Microsoft’s new Surface Pro pairs Snapdragon X2 processors with a 2-in-1 design that set the standard for the form factor. The new Surface Pro launched this summer, and it comes with some serious graphical improvements.
You’ll see some people refer to the device as the Surface Pro 12, though it’s officially known as the Surface Pro 13-inch. Pricing starts at $1,499.99 and scales up depending on the processor you want and how much RAM and storage you need.
• Shop all Best Buy Surface deals
The new Surface Pro is available in black, platinum, or dune, giving you a chance to add a bit of flair to the convertible PC.
Surface Pro
The latest Surface Pro looks a lot like its predecessor, and that’s a good thing. This form factor matured through over a decade of refinements and innovation, so there’s not much Microsoft could do to revamp the design.
Our Editor-in-Chief called the Surface Pro 11 a “stunning achievement” and “one of the best Windows PCs of 2024.” The same design that earned a five-star review from Rubino is here in the new Surface Pro, but with a noticeable spec bump.
The Snapdragon X2 Plus and Snapdragon X2 Elite that are available in the Surface Pro promise significant graphics improvements (up to a 53% increase depending on the model you choose).
When you hear about a graphics bump in a PC, you may think about games. But in the Surface Pro it’s more about productivity. Better graphics means smoother scrubbing through timelines, better video editing, and smoother performance when handling demanding tasks.
The new Surface Pro has more affordable options with LCD screens or premium-priced offerings with OLED panels. Creators should lean toward the OLED display for its pitch blacks, better HDR, and higher contrast. If you’re on a budget, the LCD options are the better choice.
As is always the case, I recommend grabbing a keyboard to go with your Surface Pro. The Surface Pro Flex Keyboard provides the best experience, since it can be used wirelessly or when physically connected. It’s currently on sale, which reduces sticker shock ever so slightly.
The new Surface Pro only started shipping recently, so reviews are scarce and few customers have had a chance to share their thoughts. Early buzz around the web says the Surface Pro powered by Snapdragon X2 is faster and gets better battery life than its predecessor.
If you already have a Surface Pro 11 that’s holding its own and aging well, I’d suggest holding onto it. But if you want a new flagship 2-in-1 that can tackle productivity workloads all day when plugged in or unplugged, the new Surface Pro with a Snapdragon X2 chip is the way to go.
Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.
