The new 2025 Surface Pro, often seen as an alternative to the iPad Pro, is surprisingly not marketed as a Surface Pro 12 or 12th Gen Surface Pro. This is due to some notable downgrades made to enhance affordability and portability.
This 12-inch model features a PixelSense LCD touchscreen, an 8-core Snapdragon X Plus processor, and comes in configurations of 16GB RAM with storage options of 256GB or 512GB UFS. It also offers up to 16 hours of battery life, a Full HD front-facing camera, and impressive speakers with Dolby Atmos.
Fans of Surface devices may notice that this model supports a maximum refresh rate of 90Hz, unlike its larger counterparts, which rise to 120Hz. Additionally, while the 13-inch Surface Pro has both LCD and OLED options, the 12-inch model is limited to the lower-quality LCD technology.
The Snapdragon X Plus chipset provides fewer cores than what’s available in the larger variants, with 8 cores instead of 10. Despite these setbacks, the 12-inch Surface Pro remains thinner and lighter than its 13-inch sibling, making it an appealing choice for those prioritizing portability.
Its reduced weight by around 200 grams and a slightly thinner profile allow for better battery life during video playback. Prices start at $799.99 for the 256GB internal storage variant, with a fully upgraded version available for $899.99.
It’s important to note that the new accessories for this device are incompatible with older Surface Pro models, and users will need to purchase a new keyboard separately. In conclusion, while the Surface Pro 12-inch brings a fresh design and portability, its specs may challenge its value against established competitors in the market.
A more competitive price could help attract Windows enthusiasts and tablet users alike.