For the past couple of years, my personal laptop has been the Surface Pro 8. While it has served me well, I’ve encountered a few design shortcomings that have lingered in my mind. One significant issue is its ‘lapability’. The Surface Pro features a kickstand that extends flat, but when attempting to use it on my lap—like a traditional laptop while lounging on the couch—I find myself struggling to achieve a comfortable position.
Despite this minor design flaw, the Surface Pro 11 boasts numerous upgrades that make it a compelling choice for anyone seeking a versatile 2-in-1 device that seamlessly blends tablet and laptop functionalities. The introduction of new Snapdragon hardware transforms the experience, offering impressive battery life and ample processing power for everyday tasks.
The Windows on ARM story
The Surface Pro 11 embodies a shift towards a world less reliant on Intel and AMD. Historically, Windows has been dominated by Intel’s x86 architecture, with most applications designed for this platform. However, ARM technology, more commonly associated with mobile devices, is making its mark in the laptop arena. This transition was notably initiated by Apple in 2020 with the introduction of Apple Silicon. Microsoft’s collaboration with Qualcomm, which produces the Snapdragon X Elite and Snapdragon X Plus chips, has effectively narrowed the gap with Apple, resulting in doubled battery life—something I, as an all-day user, greatly appreciate.
Windows on ARM presents several advantages over traditional x86/x64 laptops. These include superior battery life, rapid boot times, enhanced security features at the chipset level (including Windows Hello), and continuous internet connectivity via 4G or 5G. A standout benefit of ARM architecture is its low power consumption, enabling manufacturers to create thinner, fan-less designs with extended battery life.
However, a common concern surrounding Windows on ARM has been app compatibility. Some applications required emulation through Microsoft’s Prism, but there’s a noticeable push from developers to recode for ARM. Microsoft’s own applications run smoothly, and new apps are increasingly gaining native support.
Why pick the Microsoft Surface Pro 11?
Let’s delve into the display options available. Users can choose between an LCD display (for the Snapdragon X Plus models) or an OLED display (for the Snapdragon X Elite models). Naturally, the OLED is the superior choice, offering deep blacks that enhance media consumption. Transitioning from the Surface Pro 8, the LCD on the 11 feels remarkably improved—crisp, bright, and color-accurate.
Both models share a resolution of 2,880×1,920 pixels, a 120Hz refresh rate, and 600 nits of SDR brightness. While opting for the LCD means sacrificing some depth of color and contrast, it still delivers an impressive visual experience. The glossy screen, however, can be prone to reflections, particularly in bright sunlight, although its high brightness helps mitigate this issue. The excellent viewing angles make media consumption enjoyable, and the display is sharp, surpassing previous generations.
Complementing the display are superb stereo speakers that create an immersive audio experience. They deliver clear sound without distortion, even at high volumes. The Surface Pro 11 also features a 1440p ultrawide webcam and an effective microphone setup, enhanced by Windows Studio Effects’ AI tools. This combination makes it an excellent choice for video conferencing, offering features like auto-framing and background blur.
While the Surface Pro 11 is not designed for gaming, it handles daily tasks with ease. The device is responsive, quickly launching applications and multitasking without issue. Although the fans remain mostly quiet, they may become audible during demanding tasks. I tested a few older games, such as Football Manager and TrackMania Nations Forever, and they performed smoothly.
Despite my earlier concerns about ‘lapability’, the kickstand remains a strong feature, allowing for adjustable angles. The new keyboard, sold separately, enhances the typing experience significantly. With a comfortable layout and a slot for the Slim Pen 2, it provides excellent feedback and key travel. I’ve written multiple articles on this setup, enjoying a fast and fluid typing experience. The keyboard can also function as a Bluetooth device when detached, allowing for more ergonomic positioning of the tablet.
What could be better about the Surface Pro 11
While the Surface Pro 11 excels in many areas, a design refresh would have been welcome. Microsoft has opted for a familiar aesthetic, only updating the keyboard. Additionally, at 872g, the tablet is heavier than its competitors, such as the iPad Pro 13”, which weighs in at 579g. This weight could be a consideration for those who prefer to hold the device for reading or sketching.
The Surface Pro 11 also has limited ports, sticking with the proprietary Surface charging connector. While it can charge via USB-C, it only offers two USB-C ports on the left side. Furthermore, the CoPilot feature, while promising, feels somewhat underdeveloped at this stage. It offers various services, including live translations and summarizing documents, but it’s not yet a primary selling point for the device.
The best 2-in-1 device out there?
The Surface Pro 11 is a strong recommendation for anyone in search of a tablet. However, without the keyboard, it falls short compared to Apple’s iPad lineup. I view the Surface Pro 11 as a laptop, and with the keyboard, it becomes a complete package. Unfortunately, since the tablet and keyboard are sold separately, the total cost can be quite high.
The Snapdragon X Plus model, equipped with 16GB RAM and 512GB of storage, is priced at ₹1,34,999. While Microsoft has yet to disclose the official pricing for accessories, the new Surface Pro Flex Keyboard and Slim Pen are available on Amazon India for an MRP of ₹29,900, bringing the total to ₹1,64,899.
In terms of battery life, I achieved around 12-13 hours of usage, which, while respectable, lags behind some of the latest offerings from Asus and Dell, and falls short of Apple’s MacBook lineup. Competitors like the Asus Zenbook S14 OLED and various CoPilot+ PCs are pushing the boundaries of battery performance. While the Surface Pro 11 holds its own as the best ARM-based Windows tablet and a leading tablet-keyboard combo, its battery life could be improved to match its rivals.
For those considering a traditional clamshell laptop, the Surface Laptop 7, launched alongside the Surface Pro 11, may be a more suitable option. If you choose the Microsoft Surface Pro 11, the base model offers a compelling price-to-performance ratio, with the Snapdragon X Elite model featuring 16GB RAM and a 1TB SSD available for ₹1,85,999. While you may miss out on the OLED display, the overall experience remains robust and competitive.
