Microsoft Surface Pro 5 Microsoft Surface Pro 5 Tablet, 12.3"(2736 x 1824) Review

CPU performance is in the 4th percentile—this tablet is slow. The beautiful 84th-percentile screen can't hide its aging 7th-gen Intel core. At $275 renewed, it's only for those who desperately need a cheap Windows tablet and accept its severe limitations.

The Microsoft Surface Pro 5 is a classic tablet that's showing its age. For $275, you're getting a renewed device with a surprisingly good 12.3-inch screen and full Windows 11 Pro, but you're also buying into 7-year-old hardware. Its CPU performance lands in the 4th percentile against modern tablets, which tells you most of what you need to know about its speed. The 8GB of RAM and 256GB SSD are functional, but they rank in the bottom third and absolute bottom of our database, respectively. This isn't a powerhouse; it's a budget-friendly portal to a specific Windows experience.

Let's be clear about performance: this is slow by today's standards. That 7th Gen Intel Core i5-7300U CPU sits in the 4th percentile. In practical terms, expect basic web browsing, document editing, and media playback to be fine, but anything more demanding will feel sluggish. The integrated Intel HD Graphics 620 is even weaker, ranking in the 7th percentile, so don't plan on gaming or serious creative work. The bright spot is the display. That 2736 x 1824 PixelSense screen hits the 84th percentile for sharpness and color, making it great for reading and watching videos. Just don't ask the internals to create the content you're watching on it.

At $275 for a renewed model, the value proposition is narrow. You're paying for the Windows license and the high-resolution screen more than the raw hardware. Compared to a new budget Windows tablet or a used laptop at this price, the Surface Pro 5's specs are objectively worse. However, if you specifically need the tablet form factor with a pressure-sensitive stylus and full Windows OS, there aren't many cheaper ways to get it. Just know that every dollar is going towards that form factor, not performance.

Stacked against its modern competitors, the gaps are huge. An iPad Pro with an M-series chip will run circles around it in every task, and a Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+ has a better screen, much faster performance, and longer battery life. Even compared to a newer Surface Pro with a Copilot+ chip, it's not a contest. The more relevant comparison is against other used Windows hybrids. Here, the Pro 5's screen gives it an edge over many, but its aging dual-core CPU is a significant handicap against even 8th-gen Intel chips found in similar-priced used laptops. You're trading a lot of speed for that tablet design.

Skip this if you need performance for multitasking, creative work, or even moderately complex productivity. The 4th percentile CPU and 34th percentile RAM will choke. Students, professionals, and anyone using more than a handful of browser tabs should look elsewhere. Also, avoid it if battery reliability is a concern, as renewed units are a lottery you'll likely lose.

We can only recommend the Surface Pro 5 for a very specific user: someone on an extreme budget who absolutely needs a Windows tablet for light note-taking, web browsing, and media consumption, and who values screen quality over speed. For everyone else, the ancient CPU and minimal storage are deal-breakers. The data doesn't lie—performance metrics in the single-digit percentiles mean you're buying a relic. Consider a used laptop or a modern Android tablet if your budget is tight and your needs are flexible.