Microsoft’s 2025 12-inch Surface pro is designed to be thinner, lighter, and more budget-friendly, featuring a snapdragon X Plus processor optimized for battery efficiency and a modern design. This new iteration complements the Surface Pro lineup, providing a more accessible choice with extended battery performance, updated color options, and redesigned accessories that highlight Windows’ latest Copilot+ PC features.

The 12-inch Microsoft Surface Pro is available starting at $799 for the Platinum color, and $899 for the new Violet and Ocean colors.

The device’s display is sharp, but its brightness is capped at 400 nits with a 90Hz refresh rate. The glossy screen can cause reflections in luminous environments, requiring users to adjust the angle to minimize glare.

The Surface Pro functions well as both a laptop and a tablet. When detached from the keyboard and used with the Surface Pen, it becomes a responsive tablet suitable for note-taking and idea generation using Windows’ whiteboard app.Users can customize the Pen’s actions, such as launching apps or performing specific functions with the button or end click. However, the Pen’s performance can vary; lag may occur when multiple programs are running in the background, especially during fast writing.

Performance and Battery Life

The Snapdragon X plus processor ensures that it drains at a mere trickle when the device is not in use.

The front-facing HD camera’s placement results in a slightly downward-up orientation when the device is connected to the keyboard due to the kickstand’s limited adjustability. Using the device as a tablet without the keyboard might be preferable for frequent video calls.

The Snapdragon X Plus processor allows the Surface Pro to conserve battery power when idle, providing over a full day’s worth of work on a single charge. Microsoft advertises 16 hours of battery life, and testing yielded over 15 hours during video playback. With sustained use, the device achieved over 10 hours on a single charge, close to the advertised 12 hours without enabling maximum battery efficiency settings.

The Surface Pro also charges rapidly, reaching approximately 50% charge in 30 minutes and around 80% in an hour from a completely depleted battery. The 12-inch model is the most battery-efficient and fastest-charging in the Surface Pro lineup.

Drawbacks and Considerations

the 256GB of storage may not be sufficient for all users, and the total cost can increase significantly since the Surface Keyboard, surface Arc mouse, and power adapter are sold separately. Given the limited storage and memory, this device is best suited for users who prioritize the 12-inch form factor and long battery life.