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I recently replaced my laptop with the 12-inch Surface Pro for more than two weeks now, and the Surface Pro seems to me to be more of an addition to the current lineup than a standalone upgrade, particularly in comparison to the enterprise models Microsoft released in January.
The 2025 Surface Pro has relatively modest hardware, with 16GB of RAM and 256GB or 512GB of UFS storage, instead targeting a more everyday consumer who makes use of on-device AI and appreciates the ultraportability.
Besides the smaller form factor, this year’s Surface Pro comes in two new colors: Violet and Ocean (a blueish gray). The default Platinum color starts at $799, whereas the other two will run you $899, bringing the starting price a little further away from that advertised low price (and we haven’t even bought the keyboard yet).
I must admit that the design on the 12-inch tablet looks better. It looks more like a premium tablet (and more like an iPad) with rounded corners, thin bezels, and the webcam moved to the back corner of the device.
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Additionally, I’m a fan of the new Violet and Ocean colorways, which aren’t what I’d call “bold”, but at least they’re not the same desaturated pastels we see everywhere else. The colors extend to the Surface Pro keyboards, which are updated by removing the alcantara fabric on the front of the keyboard for a cleaner, monochromatic matte look.
Instead, the fabric is relegated to the back of the keyboard case, which has a more premium tablet feel for storage and transport. The Surface keyboard is functional and satisfying to type on, with springy keys and a responsive, premium trackpad.
Microsoft wants to show off its new AI-driven Copilot+ features, and the 12-inch Surface Pro is a good conduit for marketing them to the consumer, especially with its attractive price point and the 45 TOPS Qualcomm Hexagon NPU.
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For example, the long-awaited Recall feature is still in Preview mode, but it’s getting closer to a useful state. Other applications that leverage AI processes, particularly ones for creators like Capcut, Davinci Resolve, and DJay Pro should feel smooth and snappy. This makes it a very AI-ready device for everyday users who don’t need high-end hardware for demanding creative projects.
The display is sharp and crisp, but it does cap out at 400 nits of brightness and a 90Hz refresh rate. Since it’s a tablet, it’s also quite glossy. In the office, for example, I found myself readjusting the device’s angle numerous times throughout the day to account for glare from overhead lighting.
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Speaking of using the Surface Pro in the office, it works equally well as a laptop or a tablet, depending on what you need. Detached from the keyboard and armed with the Surface Pen, it becomes a snappy productivity tablet that allows for note taking, prototyping, and freeform idea generation in Windows’ Whiteboard app.
You can also assign different actions to the Pen, including starting apps or performing functions with the button on the device or the “clicky” on the end. I will say that the Pen’s performance can be variable, though. If you’re running multiple programs open in the background, you might notice lag while writing, especially if you’re moving quickly.
If you’re looking for a functional 2-in-1 tablet/laptop, enjoy using a stylus, and don’t need a ton of local storage, it’s a great option, especially for its long-lasting battery. It’s an all-around sharp-looking device, and the premium keyboard case provides a satisfying tactile experience.
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The cost of the Surface Pro can quickly add up, however, as the Surface Keyboard, Surface Arc mouse, and power adapter are sold separately, bringing the final cost over the $1,000 mark. Combined with the low amount of local storage and modest memory, I’d recommend this device for users who are committed to the 12-inch form factor and want reliable battery life.
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