Microsoft’s Surface Pro 11 marks a significant evolution in the company’s approach to ARM architecture, building upon the foundation laid by the Surface Pro X in 2019. This latest iteration showcases a commitment to a fully ARM-based portfolio from the outset, reflecting a broader industry trend as partners like Samsung, Asus, and Dell also pivot towards ARM-based Windows 11 devices. However, the Surface Pro remains Microsoft’s flagship, carrying substantial weight in this transition.
Performance and Design
Five years of advancements in silicon technology have positioned the Windows on ARM platform in a much stronger light. The Snapdragon X chipset is pivotal in driving this renewed interest in ARM. The Surface Pro 11 retains the signature tablet-like design, complete with a versatile adjustable kickstand and a sleek touchscreen display with minimal bezels. However, users must still purchase the detachable keyboard and stylus separately, which adds to the overall cost.
The pricing structure begins at 9 for the entry-level model featuring 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, escalating to ,099 for the high-end variant with 32GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. The additional accessories, ranging from 0 for the standard keyboard to 0 for the new flex keyboard and stylus combination, reflect the premium nature of the device. Despite the premium price tag, the Surface Pro 11 delivers commendable performance, even if it may not meet all expectations.
Benchmark tests reveal that the multicore performance of the Surface Pro 11 surpasses some of the renowned Intel Core i7 Ultra chipsets. In a head-to-head comparison with the 14-inch MacBook Pro M3, Apple takes the lead in single-core performance, while Microsoft excels in multicore capabilities, thanks to the Snapdragon’s 10 or 12 cores compared to the M3’s eight.
ARM chips are inherently more power-efficient than their x86 counterparts, and the Surface Pro 11 exemplifies this advantage. Users can expect battery life exceeding that of similarly configured Intel machines, with Microsoft estimating around 10 hours of active web use and 14 hours of video playback—figures that align with real-world experiences.
Software Compatibility
While the hardware impresses, the software landscape remains a crucial factor. The Surface Pro 11 operates on an ARM-based architecture, necessitating that applications be specifically coded or compiled for ARM, or rely on x86 emulation for compatibility. Microsoft’s first-party applications perform admirably, matching the responsiveness of equivalent x86 machines, specifically those powered by high-end i7 Ultra processors.
As web-based applications dominate user workflows, the smooth performance of Microsoft’s Edge browser on the ARM platform addresses one of the Pro X’s earlier shortcomings. The introduction of an ARM version of Chrome by Google further enhances browser support, allowing for comparable performance to x86 versions on older Surface laptops.
The key consideration for potential users is whether essential applications will function on the Surface Pro 11. Many popular applications are being adapted for ARM, and users can expect a seamless experience running these on the new device. The emulation layer has matured significantly since the Pro X’s launch, enabling most light- to medium-weight applications to run effectively, albeit with some performance trade-offs.
However, challenges remain for resource-intensive applications, particularly in high-end creative fields such as video editing. Additionally, certain gaming titles may not run correctly or may be incompatible with the ARM architecture, as Microsoft and Qualcomm have clarified that the Snapdragon Elite chipsets are not designed for gaming.
Despite these limitations, the Surface Pro 11 caters to a broad audience, with Microsoft’s emulation layer proving capable for many use cases. Users should test critical applications before committing to purchase, as quirks may arise when using the emulation layer.
Unlike the first Pro X, the Surface Pro 11 benefits from a wider ecosystem of laptops utilizing Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite series, creating a larger incentive for developers to ensure their applications run smoothly on ARM. This shift signals a pivotal moment for Windows on ARM, moving it from a niche interest to a mainstream offering.
The Surface line has consistently served two purposes: showcasing Microsoft’s vision for computing and providing consumers with a streamlined Windows experience. With the Surface Pro 11, Microsoft has clearly indicated that the Windows on ARM project is ready for broader adoption. While the device has its imperfections, it represents a competitive option for many users, and as the ecosystem evolves, it may soon cater to an even wider audience.
Disclaimer: Microsoft UK provided a Surface Pro 11, Surface Pro Flex Keyboard, and Slim Pen for review purposes.
