Skip to main content

Lenovo Miix 510 vs Microsoft Surface Pro 4: Has the student become the master?

Lenovo Miix 510
Image used with permission by copyright holder
With the Lenovo Miix 510, a new 2-in-1 laptop is entering the business world. The sleek new system was unveiled by the system maker on Wednesday at the IFA 2016 show, and it sure has some exciting features — but how does it compare against current business models like Microsoft’s Surface Pro 4? Let’s find out.

Read: Lenovo’s IFA 2016 lineup includes a laptop with virtual keys and a supercharged 2-in-1

Lenovo Miix 510

Lenovo Miix

Microsoft Surface Pro 4

Bestof-SurfacePro4-3
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Dimensions  11.8 × 8.1 × 0.6 inches (with keyboard)  11.50 × 7.93 × 0.33 inches
Weight  1.9 pounds (without keyboard)  1.69-1.73 pounds (without keyboard)
Keyboard  Backlit, full size, removable, included  Backlit, full size, removable, not included
Processor  6th Gen Intel Core i7  6th Gen Intel Core m3, i5, or i7
RAM  4G to 8GB 4GB to 16GB of RAM
Graphics  Intel HD 520  Intel HD 515 to Intel Iris
Display  12.2-inch IPS  12.3-inch PixelSense
Resolution  FHD+ 1,920 × 1,200  Ultra HD 2,736 × 1,824
Storage  128 to 512GB of PCie SDD 128GB to 1TB SSD
Networking  802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, optional 4G LTE  802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0
Ports  USB Type-C, USB 3.0, microSD, composite audio jack  USB 3.0, microSD, mini DisplayPort, cover port, SurfaceConnect, headset jack
Webcam  Front 2-megapixel, back 5-megapixel  front 5-megapixel, back 8-megapixel
Operating System Windows 10 Home  Windows 10 Pro
Battery  7.5 to 8 hours  9 hours
Price $600+  $900+
Availability Coming October 2016  Available in U.S.
Review  Coming soon Read it here

Specifications

The Miix 510 is being heralded as a stronger alternative to the Surface 3, but as you can see, the best versions of the Surface Pro 4 tend to edge it out in terms of sheer power. The Pro 4 offers more upgrades with a higher ceiling for speed and storage, from 16GB of RAM to an Intel Iris GPU option.

However, we’re talking about the most expensive, fully upgraded version of the Surface Pro 4, an option many buyers probably aren’t interested in choosing. Overall, the specs are similar, except that the Pro 4 tends to offer more customization. In the middle ranges, there’s not much to distinguish the two hybrids except the display—so let’s talk about it!

Display

Lenovo Miix 510
Lenovo Miix 510 Image used with permission by copyright holder

Both touchscreens are close to the same size and function in similar ways. However, the Miix 510 does something curious with resolution that we haven’t seen too much of yet—although it may become an increasingly common move in the laptop world. Its resolution isn’t quite ultra HD, but it does edge beyond full HD with what’s called “FHD+” that provides a 1,920 x 1,200 resolution.

The Pro 4, meanwhile, offers an unusual 2,736 x 1,824 resolution. It’s difficult to notice the difference on such a small display and, as we’ll note later, that display brings up the price of the Pro 4 quite a bit. Unless you are very dedicated to art and graphic design, the Miix FHD+ display looks like the smart choice here.

Portability

Portability is a total wash. Both laptops are around the same size, both laptops are 2-in-1s, and when you account for the keyboard, both have similar weights as well. Frankly, it’s even hard to tell which is which from a distance, if the color choices match up. You may also be interested to know that both laptops have kickstands for propping the laptops up on a table, and both kickstands have multiple position options. Really, it’s too competitive here to call either a winner.

Connectivity

Here the Miix 510 has an advantage by offering both Wi-Fi and, it appears, optional 4G LTE—this was largely confirmed at IFA. The Pro 4 cannot offer 4G services, which is pretty disappointing if you want a business computer that’s easy to travel with.

Lenovo Miix 510
Image used with permission by copyright holder

When it comes to ports, we see some interesting differences. The Miix 510 is a newer computer and offers the USB 3.0 Type-C connection, which can handle the latest USB standards and provide power delivery if necessary.

The Pro 4, on the other hand, is more media friendly than the Miix with mini DisplayPort, which is a great port for connecting to projectors, second screens, and a variety of current A/V devices. If you want a computer made for more traditional presentations, the Pro 4 is a better choice. If you need a device that is compatible with USB Type-C (an increasing necessity for the latest external devices and cutting edge A/V tech), go with the Miix.

Design

Again, with two computers that have so many of the same physical features, design isn’t really a deciding factor here. If you know what to expect from a 2-in-1 with a detachable keyboard, you won’t find any surprises with either model.

However, it’s important to mention the stylus and keyboard options. Both the Miix 510 and the Surface Pro 4 have very sensitive, customizable stylus options for their laptops. The Pro 4 stylus, however, is included in the price, while the Miix 510 stylus is sold separately.

The keyboard situation is the reverse. The keyboard is included with the Miix 510, but sold separately with the Pro 4. It’s difficult to know what this does to the cost, but it’s important to note that you probably need a keyboard, whereas the stylus may be more optional.

Availability and price

Bestof-SurfacePro4-2
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The Miix 510 is apparently going to hit the American market in October 2016. The starting price is expected to be $600.

The Pro 4, meanwhile, starts at $900 for its lowest-spec model. That extremely pixel dense screen tends increases the price point here, which makes this an easy call in the Miix 510’s favor.

Conclusion

The Surface Pro 4 comes out swinging hard, but it stumbles several times against the newer features and lower price of the Miix 510. If you want power, go with the Pro 4. If you want affordability and adaptability, try the Miix 510.

Tyler Lacoma
Former Digital Trends Contributor
If it can be streamed, voice-activated, made better with an app, or beaten by mashing buttons, Tyler's into it. When he's not…
Lenovo ThinkPad X12 Detachable vs. Microsoft Surface Pro 8
Surface Pro 8 tablet view with Windows 11 screen.

The Lenovo ThinkPad X12 Detachable is a great detachable tablet that took over the top spot on our list of best 2-in-1s. It beat out the Microsoft Surface Pro 7, which had a great run but got a little long in the tooth.

Enter the Surface Pro 8, which was released in early October 2021 and makes some meaningful and long-overdue improvements to the Surface Pro line. Can the ThinkPad X12 Detachable keep its place on top against the new and improved Surface Pro 8?
Specs

Read more
Surface Pro 8 vs. the new Surface Pro X: Which 2-in-1 is right for you?
surface pro 8 release date price news rumors

With the launch of Windows 11, there are a lot of new 2-in-1 tablets from Microsoft this fall. The list includes the Surface Pro 8, Surface Laptop Studio, Surface Go 3, and Surface Pro X.

So, if you're heading online to buy one, you might be wondering what are the differences among the devices. Well, between the Surface Pro 8 and the Surface Pro X, there are quite a few.

Read more
Surface Pro 8 vs. iPad Pro: Which powerful tablet is best?
surface pro 8 vs ipad portability 768x768

Microsoft recently announced the Surface Pro 8, so you might be wondering how it compares to the latest and greatest iPad Pro from Apple, especially since we proclaimed that the iPad Pro now has a worthy opponent with the arrival of the Pro 8. Both devices can be used as tablets, or as computing devices with a keyboard. The screens are also similar, with narrow bezels.

Even so, there are a lot of huge differences between the two, including the Surface Pro's kickstand, the Windows and iPad OS operating systems, and more. We're here to help you see what makes these two devices unique.
Design

Read more