Microsoft Surface Pro 5 Microsoft Surface Pro 5 Tablet PC, 12.3" Review

So you're looking at a refurbished Microsoft Surface Pro 5 for about $250. That's a pretty interesting spot. It's a Windows tablet from 2017 that's been wiped clean, updated to Windows 11 Pro, and sold as 'renewed.' For that price, you're getting a full desktop OS in a sleek, portable package with a fantastic screen. It's a weird hybrid that tries to be a laptop replacement, but you need to know what you're signing up for.

This thing is really for a specific person. If you need a super portable Windows machine for basic tasks like web browsing, document editing, or note-taking with the stylus, and your budget is tight, it's worth a look. The 12.3-inch screen with that high 2736x1824 resolution is still a standout feature, landing in the 83rd percentile. It's sharp, bright, and great for reading.

But let's be clear about what it is not. This is not a powerhouse. The Intel Core i5-7300U inside is a dual-core processor from seven years ago. Its performance sits in the 5th percentile, which is about as low as it gets. You're not editing video or playing modern games on this. You're also buying a used battery, which is the biggest gamble with any refurbished device like this.

Performance is exactly what you'd expect from a 7-year-old ultra-low-power chip. The Intel Core i5-7300U has 2 cores and 4 threads. It boots up fast thanks to the 256GB SSD, and for opening a few browser tabs, working on a Word doc, or streaming video, it's perfectly adequate. One reviewer even called the boot-up speed 'fast.' Where it falls apart is under any real load. Try to run more than a handful of programs, and you'll feel the 8GB of RAM (32nd percentile) and that aging CPU start to struggle.

The integrated GPU is basically non-existent for anything beyond displaying the desktop, scoring in the 8th percentile. So, forget about gaming or any graphics-heavy design work. The benchmarks confirm it's weak in the areas most people care about: CPU, GPU, and RAM. It's fine for the basics, but the moment you ask it to multitask heavily, you'll hit a wall. The storage is also on the smaller side at 256GB, which is in the 29th percentile, so you'll likely need to rely on cloud storage or a microSD card.

At $252, the value proposition is entirely about the screen and the form factor. You are paying for a beautiful display and a portable Windows machine, not for power. Compared to a new budget laptop at the same price, this will have a worse screen, worse battery life, but a more portable and versatile design. Just remember, the keyboard is sold separately, so factor that into your total cost if you need it.

The price is low because the internal components are old. You're trading modern performance and battery reliability for that premium-feeling chassis. It's a trade-off you need to be okay with.

Let's compare it to some obvious alternatives. The Apple iPad Pro (even an older model) or a Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 will absolutely demolish this in terms of speed, battery life, and modern features like USB-C. But they run mobile operating systems (iPadOS or Android). If you need full Windows desktop apps, those aren't an option. That's the Surface Pro 5's only real advantage.

Against a new Windows competitor like the Lenovo Idea Tab Pro, you'd get a newer processor, better battery, and likely USB-C. But you'd also pay more. The real question is whether you should just buy a used, newer-model laptop for $250. A laptop from the same era would likely have a worse screen but a better keyboard included and maybe a more upgradeable design. The Surface Pro 5 is a niche pick for someone who specifically wants this tablet-with-Windows experience on a tight budget.

Here's the deal. If you need a ultra-portable Windows machine for very light duty—think reading PDFs, taking notes with the stylus, writing in coffee shops—and you can't spend more than $300, this refurbished Surface Pro 5 is a justifiable gamble. Just go in expecting to replace the battery and treat it as a desktop device plugged in most of the time. The screen alone makes it pleasant for consumption.

For almost everyone else, I'd say look elsewhere. Students needing reliability for class, professionals doing real work, or anyone who needs good battery life should avoid this. The performance and battery concerns are too significant. Save up a bit more for a newer refurbished model or a modern budget laptop. This is a tool for a very specific, low-demand job.