especially considering the end of Windows 10 support in October 2025, and upgrade to Windows 11 for continued free security fixes and support.

The Surface Pro 6 offers robust security features for its generation, including hardware-level protection via TPM 2.0 and convenient, secure biometric authentication with Windows Hello. Microsoft has actively addressed known processor vulnerabilities through firmware updates during its support period. While dedicated firmware updates have ceased, the ability to run Windows 11 ensures that the device can still benefit from the latest operating system security enhancements, which is crucial for maintaining a strong security posture in an evolving threat landscape.

Performance & Benchmarks

• Benchmark Scores:
  • Geekbench 4 (multicore): Approximately 13,025 for the i5 model, showing a nearly 50% improvement over the 7th-gen Core i7-powered Surface Pro 5.
  • Cinebench R15 CPU (multicore): Achieved 596 for the i5 model.
  • PCMark Home Accelerated: The i5 model outperformed the previous year's i5 model.
• Real-world Performance Metrics: The Surface Pro 6 is up to 1.5 times faster than its predecessor, largely due to the new quad-core 8th Generation Intel processors. It handles multitasking, such as running 28 Chrome tabs, streaming music, and watching videos, smoothly.
• Power Consumption:
  • Battery Life: Up to 13.5 hours for local video playback. Achieved 9 hours and 20 minutes on a web surfing battery test.
  • Battery Capacity: 45 Wh.
  • Typical Power Draw: Draws 5W at 200 nits brightness. Idle power consumption is around 3-4W, spiking up to 25W (TDP-up) or even 50W under heavy CPU load.
  • Minimum Charging Wattage: 39W.
• Carbon Footprint: For an Intel Core i5, 128GB SSD, 4GB RAM configuration, the estimated greenhouse gas emissions are 115 kg CO2-equivalent over its lifecycle. The estimated annual total energy consumption is 16.2 kWh.
• Comparison with Similar Assets: Demonstrates a significant performance leap over the Surface Pro 5, particularly in multi-core tasks. It offers competitive performance for a 2-in-1 device from its era.

The Surface Pro 6 delivers strong performance for its class, primarily driven by the upgrade to quad-core 8th-generation Intel processors. Benchmarks and real-world usage indicate a noticeable speed improvement, making it suitable for demanding productivity tasks and some creative work. Battery life is a strong point, offering all-day usage for many scenarios. While not designed for intensive gaming or graphic design due to integrated graphics, it performs well within its intended use cases. Microsoft also provides transparency regarding its environmental impact, with a calculated carbon footprint and energy consumption figures.

User Reviews & Feedback

User reviews and feedback for the Microsoft Surface Pro 6 were generally positive, highlighting several key strengths and weaknesses:

• Strengths:
  • Performance: Users praised its high performance, noting the significant speed increase due to the 8th-gen quad-core processors, making it capable for demanding tasks.
  • Battery Life: The improved battery endurance was a frequently cited positive, offering extended usage times.
  • Display: The brilliant 12.3-inch PixelSense display received accolades for its resolution and visual quality.
  • Design & Build: The premium feel, well-implemented kickstand, and the introduction of a sleek matte black color option were well-received.
  • Versatility: Its 2-in-1 form factor, combined with accessories like the excellent Type Cover (sold separately) and Surface Pen, made it highly versatile for various use cases.
• Weaknesses:
  • Lack of USB-C: The most common criticism was the absence of USB-C ports, which was already becoming a standard at the time of its release.
  • Accessories Sold Separately: The essential Type Cover and Surface Pen were not included, adding to the overall cost.
  • Repairability: Some feedback indicated that the device was difficult to repair, with the SSD not being user-upgradable.
• Recommended Use Cases: The Surface Pro 6 is recommended for professionals and students requiring a portable yet powerful device for productivity, note-taking, drawing, media consumption, and running professional-grade software like AutoCAD or for photo/video editing (with higher configurations). Its ability to run full Windows 10 (and later Windows 11) applications makes it a strong contender for those needing a tablet with full desktop OS capabilities.

Summary

The Microsoft Surface Pro 6, released in October 2018, stands as a significant iteration in Microsoft's 2-in-1 detachable tablet line. It features 8th-generation Intel Core i5 or i7 quad-core processors, offering a substantial performance boost over its predecessors, making it suitable for demanding productivity tasks, creative work, and multitasking. The 12.3-inch PixelSense display provides a high-resolution, multi-touch experience, complemented by a robust battery life of up to 13.5 hours for video playback.

Key strengths include its powerful performance, excellent display, and impressive battery endurance, all packaged in a premium, lightweight design with a versatile kickstand. The device also incorporates strong security features like TPM 2.0 and Windows Hello facial recognition. Its compatibility with Windows 11 ensures continued access to the latest operating system features and security updates, extending its functional lifespan despite its age.

However, the Surface Pro 6 faced criticism for its lack of a USB-C port, a notable omission given the industry trend towards universal connectivity. Additionally, essential accessories like the Type Cover and Surface Pen were sold separately, increasing the total investment. The internal SSD is not user-upgradable, limiting long-term storage flexibility beyond microSDXC cards.

Overall, the Surface Pro 6 is a highly capable and versatile device for users seeking a portable Windows experience with strong performance for productivity, content creation, and general computing. While its hardware-specific support for firmware and drivers ended in June 2023, its Windows 11 compatibility allows it to remain a relevant and secure option for several more years, particularly for those who prioritize a compact form factor with full desktop OS functionality.

The information provided is based on publicly available data and may vary depending on specific device configurations. For up-to-date information, please consult official manufacturer resources.