The 12-inch Microsoft Surface Pro has officially opened for preorder, with a starting price of 9 for the Platinum color and 9 for the newly introduced Violet and Ocean hues. This latest iteration of the Surface Pro is not only impressively thin and lightweight but also boasts a fast-charging battery, enhancing its appeal for on-the-go users.
While the refreshed design elevates its premium feel, the device comes with some caveats. The base model offers only 256GB of storage, which may seem insufficient given its price point. Moreover, essential accessories such as the keyboard, mouse, and power adapter are sold separately, potentially inflating the total cost for consumers.
Design and Usability
The 2025 Surface Pro distinguishes itself with a sleek form factor that feels more like a high-end tablet, reminiscent of the iPad, thanks to its rounded corners and thin bezels. The webcam has been repositioned to the back corner, contributing to a more polished aesthetic. The introduction of the Violet and Ocean colors adds a refreshing touch, steering clear of the typical muted pastels that dominate the market. The updated keyboards now feature a matte finish, with the luxurious alcantara fabric moved to the back for a cleaner look.
Functionality remains a strong suit, as the keyboard snaps tightly to the tablet, eliminating any gap in the hinge and reducing its footprint on a desk. The Surface Pen, which now attaches magnetically to the back of the device, offers convenience, although users should be cautious to store the tablet with the fabric side down to avoid damaging the pen.
Microsoft aims to showcase its new AI-driven Copilot+ features through the 12-inch Surface Pro, making it an attractive option for everyday consumers. The device is equipped with a Snapdragon X Plus processor, designed to handle tasks efficiently while ensuring long battery life. The anticipated Recall feature is still in preview mode but is progressing toward a more functional state. Applications that leverage AI, such as Capcut and Davinci Resolve, should perform smoothly on this device, making it suitable for users who engage in creative projects without requiring high-end hardware.
Despite its modest specifications, including 16GB of RAM and a maximum of 512GB of storage, the 12-inch Surface Pro positions itself competitively within the Surface lineup. Its LCD display, with a resolution of 2196 x 1464, caters to everyday users, while its larger siblings offer more premium hardware options. The Snapdragon X Plus processor delivers responsive performance, excelling in fast startup times, app loading, and multitasking capabilities, whether in laptop or tablet mode.
Performance and Battery Life
In benchmarking tests, the 12-inch Surface Pro performed comparably to other thin and light laptops in its price range, such as the Asus Zenbook A14 and HP’s OmniBook X. Users can expect solid performance for general tasks, with the Snapdragon X Plus ensuring efficient power consumption. The device is particularly adept at maintaining battery life, with Microsoft advertising up to 16 hours. In practical tests, it achieved over 15 hours during video playback and more than 10 hours under sustained use, making it one of the most battery-efficient options in the Surface family.
Charging is also remarkably swift; from a completely dead battery, users can reach approximately 50% in just 30 minutes and around 80% in an hour, further enhancing its appeal for those who prioritize portability and efficiency.
Final Thoughts
The 12-inch Microsoft Surface Pro completes the Surface lineup with its lightweight, battery-efficient design and refreshed aesthetics. Starting at 9, it presents a compelling option for those seeking a versatile 2-in-1 device that excels in portability and battery life. However, potential buyers should be mindful of the additional costs associated with necessary accessories, which can push the total price beyond ,000. This device is best suited for users who value the 12-inch form factor and require reliable performance for everyday tasks.
